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MONSTER

Back 4 Blood

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Back 4 Blood
Item: Back 4 Blood
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2021

GenresAdventure, Action, Shooter, Horror, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableOct 7, 2021

PlatformXbox Series X, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

DeveloperTurtle Rock Studios

Overview

Back 4 Blood is a thrilling cooperative first-person shooter from the creators of the critically acclaimed Left 4 Dead franchise. You are at the center of a war against the Ridden. These once-human hosts of a deadly parasite have turned into terrifying creatures bent on devouring what remains of civilization. With humanity’s extinction on the line, it’s up to you and your friends to take the fight to the enemy, eradicate the Ridden, and reclaim the world.

Elsewhere

6.1

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

14%

Mixed (50-79)

82%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The critics' opinions on the story of Back 4 Blood are varied, with some positive aspects highlighted. App Trigger and Impulsegamer appreciate the unique premise of a group of Cleaners facing off against mutated Ridden, providing a more focused narrative compared to other zombie games. Easy Allies also praises the distinct personalities and starting equipment of the Cleaners, adding depth to the story. Gfinity finds the story strikes a perfect balance, offering campy, dramatic horror that keeps it engaging and entertaining. However, the majority of critics express negative sentiments towards the story of Back 4 Blood. Many critics, such as GamesRadar++, Metro GameCentral, and GameSkinny, find the story forgettable, incidental, and hard to follow, with a lack of depth and characterization. Game Revolution and TheXboxHub mention that the story serves mainly as a backdrop for gameplay, with forgettable details and underutilized dialogue about the characters' past. We Got This Covered criticizes the story for its irritating and insincere tone, lack of investment in the cast or world, and poor pacing. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards the story of Back 4 Blood being lackluster and forgettable, with a focus on gameplay rather than narrative depth. While some critics appreciate the unique premise and distinct personalities of the Cleaners, the general sentiment is that the story serves as a mere backdrop for the cooperative gameplay experience. Critics like Guardian and Inverse mention the derivative and basic nature of the story, emphasizing the game's focus on fighting zombies rather than storytelling. Despite some positive aspects, the overall impression is that the story of Back 4 Blood falls short in delivering a compelling narrative experience for players.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on the story of Back 4 Blood. Some praise its unique premise and character depth, while others find it forgettable and lacking in depth. Overall, the consensus is that the story takes a backseat to gameplay, with many feeling it falls short in delivering a compelling narrative experience.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

91%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Back 4 Blood for its engaging and enjoyable elements. Positive aspects highlighted by reviewers include the smooth gunplay, satisfying combat mechanics, and the introduction of innovative gameplay features such as the card-based deck-building system. Critics like GamesRadar++ and Push Square commended the snappy and satisfying gunplay, while Impulsegamer and TheSixthAxis appreciated the strategic depth brought by the deck-building mechanics. The cooperative nature of the gameplay, with a focus on teamwork and coordination, was also well-received by critics such as Pure Xbox and TheXboxHub. On the downside, some critics pointed out certain issues with the gameplay of Back 4 Blood. AusGamers and We Got This Covered mentioned concerns about repetitive action and erratic AI behavior, respectively. The reliance on RNG and repetitive mission objectives, as highlighted by Comicbook.com and VGC, were also noted as drawbacks by some reviewers. Additionally, NME mentioned challenges related to resource management and combat readability issues, which may impact the overall gameplay experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Back 4 Blood. The game is praised for its solid gunplay, engaging cooperative elements, and the depth added by the card system and deck-building mechanics. Critics like Game Informer and GameCritics highlighted the immersive and satisfying combat experience, while Easy Allies and GameByte appreciated the variety of enemy types and customization options available. Despite some minor criticisms regarding repetition and AI behavior, the majority of reviewers found the gameplay of Back 4 Blood to be highly enjoyable and engaging, making it a recommended choice for fans of cooperative shooters and zombie survival games.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics rave about Back 4 Blood's engaging gameplay with smooth gunplay, strategic deck-building, and cooperative teamwork. While some mention concerns about repetitive action and AI issues, overall reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Packed with solid combat mechanics and immersive experiences, this game is a must-play for fans of cooperative shooters and zombie survival games.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

