Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel

 PC
User Score
6.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 1028 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 470 out of 1028
  2. Mixed: 332 out of 1028
  3. Negative: 226 out of 1028
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  1. Strider
    Oct 16, 2014
    10
    This is Borderlands, to the core, and a great credit to the franchise.

    Low gravity combat, lasers, cryo effects, both new and re-imagined enemies, and a metric crap ton of that classic Borderlands humor we have come to love so much. Love the new characters, and ... you can play as Claptrap. Yeah ... lol. I enjoy seeing the story leading up to BL2, and some of the side mission stories    This is Borderlands, to the core, and a great credit to the franchise.

    Low gravity combat, lasers, cryo effects, both new and re-imagined enemies, and a metric crap ton of that classic Borderlands humor we have come to love so much. Love the new characters, and ... you can play as Claptrap. Yeah ... lol.

    I enjoy seeing the story leading up to BL2, and some of the side mission stories are cool as well. Seeing Jack be ... nice. The birth of the robot army. But, I will stop there, no spoilers.

    As I write this, I see a small flood of spam in the reviews, people hating on the game for various reasons. Everyone is most definitely entitled to their opinions, but a lot of what I am reading makes no sense. This is NOT a DLC or expansion, it's a full on game in it's own right.

    People saying the humor is lacking, really? Have they actually played it? The humor is spot on for the BL series. Complaining that some weapon designs and textures were the same as in BL2. Well of course it is, it takes place right before BL2.

    People complaining about the $60 price tag, and while I am have been a long time critic of overpriced games, there is most defiantly $60 worth of game here. If you go for the full Borderlands experience, it's going to take you dozens of hours to complete, per character. Like all of the other BL games, we have coop as well. So I am not sure what people are complaining about.

    Oh well, I guess some people just really like to complain. They hate it when you change something, they hate it when you leave it the same, sometimes you just can't win. Borderlands have become one of the largest, most popular, and most recognized franchises in the gaming industry. So it's expected to attract some hate.

    Rest assured, it's unwarranted. If you truly enjoy Borderlands, then you will enjoy The Pre-Sequel.    … Expand
  2. Hellion
    Mar 2, 2016
    10
    This installment of Borderlands doesn't get enough credit. For starters the company that developed this one did a great job expanding the Borderlands universe and they also included much...much better playable characters this time around that are more colorful and vibrant than the last two games had. I also love the environments in this one and weapons. Humor may not be as sharp asThis installment of Borderlands doesn't get enough credit. For starters the company that developed this one did a great job expanding the Borderlands universe and they also included much...much better playable characters this time around that are more colorful and vibrant than the last two games had. I also love the environments in this one and weapons. Humor may not be as sharp as Gearbox's Borderlands 2 but still manages to be a hoot. Highly recommended to Vault hunters everywhere.… Expand
  3. jd_earthSHAKER
    Oct 17, 2014
    10
    I remember playing Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel really is another Borderlands. I quite enjoy the Rpg 1st shooter co-op, Although this doesn't bring anything entirely new, its still very enjoyable if you liked the first 2 which I very well did. Forever reason, maybe because of the production taking place in Australia, it might be funny and laughable for Australians.
  4. AuldWolf
    Mar 10, 2015
    10
    I could never get into Borderlands. It was a grindathon with sick, gross out humour. I don't particularly see an enemy NPC wandering around and chanting Hamlet as the funniest thing since Archer. I just wasn't a fan. The impression I got from the prior two was of being clearly aimed at a very young audience who wanted to know what it was like to play 'adult' games. Essentially, the Call ofI could never get into Borderlands. It was a grindathon with sick, gross out humour. I don't particularly see an enemy NPC wandering around and chanting Hamlet as the funniest thing since Archer. I just wasn't a fan. The impression I got from the prior two was of being clearly aimed at a very young audience who wanted to know what it was like to play 'adult' games. Essentially, the Call of Duty audience. Except it's an even better appeal to them with the addition of Saturday morning cartoon colours and gross out humour.

    So I was surprised when I ended up liking The Pre-Sequel.

    It doesn't bother with gross out humour. Let me get that out of the way. There are no psychos in this, and many of the characters, both supporting cast and enemies alike, are endearing. It's an exceedingly Commonwealth-y experience. And in being so, its humour can stand up there with some of the best. It's the first time I laughed at anything in a Borderlands game.

