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. 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
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. Alex19xD
    Nov 27, 2014
    9
    Telltale keeps surprising me, it is definitely my favourite developer for games. For this game, they added something new, humour. I've played both TWD and TWAU ( The Walking Dead and The Wolf Among Us ) , and until now I can't say it is as good as TWD and maybe a little better than TWAU, I really enjoyed it and I can't wait for new episodes to come. I highly recommend you to play this gameTelltale keeps surprising me, it is definitely my favourite developer for games. For this game, they added something new, humour. I've played both TWD and TWAU ( The Walking Dead and The Wolf Among Us ) , and until now I can't say it is as good as TWD and maybe a little better than TWAU, I really enjoyed it and I can't wait for new episodes to come. I highly recommend you to play this game if you didn't already :)… Expand
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. 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!
  10. doncsoo
    Nov 29, 2014
    10
    So far I think this is the best episodic game that Telltale made. I love the new gameplay mechanics, the action, the story and the humor! So far I love this game and I really looking forward to the next episodes.
  11. MrSaberra
    Nov 26, 2014
    10
    I had a bad mood today, felt blue, but after seeing this, my bad mood is gone. This game is awesome, like a Pixar/DreamWorks film, but with dying men. A lot of them, actually, dying in many awesome ways.
  12. Davisx3m
    Nov 25, 2014
    9
    Just finished the first episode! It was great! As always the voice acting is stunningly good & the music is great. The story was interesting, and it was filled with humor, however I think that if you've played another of the Borderland games you would have liked them more.
    However it doesn't stop you from playing the game, I haven't played any other Borderland games and I'm fine! They    Just finished the first episode! It was great! As always the voice acting is stunningly good & the music is great. The story was interesting, and it was filled with humor, however I think that if you've played another of the Borderland games you would have liked them more.
    However it doesn't stop you from playing the game, I haven't played any other Borderland games and I'm fine! They give us some information about the world during the game play.

    I also love the way you're playing two characters, and revisit the same places but from the view of the other character. And their stories can vary enormously, since at least Rhys might be.... exaggerating a bit.
    Over all I highly recommend this game if you like other Telltale Games, and if you like them AND Borderlands this is a must buy.

    Other than that there are a few graphical glitches, like in all Telltale games, the length of the episode are also better than normally, two hours long, let's hope the rest of the episodes are as long. Now go get this game!    … Expand
  13. WildingCarpet11
    Nov 26, 2014
    9
    Wow, just wow. I didn't have high expectations for this game as i knew it wouldn't be emotional as walking dead or wolf among us. However telltale proved me wrong, they made a masterpiece out of this. Surprisingly long episode really in which i enjoyed much. The game's humor is really clever and it replaces walking dead's emotional feels well. I'm a bit disappointed with the ending sinceWow, just wow. I didn't have high expectations for this game as i knew it wouldn't be emotional as walking dead or wolf among us. However telltale proved me wrong, they made a masterpiece out of this. Surprisingly long episode really in which i enjoyed much. The game's humor is really clever and it replaces walking dead's emotional feels well. I'm a bit disappointed with the ending since they didn't hype it as all wolf among us or walking dead episodes, but oh well.… Expand
  14. 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
  15. 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.
  16. 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
  17. justagamer123
    Nov 28, 2014
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. this game is awesome, but i will go into a bit more detail

    ok so if you don't know this game is made by telltale same people who brought us the walking dead game (season one and two) the wolf among us and now this. so the game is setup all about the story so instead of the classic non-stop action millions of guns and looting every thing that's all gone but whats left is story humor and some borderlands charm, the story so far is great really its very good and very funny at times. it feels like telltale has finally done it i felt that the walking dead just felt a little slow paced and a bit boring at times (never played the wolf among us looked boring to me) but this game is so far great

    one issue is that during the times when ever rhys had to fight the bandits with the stun baton i found a bit of frame rate issues and once it would not allow me to attack one of the bandits because your circle (aim like thing) was stuck in the corner even though i was moving my mouse    … Expand
  18. Nadrac
    Nov 25, 2014
    10
    It's an excellent game, with top notch voice acting and story and fully fleshed out characters, and quite refreshing humor, anyone who is familiar their telltales walking dead or wolf among us series knows the quality of their games but humor pushes this one over the top. Feels like a super weapon in their arsenal they didn't quite get to use with their previous titles.

    Story itself    It's an excellent game, with top notch voice acting and story and fully fleshed out characters, and quite refreshing humor, anyone who is familiar their telltales walking dead or wolf among us series knows the quality of their games but humor pushes this one over the top. Feels like a super weapon in their arsenal they didn't quite get to use with their previous titles.

    Story itself takes place after borderlands 2, told from the perspective of two main characters which adds even more depth to it than we are used to. Being familiar with the borderlands series only enhances the experience, and not necessary, so it's a must play for anyone remotely interested in the genre, but who doesn't like a good story, the game is very accessible so there is no excuse not to check it out.    … Expand
  19. Lizard_dude
    Nov 27, 2014
    10
    I just finished the first episode and ... WOW. That was the most fun i have had with a video game in YEARS! People say 2014 was a bad year for gaming in general but oh no not anymore. Tales from the borderlands does everything right. the only fault i can possibly think of is that the animation looks a bit clunky 1 or 2 times in the episode for a very short period of time (2-4 seconds). TheI just finished the first episode and ... WOW. That was the most fun i have had with a video game in YEARS! People say 2014 was a bad year for gaming in general but oh no not anymore. Tales from the borderlands does everything right. the only fault i can possibly think of is that the animation looks a bit clunky 1 or 2 times in the episode for a very short period of time (2-4 seconds). The story and characters were so good (SO GOOD!). And i am hopping with excitement just thinking about the next episode.… Expand
  20. flametail23
    Nov 28, 2014
    9
    Telltale did a great job with episode one of Tales From The Borderlands. The humour from the other games is ever present and made me laugh.... a lot. The voice acting is also great, Troy Baker is probably the best of the bunch. Great first episode.
    9/10
  21. Thilus
    Nov 29, 2014
    9
    I must say this in an excellent start to the new series. Well written story, memorable characters with good voice acting, and quite a lot of unforced humor. After the downer that was The Walking Dead Season 2, Telltale rebounded nicely. Although it really poses a question whether the publisher didn't spread it's resources too thin (especialy since they were working on TWD, Wolf Among Us,I must say this in an excellent start to the new series. Well written story, memorable characters with good voice acting, and quite a lot of unforced humor. After the downer that was The Walking Dead Season 2, Telltale rebounded nicely. Although it really poses a question whether the publisher didn't spread it's resources too thin (especialy since they were working on TWD, Wolf Among Us, this game and also the upcoming Game of Thrones at almost the same time).

