Tales From The Borderlands: Episode 1 - Zer0 Sum

 PC
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 395 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 322 out of 395
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 395
  3. Negative: 51 out of 395

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  1. Davidnotavailab
    Jul 1, 2023
    10
    This is a contender for one of telltale best episodes ever. Its definitely telltale's best opening ever, thats not even up for debate, second one being the wolf's among us but this is very good. The introduction of characters and the fun and the pacing ahhhhh , it s just really good, yeah it s telltales formula, like wtf do you expect its a tellatle game, this episode nails everything
  2. vorgbardo
    Jul 16, 2017
    5
    The good: graphics are excellent. Music, sound effects, and voice acting are very good. So the table looks nice, the athmosphere is pleasing, and the napkins are nicely folded.

    The bad: writing is mediocre at best, and downright poor at times. And because writing is the beef, the potatoes and the dessert in this genre, that is a huge shortfall. The story is a 100% linear jog down a    The good: graphics are excellent. Music, sound effects, and voice acting are very good. So the table looks nice, the athmosphere is pleasing, and the napkins are nicely folded.

    The bad: writing is mediocre at best, and downright poor at times. And because writing is the beef, the potatoes and the dessert in this genre, that is a huge shortfall.

    The story is a 100% linear jog down a pipe with zero chance to make an actual difference at any point with own choices. The player is limited to a very small number of actions at all times, and apart from missing a quick-time event that leads to an instant death, never feels like actually being part of the story but simply a by-watcher. The decision to tell the story as a series of flashbacks makes this problem even worse, as it further enhances the feeling of pre-defined fate.

    At several key phases of the story, drama is created or the plot is advanced with either a deus ex machina solution, or with one of the characters performing an act that is either out of character and/or has no sensible motivation behind it. Apart from one nice twist, the story unfolds like an exercise in lazy writing. Even the humour is cheap and unimaginative.

    The male main character is an unlikable loser, and the writers' idea of humour is having him make a fool of himself at every opportunity. There are a myriad of games with an anti-heroic main character, but none so annoying and void of personality as Rhys. Why would I want to have a boring no-good bumbling buffoon as my virtual alter ego? Unless the purpose is to plant seeds for some serious character development during the series, but nothing in the quality of writing during the first episode has got my hopes high for that.    … Expand
  3. breakbacon
    Oct 9, 2015
    9
    The twists and surprises embedded in this introductory episode are alone enough to grab your attention and lock you in for the rest of the ride. Personalities clash and characters are trumpeted as the narrative unfolds in non-linear, action packed ways. Expect to have a lot of convincing to do as well as have unexpected and contradictory outcomes to result from your best attempts atThe twists and surprises embedded in this introductory episode are alone enough to grab your attention and lock you in for the rest of the ride. Personalities clash and characters are trumpeted as the narrative unfolds in non-linear, action packed ways. Expect to have a lot of convincing to do as well as have unexpected and contradictory outcomes to result from your best attempts at steering the narrative. Here the unexpected has such a surprising, rich, and hilarious quality to it that there is almost no fault to be found in some of the slightly janky plot devices or uninspired puzzles. Many times it comes down to a matter of 'who cares if what happened isn't perfect - it's awesome'.… Expand
  4. DLight03
    Oct 2, 2015
    9
    This review is for the episodic adventure as a whole, not just episode one.

    You don't need to have ever played Borderlands to love this game. The humor in this game is as quick-witted and on-point as it gets, and reminds me of the best that Monkey Island had to offer from a comedic standpoint. This game is pure fun from beginning to end, and does maybe the best job of making you feel    This review is for the episodic adventure as a whole, not just episode one.

