Recent reviews by yngstace

Unheard in beta ✅
buy again on release ✅
negative review ✅
keep playing ✅

Let me start by saying this: I’m not going to justify how Borderlands 4 runs. The performance is, frankly, terrible. And that’s putting it mildly... But if you can get past the optimization/performance the game is actually incredible.

I’m about 20 hours in, and I’m having an absolute blast. The main storyline feels good compared to previous games and it still has the familiar humor and chaos, but with a much better pace and direction. Even the side quests, like Outbunders, are surprisingly good.

The guns and the gunplay in general feels really good. Most of the weapons are fun to use, and the secondary fire modes are often pretty satisfying. Picking up new guns feels like small surprises.

Another big W is the world design. Borderlands 4 leans into an open-world/MMO-style structure, and gameplay wise it works incredibly well. The major zones feel fleshed out. The boss fights in particular feel really really good, they're usually massive and chaotic. Which feels in-tune with how Borderlands should be. It’s clear Gearbox took some cues from other MMO designs, and it works suprisingly well here.

Now, about performance: I know many players can’t even get into the game without it crashing. Personally, I haven’t had those issues (yet). Zero crashes and no major stutters. Using a Ryzen 7 5700X3D and an RX 6800 I’ve mostly stayed above 110 FPS everywhere using FSR (except for one boss fight, which I won’t spoil). Still, the fact that so many people are struggling to even play is a major flaw that Gearbox CANNOT ignored.

TL;DR - Despite its performance being pretty much ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥, Borderlands 4 has reminded me why I love this franchise. The story, world and combat comes together beautifully. Obviously the performance issues hold it back, but to me it doesn't ruin the core experience.

FINAL SCORE - 8/10

shakes and fidget

i like sandwich