Sure thing, here it goes:
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Wow, so Borderlands 4, huh? It’s like they’re giving the series a full-on facelift. It’s got this new mature vibe—goodbye to the wild, crazy antics I used to love. But maybe that’s what they want? Less clown suit, more business casual. They’ve switched up the gameplay, grabbed the best bits from the old trilogy, and thrown them into a mixing pot. It’s kinda like trying to upgrade your favorite burger but then realizing you miss that greasy mess anyway.
Okay, picture this: a whole new planet, Kairos – fresh territory, never touched by Vault Hunters or Claptrap things. Until, get this, a moon just randomly crashes into it. Because why not? Now you’ve got a mishmash of old and new—both in characters and guns. But it feels different, like when your favorite band drops an album that’s sorta them but not really. You know what I mean?
Speaking of which, let’s talk about what I dug: the world is just, wow. No more annoying gateway screens—just one massive playground. It’s like finding secret stuff on your walk, and suddenly there’s a hidden cliff to jump off. I stumbled onto some drilling site and, bam, secret boss fight. Pure magic. But—and there’s always a but—filling this open world with interesting bits? Not their strongest game. Lots of space, not enough stuff. Random events and collectibles are there, but eh, like an empty road trip with only one good rest stop. You float into a spaceship for loot, but most drives are just yawns.
At least the combat’s still a blast. Guns still have that pow! Shoot a sniper and kaboom, it shoots magic bolts. Or chuck your shotgun, and it’s a murder machine on tiny legs. A real hoot. Unfortunately, they messed with the formula. Guns aren’t tied to specific manufacturers anymore, so it’s all mix and match now. Who even asked for that? Sure, it adds variety, but man, I miss those signature gun feels. Feels like Gearbox is trying to reinvent the wheel, and I’m just here longing for the good ol’ days.
Then there’s the humor thing. Old Borderlands loved a good chuckle, but this version toned it down. Borderlands 3’s wild humor apparently haunted them into seriousness. Like come on, a yellow SpongeBoss BulletPants living in a meat pineapple? Now it’s all so serious, kinda feels like putting dad jeans on the class clown. There are moments, though, like running into Claptrap by the lake. He’s still pulling off the good laughs, asking for this weird collection of stuff, but it’s rare.
And main story quests? I met this chill guy, Rush, big muscles with a bigger heart. The task? Go smash Horace and grab stuff. It’s cool; Rush is likable enough. It works, I guess. But where’s the fun flavor in side missions? Just mindless quests minus the sass. Like seriously, where’s the spice?
Anyway, there’s this emotional bit where you blow up a boat full of old Borderlands stuff at the end of Claptrap’s quest. Symbolic or gimmicky? I’m not sure. They’re making a bold move with this game for sure—but as a fan, it’s a mixed bag. I mean, vaults used to be the big thing: fight a boss, get treasure. Now? Just two chests. Got a green gun and felt, well, underwhelmed. It’s not a total loss, though. I tried out a vault and, man, it was epic—swinging over thorny floors and taking down bosses with weak points. Almost what old Borderlands was, yet not quite.
After my time with the game, I’m sitting here feeling torn. The essence of Borderlands is still lingering, but wrapped up in something new. If you’re open-minded, like ready for a whole new journey? Dive in; it’s a ride. If not, you might miss the chaos and humor we’ve come to love. Anyway, if Borderlands’ craziness is lodged in your heart, beware—it’s different now. No jokes, just a little heartbreak.
Got to experience this at a media event by the way. Enclosed in a weirdly sterile bubble, but that’s another story.
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