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The surprise hit Tales from the Borderlands continues its thrilling narrative in Episode 2: Atlas Mugged. After the explosive finale of Zer0 Sum, this episode promises to delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Gortys Project and the elusive Atlas Corporation. Does it deliver? Let’s dive in.

Rhys and Fiona in a tense situation

A Rollercoaster of Mayhem and Emotion

Following the chaotic events of the first episode, Rhys and Vaughn find themselves forced to cooperate with Fiona and Sasha, their former adversaries. The lure of the Gortys Project, rumored to be the key to a legendary Vault, unites this unlikely quartet in a perilous quest for fortune. Their journey is fraught with danger, pursued by bounty hunters and shadowed by powerful figures vying for control of the Gortys Project’s secrets.

Despite its relatively short 90-minute runtime, Atlas Mugged masterfully balances high-octane action with poignant character moments. The signature Borderlands humor remains intact, providing plenty of laughs throughout. After an action-packed opening sequence, the narrative shifts focus to the individual struggles of the protagonists. Rhys grapples with a tempting offer from Vasquez, while Fiona deals with the fallout of Felix’s betrayal.

Rhys interacting with a hologram

This episode explores the complexities of trust and betrayal in the harsh landscape of Pandora. It highlights the emotional weight of decisions and the difficulty of forging alliances in a world where everyone seems to have an ulterior motive. Atlas Mugged adds surprising depth to the Borderlands universe, showcasing a vulnerability rarely seen in the main series.

The Return of Handsome Jack

No discussion of Atlas Mugged would be complete without mentioning the return of Handsome Jack, the charismatic villain of Borderlands 2. His presence looms large over the narrative, appearing as a hallucination only Rhys can see. Jack’s influence extends beyond mere cameo appearances; he becomes an integral part of the story, manipulating Rhys and adding another layer of complexity to the decision-making process.

Rhys looking at a broken loader bot

His silver-tongued charm and manipulative nature force Rhys to question whom he can truly trust. The player is constantly reminded of Jack’s past atrocities, creating a compelling internal conflict for Rhys and a challenging dilemma for the player.

A Disappointing Return to Old Haven

While Atlas Mugged excels in its narrative and character development, the visual presentation of Old Haven, a familiar location from the original Borderlands, falls short. The once-bustling town appears rundown and lacking in detail, especially compared to other locations in the episode. This visual disparity is likely due to the limitations of the Telltale engine, but it’s a noticeable blemish on an otherwise polished experience.

Old Haven in ruins

Old Haven compared to its former glory

Conclusion

Despite the visual shortcomings of Old Haven, Tales from the Borderlands: Episode 2 – Atlas Mugged is a gripping continuation of the series. The narrative expertly blends humor, action, and emotional depth, while the return of Handsome Jack adds a layer of intrigue and suspense. This episode leaves players eagerly anticipating the next installment in this captivating tale.