    The platforming, zero gravity antics, actually intelligent (which ranges from Commonwealth low brow to nerdy) humour, exploration, and laser guns did much to help the franchise grow on me. I'm not going to turn around and like the prior games because they don't have any of those things.

    But The Pre-Sequel? This I can play.

    Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel is a weird thing. It's a Borderlands game for people who really didn't like Borderlands. For those who felt it was too psychotic, gross out, and just bloody childish. For those who're simply too smart to be entertained by gore and potty humour. Comparing the two is like comparing Duke Nukem and Arnold Rimmer, Rush Limbaugh with Stephen Fry, or a doody joke with a physics joke.

    Yes, it's really that stark of a difference. I'm amazed by it. I had fun with the setting, the writing, and the story! I was engaged by it. I know, I'm as shocked as anyone. This could never have happened with any other Borderlands game. I even appreciated the references (how they've turned Athena into a rhymingly named reference to a certain Warrior Princess, for example).

    See, there's a difference between compulsion and engagement.

    With a compulsive game, you're counting on low functioning types who're easily addicted. The usual extroverted subjects who like doody jokes with their gambling. That... doesn't work for me. It's the same reason why World of Warcraft never worked for me. The attempt to addict me with grind combined with some of the most god awful, immature 'humour' I've ever had the misfortune of being exposed to didn't do anything to engage me.

    Engagement works. I want a Universe I can appreciate, and a story that leaves me wondering how it's going to turn out. I want some mystery, some ambiguity, and I want questions to answer. The Pre-Sequel even had proper moral ambiguity in that it keeps you guessing as to just which side is the most ethical and just. Who, precisely, is doing the 'right thing.' There were many times where I felt I was being heroic, and many others where I felt dastardly. It's a more three dimensional experience than the usual good versus evil rot the video game industry trots out.

    I liked it. I actually liked it. The gunplay is average, as before. The grind is dull, as before. But everything else about it that they added was absolutely marvellous and a joy to behold.

    I think that 2K Oz should be given their own IP to develop, and they should be allowed to be as intelligent and Commonwealth-y with it as they want. After Pre-Sequel. I genuinely believe they've earned that right. They took Borderlands and turned it into an experience that could be appreciated by an audience other than low functioning, xenophobic, dribbling idiots.

    That's a work of dark magic, that is. Some real voodoo going on there.

    So, the long and the short of it? If the xenophobia, gross out humour, and general idiocy of Borderlands 2 got to you too much to be able to enjoy it? You may find something here. I'm actually thankful that there are no psychos on the moon.    … Expand
  5. alla0222
    Oct 18, 2014
    10
    For all the people saying this was like borderlands 2. It was supposed to be like the 2 borderlands. they said it them self´s. If all the people did watch what the borderlands crew said you would know what this game was all about. Personal, as i did watch what they did have to say, i think this game is really funny. and with big supplies of DLC i cant wait. I RECOMMEND this game toFor all the people saying this was like borderlands 2. It was supposed to be like the 2 borderlands. they said it them self´s. If all the people did watch what the borderlands crew said you would know what this game was all about. Personal, as i did watch what they did have to say, i think this game is really funny. and with big supplies of DLC i cant wait. I RECOMMEND this game to everyone who liked the Borderlands 2 game. If you want a similar game and to know the story this is the game to get!
    i did give this a 10 instead of a 8 cause it has such a bad user score. Thats why you look up what the developers say.. ffs don´t mind the cry babies.    … Expand
  6. quigonjim007
    Oct 15, 2014
    10
    This game is definitely more of the same, but when you are talking about Borderlands that is definitely not a bad thing. The zero g gravity, jumppads, oxygen conservation changes the way you approach travel and play, and different characters (Claptrap!) adds some charm to the series. Spoken dialogue by the characters also helps to flesh out the story of Handsome Jack. People that hateThis game is definitely more of the same, but when you are talking about Borderlands that is definitely not a bad thing. The zero g gravity, jumppads, oxygen conservation changes the way you approach travel and play, and different characters (Claptrap!) adds some charm to the series. Spoken dialogue by the characters also helps to flesh out the story of Handsome Jack. People that hate Gearbox please don't write negative reviews because you had a bad experience with Aliens Colonial Marines. This is a different game.… Expand
  7. Jojack98
    Oct 18, 2014
    10
    So, here's the deal: Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel is a great game for what it is. Is it innovative? Not particularly. However, is it epic loot-grabbing face-smashing double-jumping fun. It is not a hugely innovative new game, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Don't fix what isn't broken. They used the same UI and engine and everything from BL2, and to be honest, it was a littleSo, here's the deal: Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel is a great game for what it is. Is it innovative? Not particularly. However, is it epic loot-grabbing face-smashing double-jumping fun. It is not a hugely innovative new game, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Don't fix what isn't broken. They used the same UI and engine and everything from BL2, and to be honest, it was a little disappointing. I was expecting SOME change on that front, but it's not a big deal as the BL2 UI and engine was perfectly fine. If you're a fan of Borderlands, you'll love it. If you've never played a Borderlands game in your life, you'll probably still love it. It's action-packed, humorous, and just plain fun.… Expand
  8. mizo_ghost
    Oct 14, 2014
    10
    finally Borderlands The Pre-Sequel coming out :D

