A lot has changed in the FPS arena since 2012, when the last entry of the Borderlands came to our gaming machines. In all important ways, the sequel hews near the bliprint established in that beloved release, exploding on our screens with a bundle of wild weapons, jokes, and bloody battles. The formula feels dated. But with some UI and gameplay updates, and great adventure in many different places, it's easy to embrace the madness there and, even if – in the back of your head – you know it all sounds pretty normal.
Players also jump into the role of one of the different vault hunters, each with an interactive gimmick that separates their gaming stunts. From the recent Mayire Siren conflict to the ongoing Gunner attacks, each character offers a number of build options, as well as crafting your way into a powerful killing machine is crucial after many hours of play and gaining skill points. Most of those gaming tiles have borrowed freely from previous games or other franchises altogether, so most powersets will feel like old loyalty shoes in the genre – easy to get into, but with a few surprises.
Across a particularly long campaign, Borderlands 3 skewers the internet and engaging cultures in equal measures, solving the creativity and selfishness of both with the trademark sophomoric wit. The jokes are certainly hit and miss, but the authors seem to have adopted the philosophy that you miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take; the conversation is almost constant. Storytelling feels a lot of fun in this regard as jet fighters are among planets. Previous games in parliament have sometimes felt tied to a specific area, and this new addition combines the feeling of resilience with many well-known venues, from the circular palace to the corporate complex. The variety of deviations is welcome, and it keeps the visual palette entertaining.
Guns are also the real stars of the show, with an indirect amount of shots that show as much gameplay variety as the visual variation. I enjoy the variety of options available, and the strong gunplay across the board ensures engagement for hours. From assault rifles launching rays to pistols appearing on the fringes, no end to the test should be had. If anything, the plethora of options can feel overwhelming and slow down the pace of other gaming as you are just trying to figure out what is worth keeping or selling – the problem is increasing with inventory managers and very few selling places. It doesn't help that weapons sometimes adapt to their expected archetypes. When a rifle can sometimes be a wider choice for a longer range than a sniper, how much better to judge the use of an object by looking at something?
Walking under space and putting obstacles over obstacles contributes to a quick fall test, and I appreciate the feeling of speed and mobility. Combat is frenetic but light, especially in the morning, as enemy waves often appear to be cut down. Recent hours offer an interesting mix of enemies, but suffer from a different problem; many bad boys are extremely sponges, escalating the fight in a way that feels unnecessary to the already powerful campaign play. Several executives are especially guilty of this sin, and they can make a miserable motto, especially played solo, when an unparalleled unequivocal arrangement quickly misleads their appeal.
Like its predecessors, Borderlands 3 is at its best when it is played in conjunction with up to 4 players online. As more and more street real estate hunters move into the area, the visual phantasmagoria of colors and explosions is intriguing and incredibly exciting. The game supports simple drag-and-drop play, as well as independent rating and difficulty options, clearing obstacles faced by players at different points in the game.
If the "bang" you want for your badge is simply a wealth of content and there is a lot to do, Gearbox has got you covered. Beyond the ability to experiment with different characters and build with a long narrative flair, the after-game experience opens up a host of challenging options, the obstacles of mayhem encountered internally to climb, and the level increases to shoot as you step back into action. I welcome the commitment to commit to ending it. However, I must add that in my own play, I felt the key battlefield wore off its pre-deduction credits, especially since the initial (normal) high-level casualty was not a logical challenge.
Borderlands 3 is a love letter to its fans and a celebration of popular gaming style first. Full of characters from previous installations, and kosologetic in its lonely humor and powerful action, it's a funny ride that seems reluctant to invent. If more of what you once loved is your greatest wish, Gearbox has offered that wish with an intriguing simulation game that incorporates some very safe space.
Borderlands 3 is also available on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Those versions showcase 2-Player Home Compatibility.
