Gearbox Montreal’s New Tales from the Borderlands: A Witty and Violent Narrative-Driven Game
Gearbox Montreal’s latest release, “New Tales from the Borderlands,” has been well-received by gamers since its release in early 2023. The game, available on multiple platforms including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Series S, and PC, is a narrative-driven game developed entirely by Gearbox Montreal. It carries on the legacy of its predecessor, “Tales from the Borderlands,” made by Telltale Games and Gearbox Studios.
The game features a new cast of characters with different perspectives on life, trying to save the world after an invasion by Maliwan’s competitor. The story focuses on the game’s world’s scientists, street folk, and business owners, exploring how they survived the catastrophic events that occurred in Borderlands 3.
New adventure, new characters, new tales.
An all NEW Tales from the Borderlands is coming in 2022 from Gearbox and 2K.#GearboxAtPAX #Borderlands pic.twitter.com/mhBicROKqX
— GearboxOfficial (@GearboxOfficial) April 21, 2022
Many players have been impressed with the game’s unique characters and comedic writing, which have been the main highlights of the Borderlands series. The characters are diverse and relatable, each with unique personalities and quirks. The voice actors have done an excellent job of bringing them to life.
The story follows Atlas scientist Anu, her brother Octavio, and Fran, a froyo shop owner. Anu is trying to create a device with the power of a Siren, Octavio is struggling to get rich on the surface of the planet Promethea, and Fran is dealing with her anger while trying to keep her business afloat. The story delves into sibling relationships, how corporations tend to destroy more than they create, and why people choose to do the right thing.
The game takes on a sitcom-like tone, with a mix of violence and world-ending stakes, but it still maintains the Borderlands series’ trademark humor. The game’s humor is crude and violent but never detracts from the playing experience. While some jokes might not land, the subtle ones are the most effective.
While the middle section of the game tends to drag a little, as is typical of a Telltale game, it still manages to make up for it with tons of great character and story beats in the last few chapters. It is also available this time, unlike the original, which was episodic.
According to Gamespot, “New Tales from the Borderlands” is “a return to form for the series, delivering an engaging story that showcases a cast of memorable characters in a world filled with danger and opportunity.” IGN praised the game’s “strong writing, sharp humor, and surprising character development,” while Kotaku declared it “one of the best narrative adventure games in years.”
Overall, “New Tales from the Borderlands” is an excellent successor to the original game, showcasing that there is still much potential in the Borderlands universe, whether it’s in the first-person shooter or narrative adventure game format. With its unique blend of humor, action, and storytelling, the game will delight longtime fans and franchise newcomers.
Overall, “New Tales from the Borderlands” has been a welcome addition to the Borderlands universe, with Gearbox Montreal proving there is still much potential in the series, whether in the first-person shooter or narrative adventure game format. Gamers have enjoyed the game’s unique characters, engaging storyline, and humor, and many are looking forward to what Gearbox Montreal has in store for them next.