Tales From the Borderlands Review

Reviewed on: Playstation 4
Also available on: Xbox One, Android, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, iOS, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS

Developers: Telltale Games, Gearbox Software
Publishers: Telltale Games, 2K Games

The Borderlands series is known for its comedy, characters, and monsters. But what it’s mostly known for is great gameplay and its massive range of weapons. So it came as quite a surprise when the spin-off point-and-click episodic Tales From The Borderlands was announced, one with dialogue choices and quick-time events. Although developers and publishers Telltale Games have a good track record of quality games, I was worried to see Borderlands lose its first-person shooter gameplay for something that, on paper, doesn’t look like a good idea. It put me off from buying on release day, but I have finally purchased Tales From The Borderlands on my Playstation 4, thanks to the Playstation January sale. So here is my review of each episode.

Lead Character(s)
Tales From The Borderlands has two main characters, Rhys (great name) and Fiona. Both are likable and funny characters, as you’d expect in a Borderlands game. No problems with either character. It’s also a nice change for Telltale Games to have two lead characters instead of one. 10/10

Side Characters
Again, great characters. Vaughn is a likable character, and so is Sasha. Both great sidekicks for Rhys and Fiona. The best characters, though, are Hugo Vasquez and Zer0. Hugo is extremely funny, with his recognizable voice (I’ll get to that later). Zer0 makes a return, first appearing as one of the main playable characters in Borderlands 2. Zer0 adds depth to the game, with his unique look and fighting style. Something that plays a big part in the story. 10/10

Story
The story begins with Rhys and co-worker Vaughn’s business trip to Pandora. A deal goes down with a guy named August and Fiona’s sister Sasha. I won’t go into further details on the story because it’s the main focus point of the game, and I don’t like to give out spoilers. But I was instantly hooked from the first gunshot. Tales From The Borderlands is Telltale Games’ biggest action episodic series to date. The final scenes were total carnage, like a Michael Bay film only good. Telltale Games have done a great job following the story from the main series, nailing the Borderlands feel, especially with the comedy and carnage. 10/10

Gameplay / Controls
The first-person shooter gameplay from the main series is missed. With all the action that happens during the story, you couldn’t help but feel like more gameplay would have added to the awesomeness. The controls were simple enough, as you would expect in a Telltale game. The dialog choices and decision-making didn’t appear to have as much of an impact on the story compared to other Telltale games such as The Walking Dead, with game overs instead of a change to the story if you fail a quick-time event. Disappointing gameplay, but not enough to ruin the game so far. 5/10

Audio / Voice Acting
Everyone did a great job with the voice acting. Hugo Vasquez is voiced by Patrick Warburton, who plays Joe Swanson in Family Guy. His voice was instantly recognizable and added to the comedy side of Borderlands. August is another familiar voice, who is voiced by Nolan North (Nathan Drake from Uncharted). The audio was also great during the action towards the end of the episode. A few quiet moments here and there, which could have done with some more background noise. But the audio is on par with most of the game so far. 9/10

In a Nutshell
A successful return to Pandora. Although the gameplay doesn’t suit the style of Borderlands, the story is an improvement over the main series, and the carnage and comedy remain. 8.8/10

Lead Characters
Rhys (great name) and Fiona, once again, are likable characters who suit the Borderlands series. Rhys adds to the comedy side of Borderlands, while Fiona remains serious. A good balance between the two, something that can sometimes be tricky in a game with multiple lead characters. 10/10

Side Characters
Vaughn and Sasha are both great. They don’t feel like extras along for the ride; instead, both characters play an important part in the story. We also see a couple of recurring characters from the Borderlands series, as well as more Hugo Vasquez and August, who are both great villains. 10/10

Story
The story has taken a step back from the carnage and action of the first episode, with most of the action taking place in the first half hour or so. The story this time focuses more on the plot, which shows another side to the Borderlands series. Interesting, funny, and features twists and turns, which are always good. The story remains great, with a good cliffhanger at the end, which once again leaves you wanting more. I already can’t wait to play the next episode. 10/10

Gameplay / Controls
Once again, the first-person shooter was missed, especially towards the beginning. But the gameplay was better this time around. The decision-making and dialog choices were tougher and had bigger consequences, with the last choice of the episode being the toughest. 8/10

Comparison to the Previous Episode
The second episode was also impressive. The first episode was very action-packed, which made me think that the whole series would be the same. But Episode 2: Atlas Mugged added more depth with its plot twists and tougher decision-making. The second episode was just as good as the first, just for different reasons. I missed Zer0 though. 9/10

In a Nutshell
Another impressive episode that will go down well with Borderlands fans and fans of Telltale games. If Tales From The Borderlands continues like this, then it could be even better than The Walking Dead Telltale games. 9.4/10

The Good Guys
Rhys (great name) and Fiona no longer feel like the only lead characters, so comparing the good guys to the bad guys now feels more appropriate. By now, each character feels an important part of the story. Sasha and Vaughn are just as likable as Rhys and Fiona; Loader Bot is the coolest, Gortys is the cutest, and Athena is a badass. Each character brings something different to the table. A perfect team. 10/10

