After the varied responses to Borderlands 3, the expectations for Borderlands 4 are exceptionally high for the team at Gearbox Software and its publisher, 2K Games. Many fans felt disappointed with the last installment due to its weak storyline and uninspired character designs, leading to a Metacritic user score of 5.5. This rating is notably low for the series, especially when compared to Borderlands 2, which enjoyed a much better reception with a user score of 8.2.
Improving on Previous Mistakes
Borderlands 4 was officially announced in August during gamescom 2024, with the goal of correcting earlier issues. The developers have promised a more engaging narrative that draws inspiration from the cherished Borderlands 2 and a redesigned character aesthetic aimed at making the Vault Hunters feel unique and unforgettable again. New gameplay mechanics, such as the laser lasso, are intended to enhance combat, making it more dynamic and varied. Fans can catch a sneak peek of these features in the recently released trailer, which provides a first look at actual gameplay.
Trailer Highlights
The trailer kicks off with a cinematic scene showcasing a battle between two groups: the recognizable psycho mask-wearers and a futuristic faction. At 1:06, it shifts to gameplay footage, sometimes shown from a first-person view, hinting at four characters available to play. A standout moment for many is the return of Zane Flynt from Borderlands 3. Now older and with a beard, his character brings a sense of nostalgia to the mix.
The exciting shooter action is on display, along with a brief appearance by Claptrap, the robot who divides opinions among players. The trailer also introduces the laser lasso, featuring grappling hook elements. While no exact release date is given, the tagline "coming soon" and the mention of "2025" at the end offer a vague timeline. Fans can already place the game on their Steam wish lists.
Community Feedback
Reactions from the community have been mixed across platforms like YouTube and Reddit. Many fans have expressed appreciation for the more serious tone that harkens back to the glory days of Borderlands 2. The lesser focus on slapstick humor has been positively received by a sizable portion of the audience. The new villain displayed in the trailer, who radiates a dark and intimidating vibe, has also gained favorable reactions. Fans have longed for an antagonist to match the legendary Handsome Jack from Borderlands 2.
On the flip side, a number of players feel that the design of the Vault Hunters lacks distinctiveness and seems too standard. Some fans have also voiced their concerns about the diminished focus on the signature cel-shading art style that has been a hallmark of the series. Additionally, there are worries about the potential similarities to Borderlands 3, raising fears that Borderlands 4 might repeat its predecessor’s mistakes by failing to innovate enough.
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