    The biggest flaw? I woldn't exactly call TftB a game. Tales from Monkey Island was a game. Both seasons of Sam&Max were games. This is more of an interactive experience with a series of casual QTEs, that let's you make some choices which turn out to have very limited consequences. If you get past that, you should have a really terrific time though.    … Expand
  22. Inxmarati
    Nov 29, 2014
    10
    This game is amazing,funny characthers,and a brilliant story with certain twists...You follow a story of two characthers,which is wierd,because Telltale Games,always follow's one main protagonist.As always,i can see this game being one of my top 10's!
  23. ClipState
    Nov 25, 2014
    10
    This Telltale experience is not only extremely enjoyable and intriguing, but it sticks to Borderlands' signature style. Humour, gameplay and everything in between. This first episode is a great way to start off and was a lot deeper that I thought it would be. I'm really liking the plot right now and I played it non-stop to its end. Connections to the previous games just give you moreThis Telltale experience is not only extremely enjoyable and intriguing, but it sticks to Borderlands' signature style. Humour, gameplay and everything in between. This first episode is a great way to start off and was a lot deeper that I thought it would be. I'm really liking the plot right now and I played it non-stop to its end. Connections to the previous games just give you more reason to play it. If you enjoyed the other Borderlands games - even if you don't like these point and click ones, there is still more that enough reason for you to play it. The action sequences a well done and the gameplay is probably the best I've seen from Telltale yet. The sheer amount of enjoyability made time pass way sooner that I would have expected. The environment is well detailed and has a wide variety of colour. There not a single boring moment. Now for the score I'm giving it, many people may disagree, but I just think that this a very welcome entry to the Borderlands universe and would make it a lot more interesting. There not a single boring moment and the departure from the slow but dramatic tone of previous Telltale games is a great choice, bringing more life into the game.… Expand
  24. 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
  25. 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.
  26. 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
  27. Reinate
    Nov 26, 2014
    7
    Is this game perfect, Not by a long shot.
    Does it have issues, Plenty.
    Did i enjoy it ... of course. Classic Borderlands Humor, But it felt more like i was watching an interactive movie. Occasionally i could walk my characters down a hall way or make a choice how i wanted a scene to play out, but for the most part i was sitting back watching stuff unfold. If you like Heavy rain you    Is this game perfect, Not by a long shot.
    Does it have issues, Plenty.
    Did i enjoy it ... of course.
    Classic Borderlands Humor, But it felt more like i was watching an interactive movie.
    Occasionally i could walk my characters down a hall way or make a choice how i wanted a scene to play out, but for the most part i was sitting back watching stuff unfold.
    If you like Heavy rain you will love this :)    … Expand
  28. akarnokd
    Nov 26, 2014
    8
    I played it for like 3 hours, then an additional 4 hours in my dreams. I sometimes continue playing in my dreams, but only for the very best games; so this has to be one. I played all Borderlands games thus far and was immediately captivated by this installment. I was a bit afraid how they would convert the loot and gore fest of the original games into a point&click adventure, but I'mI played it for like 3 hours, then an additional 4 hours in my dreams. I sometimes continue playing in my dreams, but only for the very best games; so this has to be one. I played all Borderlands games thus far and was immediately captivated by this installment. I was a bit afraid how they would convert the loot and gore fest of the original games into a point&click adventure, but I'm satisfied with the results: where you would shoot the bandits in BL, now you get past them utilizing cutting-edge ... conversations. It features QTEs and there is short a timeout on conversation options; it keeps the exciting up, but I found myself choosing an option due to the time pressure and not having enough time to think through the possible consequences. On e one hand, this is mildly frustrating, on the other hand, gives an incentive to play the game again and again. Voice acting is good, but doesn't feel as good as in BL2. Iconic sound effects are in the game, but they sound odd and unpositioned in the 3D scene. Graphics looks good and is performing well, but the settings lack fullscreen toggle (although alt+enter works), v-sync and certain resolutions make part of the menu fall off the screen.… Expand
  29. midway23
    Nov 27, 2014
    9
    Seems like Telltale can tackle any series out there and make it more interesting then it actually is. Zer0 Sum shows that Telltale also makes the best pilot episodes in any medium. Replacing the tense drama of past games and going pack to their comedic roots, Episode 1 is hilarious, intriguing and compelling all at once. It's two very unreliable protagonists creates some fine examples ofSeems like Telltale can tackle any series out there and make it more interesting then it actually is. Zer0 Sum shows that Telltale also makes the best pilot episodes in any medium. Replacing the tense drama of past games and going pack to their comedic roots, Episode 1 is hilarious, intriguing and compelling all at once. It's two very unreliable protagonists creates some fine examples of story telling, further brought to life with talented voice actors and top tier quality of interesting characters.… Expand
  30. 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.
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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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