It has been years between drinks for Gearbox and 2K’s pioneering looter-shooter. Borderlands 4 arrived shortly after one of the most nonsensical and unwatchable game-to-screen adaptations of all time, and yet it more than makes up for any damage Jack Black and his crew inflicted on this otherwise fantastic IP.
If you take anything away from this Borderlands 4 review, it’s this. It’s well worth the outing and a strong return to form for a series that once ate itself with overindulgence and some incredibly inane and annoying dialogue, courtesy of everyone’s favourite divisive R2-D2 wannabe, Claptrap.
Being far better than Borderlands 3 is not exactly high praise, but the fourth entry can recapture the chaotic thrill of the first two games. The opening hours feel clunky and overly linear. However, a refreshingly bright approach to gory, open-world FPS action not only sticks the landing, it brings grace back to a franchise that has sometimes been anything but graceful.
Put some respect on the name
Borderlands is to looter-shooters what the Soulsborne series is to action RPGs. It was a trailblazer, a game that others have repeatedly tried and often failed to replicate. No other looter-shooter has captured the same sense of immersion or whimsical role-playing fun. It is no surprise that Borderlands 4 has already crossed $150 million in sales. That figure does not eclipse its predecessors, but it is only the beginning. Once players dive in, all past frustrations are quickly forgotten.
Gunfights are fun, furious and frantic, which can be distracting at times. I find myself seeking out large packs of rippers to mow down and level up, more than I do actually following the missions. Exploration is fun, and it hasn’t been since we first dipped into the Mad Max-style of the first Borderlands (which still holds up remarkably well, mind you).
A brighter overworld
Borderlands 4 wastes no time reminding players why the series became such a phenomenon. Set on the new planet Kairos, the game leans into its looter-shooter roots while introducing enough fresh ideas to keep things interesting.
Combat is chaotic, satisfying, and relentlessly fast-paced, with a staggering variety of weapons and abilities that reward experimentation. Traversal has been noticeably improved. A grappling hook and smarter movement mechanics make exploring the sprawling, gory landscapes feel effortless.
Every corner of the world can be poked, prodded, and looted. Yes, this gets tedious sometimes. I’m not as patient as a gamer as I used to be, and 100% ing a game like this requires a tremendous amount of slowdown. The open world is fantastic for exploration, however, with its Far Cry-like tropical setting.
I find myself much more interested in experimenting with different types of weaponry, whether it’s absolutely blasting a ripper with proximity minds and sliding under cover to watch him explode, or taking his head off from a mile away with the game’s vast array of snipers. The game feels tactical, and wiping out entire enclaves feels rewarding as a result.
The story is serviceable, following a group of new Vault Hunters as they take on the tyrannical Timekeeper and his forces. It is not groundbreaking, but it provides a sturdy framework for all the mayhem.
The dialogue hits a far better tone than the painfully over-the-top nonsense of Borderlands 3. Characters are vibrant without being obnoxious, each boasting unique abilities that feel meaningful in combat while still allowing for the ridiculous antics the series is known for. Humour is dialled in just right. It is snarky when it needs to be, without being overly annoying and distracting from the gameplay.
There’s still nothing like Borderlands
Visually, the game continues the franchise’s signature cel-shaded style, now sharper and more vibrant than ever. Each area has its own distinct personality, from sun-scorched deserts to twisted industrial zones.
Character and enemy designs remain imaginative, and animations are fluid. Gunplay feels weighty, and the colourful, over-the-top world around you amplifies the chaotic energy of every firefight.
The game is not without flaws. Technical hiccups, including occasional stuttering and long load times. Climbing walls is clunky and frustratingly inconsistent. Inventory and skill management screens can feel cluttered, especially during the heat of combat.
Despite these issues, the core gameplay is incredibly fun. Gearbox also continues to engage the community in meaningful ways. Players are rewarded for achievements with creative in-game incentives that make the world feel alive and responsive, giving the player plenty to do aside from just completing mission after mission.
Final Thoughts
Borderlands 4 delivers exactly what fans want: chaos, humour, and endless loot. It is fun without overcomplicating things, wild without losing focus, and familiar without feeling stale.
For anyone who has ever loved the series, or even just enjoyed a good, messy shootout, this is a return to form that hits hard and refuses to let go.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Gorgeous art style, balanced sense of humour, fun gun battles, huge variety of guns
Lowlights: Some clunky traversal, long load times, not enough variety in enemies
Developer: Gearbox Software
Publisher: 2K Games
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Windows PC
Available: Now
Review conducted on PlayStation 5 Pro with a code provided by the publisher.
Featured header image also provided by the publisher.
