Entering 2025, Borderlands 4 It was one of the most anticipated games of the year. I was a bit disappointed because a lot of other fans reflected this. Borderlands 3 When it was first released, when I saw it Borderlands 4 as a chance for the series to get back on track after its peak. Borderlands 2. But after three months, I gave up everything. Borderlands 4 SaveAnd I'm starting to feel like my expectations for the series are too high.
To this day, Borderlands 2 The series has been put on a pedestal as a shining example of what it is. The biggest praise this game gets is for its writing. Handsome Jack in particular has established himself as a regular contender for the greatest video game villain of all time. Besides, what is it? Borderlands 2's gameplay loop and post-launch DLC make this a replayable game even 13 years after its original release. With all the praise we've accumulated so far Borderlands 2It's easy to think that you've set the standard for the franchise, but if you look at the entries released since then, Borderlands 2 It may have been a one-off and not a trendsetter.
Borderlands 4 proves that Borderlands 2 is the exception, not the norm.
Borderlands: Pre-Sequel attempted to replicate Borderlands 2's success with mixed results.
Next items announced since: Borderlands 2 We tried to continue the success of the Handsome Jack story by telling the prequel story of what happened to the villainous character that players saw in the previous game. Although there are aspects like this Borderlands: Pre-Sequel Disappointing mechanics like O2 meter management and Elpis' constant low-gravity management distracted the gameplay from the solid narrative. These gameplay mechanics will be modified in the future, but Handsome Jack's story is essentially over at that point.
Borderlands 3's story was seen as a rare misstep after BL2.
it's no secret Borderlands 3The quality of the story has deteriorated drastically compared to the . Borderlands 2. I didn't think the Calypso Twins were as annoying as other fans, though. Borderlands 3The overuse of “toilet humor” combined with influencer villainy left something to be desired after Handsome Jack's nuanced and compelling arc. Borderlands 4 We took this feedback into consideration, but may have modified it too much. Because many of the new cast felt like bland, by-the-numbers characters. And ironically, Zane and Amara Borderlands 3 It had the most interesting arc in the game.
Borderlands 4's massive decline in play numbers shows it wasn't the savior fans had hoped for.
Borderlands 3 and now Borderlands 4 While it innovated and improved the overall combat gameplay of the series, it still failed to stick the landing in terms of longevity. Borderlands 4 Player count has dropped dramatically since launch. It currently has just over 6,000 players on Steam, compared to a peak of over 300,000 just a few months ago. This decline can be largely attributed to the game's poor post-launch support, which turns players away, but I think there's little reason to replay the main campaign with a new character simply because of how simple and forgettable it is.
i played again Borderlands 2 I've felt the urge to play it again, many times over the years, just to experience the story again. Borderlands 3 And that too several times. with Borderlands 4I think I've seen enough of the game to not remember anything again after finishing the main story. However, this may still change after the first major. Borderlands 4 DLC is dropping.
After three games, it's clear that Borderlands 3 and 4 represent the series better than 2.
OpenCritic score for the Borderlands series after 2
This score paints the following picture: borderland Series that many fans are not willing to accept: Borderlands 2 It's an outlier, not the norm. None of the subsequent games lived up to that praise. Borderlands 2 received, both Borderlands 3 and 4 We become closer to each other than anyone else 2. What this tells me is something more recent. borderland Although the game reflects the series as a whole, Borderlands 2 It was an exemplary one-off entry that may have set the bar too high for others to match.
Another Borderlands 2 is unlikely to be released, and fans may have to take the merits of other entries.
The lesson this score teaches is that each new borderland A game that expects the game to “fix” the franchise Borderlands 2. I don't think the franchise fell apart and I generally liked what it was. Borderlands 3 The story progressed except for a few overused lines. Borderlands 4 I would have taken more risks with the narrative. each Borderlands The game has its own unique strengths that make it worth playing. prequel There's a fun Vault Hunter build, Borderlands 3 The gun fight is excellent, Borderlands 4 There is a dense open world to explore.
But none of these games have that level of nuance and storytelling. Borderlands 2 Yes. it's okay. As a fan for me borderland A series means enjoying more games than just that. Borderlands 2And I can honestly say that it is. borderland There were aspects of the games I played that I enjoyed and others that I found disappointing. fans see too much Borderlands 2 Wearing rose-colored glasses is a disservice to the rest of the franchise. Handsome Jack may have been a once-in-a-lifetime character, but players shouldn't miss the forest to find the tree with others. Borderlands I play the game because there is no villain on the level of Handsome Jack.
- released
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September 12, 2025
- ESRB
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Ages 17+ / Blood and gore, intense violence, sexual themes, strong language, in-game purchases, user interaction