    i dont know whats the wrong with reviews

    but

    This game is a game of the year for me +Middle Earth Shadow of Mordor
  9. Jensen10
    Apr 15, 2021
    10
    alright the story is great you get to know jack and see his rationale the guns are raw and shooting is fun the zero gravity is sick as well
  10. jurofaro
    Oct 19, 2014
    10
    Not sure why there are so many haters, I played both games. Preferred Borderlands 2 over the first one, but Pre-sequel is still very entertaining and the story of how jack became bad is awesome. I am playing it 2nd time now in hardened mode and it is still great. Didn't find the environment boring a bit, playing on ultra and everything looks amazing. Love jumping and smashing and find O2 aNot sure why there are so many haters, I played both games. Preferred Borderlands 2 over the first one, but Pre-sequel is still very entertaining and the story of how jack became bad is awesome. I am playing it 2nd time now in hardened mode and it is still great. Didn't find the environment boring a bit, playing on ultra and everything looks amazing. Love jumping and smashing and find O2 a great addition. If you enjoyed playing Borderlands go for it.… Expand
  11. guitargod4
    Oct 14, 2014
    10
    this is a borderlands game for 1. game play and story is just flat out awesome. its funny and beautiful. just because it is a pre sequal or uses the same engine as borderlands 2 doesnt mean it cant be a fantastic game. i love this game already and i know im going to spend a lot of the next few years on it just like the first two.
  12. Randomize34
    Oct 15, 2014
    10
    Stays true to the Borderlands series, and is Ooozing with funny comedy and banter. I love the new characters and skill trees. Playing the PC version and it looks great with it maxed out for its style. I will have tons of fun with this game for weeks to come. Let's hope they pump out some big DLC's quick i need MORE!!!

    And of course the game is as Crazy and Wacky as ever. Love it.
  13. sille190
    Oct 16, 2014
    10
    Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel has to be some of the best fun I've had in a long while with videogames; the mechanics seem to be better polished & the change of scenery from leaving Pandora is visually appealing even with the same graphics as BL:2.
  14. asvpgage
    Oct 16, 2014
    10
    Great game, I have a feeling that the people giving bad reviews on here have never even played the game....Just like Destiny, all of the people giving 0's I'm sure never played the game because I mean come on really??? We all know Destiny and Borderlands are no where near zero's. HATERS!!
  15. Moribondius
    Oct 18, 2014
    10
    10 hours into this game and I'm already convinced that this ISN'T A DLC and this ISN'T AN EXPANSION because I just don't even started with the story! This is a full game but just with the same engine, there are tons of new content that will keep you playing tons of hours, maybe it has the same engine and the same UI and I can understand the criticisms to that, but when you have a game that10 hours into this game and I'm already convinced that this ISN'T A DLC and this ISN'T AN EXPANSION because I just don't even started with the story! This is a full game but just with the same engine, there are tons of new content that will keep you playing tons of hours, maybe it has the same engine and the same UI and I can understand the criticisms to that, but when you have a game that it's awesome as Borderlands 2 or even more awesome thanks to the new content you just can't stop playing.

