Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel

The Pre-Sequel hits a sweet spot where it isn't cringe worthy but rather a celebration of the Australian sense of humour. [Issue#255, p.39]

A worthy successor to the main Borderlands series, if a bit rough around the edges. Enemies and boss fights are bland, but this is more than made up for by excellent level design, hilarious dialogue, loveable characters, and an expertly realised, brilliantly Australian world.

It does exactly what a Borderlands game should: offer great shooting and fun looting. The introduction of moon-based combat has added some spice to general gameplay, while Aussie voice acting has also injecting some more character into what was already one of the more entertaining series on the market.

There is nothing terribly new here, it's got the same old weaknesses and almost no new strengths. But it builds something incredibly solid and lively on its tried and tested foundation.

Jammed full of the nuts-out, irreverent humour that has come to be synonymous with the brand, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel firmly refuses to fix what ain’t broke and delivers what arguably amounts to a feature-length expansion to Borderlands 2, but still manages to be utterly engrossing at the same time. Looting, laughing and butt-slamming your way across the moon couldn’t be more fun.

The Pre-Sequel! is a brilliant expansion, if not quite a brilliant game in its own right. Come for the Australians, stay for the low-gravity combat sections.

This is, essentially, more of the Borderlands I love with just enough new twists to pull me back in, and mostly make up for the things the series still doesn’t get right.

If you're hankering for more Borderlands, then The Pre-Sequel will most definitely scratch that itch. It doesn't really offer anything wildly new or innovative, and plays things safe for the most part, but there's no mistaking the sheer volume of fun on offer.

Ultimately, those who just want more Borderlands are getting their wish. The Pre-Sequel offers plenty of missions, completely new environments and playable characters, and one of the more interesting story threads of the series. If you're looking for more from Borderlands, however, The Pre-Sequel falls short.

Borderlands in Space. A gigantic DLC of the previous games with a couple of new features and some minor flaws.

Too big for DLC yet not different enough for a sequel, think of it as a familiar snack served up too soon after an enormous buffet.

Repetition and a lackluster story are its biggest shortcomings, but Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel is different enough to separate itself from the shadows of its older siblings.

Not necessarily an essential experience, but despite the repetitive elements the game’s co-op thrills and winning humour ensure entertainment for both new fans and old.

Even with its low-gravity exploits, it's leagues behind the other loot shooter out this year. [Issue#118, p.67]