The Incredible Marvel Game Feature That Could Revolutionize Borderlands 4

Highlights

An intriguing concept for the upcoming Borderlands installment entails the integration of a character interaction mechanism akin to Marvel's Midnight Suns, enabling players to enhance their connections with non-playable characters (NPCs).

Introducing a relationship system in Borderlands 4 has the potential to offer exclusive loot, allowing players to unlock character-specific weapons. As players advance in their relationships, they can also unlock new dialogues for characters, providing lore enthusiasts with fresh insights into their beloved NPCs.

When the next Borderlands game is released, fans can expect certain elements to remain unchanged. The cel shaded visual style, although more refined, will continue to be a hallmark of the series. The emphasis on collecting a wide variety of weapons will still be present, along with playable characters possessing unique abilities and a plethora of humor. However, Gearbox will have the freedom to explore new ideas and incorporate fresh elements into the next installment of Borderlands.

Numerous suggestions have been proposed for the next Borderlands game. Some of these suggestions pertain to the story, such as the return of The Watcher or providing answers about Zer0's origins. Others are related to gameplay, like the reintroduction of Pearlescents and traditional raid bosses. One intriguing idea, inspired by Marvel's Midnight Suns, is the inclusion of a character relationship system.

Marvel’s Midnight Suns’ Relationship Format Fits Borderlands Perfectly

Despite being a commercial failure, Marvel's Midnight Suns, much like Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, is an exceptional game that deserved more recognition and sales. While its strategic gameplay may not be seen in Borderlands anytime soon, Firaxis' Marvel game does introduce an aspect that could be implemented. In between missions, players have the opportunity to cultivate their relationships with each hero, unlocking special enhancements for the characters along the way.

Marvel's Midnight Suns employs a simple yet effective relationship system that delves into the rich histories and personalities of the superheroes. By undertaking missions together, engaging in training sessions, or enjoying hangouts where they partake in activities such as watching movies or playing video games, players can gradually strengthen their bonds. Complimenting their preferred hero, offering desired gifts, and selecting the appropriate dialogue options during conversations also contribute to elevating the relationship meter. Each time a bond is leveled up, an intimate conversation takes place as the character becomes more open with The Hunter, the original protagonist of Marvel's Midnight Suns.

Dialogue options are unlikely to be added in Borderlands 4 to maintain the game's expected style. However, other methods of leveling up could be implemented. Players can gain experience points by interacting with NPCs on Sanctuary 3 after major story events. Completing quests for NPCs could result in significant increases in experience points. Additionally, players can give gifts to NPCs found while exploring Pandora or other planets, with larger boosts given if the gift matches the character's preferences. For example, FL4K would appreciate a collar for one of their beasts, while Gaige would value tools for working on Deathtrap.

As players level up their relationships with NPCs, they would receive character-specific weapons, similar to Mad Moxxi's exclusive guns but with a more complex system than just tipping a character money. At the highest level, players could obtain an exclusive Legendary weapon, and they may also unlock special conversations with the NPCs that reveal previously unknown details about them. These special scenes could provide significant insight into characters like Fiona, who disappeared at the end of Tales from the Borderlands, or characters like Zer0, who have numerous unanswered mysteries to explore.

Borderlands' iconic characters are a cornerstone of the franchise, and Gearbox should wholeheartedly embrace them in the next mainline entry. While the game's gunplay and unique weapons offer enjoyment, it's the diverse cast that truly defines Borderlands, including renowned villains like Handsome Jack and skilled Vault Hunters like Moze and Athena. Implementing a hypothetical relationship system, though not as intricate as Marvel's Midnight Suns, would greatly enhance the experience, allowing players to unlock exclusive loot and engage in dialogue with every significant NPC in Borderlands 4, resulting in an extraordinary gameplay experience.