    If you love Borderlands universe: BUY IT
    If you just want to have fun looting, shooting with great character and humor: BUY IT    … Expand
  16. JessicaRabbit
    Oct 19, 2014
    10
    Awesome game! Definite improvement over Borderlands 2 on the graphics, love the new mechanics..great story line. I can't wait for the DLC packs to come out.
  17. Xergen
    Oct 25, 2014
    10
    Hilarious Fun, the new Borderlands offers a new Region, The moon, 2 new Weapon types, a story that actually tells us a story. Jack´s Life and doing on Elpis and the Helios Space station before he became "Handsome" Jack is really interesting. Bugs will be fixed soon and New Maps will come with DLC´s. So there is plenty of Fun waiting for us even though the type of Gameplay has not changedHilarious Fun, the new Borderlands offers a new Region, The moon, 2 new Weapon types, a story that actually tells us a story. Jack´s Life and doing on Elpis and the Helios Space station before he became "Handsome" Jack is really interesting. Bugs will be fixed soon and New Maps will come with DLC´s. So there is plenty of Fun waiting for us even though the type of Gameplay has not changed at all. Oxygen is a funny feature but not really important. Last but not least to the Users that complain about over sexualized characters or NPC´s that act non rational and weird, thats the game. Borderlands is a crazy Series with a lot of Things to discover and laugh.… Expand
  18. poppunkreviews
    Nov 22, 2014
    10
    Borderlands 1 and 2 where okay, i got bored of them in a matter of hours because of the repetition of fighting. In Borderlands pre squeal (I've played about 2 hours) I would have to say I love playing it and haven't got bored or ever thought this game is bad. Great port. Humorous fun. Clap trap ftw!
  19. Saoshiba
    Dec 9, 2014
    10
    The Pre Sequel is here, the game has been greatly improved since the days of Borderlands 2 the graphics are better the AI is better and (In my opinion) the most important thing was the character development other then the echo you start with, the characters have dialog specifically for them and they actually speak back to the mission. All in all this game may have flaws with a more slowThe Pre Sequel is here, the game has been greatly improved since the days of Borderlands 2 the graphics are better the AI is better and (In my opinion) the most important thing was the character development other then the echo you start with, the characters have dialog specifically for them and they actually speak back to the mission. All in all this game may have flaws with a more slow paced fighting style but I still love it!… Expand
  20. rnendel
    Dec 29, 2014
    10
    I rarely, if ever, post reviews - but for this game I felt I should - given all the negative comments (nonsense) about how it is just "DLC". After playing this game for 7 hours so far, I feel I can actually give an informed opinion regarding the "dlc" factor. (FYI, after 7 hours, I'm just now reaching the main city - exact same as BL1 or BL2 would have handled it, and the story is justI rarely, if ever, post reviews - but for this game I felt I should - given all the negative comments (nonsense) about how it is just "DLC". After playing this game for 7 hours so far, I feel I can actually give an informed opinion regarding the "dlc" factor. (FYI, after 7 hours, I'm just now reaching the main city - exact same as BL1 or BL2 would have handled it, and the story is just starting).

    I played BL1 through twice, BL2 through twice, and now I am enjoying BL3. This is NOT DLC. I'm assuming, at this point, that anyone who states it is DLC simply never played BL1 and moved to BL2. This is the Borderlands universe, the story, and this game fits it well - it is literally the next installment of the Borderlands saga.

    I remember when BL2 came out, I felt it was "DLC" at first (being a noob, as we all were transitioning from BL1 to BL2), because it was the same thing - vault hunting, same graphics, just different characters, classes, and story. Then I realized - OF COURSE IT LOOKS THE SAME - it's a cohesive universe and that's why any fan of Borderlands plays borderlands. I think we'd all hate it if it became something else.

    Borderlands 3 (pre-sequel) is very well done, expansive, engaging, and an excellent third addition to the story. It is to perceive this as "dlc" - only the entitled-minded would believe such a thing. I findi it oddly humorous that people buy the third game in a series and expect it NOT to be the third game in a series. Do we complain that book 3 of The Lord of the Rings is set in exactly the same universe as book 2 of the trilogy? Of course not.

    If you are a Borderlands fan, please, stop reading nonsense posts and buy the game - enjoy it for what it is - another story set in a cohesive universe. BL3 has new heroes, new story, new location, same universe, and uses previous installment heroes to help tell the story - umm, that's EXACTLY what BL2 did, except the different location :) There is no cash grab here, there is no "sell DLC as a game" - this is BL3, plain and simple.