    You don't need to have ever played Borderlands to love this game. The humor in this game is as quick-witted and on-point as it gets, and reminds me of the best that Monkey Island had to offer from a comedic standpoint. This game is pure fun from beginning to end, and does maybe the best job of making you feel like your choices meant something of any Telltale game. An absolute blast.    … Expand
  5. BrainAndSoul
    Jul 24, 2015
    8
    It is really good to see that Telltale Games are progressins. A lot of prople used to think that after a great success of TWD this guys will just stop at this point. However, The Wolf Amon Us and Tales From Borderlands are huge "no's" to this opinion. TTG are staying on the top of this genre, but I can't see charm and addiction to gaming universe that I saw in original Borderlands and inIt is really good to see that Telltale Games are progressins. A lot of prople used to think that after a great success of TWD this guys will just stop at this point. However, The Wolf Amon Us and Tales From Borderlands are huge "no's" to this opinion. TTG are staying on the top of this genre, but I can't see charm and addiction to gaming universe that I saw in original Borderlands and in other Telltale games. Hope, that they left it for final, as always)… Expand
  6. rodericrinehart
    Jun 16, 2015
    7
    I might be getting tired of the Telltale formula for sure, but this is definitely not as good as the original 3, with The Wolf Among Us as my favorite of the three). There doesn't seem to be a whole lot of interaction and it just feels lifeless. There are a few good scenes and some nice dialogue, but the gameplay seems even more sparse than before. I understand it's a point-and-clickI might be getting tired of the Telltale formula for sure, but this is definitely not as good as the original 3, with The Wolf Among Us as my favorite of the three). There doesn't seem to be a whole lot of interaction and it just feels lifeless. There are a few good scenes and some nice dialogue, but the gameplay seems even more sparse than before. I understand it's a point-and-click adventure game, but the interaction is at a minimum. It feels like a graphic novel with a few small "choose your own way" points.

    It is probably worth ten bucks for the five episodes, but that is the most I'll pay for Telltale games as that is their value to me personally.    … Expand
  7. MeritCoba
    Jun 13, 2015
    8
    Tales of the Borderlands(short: Tales) is another great Telltale adventure, this time set in the Borderlands, a planet somewhere out there and the setting for the Borderlands 1 and 2 games. This might lead to some confusion as Borderlands was a first person shooter with some role play elements while Tales of the Borderlands is best described as an interactive story. Tales has thereforeTales of the Borderlands(short: Tales) is another great Telltale adventure, this time set in the Borderlands, a planet somewhere out there and the setting for the Borderlands 1 and 2 games. This might lead to some confusion as Borderlands was a first person shooter with some role play elements while Tales of the Borderlands is best described as an interactive story. Tales has therefore nothing in common with the Borderlands games but the setting and some cameos by characters.
    I wonder at what audience this game is actually targeted as it seems to me that the group of people who liked the Borderlands games are of a somewhat different disposition than those who like interactive stories, but maybe I am just mistaken.
    Tales is also not a game for those who like complex puzzles. Although Tales has some puzzles, these are far in between and not very complex and offer therefore no challenge.
    The game also sports dialog trees, but again this is of a rather superficial nature as the different choices do not play out in significant different ways. This might disappoint some people no doubt, especially when you are used to be able to make a significant impact on the story line.

    Tales is the story of Rhys and Fiona. Rhys is an employee of the malignant corporation Hyperion who tries to get back at his boss Vasquez by buying the Vault key Vasquez is trying to get his hands on before he is able to do so. Fiona is a con artist who tries to sell a fake Vault key to Hyperion as part of a con job that she and her sister Sasha try to pull of, helped by their replacement daddy and mentor Felix and the unknowing August, a small time gangster who is in love with Sasha.
    The whole deal gets messy fast when the vault key is found out to be a fake and at that same precise moment a gangster boss, Bossonova, chased by a vault hunter named Zer0, enters the scene and steals the ten million Rhys has 'borrowed' from Hyperion to buy the key. And now the ten million becomes the MacGuffin of the story that is filled with chases, lunatics, funny dialog, double crossing, odd characters, back stabbing, silliness and hilarious over the top scenes. But also with love, loyalty and friendship.
    Tales can best seen as a story with some interactive elements and should not be mistaken for a game. While you will be able to have some interaction with the story line, this will mostly be superficial.
    For me this might diminish the game somewhat, but because of the sheer fun it gives this can be forgiven.

