Borderlands 4 Review: Looting, Shooting, and Mild Existential Dread
Borderlands 4, the highly anticipated sequel to Borderlands 3, attempts a daring course correction. Tired of the previous installment's relentless barrage of dad jokes and bullet-sponge bosses? Gearbox Software seemingly agrees, swinging the pendulum so far in the opposite direction that the result is...well, a bit strange. It's like they replaced the game's humor with a slightly awkward silence. The core gameplay loop, however, remains gloriously intact: the looting and shooting are as satisfying as ever. But does this focus on fixing the old problems create new ones? Let's dive into the loot-filled mayhem and find out.
Borderlands 4, a direct sequel to Borderlands 3, bravely tackles the criticisms leveled at its predecessor. Remember those cringe-worthy jokes that could curdle milk? Gone. The overly verbose villains who felt like they'd been given a lifetime supply of espresso? Silenced (mostly). The boss battles that felt less like challenging encounters and more like endurance tests against a wall of health? Significantly streamlined. But in their eagerness to fix these issues, Gearbox might have overcompensated. The result? A Borderlands game that occasionally feels like a convincing imposter.
A Familiar Dance With Death...and Loot
The core gameplay remains the same – four Vault Hunters embark on a treasure hunt for the legendary Vaults, engaging in countless shootouts along the way. Each character boasts unique skill trees, allowing for diverse playstyles. Vex, the Siren, is a summoner who can distract enemies with spectral doppelgangers, while Amon, the Forgeknight, uses futuristic tech to create elemental melee weapons. This installment boasts arguably the best Vault Hunter lineup yet. Each character feels useful and effective, regardless of whether you're facing hordes of enemies, tackling tough bosses, or teaming up with friends.
Where's the Beef (and the Jokes)?
While the gameplay is solid gold, the narrative feels strangely hollow. It's as if the developers, in their quest for less cringe, accidentally removed all the charm. The humor, a staple of the Borderlands series, is noticeably toned down, leaving behind a void that's occasionally filled with awkward silence. It's like watching a stand-up comedian suddenly forget all their jokes. The plot itself isn't particularly memorable either, leaving you with the feeling that you've spent hours shooting things without any real emotional payoff. It's Borderlands, but somehow...less Borderlands.
A Looter-Shooter's Paradox
The paradox of Borderlands 4 is this: it's a technically proficient game that somehow feels less engaging than its predecessors. The shooting is still fantastic; the loot is still plentiful and rewarding. Yet, the overall experience lacks the quirky charm that made the series so addictive. It's like a perfectly cooked steak served with a side of lukewarm sadness. Fans of the series will undoubtedly find hours of entertainment, but it's hard to shake the feeling that something crucial is missing. Perhaps a bit more of that endearingly bad humor wouldn't have hurt.
Final Verdict: A Solid, Yet Unremarkable Shooter
Borderlands 4 is a game of contradictions. It successfully addresses many of the flaws of its predecessor, but in doing so, it loses some of the chaotic energy and quirky humor that defined the series. The core gameplay loop remains fantastic, offering countless hours of satisfying shooting and looting. However, the weaker narrative and strangely subdued tone prevent it from reaching the heights of its predecessors. While it's not a bad game by any means, it's a reminder that sometimes, a little bit of cringe is exactly what a game needs.