63%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Back 4 Blood have received a mix of positive feedback from critics. App Trigger praises the creepy atmospheres, detailed character models, and varied zombie designs that contribute to a sense of progression through changing environments. PlayStation LifeStyle and Push Square also commend the detailed environments, character designs, and immersive atmosphere created by the visuals. God is a Geek highlights the compelling environment with mist-shrouded swamps and flooded warehouses, emphasizing the visually stunning aspects of the game. AusGamers appreciates the cartoon-like and vibrant visual design, which, although different from traditional horror aesthetics, adds a unique charm to the game. On the other hand, some critics have pointed out negatives regarding the graphics and visual design of Back 4 Blood. Metro GameCentral mentions that locations can feel repetitive with a similar color palette and design throughout, impacting the overall visual variety. PC Invasion criticizes the color palette for being monotonous and levels as overly blue, leading to a lack of visual diversity. IGN raises concerns about lack of combat readability and enemy variety issues, which affect the overall visual experience negatively. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards the positive side regarding the graphics and visual design of Back 4 Blood. The game is praised for its detailed environments, varied character designs, and immersive atmospheres by multiple reviewers such as App Trigger, PlayStation LifeStyle, and God is a Geek. While there are some criticisms regarding repetitive locations and lack of visual diversity from critics like Metro GameCentral and PC Invasion, the general sentiment is that the game delivers visually stunning and engaging graphics that enhance the overall gameplay experience. The mix of positive and negative feedback suggests that while there are areas for improvement, Back 4 Blood generally succeeds in creating a visually appealing and atmospheric world for players to explore and engage with.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Back 4 Blood's graphics and visual design receive mixed feedback from critics. Praised for detailed environments and character models, some critics highlight the game's immersive atmosphere and varied zombie designs. However, concerns are raised about repetitive locations and lack of visual diversity. Overall, the game is commended for its stunning visuals, but some critics point out areas for improvement.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

63%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Back 4 Blood are overwhelmingly positive. Critics like PlayStation LifeStyle and TrueAchievements praise the immersive sound design, with unique tracks like Motorhead's Ace of Spades enhancing the atmosphere and rock music contributing to the chaotic and gory atmosphere of the game. The use of distinct noises for different types of zombies, as mentioned by TheXboxHub, and the effective utilization of sound cues to enhance the gameplay experience, as noted by Game Informer, further highlight the strengths of the game's audio elements. Additionally, GameCritics appreciates the consistently good sound design, character quips, mutation growls, and weapon sounds that effectively enhance the adrenaline during gameplay. On the flip side, there are a few critics who do not provide much information about the music aspect of Back 4 Blood. Push Square, for instance, solely focuses on the meaty and satisfying sound effects without mentioning the music. Similarly, App Trigger notes a fun nod to past games with the Bar Room Blitz challenge but does not delve into the overall sound design or music of the game. While these reviews do not necessarily criticize the sound design or music, they lack detailed insights into these aspects, which might leave some readers wanting more comprehensive evaluations. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Back 4 Blood excels in its sound design and music elements, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. The immersive sound effects, distinctive zombie noises, licensed rock music, and effective use of sound cues are highlighted as major strengths of the game. Critics like God is a Geek and GameCritics appreciate how the sound direction and music pacing contribute to the intense atmosphere and memorable moments in the game. While there are a few reviews that do not extensively cover the music aspect, the majority of critics commend the game for its praiseworthy audio design that elevates the tense and chaotic nature of Back 4 Blood.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics are raving about the sound design and music of Back 4 Blood, praising its immersive atmosphere, unique tracks like Motorhead's Ace of Spades, and distinct zombie noises. The game's effective use of sound cues enhances gameplay, with critics lauding the adrenaline-boosting character quips and weapon sounds. While some reviews lack in-depth coverage of the music, overall consensus is that Back 4 Blood excels in its audio elements, elevating the intense and chaotic experience of the game.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

71%

Negative (0-49)

29%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Back 4 Blood received mixed opinions from critics. IGN praised the distinct personalities and voice lines of the characters, highlighting Karlee as a standout with her punk-rocker persona and blame game for friendly fire, contributing to the lighthearted atmosphere of the game. Windows Central also appreciated the unique personalities and enjoyable voice lines of the characters, indicating a positive aspect of the voice acting that added depth to the game's experience. On the other hand, there were criticisms regarding the voice acting in Back 4 Blood. AusGamers mentioned NPCs screaming repetitive lines, suggesting a lackluster voice acting experience that could potentially detract from the immersion. We Got This Covered criticized the bland quips of the cast and the poor writing, indicating a disconnect between the voice acting and the overall quality of the game. NME noted mixed quality in voice lines, with some being disliked by the reviewer, pointing towards inconsistencies in the delivery and execution of the voice acting. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the voice acting in Back 4 Blood leans towards a mixed reception. While some, like IGN and Windows Central, appreciated the unique personalities and enjoyable voice lines that added depth to the characters and the game's atmosphere, others, such as AusGamers, We Got This Covered, and NME, highlighted issues like repetitive lines, bland quips, and mixed quality in voice lines. This indicates that the voice acting in Back 4 Blood may be a subjective aspect that could resonate differently with players based on their preferences and expectations.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed feelings about the voice acting in Back 4 Blood. Some praise the distinct personalities and fun voice lines of the characters, while others criticize repetitive lines and poor writing. Overall, opinions vary, with some finding the voice acting immersive and enjoyable, and others feeling it falls short.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

