Borderlands 4

Slightly above average entry dragged down by lack of endgame content. Went from potential 8/10 to 6/10.

Solid looter shooter with alive dynamic open world and responsive gameplay.

UE5 tech upgrade but severe optimization issues at launch. Performance degrades with play.

A hopeful preview-based take framing Borderlands 4 as Gearbox responding directly to criticism of the divisive third game. Promising changes include four large open-world zones with seamless exploration and a summonable vehicle, a more grounded story tone (plus a Claptrap volume slider), and reworked loot with rarer legendaries, mix-and-match manufacturer parts, and revamped endgame with mission/boss replay. The recurring caveat is that it is all talk for now — whether these evolutions land depends on the final game.

Exceptional entry exceeding expectations. Open world transition feels natural with deeper loot and combat.

Continuation of formula. Second half improves over first but lacks meaningful innovations. Not worth $70 at launch.

The most compelling Borderlands since 2 with massively expanded skill trees, addictive loot variety, and smooth gunplay enhanced by new movement mechanics. Endgame loop is deep and rewarding despite navigation friction and co-op progression quirks.

The most mechanically sound entry in the series, with rewarding loot, ridiculously fun gunplay, the strongest roster of vault hunters to date, and excellent new movement like gliding and grappling. However, the overcorrection away from the previous game's tone leaves the story messy and the cast dull and forgettable, while combat grows stale and side quests feel like frustrating, humorless filler. Great if you're chasing loot and chaos, weak on narrative.