Back 4 Blood Critic Reviews

Thanks to the AI Director, incredible atmosphere and great pacing, Back 4 Blood is a triumphant return for Turtle Rock.

Back 4 Blood is an exceptional FPS that sets a new standard for co-op zombie murderfests.

Back 4 Blood is a fun blend of the classic Left 4 Dead template with a reasonable inclusion of modern traits. The basic zombie shooting brings forth just as many memorable and chaotic moments as the developer's original series, and the game absolutely sings in multiplayer, but the solo experience remains engaging for those who only get along with bots. The modern touches add some depth that doesn't detract from what makes this kind of game so fun in the first place. The steps to increase replayability accomplish that without feeling forced. Despite a few minor issues here and there, Back 4 Blood is a solid debut, and those who wanted some progress in the genre are going to find it in buckets here.

Back 4 Blood doesn’t just imitate the Left 4 Dead formula like these titles, it elevates it past its predecessor. Perhaps it’s the nostalgia for the 12 year old title, or maybe just poor memory, that fuels our rose-tinted retrospection and distaste for something new. Regardless, Back 4 Blood takes the concept to the next level and builds in layers of cool ideas and just plain fun gameplay.

Back 4 Blood is the ultimate cooperative experience, without a doubt. It may unwisely punish solo players and lack deeper launch content to attract and immerse casual players, potentially impacting the game’s community and longevity. But its core mode of pitting four players against an unyielding mob of monstrous death brings a constantly evolving, sometimes overwhelming challenge. If it weren’t for the extensively unique and clever card system and the overly satisfying gunplay, Back 4 Blood would stumble and shamble out of the gate. Yet its core mechanics provide such a fulfilling reward, that I can’t imagine not wanting to dive back in day after day and fend off the Ridden.

All in all, Turtle Rock Studios’ latest effort is a solid, well-polished co-op shooter with only few blemishes, and some minor tweaking could transform it from a good game to a great one. With more content incoming and the card system offering new and fresh twists, Back 4 Blood is one I expect to be playing for a long time to come.

Back 4 Blood continues the tradition of PvE shooters started by Turtle Rock Studios with Left 4 Dead, but offering a better gameplay dynamics and a fun campaign to play online with three other players.

Back 4 Blood is a great co-op driven by the roots of the genre and beyond.

Back 4 Blood is the spiritual sequel to Left 4 Dead and as such it won't disappoint those who have long been waiting for an inspired, solid and fun zombie-based cooperative experience.

Despite a few shortcomings, Back 4 Blood is nevertheless an excellent and fresh take on the beloved Left 4 Dead formula.

Back 4 Blood isn't Left 4 Dead, and it doesn't even try to be it, doing away with the classics' straightforward campaign in favor of a more modern experience that rewards progression and offers plenty of replayability. The excellent map and mission design, the huge variety of builds made possible by the card system, and satisfying gameplay make the game by Turtle Rock Studios the one to get for those who have a team of friends ready to take on hordes of undead, but those who are looking to play the game solo would do better to look elsewhere, as Back 4 Blood doesn't offer much for those not too keen on teamwork.

From the very first moment, Back 4 Blood unmistakably shows all the signs of the heavy legacy it carries on its shoulders. By playing on the lowest difficulty, in fact, the offer is substantially in line with the Left 4 Dead canons, appropriately updated and enriched with a greater variety of play. However, when you find yourself taking up arms in the most "hardcore" modes (a physiological stage in a title like this), you cannot help but appreciate the innovations introduced in terms of progression and the merits of the Card System developed by Turtle Rock Studio, which greatly increase the tactical depth of the gameplay and the cooperative dynamics underlying the experience. Back 4 Blood is certainly not a perfect title, but overall the Californian team's proposal is effective and well thought out. It goes without saying that to fully enjoy it you will necessarily have to find suitable companions, but we can assure you that the game is worth the candle.

It can feel unbalanced and unfairly punishing at times, but when all of its systems click into place Back 4 Blood is a ton of fun.

The fathers of Left 4 Dead are back with a true successor for the franchise that keeps the formula pretty much intact, but adds a layer of complexity to make it deeper.

Sublime co-op blasting with lashings of gore, the only downsides to Back 4 Blood come from single player. One of the best reasons to get four friends together, the game could well be an all-timer. There are problems, but nothing you’ll think about when you’re in an all out brawl.

In spite of its shortcomings, though, Back 4 Blood is already starting to feel like it could very well become my go-to zombie shooter whenever I just want to have a fun, social experience with friends. Despite how saturated the zombie game market has become, Back 4 Blood cuts through all the noise and delivers a solid co-op shooter that oozes charm and prioritizes fun with friends over everything else.

Back 4 Blood is an excellent co-op zombie shooter, with a card-based perk system and wonderfully satisfying gunplay building upon the fantastic foundations of the Left 4 Dead series. But if you’re planning on playing solo you may want to stay clear, with a design clearly optimised for multiplayer.

Back 4 Blood takes an old-school approach where it makes sense, and modernises where it doesn’t. It’s heartening to be engaged by a game purely for its gameplay and variety, and not to pad out a progress bar somewhere.

Whether it’s your first time shooting zombies or you’re a Left 4 Dead veteran, Back 4 Blood is frantic action that you’ll love. Gameplay is exhilarating, every headshot feeling impactful and explosions are meaty. Running through tight corridors with your friends, Ridden rushing you down from every corner, will put anyone on edge. Although, a terrible PVP mode, weirdly paced campaign missions, neglected single player, and new card mechanics may polarise players. Regardless, Back 4 Blood is thrilling and I’m thirsty for more.

Back 4 Blood doesn’t nail all the twists it attempts, but a creative card-based progression system, fantastic campaign, and lighthearted tone make it a fun spin on a familiar genre.