Borderlands 4: Guns, Glitches, and Giggles
A chaotic blend of mayhem and technical hiccups
Launch Day Larry
Borderlands 4 has crash-landed into our gaming lives, bringing with it a whirlwind of explosive gunplay, a vibrant world, and a story that tries its best to keep up. While it aims to be the best in the series, it seems to have tripped over a few cables on its way to the finish line. Let’s dive into the pandemonium and see if it’s worth the ride.
Gameplay: A Rollercoaster of Fun and Frustration
Borderlands 4 takes the series’ signature chaotic combat and cranks it up to eleven. The gunplay is a standout feature, with mechanics that feel tighter and more satisfying than ever. The introduction of gliding and vehicle summoning adds a new layer of strategy and convenience, making traversal across the seamless open world a joy. The world bosses are a particular highlight, offering challenging encounters that keep you on your toes.
Exploration is another feather in the game’s cap, with a truly open world that invites players to wander without the dreaded loading screens. The skill tree system is robust, allowing for deep customization that lets you tailor your vault hunter to your playstyle. However, the inventory system seems to have taken a page from a hoarder’s handbook, leaving players to sift through cluttered menus that could use a bit more organization.
While the gameplay shines, it’s not without its shadows. Performance issues plague the experience, with crashes and frame rate drops that can turn a thrilling firefight into a slideshow. Multiplayer scenarios, in particular, seem to push the game to its limits, resulting in a less-than-smooth experience. Adjusting settings can help, but it’s a bit like putting a band-aid on a bullet wound.
Graphics: A Beautiful Disaster
Visually, Borderlands 4 is a feast for the eyes—when it works. The cell-shaded style is as charming as ever, and the world is massive and detailed. On high-end hardware, the game can look stunning, with high frame rates and smooth performance. However, this is where the good news ends for many players.
Optimization is a word that seems to have been lost in translation during development. Even on powerful setups, players report unacceptable frame rates and performance issues that make the game feel like it’s running on a potato. The graphics settings menu is a labyrinth of options that require a degree in computer science to navigate effectively. And let’s not forget the cutscenes, which are inexplicably locked at 30 FPS—a relic of the past that feels out of place in 2025.
Story: A Mixed Bag of Humor and Hiccups
The narrative of Borderlands 4 is a step up from its predecessor, offering a more coherent and engaging story. The antagonist is well-defined, and the lore adds depth to the world. The humor, a staple of the series, is present and accounted for, with decent comedic moments that lighten the mood.
However, the story isn’t without its detractors. Some players find it lacking in comparison to the series’ high points, and technical issues can disrupt the narrative flow. Bugs and stutters can pull you out of the experience, making it hard to stay immersed in the world. While the story is an improvement over Borderlands 3, it’s not quite the epic tale some might have hoped for.
Final Verdict
Borderlands 4 is a game of contrasts. It offers some of the best gameplay mechanics in the series, with engaging combat and exploration that can keep you hooked for hours. However, it’s held back by technical issues and performance woes that can sour the experience. The story is a solid effort, but it may not be the main draw for everyone.
For those willing to brave the technical storm, Borderlands 4 has plenty to offer. Just be prepared to tweak settings and cross your fingers for future patches. In the end, it’s a wild ride that’s worth taking—if you can handle the bumps along the way.
Score: 7/10