18%

Mixed (50-79)

68%

Negative (0-49)

14%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on different gaming platforms, Back 4 Blood received a mix of positive and negative feedback. Critics playing on the Xbox Series X generally praised the game's performance, with Pure Xbox noting that it ran smoothly, and Gaming Age mentioning a smooth experience without noticeable server issues. Additionally, TheGamer highlighted that while there were some laggy moments and matchmaking issues, the overall experience was solid. On the other hand, AusGamers criticized the AI bots for being inadequate and detrimental to the player's experience, while Hey Poor Player and TheXboxHub pointed out issues with AI teammates getting stuck, crashes, and lack of stability, especially for players with poor internet connections. However, the negative feedback regarding technical performance was more prominent across various platforms. GameSkinny and Game Rant reported frequent crashes, loading failures, and significant bugs impacting the overall experience on Xbox Series X. Similarly, Game Over Online experienced significant bugs and crashes on PC, while PC Invasion criticized the game for technical issues like crashes and long loading times during cross-play. COGconnected and TrueAchievements also highlighted technical problems such as crashes and system shutdowns, although they expected them to be fixed soon. It's worth noting that some critics like Metro GameCentral and We Got This Covered specifically mentioned issues with co-op play, matchmaking, and buggy animations, further adding to the negative sentiment towards the game's technical performance. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Back 4 Blood is mixed. While some reviewers like PlayStation LifeStyle and NME reported smooth gameplay experiences on PS5 and PC, respectively, others highlighted significant technical issues across all platforms. The general sentiment leans towards acknowledging the presence of bugs, crashes, and stability concerns, with some critics expressing hope for improvements through developer updates. The varying opinions from critics such as God is a Geek praising the AI Director's dynamic adjustments but criticizing AI bots' functionality, add depth to the overall analysis of the game's technical performance. Ultimately, the technical performance of Back 4 Blood seems to be a significant point of contention among reviewers, with both positives and negatives influencing the overall reception of the game.

TL;DR

technical performance

Back 4 Blood's technical performance received mixed reviews across gaming platforms. While some critics praised smooth gameplay on Xbox Series X, others experienced frequent crashes and bugs on various platforms. Issues like AI problems, crashes, and stability concerns were commonly reported, affecting gameplay experience. Some critics expressed hope for improvements through updates, but overall, opinions on the game's technical performance are divided, with positives and negatives impacting its reception.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

55%

Mixed (50-79)

43%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Back 4 Blood are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praise the game for offering various elements that enhance its replayability. Critics like GamesRadar++ and Push Square highlight the card system and Director AI, ensuring that each playthrough feels fresh and different. The progression system, unlockable content, and customization options, as noted by Impulsegamer and TheGamer, contribute to players wanting to revisit the game multiple times. The ability to experiment with different builds, difficulty levels, and multiplayer modes, such as Swarm mode, also add to the positive replay value of the game, as mentioned by Game Rant and Pure Xbox. On the flip side, some critics express concerns that may hinder the game's long-term replayability. AusGamers mentions predictability in pacing and level design, which can reduce the incentive to replay levels at higher difficulties. GameByte notes that the card and progression systems, while adding replay value, could be distracting from enjoying the core gameplay experience. Additionally, GameSkinny points out issues with pacing, bugs, and lack of variety in cosmetics that may impact the game's long-term replayability for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Back 4 Blood offers significant replay value through its various gameplay mechanics and systems. The game's card system, progression options, multiplayer modes, and dynamic gameplay experiences are highlighted as key factors contributing to its replayability. Critics like COGconnected and Game Informer appreciate the commitment to improving the game with new content and patches, ensuring that players have fresh experiences over multiple playthroughs. While there are some concerns raised by critics regarding certain aspects that may affect long-term engagement, the general sentiment is that Back 4 Blood succeeds in providing an engaging and replayable experience for players, especially when enjoyed with friends.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are overwhelmingly positive about Back 4 Blood's replay value, praising its card system, Director AI, progression options, and multiplayer modes. While some express concerns about predictability and distracting gameplay systems, the consensus is that the game offers significant replayability through its dynamic mechanics. Overall, Back 4 Blood provides an engaging and replayable experience, especially when played with friends.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

