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. 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.
  2. 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
  3. Gamer147
    Nov 28, 2014
    10
    Telltale hits another home run. Or, well, makes an awesome game. Which is better, because I don't really have any use for a home, or a run. Or both.

    Just buy it. Full price. Don't be stingy on brilliance, it costs, alright?
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. brian456252
    Nov 28, 2014
    10
    Almost the best game Telltale made, just finished it and is pretty awesome!! you definetly gotta try out this one, don't let this pass, it's really awesome, you can now know more about Pandora after Borderlands 2 (and Hyperion too)
  13. 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!
  14. 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
  15. Dree74
    Nov 28, 2014
    9
    Impressive, the control is bit clunky but very solid storyline and interseting characters. Little pricy for 2 and half hours but still it was worth it.
  16. 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.
  17. C3realkillah
    Nov 27, 2014
    9
    ill be honest. im not a huge fan of borderlands. when i first heard that this game was coming out i wasnt excited. But after playing this game i have to say Telltale games have done it again, they crafted a fantastic, smart, and very funny game taking place in the borderlands universe. i never thought borderlands was one for storytelling but this game nails it. the first episode wasill be honest. im not a huge fan of borderlands. when i first heard that this game was coming out i wasnt excited. But after playing this game i have to say Telltale games have done it again, they crafted a fantastic, smart, and very funny game taking place in the borderlands universe. i never thought borderlands was one for storytelling but this game nails it. the first episode was lengthy, fun, and set up the events of the oncoming episodes. great characters and action set pieces are awesome and fun to play since im one who enjoys QTE elements. i wont spoil the story but its mainly about a deal gone wrong and how everything unfolds is worth experiencing. plus not to mention all the different outcomes. this is a ttg all the way and choices are back and plentiful. how the story pans out is incredeibly up to the player. overall i really enjoyed this game and will definitely play the others. TTG has crafted yet another masterpiece in character and story development that deserves to be experienced 9/10… Expand
  18. 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
  19. Nobilis1984
    Nov 29, 2014
    9
    A very nice game
    Telltale Games makes with the good quality continue where they left off in The Walking Dead.
    This time it is action-packed and the player controls from the outset two people. I really do not care for Borderlands but what Telltale Games has touched just fine.
    I had 3-4 stuttering in the game. Maybe you would have to fix that.
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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.
  24. fijiboy
    Nov 27, 2014
    9
    this is one of the most consistently funny games I have played. once again telltale games have created another great game with an engaging and expertly told story. From the beginning to the end, I was completely hooked on the plot, characters and world of borderlands. in fact I think telltale has done a better job at making the borderlands world more interesting than gearbox did. Thethis is one of the most consistently funny games I have played. once again telltale games have created another great game with an engaging and expertly told story. From the beginning to the end, I was completely hooked on the plot, characters and world of borderlands. in fact I think telltale has done a better job at making the borderlands world more interesting than gearbox did. The dialogue is hilarious and well written but doesn't have the same emotional punch that walking dead or wolf among us had, but the tone of the game is completely different from those two games, this is suppose to be a funny adventure, and it works perfectly. I don't like it as much as the wolf among us or walking dead but it is something different from those two series in a good way and I cant wait for the next episode… Expand
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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.
  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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