Summary
Borderlandshas always given fans a variety of choices and agency in approaching its frantic FPS RPG looter-shooter series. From the dizzying array of weapons and range of characters with related class abilities that can be tailored to suit a number of play styles, from close-range tanking to specializing in sniping,Borderlandsusually has a selection of player protagonists whose powers match any preference. At the same time, it often keeps character archetypes fairly familiar and recognizable between each title. While this has worked well in the franchise so far, it was still limited in many ways, especially compared to the options included in Gearbox Software’s latest title set in theBorderlandsworld.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, a spin-off from the mainline titles, is based on the popularAssault on Dragon KeepDLC forBL2, which shifted the framework to a game ofBunkers & Badasses, theBorderlandsin-universe equivalent to aDungeons & Dragons-like tabletop RPG. Though much of the structure and gameplay was familiar territory,TTWhad a more lighthearted whimsical fantasy based setting.TTWalso introduced some shakeups that weren’t previously seen inBL. One of the most notable was allowing players to fully, and extensively, customize their character.TTWno longer limited fans to a selection of established Vault Hunters, but instead handed them the most comprehensive character and class customization options yet, far surpassing the possibilities previousBorderlandsgames provided. This is somethingBL4should incorporate too.
Previous leaks/rumors have indicated that bothBorderlands 4and aTiny Tina’s Wonderlandssequelare likely in the pipeline.
Borderlands 4 Should Lean More Into Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands' Customization Options
Borderlands Character Classes and Customization Vs. Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands
Traditionally,Borderlandsgives players a choice from an existing collection ofplayable Vault Hunter characters, usually a pool of four. Each of these Hunters has a predetermined class and even a personality for the most part, though this is relegated somewhat to the background, as the plot must account for whatever choice of Hunter players go with. Even so, they were varied enough that each felt and played differently, and all were viable with none seeming redundant or inferior. Players could additionally find various skins and small cosmetic adjustments that did change their appearance, albeit often only in minor ways.
Both games also had equippable items that boosted character/class specific abilities, such as adding extra damage or reducing cooldown, though these were mainly mechanical functions.Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, though, opened Pandora’s Boxin the character customization area. The justification for doing so also coincided neatly with the setup, as naturally, player avatars in any TTRPG are highly based on personal style and imagination.TTWoffered a deep creation model with a wide assortment of costumes and other cosmetics, even having various voices for fans to choose, making the breadth of options striking compared toBL.
Borderlands 4 Should Embrace TTW’s Character Creation and Customization Model
Thefreedom and creativityTiny Tina’s Wonderlandsput in players' handsto mold their avatar was sharply different from anything previously included in the mainBorderlandstitles thus far. Beyond the extensive creator model,TTWalso eventually let players multiclass, allowing even further adaptability by being able to utilize abilities from an entirely different class, mixing and matching ones that complimented and improved their existing build. This worked incredibly well to further the overall enjoyment of the experience.
Borderlands 4could take this structure and run with it. Gearbox could theoretically featureprevious Vault Hunter characters as playable protagonists,and perhaps then combine them with a similarTiny Tina’s Wonderlands-style creation system, providing the best of both worlds. This would allow for a much more diverse and satisfying range of character creations. IfBL4is able to expand on its character system by taking a few cues fromTTW, it would likely be a welcome inclusion for the future of the franchise.
Borderlands 3
WHERE TO PLAY
The original shooter-looter returns, packing bazillions of guns and an all-new mayhem-fueled adventure! Blast through new worlds and enemies as one of four brand new Vault Hunters – the ultimate treasure-seeking badasses of the Borderlands, each with deep skill trees, abilities, and customization. Play solo or join with friends to take on insane enemies, score loads of loot and save your home from the most ruthless cult leaders in the galaxy.A MAYHEM-FUELED THRILL RIDEStop the fanatical Calypso Twins from uniting the bandit clans and claiming the galaxy’s ultimate power. Only you, a thrill-seeking Vault Hunter, have the arsenal and allies to take them down.YOUR VAULT HUNTER, YOUR PLAYSTYLEBecome one of four extraordinary Vault Hunters, each with unique abilities, playstyles, deep skill trees, and tons of personalization options. All Vault Hunters are capable of awesome mayhem alone, but together they are unstoppable.LOCK, LOAD, AND LOOTWith bazillions of guns and gadgets, every fight is an opportunity to score new gear. Firearms with self-propelling bullet shields? Check. Rifles that spawn fire-spewing volcanoes? Obviously. Guns that grow legs and chase down enemies while hurling verbal insults? Yeah, got that too.NEW BORDERLANDSDiscover new worlds beyond Pandora, each featuring unique environments to explore and enemies to destroy. Tear through hostile deserts, battle your way across war-torn cityscapes, navigate deadly bayous, and more! QUICK & SEAMLESS CO-OP ACTIONPlay with anyone at any time online or in split-screen co-op, regardless of your level or mission progress. Take down enemies and challenges as a team, but reap rewards that are yours alone – no one misses out on loot.