The Bad Guys
The bad guys are just as great as the good guys. Brick, a playable character from the original Borderlands, is an intriguing addition to the team, and so is Mordecai from the second Borderlands. Vallory is a fearsome leader; August and his Nathan Drake voice are also great. A dangerous group of baddies not to be messed with. 10/10

Story
Not the greatest cliffhanger but still enjoyable. The story also took a while to get going, but once it did, the action once again took over. Car chases and fights against vault hunters were entertaining. The story became much clearer in Episode 3, the ending was also memorable, with Episode 4 already on my mind. 8/10

Gameplay
Another improvement in the gameplay department. Character choices were tougher, but the best improvement is the action. More fighting was involved, with different options on how to take down enemies. Stealth gameplay also was good, having to time your movements to succeed. I can’t see any way of improving the gameplay without changing to the first-person shooter gameplay, something that isn’t obviously going to happen. 10/10

Comparison to Previous Episodes
Another enjoyable episode, but if I had to rank my favorite episodes so far, I would have to put Episode 3 in last place. Reasons being the slower pace and more serious story, too serious for its own good at times, with the comedy taking a slight step back, something that shouldn’t happen. 7/10

In A Nutshell
“Catch a Ride” didn’t quite balance the action and comedy as well as the previous episodes. But the gameplay was an improvement, and the new characters were great additions, especially Gortys, who is just as good of a robot as Loader Bot. 9/10

Characters
The lack of characters from previous episodes hurts the episode. Brick and Mordecai went missing, so did some regular characters. While Rhys (great name), Fiona, and Gortus continued to impress. The absent characters led to disappointment for the first time. 7/10

Story
“To The Top” by Twin Shadow is a great choice of a song that fitted well with the storytelling. Again, a more serious story, one lacking in action and even comedy. The story was enjoyable, but not as much compared to the previous episodes. A slower pace also hurt the episode. But the ending did enough to keep me intrigued for the last episode. 7/10

Gameplay
Fiona’s money and Rhys’ ECHO eye implants are something I haven’t mentioned so far. That’s because they have played little part in the story so far. Fiona’s money started to feel important in this episode. The money you spend on character’s clothing changes the outcome. Rhys’ eye implant still doesn’t seem important, though. Something I hope will change in the final episode. 8/10

Choices
The only great thing I can compliment on episode 4 so far is the player choices, which were once again tough and had an effect on the story. Deciding between talking or fighting your way out of a bad situation was good, and so was the choices of dialog. The last choice of the game also feels the most important so far. Something the last episode will have a hard time topping. 10/10

Comparison To Previous Episodes
A shorter-length episode, which didn’t have enough action and comedy as previous episodes. While I’m still very interested in the story, especially Rhys’ side of it, more regular characters would have been nice. The developers must be saving its biggest and best episode for last. 7/10

In a Nutshell
Good, but not great. My least favorite of the bunch. Episode Plan Bravo left a lot of questions unanswered with its side characters. But did build on the more important parts of the story. I’m slightly disappointed, but the last episode will be even better because of it. 7.8/10

Lead Characters
One great ride with two memorable characters. Both Rhys (great name) and Fiona are characters that will stay with me for some time. A great combination of comedy, action, and drama. Something that most characters rarely possess. 10/10

Side Characters
Another great success. Recurring characters from previous episodes helped make this the best episode in the series. Although I wanted to know where Brick and Mordecai went, it doesn’t matter because Sasha, Vaughn, Gortus, Loader Bot were all special characters who deserve a spot in the Borderlands hall of fame. 10/10

Story
The best tale was left for last. Something that comes as no surprise. After a slightly disappointing Episode 4, the impression given was that the developers were saving the best jokes and punches for last, which they did. Episode 5 was an emotional ride filled with action, comedy, twists and turns, with a memorable ending that leaves the vault door wide open for a sequel. 10/10

Gameplay
Once again, best for last. The big fight towards the end featured better gameplay than previous episodes. A good use of Street Fighter-style combos made the gameplay harder. It’s surprising that this type of gameplay didn’t feature in previous episodes, especially during the big action scenes. The developers must have only come up with it near the end of development, which is a shame, but better late than never. 10/10

Choices
Again, an episode filled with tough choices with big consequences. Choosing a team of fighters was fun, and the use of Fiona’s money finally had a big effect on unlocking one particular legendary Borderlands character (I sadly didn’t have enough money.) The dialog choices at the end were emotional. It also gave you the choice of a serious conversation or one filled with great jokes. 10/10

In a Nutshell
Episode 5: The Vault Of The Traveler was the best in the series. Everything was perfect, including the duration of the episode, which was longer than the rest. A fantastic end to the series, one which I will happily return to someday. 10/10

Tales of the Borderlands was a risky move. Dropping the great gameplay for dialog choices and quick time events paid off, though, as it focused more on the story, which is the best of any Borderlands game so far. Returning characters from previous Borderlands games were a big plus, but Rhys, Fiona, and the rest of the new characters were one of the biggest reasons for its success. The vault door was left open for a sequel, something I will gladly anticipate. It also made me want to revisit the previous games and buy myself a copy of The Handsome Jack Collection. Something I will go and do right now. 9/10

And there we go. Thanks for reading. Please like, share, and comment. Also, feel free to follow me on Twitter X @rhysbritton.