    There are some dark linings though.
    At the moment the story is full of unfinished business and more loose ends are in the make in episode three as far as I can tell. The danger is that there are just too many of them to wrap it up neatly later on. The concept kill your darlings applies here as well. But there are still a few more episodes in the make, so let's give Tales the benefit of the doubt. An eight at least.    … Expand
  8. Skinnny
    May 13, 2015
    9
    WOW.This is one of the best game of TTG.Great story,great characters,great and tasty humor.Original borderlands game i didn't like but this is awesome.TTG is great game maker studio.
  9. oDjento
    May 12, 2015
    8
    Quick review the clarify my status on this episode compared to episode two. More intersting and dynamic choices, scripted sequences are more exciting and the sight of zero was awesome! Jokes are good but better in episode two. Overall this is the better episode though.
  10. DiggetyDoo1
    May 10, 2015
    9
    A great game for newcomers to the Borderlands series. I bought it because of the good press the other entries in the series received, the art style and the fact that it was produced by Telltale. And boy, am I glad I did. The game switches between the perspectives of Hyperion company man, Rhys and con-woman Fiona. The game has a dark and off-beat sense of humor that never seems to falter.A great game for newcomers to the Borderlands series. I bought it because of the good press the other entries in the series received, the art style and the fact that it was produced by Telltale. And boy, am I glad I did. The game switches between the perspectives of Hyperion company man, Rhys and con-woman Fiona. The game has a dark and off-beat sense of humor that never seems to falter. All the jokes made me at the very least go "Ha, ha. That's funny. I should be laughing. But I'm not. Probably due to my emotions being deadened from spending every waking hour in front of a computer". Which is a good thing, I guess. The menacing, crazy world of Pandora is absolutely engrossing. Learning more about it (and it's inhabitants) is an absolute delight). It's action setpieces are amazing ( a death race with Psychos and bounty hunters all racing for a Hyperion suitcase you need to get back, a battle between loader bots and bandits) but the moments I most enjoyed where when I was playing through Rhys' perspective and got to analyse things with his Echo-Eye implant. Completely inconsequential objects were given funny, detailed and interesting descriptions. The attention to detail is marvelous. You also get to hack things or control technology at specific points in the story with Rhys' robotic arm. Fiona's arc is touching and in my opinion the one with the best jokes. I absolutely recommend this game to anybody who like story-based point-and-click games. You won't be disappointed.… Expand
  11. Skitte
    Apr 5, 2015
    10
    I am not a fan of Borderlands, but neither hate it. But, apparently, being a fan of TellTale, I started playing this title and I was overwhelmed...

    Pros: - Immersive story - Great battles - Great characters - Length - Premise - Appealing acting Cons: - Few bugs I cannot say that I am truly impressed by this title brought by Telltale... Even though I don't know nothing    I am not a fan of Borderlands, but neither hate it. But, apparently, being a fan of TellTale, I started playing this title and I was overwhelmed...

    Pros:
    - Immersive story
    - Great battles
    - Great characters
    - Length
    - Premise
    - Appealing acting

    Cons:

