Borderlands 3 has likely been the most eagerly awaited looter-shooter game in recent years. The excitement surrounding it has grown rapidly since Gearbox's big reveal at PAX East 2019, primarily because Gearbox has been consistently releasing tidbits of information to keep the fanbase engaged and enthusiastic. While there have been other enjoyable games in this genre that have attracted many players, like Destiny 2, none have resonated with fans quite like the Borderlands series. Borderlands has a unique charm; its distinctive blend of humor and fast-paced action is polarizing—you either love it or hate it. When I think of Borderlands, the first thing that comes to mind is the incredibly vast array of deadly—and sometimes ridiculously absurd—weapons the game offers. However, like previous Borderlands games, finding the right guns can be a challenging task. The thrill of the hunt for better weapons is ever-present, but it can also be frustrating because the game always seems to have more to offer, leaving you wanting more. Once you find a gun that suits you, it's hard to settle for anything less. These are not a new tier but rather a way to add more variety and excitement to the weapons you find.
Borderlands 3: Comedy Misses the Mark
In terms of story, you once again step into the shoes of a Vault Hunter, choosing from four characters: Amara, the Siren; Zane, the Operative; Moze, the Gunner; and FL4K, the Beastmaster. On your journey to open the Vaults and buy Xbox games, you encounter the main villains, Tyreen Calypso and her twin brother Troy. As you get to know these villains, you are bombarded with humor that often misses the mark, leading to a frequently cringe-worthy and underwhelming experience. The jokes are flat and lack depth and the voice actors sound like they are forcing themselves through their lines. Even during serious conversations, the characters seem on edge, waiting for a moment to insert poorly conceived gags. This roller-coaster ride accompanies the player throughout the game. Honestly, at times, I found it tough to stay engaged with the background conversations. It might be because the characters aren't as captivating as before, especially the returning ones who seem to have lost their charm from Borderlands 2. Even the new characters didn't meet my expectations from the previous game. Tiny Tina, now just Tina, exemplifies this fading spark. Perhaps they weren't meant to be likable in the first place, serving as a parody of the streaming community and controversial figures.
Borderlands 3: Characters and Classes
Alternatively, it could be because we haven't had the opportunity to connect with them as deeply as we did with Handsome Jack, a villain who evoked strong emotions from players. As I mentioned earlier, Borderlands 3 offers four playable characters: Amara, Zane, Moze, and FL4K. All characters except Zane can only have one active action skill at a time. Zane can have two but loses the ability to use grenades entirely, which is a fair tradeoff given the firepower gained. With some in-game cash, players can reset skill trees, allowing characters to remain versatile whether playing solo or in co-op. After spending a few hours in the co-op campaign, it's clear that FL4K, the Beastmaster, is the most popular choice among players. Additionally, FL4K's ability to turn invisible and lose enemy aggro instantly adds to their appeal. She excels as a melee brawler and should be on the front lines rather than hanging back. With skills like Second Wind, which activates every two minutes, she can sustain herself in battle. While she shines in group play, she's still capable when playing solo, thanks to her high health and survivability skills. However, Moze compensates with her ability to deal massive damage with her mech. Whether it's shooting, sprinting, or choosing to buy PS5 games for an enhanced experience, Moze can handle it all.
Borderlands 3: Familiar Formula, New Challenges
Borderlands 3 follows the tried-and-true gameplay formula that has defined the franchise from the beginning. Despite the different locations, enemy variety remains somewhat uniform throughout. Each planet is subdivided into areas that avid players can thoroughly explore and complete to 100%. Challenges from Zero and Hammerlock also exist, often involving mini-boss fights. Boss battles in Borderlands 3 are more intricate compared to previous installments, with some bosses featuring mechanics that add complexity. However, these mechanics typically involve waiting out immunity phases rather than requiring active engagement from the player. Cooperation mode, however, scales enemies and loot drops to the player's level on their side while maintaining the friend's level on theirs, ensuring an enjoyable experience for both. There are three Mayhem modes, unlockable after completing the main story, each offering a different level of challenge. Tannis guides players through unlocking Mayhem mode after completing the main storyline. The classic looting formula that made Borderlands popular outweighs any negatives. The combat is as engaging and fast-paced as ever, although it sometimes felt slower than Borderlands 2. The promised bazillion guns are there, offering countless play styles and builds.