    I almost didn't buy the game, even though I am definitely a Borderlands fan, because of all the BS posts. But, then I decided to see for myself, and I am very happy I did. I hope this installment doesn't suffer from the negative posts by (likely) those who just don't get what Borderlands is - it's a story, let's let it be just that - a great story. I remember my initial disappointment with BL2 - "where the hell are the aliens?!?"?. But once I let that go, BL2 became a great game on its own - let's let this become the great game it can be, by letting it evolve story-wise, instead of just "cosmetic wise".    … Expand
  21. FlameNoir
    Dec 11, 2016
    10
    People call this game a cash-grab, and it's true that the Shock-Drop Slaughter Pit was a terrible money-grab DLC. But the game as a whole is amazing, has WAY more lore and story than previous Borderlands titles, and it had LASERS. C'mon. LASERS. Also has more female vault hunters (yisss) as well as very NEW and CREATIVE action skills. Athena, Claptrap, Doppelganger, and Aurelia all havePeople call this game a cash-grab, and it's true that the Shock-Drop Slaughter Pit was a terrible money-grab DLC. But the game as a whole is amazing, has WAY more lore and story than previous Borderlands titles, and it had LASERS. C'mon. LASERS. Also has more female vault hunters (yisss) as well as very NEW and CREATIVE action skills. Athena, Claptrap, Doppelganger, and Aurelia all have very new and original action skills that are completely different from those that came before. Overall very fun, story-driven Borderlands title that made laugh, cry, and jump for joy. Please ignore the haters.… Expand
  22. Jash9433
    May 18, 2017
    10
    It was an amazing game. I haven't completed it yet, but I like it so far. I like that Concordia was like sanctuary in BL2. I liked the O2 kits, but they could've done them better. I mean you shouldn't be able to die by staying out looting too long.
  23. Hayter
    Jun 9, 2020
    10
    Это даже лучше, чем Borderlands 2, где ещё ты можешь поиграть за главного антагониста и за самого рофельного робота?
  24. waterkettle_1
    May 27, 2020
    10
    This game is so fun and amazing and I would to play this game again in the future
  25. KepasaAmigo
    Jul 16, 2021
    10
    The best from all trylogy. did not play third one. 10/10. ultra fun in co-op.
  26. YuriRys
    Jan 3, 2021
    10
    Хороший отдон, но нет русской озвучки(. А так старая добрая бордуха с множеством пушек)
  27. HarryWebbinger
    Jan 9, 2017
    9
    I Love this game, because the Graphics and action and humor is better than in B2 or 1. What else to tell? I about 15 € the game is worth in my opinion. The graphics are real fine made !
  28. willfo
    Oct 15, 2014
    9
    Borderlands 2, but set in space Australia. This is a refinement on a formula that has served fans well, and will keep every fan happy. If you like the series, you will like this game.
  29. Jonathan117
    Dec 13, 2014
    9
    I might be an odd one but.. I actually preferred this Borderlands to 2 and 1, the location, the characters and the new weapons in my opinion make it the best Borderlands as of yet, refining all the good things that were in the original and the sequel.
    Pros:
    - Characters - Story - Jack, Jack, Jack - Claptrap (Hilarious but annoying) - Gunplay - Location Cons: - Re-used weapons -    I might be an odd one but.. I actually preferred this Borderlands to 2 and 1, the location, the characters and the new weapons in my opinion make it the best Borderlands as of yet, refining all the good things that were in the original and the sequel.
    Pros:
    - Characters
    - Story
    - Jack, Jack, Jack
    - Claptrap (Hilarious but annoying)
    - Gunplay
    - Location
    Cons:
    - Re-used weapons
    - Some boring areas    … Expand
  30. matod
    Oct 16, 2014
    9
    So far i like it more than B2 , skill trees seems better and game has more balance for me.. But its maybe point of view.. Everybody should make they own opinion - I like it much.
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Awards & Rankings

28
#28 Most Discussed PC Game of 2014
13
#13 Most Shared PC Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 55 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 55
  3. Negative: 0 out of 55
  1. CD-Action
    Dec 13, 2014
    75
    Derivative, but also colorful, absurd and fun. If you played one Borderlands game, you played them all. [Dec 2014, p.56]
  2. Digital Trends
    Nov 25, 2014
    50
    There isn’t a AAA game out there that doesn’t exist to make money, but Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel stumps for dollars in a brazenly insipid way. It’s a paint-by-numbers effort, almost from top to bottom.
    Read full review
  3. Game World Navigator Magazine
    Nov 25, 2014
    76
    2K delivered exactly what it promised: a derivative game which nevertheless deserves to be completed in single-player for the story. And then maybe one more play through with a friend or two, just to shoot stuff and kid around, before setting Pre-Sequel aside until DLCs come. Just as it always is with Borderlands. [Dec 2014, p.64]
See all critic reviews »