    - Few bugs

    I cannot say that I am truly impressed by this title brought by Telltale... Even though I don't know nothing about Borderland universe, I bet every game is a masterpiece    … Expand
  12. Sharpshooter188
    Mar 30, 2015
    9
    Just purchased the 2 episodes today. At first I was iffy but it was 5 dollars so I figured why not. Then after getting through the first episode I simply HAD to watch/play the second. All of the characters are very well defined imo, and Handsome Jack is both humorous and vile. I don't think that the story can really change too much at pivotal points but I've yet to try doing so as I'veJust purchased the 2 episodes today. At first I was iffy but it was 5 dollars so I figured why not. Then after getting through the first episode I simply HAD to watch/play the second. All of the characters are very well defined imo, and Handsome Jack is both humorous and vile. I don't think that the story can really change too much at pivotal points but I've yet to try doing so as I've only gone through the episodes once. This is my first time trying these types of games and I must say I am hooked. Looking forward to the third. Check. It. Out.… Expand
  13. mijxero
    Feb 23, 2015
    7
    This takes the humor and world from borderlands and combines it with the storytelling of other telltale games. Unfortunately it isn't as perfect of a match as I would have hoped. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the game a lot, it was just miles away from the walking dead games. It is still early in the series and I expect an interesting and funny story. If you like story basedThis takes the humor and world from borderlands and combines it with the storytelling of other telltale games. Unfortunately it isn't as perfect of a match as I would have hoped. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the game a lot, it was just miles away from the walking dead games. It is still early in the series and I expect an interesting and funny story. If you like story based games like any other telltale titles and a game that doesn't take itself too seriously you should like this game too.… Expand
  14. Bill_Clay
    Feb 13, 2015
    2
    It's fun, but it's not a game. You're basically just watching a Borderlands cartoon, and you have to pay attention to click at the right points in the story for the cartoon to continue. The episodic nature also ruins the game. The first part was released last November, and here it is February already with no Part 2 released yet? At this point it will be 2016 before the game is completely done.
  15. 12spageipriya
    Feb 11, 2015
    7
    Tales from the Borderlands is an episodic point-and-click graphic adventure comedy video game based on the Borderlands series, released in November 2014 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and iPhone, with planned ports to mobile platforms.
  16. Dokkodo
    Feb 9, 2015
    0
    Telltale Games should change their name to reflect what they make, because it is animated movies...not games. Borderlands is great, get The Pre-Sequel and have a blast...this crap you can just watch on youtube if you are so inclined.
  17. LeeEverett
    Jan 28, 2015
    9
    It's a good game so far. During the first 10 minutes or so I was doubting this game was worth the money I spent but it gets awesome, you just have to stick with it. Definitely a 8 or 9 out of 10.

    The story writing is great and all the action is great. I have to admit I was a little confused with the story line first time round but I guess I was just slow to pick up on things. Now that I    It's a good game so far. During the first 10 minutes or so I was doubting this game was worth the money I spent but it gets awesome, you just have to stick with it. Definitely a 8 or 9 out of 10.

    The story writing is great and all the action is great. I have to admit I was a little confused with the story line first time round but I guess I was just slow to pick up on things. Now that I understand the game it's awesome.

    I'm looking forward to the next episode. I hope TellTale keep up the good work and don't slack like they did with TWDG (Season 1 of TWDG was great but season two...meh, mediocre?). I'm especially looking forward to a second season of TWAU and now the next episode of TFTB too. I'm not too excited for a season 3 of TWDG but I hope TellTale surprises me by doing better, I will definitely be doing my part of research before spending money on TWDG season 3.    … Expand
  18. vonbird
    Jan 7, 2015
    9
    unlike game of thrones which was totally not cool this was really really good, it had a nice borderlandsy! graphics, nice references to the fps borderlands games and the game was really fun and awesome as it was serious and breathtaking.
    And using 2 main characters made the game even better and more enjoyable.
    I think that this was a great start to a great game. i hope they can do the    unlike game of thrones which was totally not cool this was really really good, it had a nice borderlandsy! graphics, nice references to the fps borderlands games and the game was really fun and awesome as it was serious and breathtaking.
    And using 2 main characters made the game even better and more enjoyable.
    I think that this was a great start to a great game.
    i hope they can do the other episodes like this too    … Expand
  19. avvi00
    Dec 25, 2014
    1
    I'm really puzzled by all the good reviews that this game is getting. Really, really puzzled.

    Let me make a few disclosures first. I didn't do my homework and dig into what kind of a game this really is - this was my mistake #1. Secondly, I was always drawn to the Borderlands, Borderlands 2 imagery, and when I saw a deal on the game, I just bought it based on its looks - mistake #2.    I'm really puzzled by all the good reviews that this game is getting. Really, really puzzled.

    Let me make a few disclosures first. I didn't do my homework and dig into what kind of a game this really is - this was my mistake #1. Secondly, I was always drawn to the Borderlands, Borderlands 2 imagery, and when I saw a deal on the game, I just bought it based on its looks - mistake #2.

    I'm not a serious gamer of late though I used to regularly play big title games... games where you actually *did* something in the game, and had to try *hard* to win. Evidently there is a niche of gamers out there that would rather spend a couple of hours basically watching a movie and occasionally hitting the Q button, or idly pushing A or D when prompted by the game. Seriously? How lazy are gamers these days? I'd rather take my $20 bucks elsewhere.

