Borderlands 4: Reviving a Lost Gem — The Exciting Return of Wonderlands

Borderlands 4 has the potential to reintroduce previous mechanics that were left out of Tiny Tina's Wonderlands. The upcoming game is expected to build upon the successful elements of its recent predecessors, including fan-favorite features. Unless a feature was completely unnecessary or unsuccessful, it can be challenging to justify its removal. Therefore, there is a strong argument for the return of these missing features in Borderlands 4, even if they were not significant aspects in the past.

Due to its significant design changes, Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, a fantasy-themed spinoff, differs from the main Borderlands games in various ways. The most notable difference is the absence of pre-defined Vault Hunters with distinct personalities. Instead, players assume the role of the Fatemaker, a customizable protagonist created from scratch using available creation tools. Moreover, Tiny Tina serves as the game's narrator, adding commentary throughout the game, a departure from the main games (excluding The Pre-Sequel) which lacked a proper narrator. Additionally, the inclusion of magical spells further enhances the game's fantasy atmosphere.

Borderlands 4 Could Let Players Go One-on-One Once Again

Dueling has been a feature since the beginning of the series, but Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, unlike any other game, completely eliminated it. Dueling is a simple way to pass time, where two players engage in a melee battle, and the winner is determined by draining the opponent's health. However, due to the formidable firepower available to players, duels often conclude swiftly. Borderlands 3 even took it a step further by allowing more than two players to engage in duels simultaneously.

The absence of dueling in Tiny Tina's Wonderlands was a letdown, although it can be justified within the context of the game's universe. The campaign in Tiny Tina's Wonderlands mimics a game of Bunkers and Badasses, which is essentially the Borderlands version of Dungeons & Dragons. In Bunkers and Badasses, it is generally discouraged for players to combat each other, unless there are exceptional circumstances, as it tends to disrupt the flow of the adventure. Even though Tiny Tina is known for her chaotic nature, she would prefer to keep her campaign on track without any distractions. Hence, the exclusion of dueling in Tiny Tina's Wonderlands can be rationalized, albeit still somewhat disappointing.

Despite being a lesser-used feature, dueling can still be reintroduced in Borderlands 4 as a revival from the past. With Borderlands 3 already incorporating free-for-all duels, Borderlands 4 can take dueling to the next level with innovative approaches. For instance, duels could be limited to a specific weapon type that both players have equipped, or the first shot could guarantee an instant victory. Adding variety to duels can enhance their excitement and elevate them as a significant aspect of Borderlands 4's gameplay.

Although dueling was excluded from Tiny Tina's Wonderlands spinoff, its absence in one game does not imply its permanent disappearance. Despite being a minor feature, dueling is a longstanding element of the series that has brought enjoyment to numerous players. Duels can serve as a way for players to commemorate victories, experiment with new weapons, or simply engage in friendly fights. While Tiny Tina's Wonderlands chose not to include duels, Borderlands 4 has a valid justification to reintroduce this feature.

Tiny Tina's Wonderlands is available now for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.