Gearbox took a great risk in making Borderlands. Who knew that this gruesome and yet cartoony world, full of strong language and dirty minded side jokes would be the next big thing of Gearbox Software and 2K. This unknown game made its way into the triple AAA- game market and set the bar high for co-op first person shooters with an RPG twist to it. It was a game where Claptrap, Handsome jack and Tiny Tina fitted in perfectly without any worry that they might become one of those weird quirks no one would even dare to talk about due to their weirdness…. As a matter of fact, the opposite happened, all these iconic characters became a big part of the cosplay universe and got the attention they deserved. Eventually, top games end and sequels arise while a loss of connection to the “aftermath” is most likely inevitable. So, Telltale came with a solution and (hopefully) created the next chapter in the Borderlands franchise. Let the tales be heard!
The first thing you’ll probably notice is the fact that there’s no crosshair that might help you survive this treacherous world full of mutants, psychos and bandits. No crosshair also means, no more highly exaggerated and powerful weapons to destroy these types of scum. “Tales of the Borderlands” is a point and click kind of game but with a lot of important decision making. Of course, that’s something you would expect from Telltale since they hit the nail right on the head with several other known popular games such as “The Walking Dead”, “Game of Thrones” and even “Minecraft: story mode”. This game isn’t really about full packed action killing every single being that gives you a bad look, nope it’s all about the story. “This isn’t possible!” you might think but believe me, you won’t be needing your crosshair today my friend. Tales of the Borderlands, is a full packed story driven game without the use of a twitchy trigger finger.
Even though the world might be cartoonish and funny, those characters were “pure and real” to me.
This chapter takes us to the afterparty of the whole “Killing-Handsome-Jack” theme party, a leader known to be the worst dictator a planet can have, but he did make some awesome weapons though… guess both terms can’t go without each other. Anyways, the dictator has been killed and his company “Hyperion” needs a new leader. Rhys, a good employee of Hyperion rises up to answer the call but he quickly becomes demoted to assistant vice janitor. Of course, Rhys wants revenge and comes up with a plan to sack a vault key to become very wealthy if he manages to sell this vault key to the highest bidder. This is the story of Rhys, but there’s also a beautifully talented smuggler named Fiona that would like to benefit from the same riches and tries to get her hands on the same treasure.
The game starts off with a stranger who took Rhys and Fiona captive. They both tell their story separately to this masked mysterious traveler but both stories are intertwined which makes up for a fun way of storytelling. Rhys will often exaggerate his story and Fiona always cuts him off by telling the story from her perspective. The writing of the story is really good, there are no hiccups during all of these episodes. The mood is always right and it just stays fun or exciting. I always had a smile throughout the whole tale whether it’s a great line told by an awesome cast member or a creative introduction of a new character.
It’s a brilliant mix of Futurama and Mad Max that will give Science Fiction fans a story worth telling.
The two characters’ motives are all about their personal gain and not so much about saving the world or being a team member of “Guardians of the Galaxy”, even though they’re appealing characters with a sense of humor and empathy. Rhys’s goal is all about status and power while Fiona is just trying to survive, like she’s always been doing from the moment she and her sister were born. Fiona is very skilled when it comes to protecting herself and sister while Rhys is a big thinker. You quickly become attached to those 2 characters since their motives are understandable. From the moment I saw Rhys perspective on things, I immediately connected with him. Hard working people who are trying to get somewhere are often and easily replaced by people who only got their status by their wealth. Unfortunately, reality doesn’t allow those people to take control of their own lives and eventually get on the right track.
Telltale does a great job when it comes to “getting to know your characters” and “growing with them”. Making important decisions to forge their life is a big thing in these kind of games and it strengthens our bond with the characters, just like any character would do when it comes to your favorite TV- show or movie. You see their beginning and their end, but in a way we are there to help them grow into the characters that we want them to be. Their life journey may be scripted for most part, but in the end you made a lot of decisions for them, so there’s a piece of you that shapes them towards the ending. Even though the world might be cartoonish and funny, those characters were “pure and real” to me.
My hat off to Telltale and Gearbox to make this Borderlands game creative, believable and worth its money and time. All these main characters, support characters and the environment can live perfectly within the Borderlands universe. It’s a brilliant mix of Futurama and Mad Max that will give Science Fiction fans a story worth telling.
Tales of the Borderlands, is a full packed story driven game without the use of a twitchy trigger finger.
Now don’t expect something new in this Telltale game. It’s a Telltale game like no other, but set in the Borderlands universe. It’s all about decision making and quick- time events with some fantastic scenes to glue the game together. There’s also some screen exploring with Rhys’s eye that gives a lot more information and some funny “facts” about certain characters or key objects. Fiona might not have an intelligent eye to gather information but she does find money everywhere you go, as long as you’ll explore decent enough. This money can be used to buy other outfits for your character and that’s pretty much it. There aren’t real action sequences but it will be the narrative driven content that will keep you going.
Tales of the Borderlands is just a great game to waste your time with. It’s not a spin- off or rip- off to earn some extra cash, it’s a game that can easily be pulled out the Borderlands universe to stand on its own. It’s just cool to see some characters from the Borderlands in action, other than your favorite vault hunters. The decisions, the atmosphere and the splendid story writing makes this game an all-time favorite “insert disk and play” kind of TV (game) series that a lot of Telltale and Borderlands fans will appreciate. It’s simple to play and it’s a game with awesome characters that will quickly grow on you. This game might not have a crosshair in it like previous Borderlands game but the game will shoot you right in the heart and leave a mark that you’ll carry around forever.