    I have to give credit to this game as a movie: the voice acting is pretty good and there is some nice humor mixed in, plus some impressive sets. Yes I call them sets because mostly you just look at them.

    Interaction boils down to "choices" you make in the game. Perhaps the consequences of those choices will actually amount to something three or four episodes down the track, but in this episode choice repercussions seemed trivial and didn't add much flavor to what little actual game play is there.

    So this brings me back to my puzzled start - how the heck is this more fun than a good scripted film? You punch a few keys on queue and make some choices and watch things unfold ... snooze ...count me out of this genre.    … Expand
  20. ThatOneCritic
    Dec 22, 2014
    9
    Tales from the Borderlands! It's a pretty good game. Funny, Multiple choices, LOADERBOT!
    Umm it's made my Telltale. You know, the developers of multi choice games that seem to perfect everything from TV shows to Other video games, so you would expect this to be good, right? If you answered no your right! Just kidding every game telltale makes seem to be good. Gets a bit repetitive though.
  21. Spookydarren
    Dec 12, 2014
    9
    This was simply excellent,witty writing, non glitchy graphics and gameplay (a first for Telltale) and a decent length. I enjoyed it so much I immediately replayed it choosing different options to see where the different path choices led. Helps if you know your way around Borderlands lore but there's a lot to enjoy here if you don't. Looking forward to the next instalment.
  22. MourningStar187
    Dec 10, 2014
    10
    Wow! I enjoyed Borderlands and Borderlands 2 but this game takes the cake. The last time I enjoyed a game this much was Skyrim. Im a fan of Telltale, but the quality here far exceeds just about anything that I've ever played period.
  23. matteda
    Dec 10, 2014
    10
    The best game I played on PC this year 10/10

    I have played Borderlands & Telltale series from Walking dead,wolf Among Us This is far better than Game of thrones 7/10 I am comparing coz both released at almost the same time First time I felt satisfied after playing a single episode of a Telltale game If you like borderlands and have not played Telltale games before, you will not    The best game I played on PC this year 10/10

    I have played Borderlands & Telltale series from Walking dead,wolf Among Us

    This is far better than Game of thrones 7/10
    I am comparing coz both released at almost the same time