61%

Mixed (50-79)

39%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The critics generally praise Back 4 Blood for its engaging co-op gameplay, intense moments, and fun mechanics. Critics like Impulsegamer and PlayStation Universe commend the game for successfully capturing the essence of Left 4 Dead while introducing new mechanics and providing depth through the card system. TheGamer appreciates the game as an elevated version of Left 4 Dead with more mature gameplay. The card system, intense gameplay, and teamwork mechanics are highlighted by Easy Allies and God is a Geek as standout features that contribute to a fun and rewarding experience, especially when played with friends. On the downside, some critics point out various issues that impact the overall experience of Back 4 Blood. AusGamers notes repetitive gameplay, predictable pacing, and lackluster AI bots that may wear thin quickly. GameSkinny mentions pacing issues, bugs, and matchmaking problems that hinder the game's potential. TheXboxHub highlights crashes and lack of progression for solo players as drawbacks that affect the overall enjoyment. IGN mentions combat readability and enemy variety issues, while Screen Rant criticizes the lack of an offline mode and the shortcomings of the PvP mode. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Back 4 Blood is a solid co-op shooter that delivers an enjoyable experience, particularly when played with friends. Critics like COGconnected and Pure Xbox describe it as a worthy spiritual successor to Left 4 Dead, with minor issues that need addressing. While the game may not reach the heights of its inspiration for some, Game Rant praises it as the best Left 4 Dead-inspired game in recent memory, offering innovative gameplay elements despite technical issues. Despite some flaws and varying opinions on certain aspects of the game, the majority of critics acknowledge Back 4 Blood's potential and recommend it for fans of co-op shooters looking for a thrilling and challenging experience.

TL;DR

Critics praise Back 4 Blood for its engaging co-op gameplay and fun mechanics, likening it to an elevated version of Left 4 Dead with standout features like the card system and teamwork mechanics. However, some critics point out issues such as repetitive gameplay and lackluster AI bots. Overall, Back 4 Blood is seen as a solid co-op shooter that delivers an enjoyable experience, especially when played with friends, although it falls short in some areas.

MONSTER

Reviews

176 reviews found

100

New York Daily News

Xbox Series X

Oct 16, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Back 4 Blood is described as a good-looking game that builds on the formula of Left 4 Dead. It is praised for its cooperative gameplay and ease of jumping into. It is compared to other cooperative games with deeper story and progression.

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TheGamer

Xbox Series X

Oct 10, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Back 4 Blood as an elevated and enhanced version of Left 4 Dead, with a more mature and rewarding gameplay experience.

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God is a Geek

Oct 13, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite some glitches and issues with the solo mode, the reviewer considers Back 4 Blood to be the most fun they've had with a shooter this year and an absolute blast to play with friends. The game is praised for its atmosphere, gameplay, and card system.

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Inverse

Xbox Series X

Oct 11, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Back 4 Blood is praised for its intense moment-to-moment gameplay, clever level design, variety from run to run, and memorable characters in a campy story. It is considered a near-perfect cooperative experience with a focus on creating unique cooperative moments rather than a deep narrative. The botched PvP multiplayer mode is criticized for lacking creativity and being less enjoyable compared to the main campaign experience.

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Gamers' Temple

Xbox Series X

Nov 18, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Back 4 Blood is praised for its replay value, card system, and finely tuned gun controls. The lack of a true single player mode and the requirement for an online connection are noted as drawbacks. The game is recommended for shooter fans looking for a game with longevity and fun multiplayer experiences.

GameCritics

Nov 10, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Back 4 Blood is a solid, well-polished co-op shooter with minor flaws that could be improved with some tweaking. With more content updates and the engaging card system, it has the potential to become a great game with lasting appeal.

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PlayStation LifeStyle

PlayStation 5

Nov 2, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Back 4 Blood is a great co-op experience that captures the spirit of Left 4 Dead for a new generation of gamers. The card system adds depth to gameplay, but solo play lacks progression incentives at the moment.

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Softpedia

PlayStation 5

Nov 1, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Back 4 Blood is a challenging co-op release and worth a chance, especially for fans of post-apocalyptic first-person shooters.

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Impulsegamer

PlayStation 5

Oct 13, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Back 4 Blood successfully captures the essence of Left 4 Dead while introducing new mechanics and improvements, making it a worthy successor in the co-op shooter genre.

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Windows Central

Oct 11, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite some shortcomings, Back 4 Blood is considered a fantastic spiritual successor to Left 4 Dead and one of the best Xbox shooters available for co-op play.

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