Gearbox Software and publisher 2K have released Borderlands 4, the latest entry in the long-running looter-shooter series. Once again, players are thrown into a chaotic treasure hunt across the galaxy, armed with a near-infinite arsenal and the franchise’s signature humor. For fans of the series, the experience is instantly recognizable, offering the same addictive combat loop that has carried the franchise for years. The familiarity, though, is something of a double-edged sword, because while the fun is back in full swing, many of the same old frustrations return as well.
Key Takeaways
- The core gunplay and loot system remain the strongest point, delivering endless action.
- The four new Vault Hunters introduce fresh abilities and engaging playstyles.
- The main story feels formulaic and struggles to deliver a memorable villain.
- The clunky menu system and inventory management still lack meaningful improvements.
At its core, Borderlands 4 plays it safe. The moment-to-moment action is fast, colorful, and filled with explosions. The weapon generation system still delivers surprises, offering everything from pistols that fire miniature rockets to shotguns that unleash electrical storms. Co-op play with up to three friends continues to be a highlight, as the different Vault Hunters’ abilities complement one another and create satisfying team dynamics against hordes of psychos, robots, and alien creatures.
The new characters stand out as one of the game’s strongest additions. Players can choose ‘Zane-O,’ a retired corporate assassin who deploys digi-clones; ‘Amara,’ a Siren with spectral fists that crush enemies; ‘FL4K,’ a robotic beastmaster with loyal animal companions; and ‘Moze,’ a heavy gunner piloting her Iron Bear mech. Each comes with multiple skill trees, opening up a variety of playstyles. The sense of finding that one weapon that works seamlessly with your chosen build is just as rewarding as ever.
The story, however, stumbles. The formula feels too familiar: a charismatic villain emerges, seeks control of the Vaults, and it falls to you to stop them. This time the antagonist is “The Director,” a corporate mogul who lacks the presence and bite of past villains like Handsome Jack. Many missions rely on the same structure players have seen before, built around traveling to a location, clearing enemies, and picking up an item. It functions well enough, but it rarely surprises.
Another area where the game struggles is in its user interface and inventory management. Going through your overflowing backpack of loot feels clunky, and comparing weapon stats is still slow and awkward. These issues have been part of the series for years, and their return in Borderlands 4 is disappointing. Considering that looting is the very foundation of the game, it feels like a missed chance not to improve the systems players rely on most.
For longtime fans, Borderlands 4 feels like meeting up with an old friend. The comfort of the familiar gameplay loop is still there, and the co-op fun is hard to deny. Yet for those who were hoping for the series to take a major step forward, this entry may come across more like an expanded update than a true sequel. It is, quite simply, more Borderlands. Whether that is enough depends on how much you still enjoy what the series has always done best.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What are Borderlands 4 about?
A. Borderlands 4 is a first-person looter-shooter where players take on the role of a Vault Hunter. The story revolves around stopping a new villain from taking control of powerful alien vaults spread across different planets.
Q. Who are the developers of Borderlands 4?
A. Gearbox Software, the original creator of the series, developed Borderlands 4. It is published by 2K Games.
Q. Do I need to play the previous games to understand Borderlands 4?
A. While you might miss some character references, the main story of Borderlands 4 is self-contained. New players can jump in without feeling lost.
Q. Can I play Borderlands 4 solo?
A. Yes, the entire game can be played alone. However, the experience is designed with four-player cooperative play in mind, and many find it more enjoyable with friends.
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