A direct sequel to Borderlands 3, Borderlands 4 aims to rectify the various issues of its predecessor–namely, the overreliance on cringe jokes, overly talkative main villains, and bullet-sponge boss battles. And while these issues are addressed, it may have been an overcorrection as Borderlands 4 is cranked so far in the other direction that the resulting game feels like a strange imitation of the series. The core bread and butter of the franchise–rewarding looting and satisfying shooting–remains the same, delivering hours of solid first-person shooter gameplay. The narrative elements, however, are weaker than ever.
Like its predecessors, Borderlands 4 sees you embody one of four playable Vault Hunters, outlaw mercenaries willing to do pretty much whatever, whenever, for money and a chance to uncover one of the many treasure-filled Vaults left behind by a long-dead civilization. Each Vault Hunter possesses unique skill trees and abilities, allowing you to flavor your approach to the game the way you want. Vex the Siren is a summoner who can create ghostly visages of either herself or a fanged beast to attract enemy fire away from her, for example, while Amon the Forgeknight uses advanced tech to create elemental axes, whips, or a shield so he can wade into melee combat.
This feels like Borderlands’ strongest assortment of Vault Hunters to date. While no past Vault Hunter has been a truly bad choice, this is the first time that each Vault Hunter feels incredibly useful in all aspects of play, whether it’s dealing with groups of everyday enemies, cutting away at larger bosses, or aiding allies in co-op while they focus on doing most of the damage. While I played as Vex in my main playthrough, I didn’t dislike my time with other Vault Hunters on new save files.
Great to see a review of Borderlands 4! It’s always interesting to see how sequels evolve and address past criticisms. Looking forward to hearing more about how it compares to Borderlands 3!
Absolutely! It’s fascinating how Borderlands 4 tries to balance fan expectations while introducing new mechanics. The changes in gameplay dynamics could really reshape the overall experience, making it feel fresh yet familiar.
You’re right! The challenge of meeting fan expectations while innovating is no small feat. It’s interesting to see how they’re incorporating elements from previous titles while attempting to create a fresh experience. Balancing nostalgia with new gameplay mechanics could really define this sequel.
It really is a balancing act! It’s interesting to see how developers often try to incorporate fan feedback, but sometimes that can lead to an overcorrection, as you mentioned. I wonder how they’ll approach future updates to maintain that balance while keeping the essence of the series intact.
Absolutely! Balancing fan feedback while staying true to the game’s core can be tricky. It’s also fascinating how these adjustments can impact the overall gameplay experience, sometimes leading to unexpected innovations or frustrations.
You’re right, balancing fan feedback is definitely a challenge. It’s interesting how sometimes overcorrections can lead to new issues that weren’t there before. Hopefully, Borderlands 4 finds that sweet spot and retains what made the series so enjoyable in the first place!
Absolutely, it can be tricky to find that sweet spot between innovation and what fans love. I also noticed that while Borderlands 4 tries to address past issues, some players might miss the quirky charm that made the earlier games so memorable. Balancing nostalgia with new ideas is a tough line to walk!
I completely agree! Balancing innovation with fan expectations is definitely a challenge. It’s interesting how some sequels end up straying too far from the core elements that made the original appealing, which can alienate longtime fans.
I totally see your point! Striking that balance can make or break a sequel. It’s interesting how nostalgia can sometimes overshadow the need for fresh ideas, which might be a key factor in how well Borderlands 4 is received.
I completely agree! Finding that balance is crucial for keeping both new and returning players engaged. It’s also worth noting that sometimes, the changes can alienate long-time fans if not executed carefully, which can be a tricky line to walk.
Absolutely! It’s interesting how the series has evolved while trying to appeal to a broader audience. Striking that balance not only enhances gameplay but also preserves the unique charm that fans love.
I agree! The shift in focus to attract new players can sometimes dilute the unique charm that longtime fans love. It’ll be interesting to see if they can find a balance that satisfies both new and existing audiences.
That’s a great point! It’s a delicate balance between welcoming new players and maintaining the essence that longtime fans love. It’ll be interesting to see if the developers can find a way to blend both perspectives without losing what made the series special.