Back 4 Blood from Turtle Rock Studios is a spiritual successor to the Left 4 Dead series. Turtle Rock Studios was the developer of the Left 4 Dead games, and a lot of fans are excited to see what they can do with the new game. Back 4 Blood marks the developer's return to zombie shooters after a few years away, while it was working on the likes of Evolve. Just like Left 4 Dead before it, Back 4 Blood will have a range of fleshed-out characters that players can choose from.
Based on the Back 4 Blood footage shown so far, Turtle Rock Studios seem to be firmly picking up where it left off with Left 4 Dead. The new game looks set to engage players in similar multiplayer zombie shootouts, just like its predecessor. Also like Left 4 Dead, Back 4 Blood will have several playable protagonists known as Cleaners. Cleaners are people who are immune to the disease that has turned people into the Ridden, the zombie-like antagonists. Each Cleaner has a developed background and personality while also being customizable.
Evangelo
One of the Cleaners that players will be able to choose to combat the zombie horde in Back 4 Blood with is Evangelo. Evangelo is described as a young man who hates the Ridden more than most. Despite his deep hatred of the zombie enemies, Evangelo chooses to be positive at every possible turn. He starts with a machete, and he's able to break free of enemy grabs easier than others. He's also able to hasten his stamina recovery and speed, meaning that he could be a good choice for players who prefer some mobility.
Walker
Another Cleaner is a man known as Walker. Walker considers himself to be the de facto leader of the group, and he takes it upon himself to make decisions for the benefit of the survivors. He's alert and always keeping his eye out for danger, for his own wellbeing, and the whole team. Walker can hold more ammo than others, and he possesses increased health. Walker starts with a Glock 23 and receives an accuracy bonus for precision kills, so he could be an ideal choice for players who want to keep at a distance. Fans will have to wait a little longer to play as Walker, seeing as Back 4 Blood has been delayed to October.
Holly
Back 4 Blood is one of the big shooters releasing in 2021, and one character that gamers will be able to play as is Holly. Holly is described as a young woman who enjoys beating the Ridden with her baseball bat, which she has affectionately nicknamed Dottie. Like Evangelo, she tries to stay positive as much as possible and isn't too risk-averse. Holly starts with her bat, Dottie, and she's able to increase her melee damage and speed when needed, in addition to gaining a burst of stamina after delivering a killing blow. Holly sounds like a good pick for players who prefer to stay up close and personal when in combat.
Hoffman
Hoffman is the oldest Cleaner in Back 4 Blood. Little is known about him at the moment, but he appears to be one of the most resourceful members of the group. Starting with the M1911 pistol, Hoffman has an increased chance to find ammo after slaying an enemy, and he can carry more accessories than his compatriots. Hoffman is ready for action with a tactical belt equipped, kneepads and boots, but this could be subject to change if Back 4 Blood ends up using microtransactions for cosmetics.
In total there will be eight playable cleaners, even though only four have been revealed so far. There is another character, known as Mom, but there is nothing about her at the moment. Zombie fans have a lot to look forward to with Back 4 Blood, especially those who have missed the Left 4 Dead games. While there is some time left to go before the multiplayer shooter launches, a lot of fans are confident in Turtle Rock Studios' experience with zombies and multiplayer.
Back 4 Blood releases on October 12, 2021, for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.