The long-awaited Borderlands 3 is finally out and along with it are a bevy of reviews. Although, there has been some strange business of select US outlets being given access to code before European sites, so a number of UK-based publications are still working on their reviews. The good news is that if you're a Borderlands fan, this game should have everything you know and love about the series. The same characters, the same humour, the same art style, and the same ginormous pile of weapons. If you were hoping for something substantially different from previous games, then you may be disappointed.
Borderlands 3 is currently sitting at 85 on Metacritic, with scores ranging from 95 down to 63. The highest score from a major outlet is IGN, who gave it a 90/100. Their reviewer says that "stubbornly refusing to reinvent itself after a five-year absence, Borderlands 3 sticks to its guns and manages to outdo itself. Refined movement and shooting, a legion of enjoyably challenging enemies, and the single largest arsenal of mechanically distinct firearms I've ever seen in a video game easily make this the best in a great series of co-op shooters. "
Destructoid gave Borderlands 3 a 9/10 and says that "Borderlands 3 takes most of the good bits of Borderlands 2 and either rolls with them or improves upon them. It didn't need to reinvent the wheel either, as Gearbox pretty much had the formula figured out the second time around."
Giving it an 8/10, Game Informer's Borderlands 3 review comes in a little lower. They say that "Borderlands 3 is a love letter to its fans and a celebration of the style of play it first popularized. Filled with characters from previous installments, and unapologetic in its silly humor and bombastic action, it's an amusing ride that seems hesitant to innovate."
While most reviews are trending in the 80s, PC Gamer came in significantly lower, scoring Borderlands 3 a 63/100, saying "Between the bugs, the extended non-jokes, the self-aggrandizing jabs at game design trends, and a few cameos I won't spoil but that made me audibly groan, Borderlands 3 has a lot in common with Gearbox fan events as of late. There's a lot of loud, extended posturing while holding what everyone really came for hostage. It's a shame, because Tales from the Borderlands found a delicate balance of absurdity, self-awareness, and genuine heart. A better Borderlands is possible, it's just not Borderlands 3."
Essentially, if you liked the old Borderlands games then you're about to get a loaded plate of loot and Claptrap. If they weren't your bag you may want to read through reviews and watch some livestreams to gauge whether your tastes have changed.
Featured Image Credit: 2K GamesTopics: Borderlands 3, 2K Games