The Borderlands franchise has remained a staple among gamers for the past 16 years, helping redefine what we now know as the looter shooter. The last entry was released six years ago and received mixed reactions from fans. With Borderlands 4, Gearbox Software aims to correct past mistakes and deliver the ultimate experience. For the most part, they succeed, presenting a more polished entry that modernizes elements its predecessor failed to establish.
The gameplay retains its core essence: first-person shooting, collecting millions of unique weapons, and leveling up through skill trees. The premise also stays intact, with four new Vault Hunters, each with distinct classes, searching for three keys that eventually lead to a final boss.
That said, some of the new changes both enhance and, at times, undermine the series’ identity. The classes and abilities are generally well-balanced, though the Siren is overwhelmingly overpowered, being able to summon multiple versions of herself and turning battles into a spectacle.
One of the most notable additions is the open world. Players can now freely explore, complete side quests with engaging narratives, and travel with a motorcycle reminiscent of Destiny’s Sparrow. There’s also the grappling hook, which adds much-needed verticality to combat. Unfortunately, the open world often feels empty: towns lack meaningful interactions beyond chests or combat arenas, and exploration is restricted by invisible walls. Only in dungeons or control towers do you find the more traditional enemy encounters.
As for the arsenal, it’s still as spectacular and diverse as ever, though the sheer number of options clashes with the limited inventory space, leading to some frustration. Another major shift is that the story no longer takes place on Pandora but on the planet Kairos. From the very beginning, the setting feels more vibrant and colorful, with impressive visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5.
Narratively, however, Borderlands 4 takes a sharp turn. The signature humor is nearly gone, replaced by a more serious tone. While a few jokes remain, they lack impact. This change dilutes part of the series’ identity, making it feel like a different game rather than a true continuation. The story revolves around new characters attempting to overthrow a dictator ruling Kairos, once a hidden prison planet. Personally, I struggled to connect with the plot and lost interest quickly, though I must acknowledge that the villains deliver impactful dialogue and contribute to a surprisingly elaborate script.
Another key gameplay change is that enemies now scale with the player’s level, removing the easy farming zones of past entries. This increases the challenge and further incentivizes cooperative play.
In conclusion, Borderlands 4 successfully delivers the fast-paced, addictive gameplay fans expect while introducing fresh mechanics and world design. However, its drastic narrative shift may divide players: some will appreciate the evolution, while others may feel the series has strayed too far from what made it special—for better or worse.
Final Score: 4/5
About The Author
