After the mixed reception of Borderlands 3, the team at Gearbox Software and publisher 2K Games are likely facing high expectations for Borderlands 4. The previous game left many fans underwhelmed due to a lackluster story and uninspired character design, resulting in a user score of 5.5 on Metacritic, a surprisingly low rating for the franchise. For context, Borderlands 2 received much higher praise, with a user score of 8.2.
Borderlands 4, announced in August at gamescom 2024, aims to address past shortcomings. The developers promise a deeper storyline reminiscent of the beloved Borderlands 2 and a revamped character design to make Vault Hunters feel distinctive and memorable again. On the gameplay front, fresh ideas like the laser lasso are set to deliver more dynamic and varied combat. Fans can catch their first glimpse of these features in the latest trailer, which offers the first look at gameplay.
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The trailer opens with a cinematic depicting a clash between two factions: the familiar psycho mask-wearers and a futuristic group. At 1:06, it transitions to gameplay footage, occasionally shown from a first-person perspective, hinting at four playable characters. A highlight for many fans is the return of Zane Flynt from Borderlands 3. Now older and sporting a beard, his appearance adds a touch of nostalgia.
The trailer showcases intense shooter action, a quick cameo by Claptrap, the polarizing robot beloved by some and loathed by others and the debut of the laser lasso with its grappling hook mechanics. While it doesn’t reveal an exact release date, the "coming soon" tagline in the description and "2025" at the end provide a rough timeline. Fans can already add the game to their Steam wish lists.
Mixed reactions in the community
Community reactions have been mixed, both on YouTube and Reddit. Many fans have praised the more serious tone, reminiscent of the golden days of Borderlands 2. The reduced reliance on slapstick humor is a welcome change for much of the audience. The new antagonist, who exudes a dark and menacing presence in the trailer, has also been well received. Fans have long hoped for a villain who could rival the iconic Handsome Jack from Borderlands 2.
On the downside, many feel the Vault Hunter designs lack uniqueness and appear too generic. Some fans also lament the reduced emphasis on the iconic cel-shading graphic style that defined the series. Another common criticism is the perceived similarity to Borderlands 3, sparking concerns that Borderlands 4 might repeat its predecessor’s mistakes by offering too few innovations.
Source(s)
YouTube / IGN