Do Choices Really Matter in the Borderlands? Exploring the Impact of Decisions in Gearbox’s Universe
Yes, choices do matter in the Borderlands universe, particularly in narrative-driven entries like Tales from the Borderlands and New Tales from the Borderlands. While the core gameplay often revolves around looting and shooting, these games weave in branching narratives, relationship dynamics, and consequential decisions that influence the story’s outcome and character fates. While main entries such as Borderlands 3 aren’t choice-driven, choices made within the Tales from the Borderlands series have a significant impact.
The Power of Choice in Tales from the Borderlands
The Tales from the Borderlands series, developed by Telltale Games in collaboration with Gearbox, departs from the traditional Borderlands formula. Here, dialogue choices, quick-time events, and relationship-building shape the narrative in profound ways.
Relationship Dynamics and Character Fates
The choices you make affect how characters perceive you, impacting your relationships with them. These relationships, in turn, determine who will aid you in crucial moments, such as the final showdown with the Vault Monster. Whether a character likes you – or even trusts you – becomes a matter of life and death.
Consequential Story Arcs
The overarching story adapts based on your decisions. While the core plot points remain consistent, the specific path you take, the allies you gain, and the ending you receive are all shaped by the choices you make along the way. This creates a personalized experience where your actions have real consequences. This is a great demonstration on how video games influence learning. More information can be found on the GamesLearningSociety.org website.
Multiple Endings
The most significant demonstration of choice-driven narrative is the presence of multiple endings. In New Tales from the Borderlands, for example, there are five distinct endings, each reflecting the culmination of your decisions throughout the game. These endings determine the fates of the main characters and their ability to achieve their personal goals.
The Broader Borderlands Universe: Limited Choice, Lasting Impact
While the mainline Borderlands games are not primarily choice-based in terms of narrative branching, your character choice at the beginning of the game and your build options offer meaningful gameplay variety.
Character Selection
Choosing a character in any Borderlands game is a significant decision. Each Vault Hunter possesses unique skills, playstyles, and skill trees, drastically altering your approach to combat and exploration.
Build Customization
Borderlands offers extensive build customization. By allocating skill points and equipping specific gear, you can tailor your character to your preferred playstyle, whether it’s sniping, elemental damage, or melee combat. This level of customization allows you to express your individual preferences within the game’s mechanics.
Choice in Gameplay Mechanics
The core Borderlands gameplay loop involves making choices about gear, skills, and combat tactics.
Loot Decisions
Borderlands is renowned for its vast array of weapons and equipment. Deciding which weapons to keep, which to sell, and which to use in specific situations is a constant process of evaluation and strategic decision-making.
Combat Tactics
Engaging in combat requires tactical decision-making. Choosing the right weapons, exploiting enemy weaknesses, and utilizing your Vault Hunter’s skills effectively are crucial for survival.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Borderlands Choices
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the role of choice in the Borderlands universe:
1. Is Borderlands a choice-based game?
While the mainline Borderlands games are primarily loot shooters with RPG elements, the Tales from the Borderlands series incorporates significant choice-based narrative elements.
2. Do I need to play previous Borderlands games before playing New Tales from the Borderlands?
No. New Tales from the Borderlands is designed as a standalone experience with a fresh perspective and a new cast of characters. However, familiarity with the Borderlands universe can enhance your appreciation of the game’s lore and references.
3. How many endings does New Tales from the Borderlands have?
New Tales from the Borderlands features five distinct endings, reflecting the culmination of your choices throughout the game.
4. Is New Tales from the Borderlands a full game?
Yes. Gearbox considers New Tales from the Borderlands a standalone product and a spiritual successor to the original Tales from the Borderlands.
5. Does New Tales from the Borderlands continue the story of previous games?
New Tales from the Borderlands is not a direct sequel to any previous Borderlands games. While it contains familiar elements and characters, it focuses on a new story and a new cast.
6. Is Borderlands 3 worth it without DLC?
Yes. The base game offers a substantial amount of content, including a lengthy campaign, numerous side quests, and a vast array of loot. However, the DLC packs add additional story content, characters, and gameplay mechanics, enhancing the overall experience.
7. Which Borderlands game is the most liked?
Borderlands 2 is widely considered one of the best games in the series, praised for its engaging story, memorable characters (especially the villainous Handsome Jack), and satisfying gameplay.
8. How to play Borderlands in order?
The main Borderlands games in chronological order are:
- Borderlands
- Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel!
- Borderlands 2
- Tales from the Borderlands
- Borderlands 3
- New Tales from the Borderlands
9. Is Borderlands a grind game?
Yes. Borderlands is a loot shooter with RPG elements, which inherently involves grinding for better gear and leveling up your character. However, the engaging gameplay and co-op options often make the grind enjoyable.
10. Does Borderlands have multiple endings?
The mainline Borderlands games typically have one canonical ending. However, the Tales from the Borderlands series features multiple endings depending on your choices.
11. Should I skip the first Borderlands?
While the first Borderlands game has a less developed story than its sequels, it’s still a fun and rewarding experience. It also provides context for later games and introduces iconic locations and characters.
12. Which Borderlands character should I choose?
The best Borderlands character depends on your preferred playstyle. Each Vault Hunter has unique skills and abilities that cater to different combat styles.
13. Is Tales from the Borderlands canon?
Yes. The events of Tales from the Borderlands are considered canon within the Borderlands universe, taking place between Borderlands 2 and Borderlands 3.
14. Is there romance in New Tales from the Borderlands?
New Tales from the Borderlands includes opportunities for romantic relationships between characters, depending on your choices throughout the game.
15. What happened to Rhys at the end of Tales from the Borderlands?
At the end of Tales from the Borderlands, Rhys and Fiona are seemingly teleported away to an undisclosed location after opening a vault, leaving their fate ambiguous until their reappearance in later games like Borderlands 3.
Conclusion: Choices Matter in Borderlands’ Expanding Universe
Whether you’re making critical decisions in Tales from the Borderlands that impact character relationships and the overall narrative, or choosing your Vault Hunter and building your character in the mainline games, choices are integral to the Borderlands experience. The series demonstrates how gaming can drive learning and provide meaningful player engagement, a concept explored further by organizations like the Games Learning Society. The Borderlands universe continues to evolve, offering players ever more ways to shape their adventures through the power of choice.