Borderlands 4 Takes a Bold New Direction, but Risks Losing Its Essence in the Quest to Eliminate Cringe – Preview

Sure thing, here’s a reimagined version:

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So, Borderlands 4. It’s like the game decided to grow up and get a fancy new suit. We’re talking major overhaul vibes. Less clown wig, more slick haircut. And yeah, it’s still got that loot-crazy action we all know and love, but something feels… tossed out. Like, where’s that old soul gone?

Now, we’re on Kairos, a planet none of the usual suspects have ever touched. Until a moon just crashes into the whole scene. Talk about dramatic! So, you’ve got new faces, old faces, and a vibe that’s not quite the series we know. Feels fresh yet weirdly unfamiliar.

First impressions? Stumbling around, it’s a vast sci-fi wonderland. Imagine no more loading screens! Just one huge playground. And oh, the magic of finding hidden stuff! Like, I randomly found this secret boss at a drilling site. Total luck, or maybe just nosy exploration? Not gonna lie, kinda reminds me of Destiny, but in a good way.

But then, the open world comes with its own “uhh” moments. You know those stretches of nothingness? Yeah, those. Gearbox tried to sprinkle stuff around like audio logs and random events. I only stumbled upon one spaceship mission, though. Rest of the time, it was pretty quiet.

The gunplay though? Pure, buttery goodness. Picking up guns from toilets (ew, but yes), finding quirky weapons… still a blast. Got snipers shooting elemental stuff and shotguns turning into mini murder bots. How can you not love that?

The new weapon part system? I’m conflicted. Sure, it expands the variety, but blends the distinct brands into one big gun soup. It’s like mixing brands and losing some flavor. Sure, you get perks for specific setups, but it’s not the same as Torgue’s explosive charm. I’m curious how this’ll play out. Like, is a Ferrari still a Ferrari with a Bugatti engine?

Oh, and the tone shift—whoa. It’s not the crazy humor we knew. More serious now, like they’re trying to shake off Borderlands 3’s shadow. But, have they swung too far? Remember when the humor was all over the place? Now, it feels a bit tame, a bit too refined. Rush, a kind-hearted meathead I met, was likeable enough, but… kind of safe?

Side quests with Claptrap? Now there’s the humor I missed. Finding hidden treasures and accidentally wrecking things—classic Borderlands. More laughs there than with the main story. Makes me wish the whole game kept that energy.

Driving around and shooting stuff? Still epic. But while there are cool new things, like grappling during boss fights, I came away thinking, “Man, give me more than two hours with this.” Seriously, I need a hundred hours to figure out how I feel about this whole thing.

So, if you’re diving into Borderlands 4, keep that open mind. It’s different but fun. Or, if you’re still holding onto the old series vibe, be ready. Things might feel off, and nobody’s cracking jokes to ease the transition.

Oh, and by the way, this preview? Yeah, all experienced in a press-fancy environment. Controlled chaos, if you will. Cheers to new adventures, I guess?