After “Borderlands 2” was released in 2012 earning universal acclaim from critics and gamers alike, Gearbox Software worked on their next project a prequel to the second game called, “Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel.”
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel was released in 2014. (same year Middle Earth: Shadow Of Mordor came out) It received positive reviews from critics and gamers alike. A follow up titled, “Borderlands 3” is set after the second’s game events. That game also earned decent positive reception.
There are two reasons why I wanted to share my thoughts on Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel. One, an upcoming film based on the franchise starring Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis & Jack Black will be released in 2022 with Eli Roth (Cabin Fever, Inglorious Basterds) directing. Second, a spin-off titled, “Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands” will also come out next year. Borderlands is one of my favorite video game franchises. My personal favorite is the second installment.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS. Is it a flawless game? Let’s find out shall we?
Pros & Cons
Pros: Voice Actors all did an excellent job for their respective voiceover performances.
Graphics retains its cel shaded animation format bringing elements to life such as character models, lighting, environmental locations etc.
Combat brings back a variety of arsenal like pistols, shotguns, assault rifles, smgs, rocket launchers, grenades and sniper rifles. A new weapon introduced is a friggin’ laser beam.
Elemental Damage is another important thing. Allow me to list them all. Electricity, Fire, Explosive and acid. A new type is ice allowing you to literally freeze bad guys.
A new mechanic is double jumping in zero gravity, follow by a powerful stomp.
If you’re in space, oxygen gives you a limited amount of time. Always equip an o2 cannister. Claptrap is the only character who doesn’t need oxygen, because he’s a robot.
Weapon rarity plays a crucial part ranging from common to legendary.
Boss Fights are so intense. Especially the final foe. I had to level up before approaching him.
Four playable characters are Wilhelm, Athena, Nisha & Claptrap. If you bought “The Handsome Jack Collection” or purchased all DLC, two additional characters named, Aurelia & Jack (Handsome Jack’s body double) racks up a total of six. I played as Wilhelm on my first playthrough. On my second playthrough, I played as Jack’s body double.
Each character has a special ability. Wilhelm summons two drones if he’s a tight situation. Athena can throw her shield towards a number of enemies like Captain America. Nisha automatically aims at targets. Claptrap analyzes enemies and he can give he and is teammates temporary buffs. Jack’s body double creates duplicates of himself. Aurelia throws a frosty shard at an enemy, depleting health down to zero. It can move to another foe on and on.
Characters from the first two games return as they guide you on your journey.
Many enemies will stand in your way such as aliens, wildlife, robots, bandits either normal or mutated, space marines etc.
As you level up, you obtain better weapons. The more you level up, the more powerful guns you can use to take out tougher opponents.
If you’re gunned down, a time limit pops up. If you successfully kill an enemy, you gain health and stand up on your feet. Be wary.
If you die, you’re transported back to the closest checkpoint at the cost of your money.
If you have friends playing online, you can invite three of them. As you play together on co-op, the game is slightly difficult. More enemies, more treasure. Definitely worth a challenge with your buddies.
Like the first two games, the pre-sequel is filled with numerous pop culture references. If you’re a pop culture buff, you are gonna crack up.
Customization gives you many options to dress up your preferred character.
Fast travel is retained helping you go from Point A to Point B immediately.
The game is set before Borderlands 2 giving us Handsome Jack’s backstory on how he became the main antagonist of the second installment. As the main story progresses, Jack acquires his robot army, a cloaking device and how he got his face disfigured.
Optional Quests are worth wasting your spare time.
If you own all DLC, you get to play more content adding additional hours.
Once you beat the main story, “New Game Plus” allows you to replay the entire game. You’re current level and equipment stays intact. Difficulty is increased significantly worth more loot and powerful guns. If you’re up for a challenge, don’t be shy.
Cons: I couldn’t find anything wrong with this game. I’m giving Gearbox Software an Extra Point for making a flawless game as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
From my point of view, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel is my second favorite of the Borderlands series. A flawless masterpiece. Borderlands 2 is my personal favorite. If you’re a fan of the series, I highly recommend all the games. I can’t wait for the upcoming movie and spin-off.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 