Borderlands 4 Takes a Bold New Direction, but Risks Losing Its Core Essence – Preview

I’m diving into Borderlands 4. Let me tell you, it feels like putting on a new pair of shoes—kind of comfy, kind of like why did I even get these? You know the vibe. Anyway, this game’s all about reinvention, or something close to it. It’s like they’ve slapped a fresh coat of paint on it, but maybe spilled a bit on the carpet on the way? It’s still got that lootin’-shootin’ rush, but something feels a bit… missing? Or is it just me?

Picture this: Kairos. Nope, not where you vacationed last summer. It’s a brand spankin’ new planet. You get there and BAM, a moon just decides to crash through whatever magic barrier was up. Juxtaposition much? Maybe that’s just how they roll in the Borderlands. So, now it’s all about old meets new characters and weapons, mashed into this hot mess of chaos and charm.

Exploration? Oh, don’t even get me started. I snooped around during a preview, right? They’ve ditched those annoying loading screens for a vast open world—a big ol’ playground. I ended up launching off ramps into water like it was no big deal. Does it give off Destiny vibes? Weirdly, yes. And I kinda like it. Though, as much as I’d love to say it’s all gravy, the world feels a bit, how do I put it… hollow? Like, mighty interesting in parts, but then there are these yawning gaps of nada in between. Someone throw in more random events out there, please.

And when the shooting kicks off—holy moly, it’s as scrumptious as ever. Think caramel glides or something. You’ve got guns you snag from everywhere, even gross places like toilets, and they pack that classic punch. Get this: your sniper shoots weird elemental stuff, and the shotgun’s like a killer pet that toddles around causing mayhem. Yep, that’s the tech I can get behind.

But hold up—let’s chat about the whole gun re-design. They’ve shaken up manufacturers’ identities, which sounds radical… but does it work? I’m torn. You got all these mix-and-match gun parts now, which spices up the journey between pistols and snipers, but is it a masterpiece? Or just a bowl of blended flavors losing their kick? Picture a Bugatti heart in a Ferrari body. Cool idea, right? But is it better? Shrug.

Now, here’s where my heart gets a tad heavy. The series has mellowed out on the humor front. Remember when it was all wild and wacky? Now, there’s this grown-up gloss over it. Mature, they say. I miss the craziness, though. You see, they’re steering clear of cringeworthy antics from before, but the pendulum’s swung too far the other way. And darn it, I miss the silliness.

I did this mission with Rush—big dude, absolute unit, a real sweetheart—who sends you off to fight this guy, Horrace. Rush is pretty likable. The trouble? Bland quests. I mean, I got more laughs from Claptrap’s cheeky side-mission than the whole main gig! That’s when you know things are a bit off-kilter.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering, it’s still Borderlands—obviously. But less wacky, more tame. You do still have these vaults. They’re supposed to be the big finale, yeah? The whole “dungeon boss” feel. However, turns out the epic loot’s kinda missing. I cracked open a vault and grabbed… a green gun. Meh. Not the grand treasure I imagined.

You dive into these bosses, dodging perilous floors, blasting enemy bits—awesome stuff, no doubt. Yet once the dust settles, the reward doesn’t quite hit the high notes it used to. Anyway, Borderlands 4: it’s a bit of a tear-jerker if you’re a fan of the old ways. You need to play it with an open mind because it’s a whole reimagining—like a fresh start. But, watch out—the nostalgia might yank at your heartstrings, and heaven forbid, there isn’t a cheeky joke to soften the blow.