The Borderlands series continues to capture the enthusiasm of gamers, particularly among the PC Gamer team, who have collectively dedicated countless hours to the latest installment since its launch. As the team awaits a comprehensive review, initial impressions reveal a mix of excitement and critique regarding the game’s mechanics and overall experience.
The loop hits just right
Harvey Randall, Staff Writer: After immersing myself for about twenty hours, I find myself thoroughly enjoying the experience. As a long-time fan of the Borderlands franchise, I appreciate the familiar shooting and looting dynamics. While the introduction may feel a bit sluggish, the moment you start to develop your character build, the gameplay becomes engaging. The new Vault Hunters, particularly Amon and Harlowe, bring a refreshing twist to the series, with Amon’s flaming fist being a standout feature. The expanded skill trees offer more than just basic perks; they provide unique, build-defining options that enhance gameplay. Despite some concerns about the endgame content at launch, I’m looking forward to multiple playthroughs and discovering more on the planet Kairos.
A great brain-off game
Mollie Taylor, Features Producer: I share some reservations about Borderlands 4, finding it somewhat lackluster, yet I’ve still invested over 15 hours into it. It serves as an excellent escape, allowing for a relaxed gaming experience. The movement mechanics and gunplay are particularly enjoyable, with gliding adding a new layer of fun as I navigate the environment, taking out enemies with precision. However, I do wish the grappling hook was more integrated into the gameplay, as it often slips my mind. The ability to mark items as junk is a welcome improvement, but the inventory system leaves much to be desired, making it a chore to manage my weapons. Additionally, the absence of ambient music during quieter moments detracts from the overall atmosphere, making the world feel emptier than intended.
Why is it so hard on your hardware?
Andy Edser, Hardware Writer: My experience on Kairos has highlighted a significant issue: Borderlands 4 is demanding on hardware. Despite having a robust setup with an RTX 5070 Ti and an AMD Ryzen 7 7700X, I find myself relying on DLSS Balanced and 3x Multi Frame Generation to maintain smooth gameplay at near-max settings. This game might just take the crown for the most resource-intensive title I’ve encountered on my system. While the visuals are impressive in motion, I often question the reasons behind its high demands.
That said, I’ve enjoyed exploring the vibrant landscapes and engaging in combat, where the movement feels fluid and the weapon variety is commendable. The humor seems slightly toned down compared to previous titles, which I appreciate, but I echo the sentiment that the game feels somewhat uninspired at times. After 13 hours, I find myself wishing for more diverse environments, as the lush fields can only hold my attention for so long. I empathize with players on older hardware, as the performance challenges could overshadow the enjoyment of the game. While the graphics are appealing, it’s perplexing how a title with such visual similarities to its predecessors has become the most demanding game of the year. Here’s hoping for timely optimization patches to enhance the experience for all players.
