Back 4 Blood is here to take you back to a time when cooperative zombie shooters ruled the living room, minus the awkward couch-sharing and questionable hygiene. From the creators of Left 4 Dead, this spiritual successor manages to squeeze excitement out of a familiar premise while trying to carve its own place in the genre. But how well does it hold up on the Xbox Series X/S? Grab your friends (and some snacks), because we’re diving in!
Get ready to assemble your dream team of zombie-slaying experts known as the Cleaners, because in Back 4 Blood, teamwork is not just a bonus—it’s a necessity! You’ll traverse through hordes of the Ridden (not to be confused with your ex-relationship troubles) in various modes that require ample coordination. The game offers an interesting card mechanic: you’ll start each session by constructing a deck of cards that enhances your abilities, like a gaming version of IKEA furniture assembly, only with fewer injuries. Watch out, because the AI Director is lurking around, tweaking your experience in real-time. Think of it like a suspicious party host who keeps changing the music when you dance. And if that wasn’t enough, you can also go head-to-head in the PvP mode called Swarm, which turns Cleaners into Ridden and vice versa, providing a fresh enough twist to keep things spicy.
Graphically, Back 4 Blood looks solid, especially when you consider the fact there’s a lot of chaos happening on-screen at once. The environments are craftily designed, with some genuinely creepy vibes as you explore urban decay and zombie-ridden hellholes. Character models are detailed, showcasing those glorious post-apocalyptic outfits you’d never want to wear in real life—unless it’s for a Halloween party, of course. On the Series X/S, it runs smoothly and at a decent frame rate, ensuring you’re less likely to trip over your own feet while trying to shoot a vaguely humanoid-shaped monster.
In conclusion, Back 4 Blood serves up a generous helping of co-op chaos that manages to evoke nostalgia while establishing some fresh chops of its own. It may not fully escape the shadow of Left 4 Dead, but it’s still a solid choice for fans of the genre. With an engaging gameplay loop, a decent story, and a few quirky mechanics, Turtle Rock Studios crafted a contender that doesn’t entirely back down from the undead horde. So, if you’re searching for some exciting co-op fun where you and your friends can share laughs—and maybe a few tears—grab Back 4 Blood. Just remember to pack extra snacks… you’re going to need them!