Borderlands 3 is out this week, and it’s one of the biggest, most anticipated game releases of the year. From everything we’ve seen before, it looks like…well, it looks like more Borderlands. Nothing revolutionary, but a game filled with nice quality of life enhancements that build on the game and world established in the sublime Borderlands 2.
And, now that reviews of the game are dropping, that’s precisely what it seems to be. Only perhaps a little worse. Reviews are mixed, with some praising the game for being more of the same, and others criticising the writing, the story and just how damned familiar it all is. Truth be told, is that there aren’t very many reviews for the game available, apparently because 2K and Gearbox were very picky about which outlets got to play the game in its current, pre-day-one-patch state. They cited security concerns, but there might be more to that. The game will, of course, sell like hotcakes no matter what reviewers say about the game, but if you were expecting a revolution, you’re ll be disappointed.
Here’s what (very few) critics have to say:
PC Gamer – 63
“Between the bugs, the extended non-jokes, the self-aggrandizing jabs at game design trends, and a few cameos I won’t spoil but that made me audibly groan, Borderlands 3 has a lot in common with Gearbox fan events as of late. There’s a lot of loud, extended posturing while holding what everyone really came for hostage. It’s a shame, because Tales from the Borderlands found a delicate balance of absurdity, self-awareness, and genuine heart. A better Borderlands is possible, it’s just not Borderlands 3.”
Polygon – third time’s a chore
“Borderlands 3, if it works well at launch, is a competent game that feels like a passable continuation of the franchise instead of an evolution. It’s the same general idea with new vault hunters, but with little of the joy and danger that I fell in love with in earlier entries.
The franchise used to feel adventurous. Now, without any fresh ideas or concepts, it’s little more than a holdover from a different time. Borderlands 3 feels safe, oddly careful (especially for a game about anarchy), and, worst of all, corporate.”
Game Informer – 8/10
“Borderlands 3 is a love letter to its fans and a celebration of the style of play it first popularized. Filled with characters from previous installments, and unapologetic in its silly humor and bombastic action, it’s an amusing ride that seems hesitant to innovate. If more of what you loved before is your chief desire, Gearbox has granted that wish through a game of impressive scope that charts some very safe territory. “
USGamer – 4/5
Borderlands 3 is more Borderlands, and all the loot that entails. This proper sequel improves upon the formula with more guns, but more importantly, a stretch of unique planets to kill enemies on. The new planets offer more visual variety and a great evolution of enemy encounters. The tuning is clearly meant for more than one player, making a punitive experience at times for the solo Vault Hunter. Despite the formula growing a bit stale, Gearbox has expanded upon it in the right way, resulting in a great Borderlands experience.
Destructoid – 9/10
Borderlands 3 takes most of the good bits of Borderlands 2 and either rolls with them or improves upon them. It didn’t need to reinvent the wheel either, as Gearbox pretty much had the formula figured out the second time around.
Last Updated: September 9, 2019
Dutch Matrix
September 9, 2019 at 17:04
Whenever I see “It is a love letter to its fans…” used in a review, I kinda wish the author did not use that. It sounds a bit lazy.
And creepy.
Son of Banana Jim
September 9, 2019 at 17:38
Yep, it’s heavily overused, like the word “generic”.
Yahtzee
September 9, 2019 at 19:24
And “entitled”.
Son of Banana Jim
September 9, 2019 at 19:30
Oh don’t get me started on “entitled gamers“…. we’re consumers, you nutcases, and no we’re not entitled for demanding better services, value for money or consideration. Granted, we have a bunch of exceptional creatures among our midst, but that’s what happens when you don’t have occasional world wars to get rid of the genetic deadwood. 😛
Pariah
September 9, 2019 at 20:19
What’s with that entitled attitude? 😛
Gr8_Balls_o_Fire
September 10, 2019 at 10:16
“but that’s what happens when you don’t have occasional world wars to get rid of the genetic deadwood”
You’ve just been flagged by the FBI.
Son of Banana Jim
September 10, 2019 at 12:20
I’m pretty sure they have a folder on all of us 0_0
Umar
September 9, 2019 at 17:17
Borderlands 3? More like Borderline Average-Lands 3
Son of Banana Jim
September 9, 2019 at 17:38
In a way, I’m kind of glad Borderlands 3 isn’t a must buy, because I just got Gears 5 and daddy needs to spend his time with his new baby….
Yahtzee
September 9, 2019 at 19:28
The only way I am getting this is if it’s part of the Humble Monthly fodder you can’t see until it unlocks.
You gotta have some serious low morals to support a publisher like 2K.
Magoo マグ
September 10, 2019 at 12:01
Sure, shame me. I will be supporting 2K. I am ashamed. Fuck those guys. But there is no way in hell I am not going to play BL3 in a trivial “protest-of-one”.
Original Heretic
September 9, 2019 at 19:29
So….if you’re totally in love with Borderlands, you’ll very likely love this one, too.
I really hope so, at least…
Son of Banana Jim
September 9, 2019 at 17:38
It’s almost like Gearbox has lost a screw and a spanner since Borderlands 2. I suppose the pre-sequel should have been the warning sign. It had a few funny bits, but instead of being a hilarious netflix special it was an unfunny TEDx talk with some australian geezer.
“g’day mate, I’m here to tell you about my time as a quantity surveyor in the small town of Bubbababbloo in the Northern territories”
Dresden
September 10, 2019 at 05:45
I’m replaying Pre-Sequel and I have to disagree with you. I’m having a lot of fun and a lot of laughs.
Doing that random mission for Torgue, where you blow up a gun with a missile from space, is the type of stuff I’ve come to love of the Borderlands series and what I expect from the third installment.
Son of Banana Jim
September 10, 2019 at 12:30
I liked parts of the Pre-Sequel, but it just didn’t resonate with me. With Borderlands 1 and 2, I platinumed both on both the PS3 and PS4 and I was even playing them again on steam. I only played Pre-Sequel once and it just didn’t do it for me. I liked Athena and that you could play as ClapTrap, but yeah…
Kenn Gibson
September 10, 2019 at 08:36
It’s a game I’m gonna put in alot of time with friends so as long as its solid, I’m happy.
CrAiGiSh
September 10, 2019 at 09:40
Will wait for Steam release.
Gr8_Balls_o_Fire
September 10, 2019 at 10:15
Get excited for a new release of a game series because you can’t wait for more of the same.
Get mad at game because it’s more of the same.
G8crasha
September 10, 2019 at 07:53
I’m am in the group saying that this is simply more Borderlands, but nothing revolutionary, like the first and second games. I’m of the opinion that Gearbox could have done better. Admittedly, I haven’t played the game, but I’ve seen enough gameplay footage to reach a basic conclusion. Hell, I’ll buy the game when it hits bargain bin status, but until then, I won’t be rushing out to get it!
CrAiGiSh
September 10, 2019 at 09:40
Will wait for Steam release.
Son of Banana Jim
September 10, 2019 at 12:30
And you know it’ll be the complete version with all the DLCs AND… all the launch bugs would have been sorted out.
CrAiGiSh
September 10, 2019 at 12:30
That is the hope 😀
Son of Banana Jim
September 10, 2019 at 12:30
And a year’s worth of golden keys… :O
Son of Banana Jim
September 10, 2019 at 12:20
On the other hand, Polygon hates it, which generally means it’s probably a good game. Their limp criticism rests on the fact that it’s more of the same, and with Borderlands isn’t that what we really want? Quirky guns? Oddball laughs? crazy encounters and bosses?