The Epic Finale: Why Borderlands 4 Will Redefine Gaming History

Highlights

Borderlands 4 should consider being the final installment in the current series as it has proven effective outside the shooter space, to avoid repetition and series fatigue.

Borderlands possesses the capability to differentiate itself and thrive across various genres, as proven by the triumph of Tales From The Borderlands. By deviating from its usual format and venturing into uncharted territory, Borderlands could achieve significant rewards while preserving its core elements such as the distinctive setting, memorable characters, and comedic elements.

Borderlands stood out from the crowd of serious shooters like Halo, Call of Duty, and Medal of Honor. Its comedic elements, distinctive cel-shaded art style, and wide array of weapons created an intentionally unbalanced yet enjoyable gameplay experience. While the series has gained a diverse following over the years, the future direction of Borderlands 4 remains uncertain. Despite its continued popularity among gamers, it has been more than a decade since the franchise was at its peak. To maintain player engagement and offer compelling content, it may be wise to conclude the series in its current form with Borderlands 4, especially considering its success beyond the traditional shooter genre.

Borderlands 3 Showed Change is Needed

The initial game, released in 2009, provided a captivating experience, but it seemed that the budding franchise had not found its true potential. The sequel in 2012 surpassed the original in numerous aspects, making it the definitive loot-based shooter in gaming and reducing the significance of the first installment. The Pre-Sequel utilized elements from its predecessor to enhance the development of the iconic Borderlands antagonist, Handsome Jack. However, when the third game was released in 2019, despite receiving positive reviews, it became evident that series fatigue had set in among gamers.

Borderlands 3 is not inherently flawed, but it lacks innovation compared to its predecessor. Additionally, the seven-year gap between mainline games presented its challenges. This was the first instance where the franchise felt stagnant, raising concerns about the potential consequences if Borderlands 4 follows the same pattern. The repetitive nature of the games may become a more significant drawback. To preserve the series' popularity into the next generation, it is crucial to conclude the story with Borderlands 4 and introduce fresh elements, such as rumored MMO features or a more narrative-driven experience, to captivate fans.

Borderlands Has Shown it Can Do Things Differently

Fans of the IP have grown accustomed to finding weapons, engaging in side activities, and taking down eccentric enemies from a first-person perspective. However, the history of Borderlands has demonstrated that it can thrive in various genres. The unexpected success of 2014's Tales From The Borderlands, a game by Telltale, can largely be attributed to its faithfulness to the Gearbox series. Rather than altering the established world and characters, it enhances them, proving that Borderlands is more than the sum of its parts. In light of this, it is evident that the series needs to undergo a change, but its past suggests that it is capable of adapting gracefully.

Through its characteristic comedic writing, Pandora has proven that it can be the focal point for creating enjoyable and valuable gaming experiences. Thus, departing from the familiar format in favor of something new may not be as daunting as it initially appears, and could yield significant benefits. The significant elements of Borderlands, namely the setting, characters, and humor, are what truly define the franchise, as evidenced by the shortcomings of the third game. With numerous other looter-shooters available to fill the void that Gearbox's acclaimed masterpiece might leave, designating Borderlands 4 as the series finale would give it the necessary weight to be truly memorable. Additionally, this decision would safeguard the franchise from the ever-present danger of repetition, to which Borderlands could be vulnerable.

Borderlands 4 is rumored to be in development.