Borderlands 3 Review – An Explosive Journey Through Pandora and Beyond
Game Name: Borderlands 3
Developer: Gearbox Software
Initial Release Date: September 13, 2019
Genre: Action role-playing, first-person shooter
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Macintosh operating systems, Stadia, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
Introduction
Borderlands 3, the latest installment in the acclaimed Borderlands series, is a game that combines frenetic first-person shooter action with RPG elements in a unique, comic-book style world. Released in 2019 and developed by Gearbox Software, this title has continued to evolve, offering players a thrilling experience packed with humor, a vast array of weapons, and a distinctive art style. Read everything you need to know, in our Borderlands 3 review!
Gameplay Overview
At its core, Borderlands 3 is a looter shooter that thrives on its exhilarating gunplay and quirky character interactions. Players roam across diverse environments, from wastelands to bustling cities, engaging in high-octane combat against a variety of enemies. The game’s appeal lies in its seemingly endless arsenal of guns, each with unique effects and damage capabilities. The gunplay is complemented by modernized movements and animations, adding fluidity and responsiveness to the combat experience.
The game has a substantial endgame content, keeping players engaged well beyond the main storyline. With a campaign completion time of around 24 hours, and extending to about 45 hours with side quests, Borderlands 3 offers a substantial adventure. Additionally, the game features smarter enemy AI, providing a challenging and rewarding experience.
Unique Elements and Multiplayer
One of the highlights of Borderlands 3 is its multiplayer aspect. The game excels in online play, offering a seamless multiplayer experience that’s ideal for co-op gaming. The co-op mode is well-balanced, with the game scaling enemy numbers and boss HP to maintain a challenge. It also continues the series tradition of split-screen couch co-op, catering to fans of local multiplayer. Technical performance in multiplayer has been significantly improved through patches, making it a smooth experience for players.
Story and Characters
While Borderlands games are generally more focused on gameplay, the story in Borderlands 3, revolving around Vault Hunters and their quest across the galaxy, offers a decent narrative backdrop. The game features four unique playable classes – Siren, Beastmaster, Gunner, and Operative, each with distinct abilities and gameplay styles. These characters add depth to the gameplay, allowing players to experiment with different combat strategies.
Environment and Exploration
Exploration is another strong point of Borderlands 3. Players can traverse a variety of landscapes, from open wastelands to vaults, and travel across six different planets, each offering unique challenges and enemies. The game’s main hub, Sanctuary, serves as a central area for players to explore and interact with various characters. The environmental design and sound effects significantly enhance the overall gaming experience.
Recent Updates
As of August 31, 2023, Borderlands 3 received an update supporting the release of the “Borderlands Collection: Pandora’s Box”. This update added new customizations, such as Vault Hunter Heads, Skins, ECHO Device Skins, and Weapon Trinkets. Additionally, the game has seen continuous improvements, including minor UI fixes and bug fixes.
For the Nintendo Switch version, an update released on November 20, 2023, brought performance optimizations, visual and audio improvements, and addressed many quality-of-life concerns. This included stability updates, map geometry adjustments, and enhancements to the game’s overall visual fidelity.
Verdict
Rating: 8.5/10
Borderlands 3 is a well-crafted addition to the Borderlands series, successfully building upon its predecessors’ strengths. Its engaging gunplay, diverse environments, and well-executed multiplayer aspects make it a must-play for fans of the series and the genre. While the story might not be its strongest suit, the overall gameplay experience is so captivating that it easily overshadows this minor flaw. The continuous updates and improvements also show the developer’s commitment to enhancing the game’s quality, ensuring that it remains a relevant and enjoyable experience for both new and returning players.