Borderlands 4: Played It, More Open, More Mobile, and Crucially Less Idiotic
Marcus Thompson 
It has been six years since Borderlands 3 was released, an episode that has left many series fans feeling sidelined due to its crude writing and lowbrow humor. However, with over 22 million copies sold, does it seem that 2K Games and Gearbox Software have any cause for concern? Both yes and no, because while Borderlands 3 has become the most profitable episode, the creators of the series have acknowledged community feedback and decided to address these concerns… Be cautious, there are no drastic overhauls to the existing formula (please do not exaggerate)… but rather adjustments here and there to continue progressing, avoid stagnation in gameplay, without alienating the fanbase too much. I had the opportunity to play it over a month ago in London for more than 4 hours, and it is now time to share my impressions from this hands-on experience.
It may still be too early to determine if Borderlands 4 signals a genuine new beginning for the franchise, but the mixed reception of Borderlands 3, despite its massive sales, has prompted Randy Pitchford and his team at Gearbox Software to reflect on their approach. Given that some community members prefer returning to Borderlands 2, there are certainly questions to address and changes to consider. For Borderlands 4, there is discussion about a significant overhaul of the formula while maintaining the unique DNA of the franchise. The first point established is the implementation of an open world environment, which aims to be expansive without transitions or hubs, and even free from loading screens between zones. This marks a new direction for the series.
Having completed the tilling of Pandora’s lands in Borderlands 4, we now explore Kairos, a vibrant and welcoming new region, though it too is densely populated and ruled by the Timekeeper, an authoritative figure leading the oppressive Order. Unlike Pandora’s chaotic and slapstick environment, Kairos maintains a more serious and darker atmosphere; however, humor remains present but has evolved since Borderlands 3. The juvenile giggles are gone, replaced with a sharper wit reminiscent of early Borderlands games. Claptrap has yet to make an appearance, though his cinematic counterpart might still veer off course. The tone aims for composure without becoming overly serious. This is an aged version of Borderlands, but not excessively so. Art direction remains faithful to the series’ distinctive style, featuring exaggerated cel-shading that may not appeal to everyone, yet it clearly defines its unique aesthetic. Despite its baroque landscapes, Borderlands 4 offers a variety of environments including lush plains, wild forests, and futuristic complexes. Gearbox Software appears to have more surprises in store, but we must await the game’s release for confirmation.
Let us examine the gameplay, as the Texan developers along with multiple subcontracting studios have made significant advancements, possibly finding their best idea in mobility for Borderlands 4. The grappling hook, double jump, and ground slide are all present to enhance fluidity and agility in movement. Indeed, our early experiences in Borderlands 4 offer more dynamism than previous iterations. However, after 4 hours of gameplay tested, the level design did not seem particularly adapted to these new mechanics. More verticality could have been integrated, but currently, the environments are quite flat in their construction. There are a few elements allowing for some altitude or enemy evasion mid-air, yet it seems as though the grappling hook was an afterthought rather than part of the initial design concept. This impression is based on my observations during those 4 hours, and I await evidence to refute this notion. The other notable innovation that alters gameplay and suits the open-world setting is the introduction of the Digirunner, a hoverbike that can be summoned at any time and in any quantity, handling quite well throughout the game.
Other evidence that Borderlands 4 aims to be a more mature and evolved game lies in its new philosophy surrounding the loot system. The abundance of loot is no longer a priority; instead, collected items are intended to be rarer but more significant. However, we still experience excitement when a boss drops a flood of loot upon defeat, whether playing solo or in multiplayer. Additionally, it’s important to note that loot management has been entirely streamlined. Ammunition and items are automatically picked up by simply passing over them, and mission rewards are directly added to the inventory without any hassle. Some purists might criticize this as a casualization of the system, but personally, I see it as a more modern approach to an otherwise outdated formula. Borderlands 4 remains a looter-shooter but adopts a smoother and more contemporary gameplay style. The weapons system has also been revised: in addition to unique drops, players can now customize weapons by combining pieces from different manufacturers. This customization offers a more strategic combat experience, particularly against the more aggressive AI introduced in this iteration.
Cooperation remains central to the Borderlands experience, and this fourth installment enhances its systems and navigation with significant improvements: simplified lobbies, quick matchmaking, tailored missions, and notably, the Echo Path system for guided navigation that prevents unnecessary wandering. The solo experience has also received attention; if you are playing alone, AI companions offer tactical support during boss fights and group encounters. For instance, in our demo, a new boss required novel movement and combat mechanics, which the AI companions adeptly handled. During our demo session, two playable classes were available: Vex and Rafa, each providing unique gameplay options, underscoring the importance of character selection before starting the game. As expected, a structured skill tree is included, now with sub-abilities that deeply modify primary abilities, suggesting adaptable gameplay to suit various player preferences.
Based on initial impressions, Borderlands 4 does not seek to radically alter everything but aims to introduce meaningful changes to give the formula a sense of genuine evolution. The gameplay has become more agile, loot is of higher quality, writing is more serious in tone, and ambitions are better managed. This sequel also promises to honor its heritage while taking into account feedback from its community. Whether this will be enough to make it the ultimate episode of the series remains to be seen. The verdict will be delivered on September 12th.
Six years have passed since the release of Borderlands 3, which has left many series fans feeling sidelined due to its writing and lowbrow humor. However, with 22 million copies sold, should 2K Games and Gearbox Software be worried? Yes and no, because although Borderlands 3 became the most profitable entry in the series, the creators have listened to community complaints and decided to make adjustments without drastically altering the established formula. The goal is to keep moving forward while avoiding stagnation in gameplay and not alienating too much of the fanbase. I had the opportunity to play it over a month ago in London for more than 4 hours, so it’s time to share my impressions, hands-on.
Borderlands 4 does not revolutionize its formula but refines it with more clarity and awareness that video games have significantly evolved since the release of its third installment. Gearbox Software has addressed criticisms from the previous game by implementing targeted, intelligent adjustments rather than a complete overhaul, giving the impression of a matured franchise. This is evident through the abandonment of Pandora for a new, more coherent and ambitious world, improved writing that is less grotesque, and enhanced gameplay with better mobility and an upgraded loot system.
About the Author
Ahmed Hassan 
Bruno Pferd 
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