Back 4 Blood

[DrFr]

From the Left 4 Dead team, Back 4 Blood is like L4D on steroids. I picked it up on sale today - it's kind of got the same old same old to it, like L4D3, but it's fun, playable, new maps, new weapons. Enjoying it so far.

[Fireman]

I had seen that somewhere and meant to look into it. I will now, thanks for the info DerFer!

Are you playing Solo or on the Co-Op system? I would like to play some solo like in L4D but looks like their Solo campaign is nerfed way too much. Read on several reviews that Solo play is very buggy too with the 3 other bot players on your team doing weird stuff, getting stuck, not shooting while just standing there. Dunno, not real interested without more info.

[DrFr]

I've only played about 30 minutes so far - once in a group, and then with 3 bots. But true solo isn't open yet - I got bots because no other folks were playing that same mission as me. I had no problems with bots - they gave me 1st aid, covered whatever side I wasn't, etc.

[Fireman]

Before you responded, I bought it and have been playing a "Solo" type campaign. It's fun, but still learning it.

[DrFr]

I got all bots again tonight - West Coast time zone curse - but made it through to 3rd safe house. Enjoying it so far!

[DrFr]

The trading card aspect is different, and so is the weapons customization. Haven't unlocked any of those yet, mind you, but the tutorials are interesting.

[Fireman]

I don't like the fact that there is no stat progression with character while playing solo as I am. I read that they are addressing this in some form? Disappointed that actual "Solo" play is not available, I was made to think that it was. Not a game breaker though.
Playing through as I am to learn more, at least get a feel for the maps and levels, then I will go and play with others.

[DrFr]

Not sure what you mean by "stat progression" - when I get to a safe house, it shows me a chart and which checkpoints I've completed.

I like that the maps are less obviously linear than in L4D - you have to kind of look around a bit to see where you need to be headed.

And I really like the randomization of the situation cards; last night, I got the Fog card, which means I couldn't see squat. Barely made it through that one.

[Fireman]

Started playing on-line yesterday. Most of the time it was solo with bots, although....maybe 4 times I played with real players. Man, the players you play with can really make a difference. Once, started a new "Run" and got real players, two of which had no clue. 1 just ran off exploring, contributing NOTHING to the team goal of making it through. The other stuck close by, but had no idea of any tasks that needed to be completed in the "Run". Needless to say, we did not make it very far.

The game Lobby area is confusing to navigate, need a little more time to understand that boon dogle! I also don't understand whay, when you finish ACT 1, you have to start a new "Run" for Act 2 and having to start fresh with building your character and weapon up. Act 2 is harder, and yet they make you start from scratch again!

All in all, I like the game and I do see the fun in it's complete replay value. So many variations. Right now, I am 3/4 of the way through Act 2. Started the first 1-2 maps with 1 real player, who was good, and 2 bots. Since the early going though, it has been me and 3 bots the rest of the way in Act 2.

[Fireman]

Made it all the way through ACT 3 with the help of one of my Steam friends. He plays on Veteran, but was a valuable helping hand in guiding me through those last 2-3 maps in ACT 3. We talked DECK builds, so I went online and searched for good DECK builds for different types of play and characters. Want to "Tank" the run, there is a build for that. Want to be the Melee king/queen, there is a build for that. Set up a couple of Deck builds and renamed them so I know what they are for.

Still have more cards to collect in the "Supply Runs", as I don't have some of the cards used in those builds, so I had to substitute a little. Still having fun.
He had a build that takes down the big guys in no time. Couldn't believe it!