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A charming story from the Borderlands universe - New Tales from the Borderlands Review
20K View2022-10-26
New Tales from the Borderlands is one of the most enjoyably immersive and comedic titles I’ve played in my life. This goofy sci-fi tale is filled with a down-to-earth sense of storytelling that makes it into something absolutely enthralling. Add in beautiful visuals, lovable characters, and hilarious dialogue, and New Tales from the Borderlands has become one of my all-time favorite narrative-driven games.
Although its 2014 predecessor, Tales from the Borderlands, told a story about some of the various Vault Hunters and corporate goons inhabiting the mysterious planet of Pandora, New Tales from the Borderlands focuses on a group of characters from the lowly slums of Promethea, an urban planet previously featured in Borderlands 3.
The trio of protagonists of New Tales from the Borderlands aren’t the usual science fiction hero types, and they each come with their own quirky problems they’re trying to work through. For example, Anu is an altruistic, ambitious scientist who’s seeking to save the world, while her adopted brother Octavio is a relentlessly optimistic and somewhat simpleminded wannabe businessman. Rounding out the crew is Fran, a frogurt store owner with some pretty bad anger management issues. These characters embark on a journey to better their grimy world while bettering themselves and developing stronger friendships.
Narrative sits at the core of New Tales from the Borderlands. Almost all of the gameplay experience is focused on the story. Outside of some light exploration and the ability to purchase character skins with cash you collect for fulfilling certain objectives in the game, don’t expect a very mechanically dense experience here.
While the gameplay mechanics may be simple and straightforward, the story is not. New Tales from the Borderlands’s narrative branches out into many paths, all of which prioritize character development. As I played, I felt the characters changing based off of the choices I made and the directions I sent them in. Anu, who was so fixated on saving the world, learned that her family should’ve meant more to her, while Fran, a middle-aged woman running away from her anger issues, eventually embraced her rage. I found these moments beautiful in New Tales from the Borderlands; it was an almost magical feeling to see these characters grow into kinder people.
However, these moments weren’t possible to achieve without making the right decisions. Player choice is one of New Tales from the Borderlands’s most significant elements. The game provides players with four choices at each point in the story where player input is needed, and those selections determine how the story develops.
Given the weight of each decision I made, I had to be careful with my choices, but the results were not always immediate. Every character I was introduced to throughout New Tales from the Borderlands had their own unique personality, and I needed to strengthen the friendship and compatibility between each of them. Compatibility is affected by narrative decisions, and from there, the compatibility (or lack thereof) between different characters further shapes the outcome of the game’s narrative.
With five chapters in total, I had limited room to make mistakes. Whether it was rekindling Anu and Octavio’s bond as siblings or bringing Fran and Octavio closer together as former work buddies, I always had to focus on who’d get along with whom, because a couple of wrong choices could lead to the death of beloved characters, among other potential disastrous repercussions.
New Tales from the Borderlands doesn’t make these story choices easy either. On some occasions, I was forced to make sacrifices, to determine which characters would live and which would die, and to choose between greater goods and lesser evils. I tried my hardest to make decisions that reflected Anu’s altruistic ambitions of saving every human life possible, but even when the answer seemed simple, I didn’t always choose correctly. These missteps disappointed me, but that disappointment was driven by a genuine sense of immersion in the small but heroic lives of these characters, as well as a genuine desire to see them happy. I was halfway through the game before it hit me just how strongly I had already formed a bond with this group, a realization that convinced me of just how highly this game ranks in my personal estimation.
While there’s some real emotional depth here, don’t mistake that the whole game is serious. A huge part of the appeal of Borderlands is the witty, comedic exchanges between the characters. The total goofball Octavio banters with his socially awkward, nerdy sister Anu about the most obscene topics, while Fran is constantly getting mad and trying to control her temper. The Borderlands universe necessitates a dog-eat-dog existence, but these uplifting interactions help keep New Tales from the Borderlands from being relentlessly grim or depressing.
New Tales from the Borderlands was filled with so many charming moments and interactions, some that I still can’t get over. The abundance of well-written and pleasant stories and comedic exchanges between the characters added a level of authenticity that immersed me further into the game. Thanks to its strong writing and enchanting story, I couldn’t help but fall in love with these characters. By the end, I felt like I was living the stories of Anu and her friends as much as playing a game.
