Borderlands Games With the Best Stories

Highlights

The Borderlands series offers unique tales of Vault Hunters and loot across 7 games, each with its own charm and storyline.
Robots add quirky personalities to the Borderlands games, while some entries focus more on humor and mayhem over characters.
Borderlands 2 stands out with its blend of mayhem, intense themes, and memorable villain Handsome Jack, creating a mature yet fun experience.

As a seasoned Vault Hunter myself, I can confidently say that the Borderlands series has been a rollercoaster of fun and excitement since its inception. From the frozen wastes of Pre-Sequel to the whimsical lands of Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, each game offers a unique take on the post-apocalyptic world of Pandora.

The popular Borderlands franchise continues to thrive, and as new characters’ stories are introduced for Vault Hunters, it falls upon the fans to determine their favorites. Every Borderlands title presents a distinctive narrative involving Vault Hunters and loot, with 7 games available now, let’s assess how each game ranks in terms of its storyline.

Different video games excel in varying aspects, some with captivating characters while others prioritize humor and chaos. Regardless of whether you’re a novice or an experienced gamer, each tale within the Borderlands series offers something unique, and you might even find yourself laughing or cheering, depending on the title chosen.

7 New Tales From The Borderlands

A Lackluster Story That Focuses On Jokes That Don’t Always Land

Players have the power to shape the outcomes of four fresh characters in “New Tales from the Borderlands”. The choices they make could lead to severe repercussions. This game introduces us to Anu, a scientist; Octavio, her street-savvy brother; Fran, who runs a frogurt business; and LOU13, a debonair assassin robot, as they strive to establish their identities.

As a gamer, I found myself immersed in New Tales from the Borderlands, but unfortunately, the storyline didn’t quite live up to my expectations. The characters, while unique in their own ways, often fell flat for me due to an excessive use of humor that overshadowed the plot development. Even when a joke managed to tickle my funny bone, it wasn’t enough to save this installment from being forgettable.

6 Borderlands

The First Entry Into The Mayhem Of Pandora And The Myth Of Vaults

Step into the chaotic realm of Pandora, a barren landscape of sand and shattered aspirations. This desolate land attracts those brave enough to risk their lives for rumors of hidden riches in the legendary Vaults. As the pioneer title of the Borderlands franchise, Borderlands masterfully constructs a world filled with ruthless corporations, marauding bandits, and central Vault Hunters.

In essence, the narrative of Borderlands often plays second fiddle to its gameplay mechanics, an approach that isn’t inherently problematic. However, certain instances could have been more impactful if they had been infused with greater excitement and suspense. This is due to the game’s emphasis on acquiring loot and combat, which can diminish the effectiveness of its third act, featuring a forgettable antagonist.

5 Borderlands 3

The Humor Returns, Alongside Villains That Try To Compete With Handsome Jack

In Borderlands 3, there’s a significant time jump, giving players the opportunity to confront fresh challenges as the inhabitants and rulers of Sanctuary depart from Pandora to avoid the Children of the Vault, an extremist cult that follows the leadership of the Calypso twins who are on a quest to capture Sirens. Borderlands 3 stands out as the most expansive game in terms of scale and adventure.

Fans had long been eager for another Borderlands game, and when Borderlands 3 arrived, it lived up to expectations in terms of gameplay. While the story might not have pleased everyone, as a Borderlands game, Borderlands 3 excelled at combining the franchise’s humor and style with contemporary satire and plenty of chaos.

4 Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel

A Story Told On Pandora’s Moon That Explains Handsome Jack’s Origins

In the game “Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel,” we journey from Pandora to Elpis, a moon, as it blends elements of a prequel and sequel to the original “Borderlands” series. This unique title cleverly sets up events before “Borderlands 2” while also continuing the storyline. Characters, setting, and the transformation of Handsome Jack from a hero in distress to a tormenting antagonist are all expertly crafted within this precursor to “Borderlands 2.”

In a peculiar position, The Pre-Sequel finds itself having to shape its narrative around the forthcoming events of Borderlands 2, leaving limited scope for originality. Yet, this doesn’t hinder the game from providing an enjoyable experience. With a rich backstory, The Pre-Sequel offers a captivating adventure particularly for fans of Athena and Jack.

3 Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands

Tiny Tina Tells A Humorous Fantasy Tale

In the magical lands of Bunkers and Badasses, Borderlands embarks on a fantastic journey guided by Tiny Tina. The objective is simple yet challenging: defeat the Dragon Lord, gather an army of treasures and crumpets (alongside other unexpected items), and enjoy a rollercoaster ride of fun and excitement thanks to the unpredictable Tina.

In a playful twist, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands draws upon the lively spirit of the Borderlands franchise, transforming one of the most memorable downloadable content from Borderlands 2 into an entertaining spin-off journey. The narrative of Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is lighthearted and filled with humor, offering a fantastical escapade where laughter reigns supreme.

2 Tales From The Borderlands

A Five-Part Story Involving Misfits In The Borderlands World

In the Borderlands series, players are free to take their own actions, whether they’re logical or not, as they immerse themselves in the stories of fresh characters. The narrative revolves around Rhys, a wealthy Hyperion businessman, and Fiona, a con artist seeking a major payday. Spanning five episodes, these characters’ lives become intertwined, ensuring that neither will remain unchanged by their shared destiny.

Telltale Games really shone when they introduced the game Tales from the Borderlands. Unlike other titles in the series, this one placed a greater emphasis on story development after Borderlands 2, rather than gameplay mechanics. This wasn’t a problem at all, as the characters were well-developed and the quests they undertook were deeply personal, offering opportunities for both new and familiar faces to shine. At its core, Tales from the Borderlands explores themes of friendship and betrayal, all while maintaining the distinctive charm that’s synonymous with the Borderlands series.

1 Borderlands 2

Vault Hunters Join Forces To Battle Handsome Jack And The Armies Of Hyperion

In Borderlands 2, players are initially drawn into Pandora as Vault Hunters, but their adventure takes a grim turn when they’re abandoned in the harsh, frozen wastelands of Pandora. The plot revolves around the search for loot and tales, but it soon becomes clear that Hyperion Corporation, under the rule of Handsome Jack, aims to annihilate the planet to shape it according to his twisted vision.

In my opinion, I found that Borderlands 2 truly elevated the series by blending maturity with its signature fun-factor. The character of Handsome Jack stands out as one of gaming’s greatest villains, striking a perfect balance between humor and intensity. The narrative was a compelling blend of chaos and serious topics, resulting in perfectly timed jokes and dramatic moments, though some pop culture references may feel slightly dated today.

2024-08-14 23:34