Borderlands 3
2K Games, 2K (2019)

Description
Borderlands 3 is a first-person shooter video game that was released on September 13, 2019. Developed by Gearbox Software and published by 2K Games, it is the fourth main entry in the Borderlands series. Known for its distinctive cel-shaded graphics, irreverent humor, and looter-shooter gameplay mechanics, Borderlands 3 builds upon the foundation set by its predecessors while introducing new elements and expanding the universe.
At its core, Borderlands 3 retains the series' signature blend of first-person shooting and role-playing game (RPG) elements. Players choose from one of four new Vault Hunters, each with unique abilities and skill trees. These characters include Amara the Siren, who can summon ethereal fists; FL4K the Beastmaster, who commands loyal pet companions; Moze the Gunner, who pilots a giant mech; and Zane the Operative, who can deploy gadgets and holograms. This variety allows players to tailor their gameplay experience and encourages cooperative multiplayer sessions, as each character offers distinct advantages and playstyles.
The narrative of Borderlands 3 continues the saga of the Vault Hunters as they seek to stop the Calypso Twins, Tyreen and Troy, leaders of the Children of the Vault cult. The twins aim to harness the power of the Vaults scattered across the galaxy. This entry expands beyond the planet of Pandora, introducing players to new worlds, each with its own unique environments, challenges, and enemies. This interplanetary travel adds a fresh dynamic to the series, allowing for greater diversity in level design and storytelling.
One of the standout features of Borderlands 3 is its vast arsenal of weapons, which are procedurally generated to offer endless combinations of guns with different attributes, such as elemental damage, firing patterns, and special abilities. This system ensures that players are constantly discovering new and exciting weapons, which is a key aspect of the game's addictive loot-driven gameplay. The game also introduces new mechanics, such as the ability to slide and mantle, enhancing mobility and combat fluidity.
The humor and style of Borderlands 3 remain true to the series' roots, characterized by its quirky characters, pop culture references, and satirical take on the gaming industry and other media. The writing embraces absurdity and wit, providing a lighthearted tone that complements the chaotic action. Longtime fans will appreciate the return of beloved characters, as well as the introduction of new ones who add depth and diversity to the game's rich lore.
Borderlands 3 also supports both online and local cooperative multiplayer, allowing players to team up with friends to tackle missions and share in the spoils of victory. The game features various difficulty settings and a "Mayhem Mode," which increases the challenge by boosting enemy stats and offering better loot, catering to players seeking a more challenging experience. Additionally, the game has received numerous updates and downloadable content (DLC) expansions, adding new storylines, characters, and gameplay features, ensuring continued engagement and replayability.
Despite its many strengths, Borderlands 3 faced some criticism upon release. Performance issues, particularly on PC, and concerns over the humor and story pacing were noted by some players and critics. However, ongoing patches and updates have addressed many of these issues, demonstrating Gearbox Software's commitment to refining the game and improving the player experience.
In summary, Borderlands 3 successfully builds upon the series' established mechanics while introducing new elements that expand its universe and gameplay. Its combination of humor, character-driven narratives, and addictive loot-based mechanics make it a standout title in the first-person shooter genre. Whether playing solo or with friends, Borderlands 3 offers a chaotic, fun-filled adventure that captures the essence of the franchise while paving the way for future installments.

Release Date: 2019
Genres: Action, Shooter, RPG, Action role-playing, First-person shooter
Developers: Gearbox Software, Disbelief
Publishers: 2K Games, 2K
Price:
Steam: $59.99