Gaming’s seventh generation brought forth the ability to truly game around the world on consoles with friends and strangers alike. While systems like Sony’s Playstation 2 and Microsoft’s original Xbox had online multiplayer options, it wasn’t until Microsoft released the Xbox 360 with an updated version of its online multiplayer model – Xbox Live – that gamers really got the chance to experience dedicated multiplayer online gaming without owning a computer. Under the Valve Studios umbrella, the future Turtle Rock Studios (then “Valve South”) crafted a perfect masterpiece for the perfect time when gamers were looking for enjoyable, though easily accessible multiplayer experiences featuring zombies at the monstrous creatures’ then-recent height of popularity. Following an even more enjoyable sequel, Turtle Rock reformed away from Valve; eventually releasing the critically mixed “Evolve” that focused on PVP, four-against-one action instead of what its predecessor had to offer.
Going back to the drawing board and looking to recreate the magic they did in 2008, Turtle Rock embraced what made their predecessors so famous and started working on the spiritual successor to “Left 4 Dead 2”. Grab your card decks, wear clothes you don’t care about dirtying, and get ready for this review of the “Back 4 Blood” open beta.
