Those of us left clamoring for more Left 4 Dead have just received an early Christmas present from Turtle Rock Studios! From the creators of the critically acclaimed series comes Back 4 Blood, a spiritual successor to Left 4 Dead. Here’s the trailer:

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Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rok9-g8E0PE

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Turtle Rock is Making a Comeback

Turtle Rock Studios is returning to their roots, delivering a game intended to recapture Left 4 Dead’s magic. They will improve every aspect of their previous games for the new IP. The campaign suits four-player cooperative play, although solo players will team up with three AI teammates. There’s also a PVP mode, much like Left 4 Dead; Four players take the role of Cleaners while four others play as the Ridden.

What is Left 4 Dead?

The iconic Left 4 Dead released in 2008, and it was an exciting multiplayer survival title. As one of four survivors, players had to fend off the infected while attempt to reach a safe house and later a rescue vehicle. There is no nefarious goal motivating the different infected monsters. It’s a simple premise that makes for hours of entertainment. It also helped really focus on cooperative aspects that many first-person shooters forego. This made it a standout title, and fans have been looking for a continuation.

It’s popularity spawned DLC, a successful sequel, and the first game’s content was eventually rolled into its sequel. The studio then created Evolve, but that game didn’t pick up the same steam.

What is Back 4 Blood about?

“The story takes place after a catastrophic outbreak where most of humanity has either been killed or infected by the parasitic Devil Worm. Hardened by unspeakable events and emboldened to fight for the last of humanity, a group of apocalypse veterans called the Cleaners have rallied to take on the infected horrors known as the Ridden and reclaim the world,” states the press release.

What is most exciting is the promise of extreme replayability. We will craft custom “Card decks” and roll different builds each time we play, facing different obstacles and a variety of monsters. This mechanic is the Game Director, an AI that adjusts to what players are doing. As players adapt, the game will attempt to bring balance or straight up overwhelm us. Every gaming session has the potential to be different from the last.

“Our fans have been waiting a long time for us to return to our roots, and it’s amazing to finally show the world what we’ve been working on,” said Chris Ashton, Co-founder and Design Director of Turtle Rock Studios. “We are making this game with our community in mind and are firing on all cylinders to give players a compelling zombie experience that is unlike any other.”

Back 4 Blood details are scarce

The trailer showed several creature types, including a four-armed Ridden, a Hulking beast who spits acid (a hybrid of the Tank and Boomer from L4D2,) and others who seem to tower over the player characters. Unfortunately, we will have to wait for more detailed information about the game and its horrifying monsters.

In the meantime, enjoy the first gameplay footage below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RCgT-XOPr4

Back 4 Blood will release on June 22, 2021 on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X. There is also going to be a Steam Alpha test from December 17 until December 21. If you would like to sign up for it, you can do so on this page.

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