Become a most unusual Vault Hunter in New Tales from the Borderlands
The path that formed Revealing games with his conversational adventures, he opened many doors. Its decision-making, its charismatic characters or the stories told captured in a magnetic way. Many sagas, filmographies and even video games have passed through its filter, adapting the traditions to a very particular style of play. Gearbox Software joined this trend by introducing Tales from the Borderlands, a game that left behind the “sentimental” component that other similar deliveries might have to throw humor, madness and surrealism in equal parts. Now they present us with a second part that seeks to repeat the success of its first installment. Will he succeed?
Three souls united by a destiny
New Tales from the Borderlands repeats a situation similar to that experienced in 2014. In this new episodic delivery we will once again have control of three of the most eccentric characters, whose destinies come together in search of a common good. In this case, although each has its reasons and implications, they will revolve around the search for a relic in one of the hidden chambers of the world of Prometheus.
These three protagonists are very particular. On one side we will have the pacifist Anu, a scientist who creates weapons on Tediore against her will. We will also control his brother Octave, who lives in poverty but keeps looking for a way to be a rich and famous entrepreneur. Finally, we will take control of Frank,
Unwanted humor
This iteration, like the previous one, is never taken seriously. Each episode will show us a very characteristic humor “house brand” and will place us in increasingly absurd situations. Although the common thread revolves around the power our gang can achieve as Vault Hunters, the truth is that where the title stands out is in the presentation of the characters and their hilarious way of behaving. Special mention to L0U13, a killer robot that will accompany us during the adventure, being an “alter-ego” of Claptrap, but more refined and gentleman.
Fancy a yogurt?
Virtually the whole adventure of New Tales from the Borderlands relies on decision-making through dialogue. As in other games with this aspect, do not expect big changes depending on the action taken. The plot is very defined and continuous. It is only in the final bars of the adventure that we will see significant changes that will take us from one end to the other. Fortunately, all of the humor that emanates from each episode is appealing enough to keep us glued to the screen, even if the narrative is linear. By the way, don’t be fooled by the first chapter, which serves as an introduction to the characters and can be quieter than the rest.
That sense of humor will be the biggest determining factor in whether the game catches up to us or not. There will be everything: from dark and insightful humor to the most vulgar based on shouting and rudeness. I happened to experience tedious passages because I couldn’t stand certain companions, and other sequences that shine by themselves because the protagonists have scathing and brutal dialogues.
Shoot words instead of bullets
In addition to making these conversational decisions, Other playable branches exist to give New Tales from the Borderlands some variety. We have Quick Events (QTE) in these moments of action. Do not worry, they will be very simple and, for example, more simplified than in Batman: The Enemy Within
And is speaking of winks, there will be plenty of moments that any player can instantly recognize. I don’t want to talk more about the account so as not to spoil funny moments, but these moments are definitely worth having. Sure, the biggest reference is with the Borderlands saga, and it’s very funny to see companies like Atlas popping up, contemplating the typical enemies with this mask so particular to the franchise, or destroy the loot that we find in safes, drawers and other rooms. Money that will be worth to customize our protagonists, although it remains in the background and has no further relevance.
In pursuit of cellular shading perfection
where it stands out New Tales from the Borderlands It’s in its audiovisual section. Lately we’ve seen some really good jobs with cell shading based on this art style promoted by Telltale Games. Without going any further, the final season of The Walking Dead is marvelous thanks to this fine drawing which recreates a comic book in constant motion. And here, we find something similar by removing the ocher colors that flooded the zombie sequences for an environment full of light and color.
I am very struck by the way the protagonists express themselves. Not only the grimaces they make with their faces, but also the gestures they make with their bodies. Anu, who is the most nervous of the group, waves her hands in a way that I have rarely seen in a video game. Insignificant details at first glance, but which are greatly appreciated and give an extra touch to each scene. If we cover it all with a dubbing to the height (in English, yes) and with a rich and varied soundtrack, we will have as final product a neat and nuanced title.
Conclusion of New Tales from the Borderlands
For a gamer like me who has enjoyed Telltale Games’ conversational stories since the early days of The Walking Dead, it’s hard to impress at this late stage. And while the new Gearbox Software comes as no surprise, it’s very rewarding in a number of ways. First, because of the crude and at the same time so scathing humor that it exudes. Second, for a graphic style that helps us stay immersed in the plot. And thirdly, for its very particular protagonists.
It is true that New Tales from the Borderlands starts slowly, but if we give it a chance, we will begin to taste the adventure that is preparing between Anu, Octavio and Fran. An adventure where decision-making is its main asset, but who knows how to balance it with mini-games of all kinds. If you’ve ever played the first episode, you already know the difficulties of being a Vault Hunter. And if you haven’t played any conversational proposals yet, the world of Tediore can be a good gateway to discovering the genre.
New Tales from the Borderlands
39.99$
Advantages
- Visually it is a treat
- Tons of humor of all kinds
- Lots of fun mini-games and winks
The inconvenients
- starts a little slow
- It’s hard to connect with the three protagonists
- The story branches out little and is linear
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