SCORE: 5 STARS OUT OF 5
PLAY IF YOU LIKE:
• The Borderlands franchise. If you’ve played any games from the Borderlands franchise, including Tales from the Borderlands, you’ll most likely enjoy the fresh story that plays out in New Tales from the Borderlands.
• Until Dawn. If you enjoy Until Dawn’s player choice elements and branching narratives, you might like New Tales from the Borderlands for the same thing.
💬Have you played New Tales from the Borderlands? If you had to choose between saving the world and getting filthy rich, which would you choose and why?
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Tales from the Borderlands - A Hilarious and Heartfelt Galactic Adventure
Tales from the Borderlands, a collaborative creation by Telltale Games and Gearbox Software, propels players into the chaotic and humor-filled world of Pandora. In this narrative-driven adventure, the game seamlessly blends the irreverent charm of the Borderlands series with the signature Telltale storytelling style.Visually, Tales from the Borderlands captures the vibrant yet desolate landscapes of Pandora. The distinctive art style mirrors the cel-shaded graphics of the Borderlands universe, adding a comic book flair to the storytelling. The character designs, from the charismatic Rhys to the witty Fiona, reflect the quirky essence of the Borderlands series.Gameplay revolves around choices and consequences, a hallmark of Telltale's narrative design. The game cleverly shifts perspectives between Rhys and Fiona, each offering a unique lens into the unfolding story. The humor-infused script, peppered with Borderlands' trademark wit, ensures that every dialogue choice and decision maintains the series' irreverent tone.The narrative depth of Tales from the Borderlands is a surprising strength. While known for its action-packed shooter gameplay, the Borderlands series isn't always associated with heartfelt storytelling. Tales, however, introduces players to a cast of characters whose humorous banter and unexpected emotional depth provide a well-rounded experience.Despite the game's strengths, some players might find that certain choices don't lead to as many divergent outcomes as they'd hope for. Additionally, those unfamiliar with the Borderlands universe might miss some of the game's nuanced references and in-jokes.In conclusion, Tales from the Borderlands stands out as a hilarious and emotionally resonant addition to both the Borderlands and Telltale universes. Its visually engaging style, coupled with a narrative that skillfully blends humor and heart, makes it a must-play for fans of narrative-driven adventures. Whether you're a seasoned Vault Hunter or a newcomer to Pandora, Tales delivers a galactic rollercoaster of laughter, surprises, and genuine emotional moments.
Fractured1682024-01-24
Borderlands: From Virtual Mayhem to Cinematic Spectacle
Prepare for an explosive cinematic journey as Borderlands, the acclaimed video game franchise, makes its grand entrance onto the silver screen this August! Get ready to witness the chaotic and colorful world of Pandora come to life in a live-action extravaganza that promises to deliver heart- pounding action, quirky humor, and a cast of unforgettable characters.
A Universe of Mayhems and Mischief
Borderlands is renowned for its unique blend of action, adventure, and over-the-top humor. The film adaptation captures the essence of the games, transporting audiences to the lawless and unpredictable planet of Pandora. From the desolate wastelands to the bustling urban centers, every corner of Pandora is teeming with danger, opportunity, and a cast of eccentric characters.
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New Tales from the Borderlands launches on October 21
The Borderlands series gets a new game.
Developed by Gearbox Studio Québec and published by 2K, New Tales from the Borderlands is a standalone title with brand-new protagonists to play, including Anu, an altruistic scientist, Octavio, Anu's brother, and Fran, a frozen yogurt store owner. Players will guide these three characters to fight against monsters and seek treasure.
New Tales from the Borderlands
TapTap Editor23K2022-10-16
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Hmmm information regarding why this game has gotten so many down votes online is strangely absent. I'd suggest anyone who considers buying this game do some more research outside of this review. There are 2 sides to every coin and anyone who presents a non-bias and educated review knows that.
2022-10-31
Author likedWell, my unbiased and educated opinion talked fondly about New Tales from the Borderlands. I truly enjoyed the game and loved playing every bit of it. Just because my opinion is different from other people's shouldn't make it any less valid. I do agree that anyone purchasing a game should do research regardless of whether they've read one or two positive or negative reviews about it.
2022-11-10
it's cool
2022-10-27