At its core, Back 4 Blood plays a lot like Left 4 Dead. You and up to three other players (or AI companions) battle your way through hordes of zombie, with a variety of weapons and explosive gear.

One of the major changes Back 4 Blood introduces is the card system, which adds a layer of customization and randomness to every game. Players build a deck of cards before each run, choosing from a variety of perks—like increased stamina, faster healing, or more ammo—that affect their gameplay. These cards allow for unique playstyles and strategies, but they can also feel like a lot to manage, especially for newcomers.

Unfortunately, unlocking cards and upgrading takes a long time, and it can feel like a grind after a while. If you’re not a fan of the card system or just want to focus on the core gameplay, the progression can feel like it’s slowing you down. This is especially true if you’re playing solo, where the fun of discovering new strategies is somewhat diminished.

However, the game’s reliance on a consistent group of players means that it’s not as fun solo, and the frustrating difficulty curve might limit how long you stick around. Balancing issues and difficulty spikes mean that some levels can feel nearly impossible to complete without the perfect card setup and a well-coordinated team. This has led to some mixed reactions from players who expected a more balanced, accessible experience.

The weapons feel great. The shotgun has a punch that feels just as good as it did in Left 4 Dead, and each weapon has its own weight and style. Melee combat is especially satisfying, as you hack and slash your way through hordes with machetes or nail-studded bats. Weapon mods (scopes, barrels, magazines, etc.) allow for some customization, and finding the perfect mod for your favorite gun adds a nice touch of variety.

One of the biggest annoyances in Back 4 Blood is that the infinite enemy respawns can turn what should be a fun, pulse-pounding escape into a maddening slog. The game doesn't just throw a lot of enemies at you, it throws waves of them on repeat. Trying to clear an area? Good luck! You’ll be halfway through, and suddenly, here comes another wave from the same place you cleared just seconds ago. There's no time for you to scavenge because you’re too busy being smothered by endless enemies.

L4D the obvious comparison—nailed the pacing of enemies. The AI Director kept things dynamic but fair. Sure, there were moments of pure chaos, but you also had time to regroup between encounters, to catch your breath before the next big onslaught. There was a rhythm to the game. When enemies spawned, it felt meaningful, like a deliberate challenge rather than a cheap trick to keep you busy.

Back 4 Blood delivers on the visual front with detailed environments, grimy and gruesome zombie designs, and a lot of blood. The game has a solid variety of settings, from dark forests to claustrophobic urban streets, each filled with environmental hazards.

If you’re a fan of strategic depth and don’t mind some extra complexity in your shooters, Back 4 Blood offers a fresh take on the genre. But for those who loved the simplicity and intensity of L4D, the added mechanics might feel like a distraction from what makes these types of games fun.

Recently came back to it for a bit, really wish this game blew up more. Shame that the devs abandoned it so quickly...

The game's not worth at the €60 price point. Wait for a sale and then get it.

Edit: 6 bucks for this game during this sale is more than worth it.

Buy Left 4 Dead 2