Borderlands 4 Has to Undo the Narrative Disaster That Was Borderlands 3

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Certainly!

Borderlands, indeed, is a captivating gaming franchise, relatively new yet influential enough to coin the term ‘Looter Shooter’. With its unique blend of tone, style, and unbridled chaos, it has garnered widespread affection among gamers. Its gameplay mechanics, though basic in RPG terms, offer an accessible experience for both FPS aficionados and RPG connoisseurs alike. It’s no secret that Borderlands has made its mark. However, even the most cherished franchises can sometimes veer off course.

Step into the world of “Borderlands 3”, a game that saw significant improvements mechanically compared to its predecessor when it comes to gameplay. However, in terms of its narrative, it was a catastrophic letdown, to put it mildly. While “Borderlands 2” offered a well-structured plot and a complex antagonist in Handsome Jack, “Borderlands 3” unfortunately buried these elements under disjointed storytelling, lacking any form of self-awareness. This lack of cohesion is particularly noticeable.

The aspect of Borderlands 3 that was most aggravating was its inconsistent storyline. It seemed as though the writers didn’t fully grasp the characters they were developing or lacked the ability to progress their stories in a significant manner. Some of the character alterations in Borderlands 3 were particularly poor, reminiscent of the controversial portrayal of Luke Skywalker in The Last Jedi. Characters beloved by fans, such as Lilith, were transformed into characters that barely resembled their original selves, all to make way for a new group of characters whose appeal was questionable at best.

To illustrate, let’s consider Ava, a fresh character from Borderlands 3. Her inclusion in the storyline unfortunately created numerous problems on multiple fronts. Presented as Maya’s headstrong apprentice, Ava was thrust into the spotlight prematurely with insufficient background, minimal character development, and a personality that jarred with every scene she appeared in, disrupting the overall tone. The narrative compelled her to participate in scenes intended for established characters, resulting in emotionally shallow moments that felt unearned… except for one instance.

In simpler terms, during an event, Ava played a significant role that resulted in Maya’s sudden demise. This event was impactful not because of its emotional intensity or superior writing, but because it felt contrived and conveniently advanced the story to focus on Ava. Instead of respecting Maya’s legacy, Borderlands 3 seemed to exploit her death as a means to further Ava’s role in the plot, despite Ava being largely responsible for Maya’s death initially. The ‘Passing the Torch’ narrative device used here fell flat because Ava hadn’t earned that role yet. It might seem harsh to criticize Ava, but she becomes even more questionable as the story progresses.

In the world of Borderlands, Lilith, a character deeply cherished by fans and symbolic of the franchise itself, experienced a disappointing treatment in Borderlands 3. Rather than celebrating her established importance through thoughtful portrayal, she was demoted to a secondary role. Her formidable powers were largely diminished, and she was often overlooked during crucial narrative moments due to this power reduction. To add insult to injury, Ava, who was responsible for Maya’s death, consistently disrespected Lilith without facing any significant consequences. This treatment felt unsatisfying given Lilith’s previous role as the embodiment of Borderlands’ spirit and resilience. Here’s hoping that in Borderlands 4, she gets a well-deserved comeback.

The storyline didn’t provide Ava with the development or responsibility suitable for such a crucial part. Her actions were confusing, and her promotion overshadowed beloved characters from the Borderlands series. It’s hardly surprising that many in the Borderlands community dislike Ava, viewing her not as a worthy heir, but as a representation of the story’s missteps.

From my perspective as an avid fan, Tiny Tina’s transformation from equally chaotic and impulsive to a character with depth was captivating. The heart-wrenching journey she embarked on after the loss of Roland served as a compelling emotional backbone for the series. It was poignant to witness how her grief and subsequent coping mechanisms formed the basis for an entire spin-off, “Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands”. This game, born from her imagination and her quest to come to terms with loss, showcases the power of storytelling. Tina’s growth, fueled by emotional weight and authentic development, solidified her place in the spotlight.

Compared to Tina, Ava didn’t have a build-up or any significant development. There were no dramatic twists, no deep emotional connections, nothing that would make the audience empathize with her. She was suddenly thrust into the spotlight without gaining the audience’s trust, and it’s evident. In comparison to Tina, Ava seems like a story-stealer, not creating her own impact.

Unfortunately, Borderlands 3’s impact extends beyond Ava, as the Calypso Twins, the main adversaries, fell short of what one would expect from true villains. They seemed more like exaggerated cartoon characters than complex antagonists. Their lack of depth made them feel less threatening and more akin to Saturday morning cartoon villains. The writing for these characters was as shallow as a meme page and as subtle as a lawnmower, creating villains that fail to engage the Borderlands community. The biggest issue lies in the fact that their actions appear tailored to serve the player, rather than being authentic threats. Instead of simply being antagonists, they seem designed to draw attention by declaring, ‘Look at me, I’m a problem,’ rather than just existing as such.

As a devoted gamer, I must admit that after experiencing the captivating villainy of Handsome Jack in the Borderlands universe, the Calypsos felt like a significant narrative misstep for me. Their motivations were laughably thin, and their relentless streamer-esque humor diluted any sense of threat they were intended to convey. It’s disappointing because their initial ideals held promise, particularly at the outset of Borderlands 3. However, they failed to evolve, which only served to highlight how far the series seems to have drifted from its roots – a blend of humor and intelligence that once set Borderlands apart.

In summary, it’s important to understand that when people initially joined the Borderlands series, it wasn’t primarily for its story. The first game, being a pioneer in the looter shooter genre, had a minimal narrative, serving only as a backdrop for the next action-packed fight or treasure hunt. What truly captivated players was the chaotic atmosphere and the sheer fun of obliterating hordes of nameless loot creatures with friends. Regrettably, Borderlands 3 made significant blunders in its narrative, which not only tarnished the legacy of Borderlands 2 but also diminished the gaming experience and caused doubt about the franchise’s future storytelling.

As a gamer, I’m eagerly anticipating Borderlands 4, but it’s got some serious narrative ground to cover following the conclusion of Borderlands 3. It’s not just about meeting sequel expectations; it’s about restoring faith and re-establishing the unique tone that makes this series special. I want to feel invested in the story once more, not just another passing mention. That means addressing any past missteps, giving our beloved characters the recognition they deserve, and introducing fresh faces who truly connect with players.

It’s yet undecided if Borderlands 4 can reestablish some coherence in the series’ storyline. However, it’s certain that it faces a significant challenge in regaining the goodwill of the fans by delivering an impressive performance.

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2025-07-23 14:11