Borderlands 4: Can This Be the Last Chance to Save the Franchise?

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Summary

  • Borderlands 4 must mature its humor and evolve gameplay for longevity.
  • The game needs character-driven storytelling and an engaging endgame.
  • Showing some depth amidst its irreverence would be a sign of a more promising future.

The eagerly awaited game of 2025, Borderlands 4, has been long overdue since the launch of its previous version more than five years ago. From the tidbits unveiled thus far, it appears that Borderlands 4 is striving to break away from being just another Borderlands title. Innovative elements such as four new Vault Hunters, a fresh planet, revamped vehicle mechanics, an original narrative, an interconnected world, and a more detailed art style are among the additions that set it apart. Yet, even with these transformations, the Borderlands franchise stands at a pivotal juncture with Borderlands 4, where it must determine its past, present, and future direction.

When Borderlands debuted in 2009, it essentially pioneered the looter-shooter genre. However, over time, it has lost its lead position and now blends in with other games in the same category. Consequently, Borderlands 4 must strive to stand out instead of being just another Borderlands game, as it needs to redefine itself within the competitive genre it inhabits. If the humor remains juvenile, if the gameplay doesn’t progress, and if the world seems predictable, players might lose interest. Furthermore, it requires more compelling and emotionally resonant storytelling, extensive customization options, heavier themes, and an evolving endgame to remain current.

Borderlands 4 Can’t Be Just Another Borderlands Game

Borderlands 4 Needs More Mature Humor and Evolved Gameplay

The Borderlands series has consistently embraced the absurd, making it a key characteristic of the franchise. During the Xbox 360 and PS3 era, its immature and outrageous humor was a significant factor contributing to its unique identity among other games. However, in an age post-Cyberpunk 2077, Baldur’s Gate 3, and Alan Wake 2, it would be inappropriate for Borderlands 4 not to evolve the series slightly by incorporating more mature humor.

The game Borderlands 2, often hailed as the greatest in the series, masterfully combined witty humor with heartfelt storytelling. Unfortunately, the excessive meme references and immature jokes in Borderlands 3 seemed to tarnish that legacy a bit. As Borderlands 3 was released, it became apparent that the humor in the series was showing its age. If Borderlands 4 is to be successful, it should aim for a balance between humor and character development, being self-aware but not overly indulgent, and focusing on emotional depth. This doesn’t mean it should eliminate humor altogether, just that it should be well-crafted and effective.

It’s reassuring to hear that, as per Gearbox’s confirmation, Borderlands 4 is expected to contain less bathroom humor compared to Borderlands 3. This suggests an improvement in the series’ comedic elements overall.

In terms of gameplay, the distinctive “loop” in the Borderlands series is well-known: locate weapons, engage enemies, gather superior weapons, and repeat. However, other loot-shooter games have progressed beyond areas where Borderlands has yet to keep pace. It would be a mistake for Borderlands 4 to depend solely on its traditional gameplay loop to extend its lifespan. A potential solution could involve introducing weapon customization and a stronger emphasis on hybrid builds and weapon choices, which might encourage players to stay longer.

Borderlands 4’s Story Needs to Be Emotionally Engaging With a Worthwhile Endgame

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but acknowledge that while Borderlands is known for its outrageous and inappropriate humor, it has also demonstrated an impressive knack for subtly weaving heartfelt narratives. It’s only natural to expect the same from Borderlands 4, given its predecessor’s potential for gripping tales. However, Borderlands 3 fell short in this aspect, with its storyline overshadowed by two rather grating antagonists, cheesy dialogue, and a general inconsistency in tone. To rectify this, the narrative of Borderlands 4 should be high-stakes, featuring deeply personal stories that evoke genuine emotion.

Once the story of Borderlands 4 comes to an end, it’s essential that it offers a satisfying post-game experience to keep players engaged past the credits. One of the main criticisms of Borderlands 3 was its underwhelming endgame, as it became repetitive quickly, despite an abundance of loot for players to gather. For Borderlands 4, a fulfilling post-game is almost mandatory, not just to retain players but to give more significance to the story that leads up to it. If after defeating the final boss, all that remains is farming weapons they already possess, the emotional reward will lose its impact.

Regardless of its excessive and inappropriate comedy, Borderlands consistently demonstrates its ability to subtly convey moving narratives, and we can expect nothing less from Borderlands 4.

In essence, Borderlands 4 could mark the pivotal moment for this series to bring about novelty. If it fails to significantly revamp the gameplay, humor, and narrative, long-standing fans might perceive it as more of the familiar, while potential newcomers may be less enticed by its unchanged elements. However, there are indications that Borderlands 4 is injecting fresh energy into the franchise, potentially leading to a rejuvenated start for the Borderlands series.

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2025-04-04 19:35