    First time I felt satisfied after playing a single episode of a Telltale game
    If you like borderlands and have not played Telltale games before, you will not be disappointed
    It has all the action,humour for a game    … Expand
  24. Playerman
    Dec 9, 2014
    0
    I was so excited about new Borderlands with couch coop so i didnt saw that is game without multiplayer. Well i write here because people may do same mistake and lose they money for nothing. To me and all my friends Borderlands is only for coop nothing else. So real borderlands fans i recommended that you leave this crappy to store.
  25. Yesiamaduck
    Dec 8, 2014
    10
    I found Game Of Thrones decent but mildly disappointing, I didn't expect much from this game at all as a result but I bought it anyways, and I found it to be among the finest releases Teltale have put out to date. It's exhilarating, well paced, has a good story and is incredibly funny. Well worth the purchase.
  26. daftshadow
    Dec 5, 2014
    9
    I was never much a fan of Borderlands but this game is a gem from TellTale. So far it's not better than The Walking Dead but better than The Wolf Among Us and Game of Thrones. The quirky jokes, story telling and gameplay makes this game fun. I just wish these episodes were longer, they feel too short.
  27. LostSandwich
    Dec 5, 2014
    9
    This new series from Telltale Games perfectly fits in with the Borderlands universe. With funny, creative, and interesting storytelling. I was not expecting much from this game, as i am not too much a fan of the original Borderlands series. This game doesn't really have an emotional theme to it, (at least not the first episode) but my god is it hilarious. I found myself laughing the wholeThis new series from Telltale Games perfectly fits in with the Borderlands universe. With funny, creative, and interesting storytelling. I was not expecting much from this game, as i am not too much a fan of the original Borderlands series. This game doesn't really have an emotional theme to it, (at least not the first episode) but my god is it hilarious. I found myself laughing the whole way through, and to be quite honest, with all the emotional and depressing games as of late, this was really a breath of fresh air, and has even garnered some more interest into the Borderlands universe from me. The thing holding this game back some issues with the PC. Not massive issues but they can be annoying, slight mouse delay, tiny cursor that can be hard to see at time, all small issues that aren't a big deal. I would love Telltale to make their options menus more vast though, as basically all of their installments are extremely basic in the options menu, just Full Screen, Resolution, Anti-aliasing, and Texture Quality, and especially Texture Quality which only has "High" or "Low". The controls are worse, i know Telltales games are very narrative focused rather than gameplay focused but rebind-able keys would still be much appreciated and very easy for them to do. Overall fantastic game though that is really deserving of your wallet.… Expand
  28. badbd518
    Dec 3, 2014
    10
    Were do i even start with this amazing Game
    Another Amazing Game By Telltale Games
    I Was a bit nervous going into this game i mean borderlands story can be very confusing to a lot of people i must say that they did an amazing game as always with the telling of a story i wont go to in depth with this review i don't want to spoil the games story but if you are a fan of borderlands &    Were do i even start with this amazing Game
    Another Amazing Game By Telltale Games
    I Was a bit nervous going into this game
    i mean borderlands story can be very confusing to a lot of people
    i must say that they did an amazing game as always with the telling of a story
    i wont go to in depth with this review i don't want to spoil the games story
    but if you are a fan of borderlands & if you are a fan of telltale games then pick up this game
    its epic from the start to the end of episode 1
    it keeps you glued to your computer screen / tv & it keeps you playing
    the style of borderlands they captured it prefect here.
    & the voice acting also top notch
    the chatterers / voice actors put on a very believable performance
    the games world / story is so well crafted that it fells like a real breathing world
    at first you wont really care about the chatterers but give it 20-30 minutes in & you will want them to live & you will fall into love with them
    I Give this game an 10 out of 10
    Its an amazing game & should not be passed up by anybody that is looking for a good story
    and episode 1 took me about 3+ hours to beat so it has a good amount of gameplay time for episode 1
    i cant wait for episode 2 to be released
    Pick this game up.
    Again i gave it an 10 out of 10.    … Expand
  29. adhamhany
    Dec 2, 2014
    8
    Another great game from Telltale Games.

    The story is good enough so far, with some predictable elements. There are still questions left unanswered; but knowing there are still 4 other episodes to look forward too, I know we'll get them. The characters are really interesting. Some are fun, others are just mysterious, and all are made so thanks to the voice acting. The visual style and    Another great game from Telltale Games.

    The story is good enough so far, with some predictable elements. There are still questions left unanswered; but knowing there are still 4 other episodes to look forward too, I know we'll get them. The characters are really interesting. Some are fun, others are just mysterious, and all are made so thanks to the voice acting.

    The visual style and action mechanics are as great as any other game they made. The soundtrack is fine. I really enjoyed having more than one player-controlled character, because I liked seeing the same scene from different angles. I don't know if it was done before or no (the only other Telltale Game I played was The Wolf Among Us); so I can't say for sure if it's innovative, but it sure was cool.

    Looking forward to the rest of the series.    … Expand
  30. doughnutsfan
    Nov 30, 2014
    9
    Tales from the borderlands delivers, I can pretty much guarantee that. With superb pacing, great cast and laugh-out-loud humor, the first episode promises awesome things to come while being an awesome set-piece in itself. Great job, Telltale!
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Awards & Rankings

25
#25 Best PC Game of 2014
87
#87 Most Discussed PC Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 43 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 43
  3. Negative: 0 out of 43
  1. CD-Action
    Feb 7, 2015
    75
    It’s more of a superbly written movie than a game. [01/2015, p.59]
  2. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Feb 2, 2015
    80
    Funny “wannabe-adventure” nicely expands the Borderlands universe and represents a small fragment to the mosaic of the mad world of the Pandora planet. [Issue#249]
  3. Multiplayer.it
    Feb 1, 2015
    70
    Tales From The Borderlands is more often than not a pleasure, and it has an authentic Borderlands feeling. But the the long action sequences where we have to push buttons only to let the movie play, rise a question: “why don't we play the real game, instead?”
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