Will This Redeem The Franchise?

[AGT_ZURU]

So, I watched the Film... That was shocking...
I watched it with the perspective of Low Expectations, just so that I could have an opinion on it that was Valid. Yes, the Film can be summarised by the Scene with Clap-Trap S###ing Bullets. Except, those Bullets are all of the Dollars that they Wasted on something that ended up a Very Bad Product.



So, drawing a line under that, we come back to the Games.

Borderlands 1,
GREAT

Borderlands 2,
BETTER

Borderlands 3,
Urm, I think it's missing a Wheel. Yep, the wheels most certainly fell off on that one. I've not played this one, so, I've not got much Comment about it yet. Though, from what I did see of it, apparently it would appear to be taking the Go Woke or Go Broke approach. Correct me if I'm wrong.



From a Game-Play perspective, ignoring the Story.
I liked Roland a fair amount. Versatile, and great for my Game-Play Type. Then Borderlands 2 pops up, and we had Axton. A Great Character and also very Versatile. Then, the DLC released with Gaige, which is my Favourite Character to play across the Franchise.

Now, looking at Borderlands 3... I have no idea what Character to even go with, frankly, not a fan of any of them really.



Now, getting back to the Story, now ignoring the Game-Play.
So, the Story of Borderlands 1, from what I could tell, was well written. Borderlands 2, minus a particular DLC, was also fairly well written. Both had elements that made the Player actually Feel. Because, isn't that what Story Driven Games are meant to be about.

Borderlands 2 also features one of the Top 10 most famous and favourite Villain's in Computer Game History. A Character who you're driven to hate, but as you hear the Story, you come to understand his perspective, and thus, a well written Character prime example.

Borderlands 3...
So, I'm relying on YouTube mostly on this one, so take this as you like. However, from what I can tell, it's not... That good... The Story Writing seems to lean toward some really odd things, and then, what is meant to be a Heartfelt Moment, is just ruined by, well, everything. A YouTube Video, which is basically a massive rant, sums the entire Fuster Cluck up in around 90 Minutes.



Basically, without getting into the details, I'm just a bit concerned that I might find myself buying a Game for anything up to £100 (GBP) Inclusive of ALL DLC's, only for it to just be more Bland, Recycled, Woke Slobber that even a Skag wouldn't think of going near.

Don't misunderstand, Borderlands 3 does have a few of its own Merits, but the Story isn't one of them. I will likely wait for Borderlands 4 to be out for about a Year before I see it in a Sale and Grab it then. Since, if Modern Game Developer Standards are anything to go by, it will likely Release in September 2025, be Buggy as it gets, have to be Patched for the first Year of its Release, still be Buggy anyway, and have a delayed release of any DLC's it might happen to get... Eventually.



Summary, while it might say September 2025 as the Release Date, I'm thinking that if it will be worth buying at all, it will only be AFTER around a Year of Release, making it roughly around December 2026 before I buy the thing, if at all.

---

So, on that, I'll say what I would like to see in the Game.

Character (Class):
A Gaige Type OR Commando Type (more closer to Roland).
For a Roland Alike Character Class:
> Turret (with maybe Axton's Bubble Shield on it)
> Support Skills designed to Heal and Resupply Allies and Self
> Guns Skills, focusing on Damage
> Grenade Skills, again, focusing on Damage
For a Gaige Alike Character Class (maybe even Gaige herself, or a Sister*?):
> Robot Summon (I thought it was nice to have)
> Support Skills designed to Buff Allies and Self
> Robot Revive Ability (Robot being able to Revive downed Allies and Self)
> Guns Skills, focusing on Recoil Reduction and Accuracy
> Grenade Skills, maybe increase Ammo Capacity OR Grenade MOD Characteristics

Loot:
Infinity Pistol is a Staple diet for the Game, maybe having an interesting Infinity Line of different Weapon Types. Obviously, for Balancing reasons, they would likely not do as much Damage, or have any additional Gimmicks that make some of the other weapons more interesting.
IMPORTANT:
So, Loot Drops, we need a Button or something, that will allow Players to pick if they want the Loot Drop Rate to be focused on Rarity OR Quantity. The idea being that a Player might just want the stunning Visuals that come with having 100 Items all drop at once. Alternatively, some Players want to have that Tough Boss Fight, but get the Legendary Drop, and nothing else to be slowing down the FPS. Some Players may want it somewhere in the Middle. Maybe introduce a Mode where NO Items Drop, but Legendary Items can Spawn in the Shops once you complete specific criteria.

---

OK, so, an Idea I have for a Character (DLC most likely). While it would be cool to have a proper Story attached, I'd be happy to write it if anyone's interested.
What if Gaige had a Sister?

So, similar to Gaige in terms of Class, as another Mechromancer. However, not so focused on the Anarchist Skill Tree. Instead, a more Supportive Type of character, who maybe might even be a Hybrid Version of Sniper Gaige Build...



Personally, I liked to MOD my Borderlands 2 into a sort of Gaige Hybrid with Zero's Skills. Maybe some sort of Sniper Build Mechromancer could be introduced into Borderlands 4.

Without knowing what the Trees for the other Characters will look like, I can't yet provide a full Tree for a Mechromancer for Borderlands 4.

[Dim]

I don't think so. And it's the first time i'm not interest at all in a new Borderlands game. Loved previous games (even 3), played multiple times from BL1 to 3, The Presequel, (even TTW finished it), but no point to buy 4. Looks just like an identical clone of 3. The only difference will be skill trees, and the increased price. Gearbox should just do a remastered version of Borderlands 1/2,instead to keep going and cloning 3.

