The Enduring Charm of Borderlands: A Reliable Franchise in a Changing World
The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 era birthed numerous video game franchises that continue to thrive today. Few, however, have endured with the same quirky resilience as Borderlands. Gearbox Software’s shooter-RPG series has cultivated a dedicated fanbase while simultaneously becoming the subject of both critical acclaim and playful ridicule. Its consistent identity, for better or worse, is a defining characteristic: Borderlands shows little interest in drastically reinventing itself, preferring instead to refine its unique formula.
A Cel-Shaded Revolution:
Released on October 20, 2009, the original Borderlands initially envisioned a grittier aesthetic reminiscent of Fallout or Mad Max – a far cry from the vibrant cel-shaded world we know and love. The shift to this now-iconic cel-shaded art style, implemented late in development, was a pivotal moment. As the article states, “its now classic cel-shaded art style was chosen when the developers decided it needed a more distinct visual hook, much to the dismay of the game’s original art director.” This change wasn’t simply aesthetic; it fueled a more outlandish approach to gameplay, moving away from “boring” class abilities towards the more fantastical, RPG-infused powers that became a hallmark of the series. The result was a shooter that felt remarkably fresh in a market often dominated by realistic visuals. The game’s opening, set to Cage the Elephant’s “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked,” perfectly captured the tone – a blend of action, humor, and a distinctly rebellious attitude.
The Rise of Pandora:
Borderlands‘s success wasn’t accidental. Its unique blend of first-person shooter and RPG elements, combined with a strong emphasis on loot collection, resonated deeply with players. The ambitious approach paid off; the game sold two million copies within its first two months, a figure that continued to grow thanks to the release of four substantial DLC packs, extending its lifespan and attracting new players.
Borderlands 2: More of Everything (and Maybe Too Much):
The 2012 sequel, Borderlands 2, amplified everything that made the first game successful. It delivered a larger story, new character classes with over-the-top abilities, increased environmental diversity, and most significantly, an overwhelming abundance of guns. Even before considering its extensive DLC, Borderlands 2 offered an enormous amount of content. Critically acclaimed, it’s often cited as the series’ best entry, though this status is not without qualification. The game’s writing, while often witty, becomes excessively verbose, leading to a situation where “tuning out the dialogue becomes second nature.” This verbosity, while entertaining for some, proved to be divisive for others, and it raises important questions about the balance between humor and narrative engagement.
The Looming Shadow of Tales from the Borderlands:
The critical reception of the Borderlands series is often juxtaposed with the overwhelmingly positive reception of Telltale Games’ Tales from the Borderlands. This episodic adventure, lauded for its compelling narrative and more refined humor, serves as a compelling counterpoint to the mainline games’ often excessive dialogue. The inclusion of Tales’ characters in Borderlands 3* underscores the impact of this spin-off, highlighting a potential alternative path for the franchise that prioritizes story and character development over sheer volume.
A Bulletproof Franchise?:
Unlike other franchises from the PS3/360 era that experienced significant critical or commercial downturns, Borderlands has largely avoided catastrophic failures. Individual entries may have their detractors, but no single installment has necessitated a drastic course correction akin to what we’ve seen in series like Mass Effect, Assassin’s Creed, or Halo. Gearbox’s proactive approach to game preservation, ensuring older titles and DLC remain accessible on modern platforms, has further solidified the franchise’s longevity. This commitment to backward compatibility is unusual and is part of what has made the franchise successful.
The Power of Consistency:
Borderlands has stuck to its winning formula for fifteen years, a remarkable feat for a major Western AAA franchise. The change in Vault Hunters and locations is minimal compared what many other games do with new iterations; it stands in stark contrast to the industry trend of reinventing the wheel with each new iteration. The consistent success is further highlighted by its position as a pioneer in the looter shooter genre. Unlike some competitors, such as Destiny, Borderlands has avoided losing itself in its own complexity and has resisted the pressure to incorporate short-term engagement strategies like battle passes. The focus remains on the core loop of exploration, combat, and loot acquisition, a testament to enduring appeal of its classic design.
The Verdict: Reliable and Resolute:
If Borderlands could be described by one word, it would be "reliable." Across three mainline games and two spin-offs, the core gameplay loop remains consistently engaging. While its humor might not appeal to everyone and the dialogue may indeed be excessive, the series has found a comfortable niche. It’s a franchise that is content in its own skin, unfazed by criticism yet consistently able to produce entries with lasting appeal. As the author concludes, “bring on Borderlands 4, which is currently slated for 2025.” The future of Pandora and its Vault Hunters remains bright, promising further adventures in the reliably chaotic world Gearbox has successfully built.
