Gearbox Software’s New Tales From The Borderlands delivers a stellar cast of memorable characters wrapped in an inconsistent narrative that lacks the cohesion of its predecessor. While the game captures the signature humor of the franchise with improved visuals, the overarching story often feels disjointed, leaving players wishing for a stronger foundation to support such a fantastic group of protagonists.
A Familiar Universe with New Faces
Set largely on Promethea—a location familiar to Borderlands 3 veterans—the game brings back familiar names like Rhys, now the CEO of Atlas. The story follows a ragtag group: the idealistic scientist Anu, her street-smart brother Octavio, his assassination bot LOU13, and Fran, the owner of Fran’s Frogurt. Their mission to thwart a Tediore invasion and secure a hidden vault starts with promise but quickly loses momentum.
Narrative Hiccups and Distractions
The pacing suffers as the story bounces between seemingly random subplots. One moment, you are fighting to survive a corporate invasion; the next, you are participating in a Shark Tank-style game show or managing a business amidst a war zone. While the first and final episodes offer a satisfying narrative arc, the middle chapters often feel like a collection of distracting side beats rather than a unified adventure.
Character-Driven Brilliance
Where the game truly shines is in its character writing. Anu, Octavio, Fran, and LOU13 are easily among the most likable characters in the Borderlands universe. Fran’s bold personality and LOU13’s deadpan journey toward autonomy provide consistent entertainment. Gearbox excels at letting these characters riff off one another, and the dialogue choices allow players to shape these personalities in deeply satisfying ways, whether through witty remarks or absurd, fart-joke-filled responses.
The Evolution of Choice and Gameplay
Gearbox has largely removed the “this person will remember that” notifications found in Telltale games. While intended to increase immersion, it often leaves players questioning the actual impact of their decisions on the broader narrative. Furthermore, the gameplay remains tethered to dated mechanics. Quick-time events involving swiping or button-mashing feel like relics of the past. Even the Vaultlanders minigame, while initially novel, quickly devolves into a repetitive and pace-breaking chore that adds little value to the experience.
Ultimately, New Tales From The Borderlands is a character-driven experience that succeeds in spite of its flaws. Fans of the original will likely appreciate the time spent with this new squad, even if the game fails to evolve significantly from the formula established eight years ago. It is a charming, if uneven, journey that proves the writing team has a firm grasp on personality, even if the plot occasionally fumbles the ball.
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