[AGT_ZURU]

Originally posted by Dim:

I don't think so. And it's the first time i'm not interest at all in a new Borderlands game. Loved previous games (even 3), played multiple times from BL1 to 3, The Presequel, (even TTW finished it), but no point to buy 4. Looks just like an identical clone of 3. The only difference will be skill trees, and the increased price. Gearbox should just do a remastered version of Borderlands 1/2,instead to keep going and cloning 3.

An Updated or Remastered Version of Borderlands 2 would be nice. Specifically focusing on maybe increased MOD Support. A man can dream right, LOL.

[Black Hole]

I think if they were ever gonna do a remaster for 2 they would have by now.

[Nanz]

I'm not really impressed with what I've seen so far. So a skip and wait for patches/big discount for me.
It would be funny if Rockstar announced GTA 6's release date was September

[Black Hole]

I think it's in October now.

[Junipercat]

Originally posted by AGT_ZURU:

Borderlands 1,
GREAT

Borderlands 2,
BETTER

Borderlands 3,
Urm, I think it's missing a Wheel. Yep, the wheels most certainly fell off on that one. I've not played this one, so, I've not got much Comment about it yet. Though, from what I did see of it, apparently it would appear to be taking the Go Woke or Go Broke approach. Correct me if I'm wrong.

I am in line with your ratio, but at a different degree I think.

BL1
GOOD

BL2
GREAT

BL The Pre Sequel
VERY GOOD.
(Sometimes I view as a BL2 DLC because specific backstory, and a little cut content)

BL3
GAMEPLAY GREAT
STORY / WRITING / CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT ATROCIOUS
DLC BETTER Except they tore down Gaige. GLT ending cinematic is out of place for the type of game, though if it had been a story resulting in Claptrap getting electrocuted in a similar situation it would fit very well.

BL3 can still be a fun ride. Just get the right sale and prepare what you must regarding the sound that leaks from Tyreen.

BL4
SO FAR LOOKS GOOD FROM TRAILERS
SIDE BY SIDE STRUT SAYS NOTHING (Too many claim DEI / Woke from no info)
SAME WRITERS AND PEOPLE IN CHARGE HAS MANY PLAYERS CONCERNED

BL MOVIE
HAVEN'T SEEN
From what I understand it was taking inspiration from the first Borderlands (not BL2) but beyond that is completely detached from the game series itself.

I remain interested in BL4 but very cautious. I need a proper gameplay trailer (not just snippits that jump around) and some hard info on all the important bits including anything that will assure salvage of the writing and treatment of characters. That includes they address the controversy of Ava (preferably actual growth only because killing off the character would be awkward to me after the effort they did to shoehorn her into place).

edit
GAIGE HAVING A LITTLE SISTER MECHROMANCER
Umm...hmmm.....YES?
Perhaps story to save Big Sis as something has to be wrong with her and be part of the arc for addressing her backstory. Great now I want a Mechromancer series of games.

[Aidenel]

Like Veilguard it will either redeem or doom it. (In Veilguards case, doom.)

[Gila]

Don't hope for much

[motsole]

yeah I personally think the gameplay will probably be fine I think they're just adding extra movement to what you could already do when Borderlands 3 and Tiny Tina's Wonderland. but going by the past track record I don't think the game will run very well at launch and probably a few months after launch. I think they were hoping the movie would drum up interest except most people lost confidence instead.

one idea that popped into my head of a DLC character if they do DLC characters. they go do a robot or cyborg that can transform like full on Cyborg monster. I like playing monsters in games I just like to see more of it

[SloanWulf]

Been a long time fan since BL1, and have hundreds of hours in 1 & 2. After how horrible the story and characters were ini BL3, I don't have any hope for 4.

Looking at trailers, characters and info there is out so far for BL4, I've lost all interest in the franchise, I probably wont even buy when it's 50% off in 6 months.

[Black Hole]

I dont see any chance this game redeems the franchise it's already got the gay stuff in it on the same level likely if not more than 3, and people are sick of the clown show.

[Junipercat]

I would be very surprised if BL4 turns it completely around. My best hope is they learn from the issues of BL3 and move it in a better direction. That way even if they don't hit it in the preferred sweet spot it would pave the way to show the series could be redeemed and polish it with a BL5 (or another series within the same game universe).

I am also curious if they are going to release a statement, have a live discussion, or something along those lines to address the tremendous outcry regarding BL3's reception. Preferably in more specific explanations and assurances, not vague hand-waving of "oh we're moving in that direction, somewhere over there". Don't know if PAX will be enough to cover what is needed.

[motsole]

Originally posted by Junipercat:

I would be very surprised if BL4 turns it completely around. My best hope is they learn from the issues of BL3 and move it in a better direction. That way even if they don't hit it in the preferred sweet spot it would pave the way to show the series could be redeemed and polish it with a BL5 (or another series within the same game universe).

I am also curious if they are going to release a statement, have a live discussion, or something along those lines to address the tremendous outcry regarding BL3's reception. Preferably in more specific explanations and assurances, not vague hand-waving of "oh we're moving in that direction, somewhere over there". Don't know if PAX will be enough to cover what is needed.

I'd be surprised too I have a sneaking suspicion they've probably just double down on what they've done in B3, Wonderland and new tales from the Borderlands,
but I will admit the story in Wonderland is a bit better forgettable but better. I don't think they would have an open discussion Randy pittsford and some of the riders I've got a gigantic ego and have a tendency to argue then block anyone who critics them and the game they're making

[Hex: Dementia]

My bet is on no. They will double down on even more wokeness than in BL3 and Wonderlands (if that is even possible). So by default they are already alienating most of their original fanbase

[Morghy]

No.