In the realm of video game adaptations, the recent release of the Borderlands movie has stirred quite a conversation, albeit not for the right reasons. With a dismal 6% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it has been met with overwhelming criticism from 73 reviewers, marking it as a contender for one of the worst adaptations in cinematic history. While I have yet to see the film myself, the prevailing sentiment suggests it may join the ranks of infamous titles like 2005’s Doom and 2010’s Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time.
However, amidst the cinematic disappointment, the Borderlands video game franchise shines brightly. The games, known for their engaging gameplay and unique humor, are currently available at remarkable discounts. Notably, the Pandora’s Box franchise collection is now priced at an astonishing $12 on Steam, a staggering 94% off its original price of $244.47. This discount humorously mirrors the score the movie is lacking on Rotten Tomatoes, providing a silver lining for fans of the series.
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Forget the film — just play the Borderlands games
The disappointment surrounding the film adaptation is particularly poignant given the quality of the games. The original Borderlands, released in 2009, was a pioneer in merging action RPG elements with first-person shooting mechanics, setting a high bar for its successors. Developer Gearbox Software has continuously refined this formula, introducing new characters, an impressive array of procedurally generated weapons, and a narrative that captivates players across all entries.
One of the standout features of the Borderlands series is its gameplay. Each installment offers a selection of 4-6 “Vault Hunters,” each equipped with unique abilities and skill trees. This diversity allows players to create a multitude of entertaining builds, particularly in cooperative play. For instance, in Borderlands 2, the Legendary shotgun known as the Conference Call can unleash a barrage of projectiles, making it a perfect choice for players like Gaige, who thrives on chaotic damage output.
The franchise’s hallmark of wackiness extends to its storytelling, which can be a double-edged sword. When the humor hits the mark, as it does in Borderlands 2, players are treated to a delightful blend of clever jokes and absurd scenarios. Conversely, in Borderlands 3, the writing can veer into cringe-worthy territory, leaving some players shaking their heads.
Despite the uneven writing, the Borderlands games remain a worthwhile investment, especially at such enticing prices. The original game offers a more grounded experience, while Borderlands 2 strikes a balance between humor and engaging gameplay, often emerging as the fan favorite due to its memorable villain, Handsome Jack. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel serves as a bridge between the first two games, maintaining the beloved elements while introducing a space-themed twist. Lastly, Borderlands 3 elevates the gunplay and RPG mechanics but falters in narrative quality. Additionally, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands presents a refreshing spin on the series, merging Borderlands gameplay with fantasy elements inspired by its Dungeons & Dragons-themed expansion.
