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The allure of loot-driven games lies in the promise of powerful rewards, justifying the grind. This has fueled the popularity of games like Blizzard’s Diablo series, which popularized the ARPG loot genre since 1996. The constant stream of rewards keeps players engaged and feeling progressively powerful. In 2009, Borderlands blended this addictive loop with first-person shooting, captivating gamers with its unique art style, engaging gameplay, and signature humor. Now, seven years after Borderlands 2 and a decade after the original, does Borderlands 3 live up to the legacy?

Borderlands 3 Gameplay

Borderlands 3 continues the Vault Hunter tradition, but this time you’re facing the Children of the Vault, twin siblings Troy and Tyreen Calypso. While they may lack Handsome Jack’s comedic brilliance, they offer a satirical take on modern internet culture, with Troy constantly livestreaming and Tyreen acting like a social media influencer.

Improved Gameplay and Movement

Borderlands 3 significantly improves movement mechanics. Players can now mantle ledges and slide, adding fluidity and dynamism to combat. The faster pace encourages aggressive playstyles, as relying on cover alone won’t suffice against the relentless enemy onslaught. Sanctuary is now a spaceship, streamlining travel between locations. Upgrades are purchased with cash from Marcus, replacing the previous Eridium-based black market system. Eridium itself is easier to acquire and is primarily used for cosmetic items and rare weapons.

Borderlands 3 Movement

A Billion Guns and Unique Weapon Manufacturers

Borderlands 3 boasts at least a billion unique guns, dwarfing its predecessor’s impressive 17 million. Nine manufacturers offer distinct characteristics, from Hyperion’s shields to Torgue’s explosive rounds and Maliwan’s elemental damage. Tediore guns, known for their explosive reloads in Borderlands 2, now sprout legs and autonomously attack enemies before exploding. Unique weapons like the heart-shaped firing L0V3M4CH1N3 and the bullet-splitting Essential Conference Call add further variety.

Borderlands 3 Weapons

Familiar Faces and New Antagonists

The Calypso Twins possess the unique ability to drain Siren powers, making for engaging enemy encounters. Their goal is to control all Vaults across the universe, forcing players to team up with the Crimson Raiders to thwart their plans. Returning characters from previous Borderlands titles, including Tales from the Borderlands, make appearances, with Zero playing a significant role.

Borderlands 3 Characters

Technical Issues and Optimization Problems

Despite its strengths, Borderlands 3 suffers from technical issues and optimization problems. Frame rate drops occur during combat, driving, cutscenes, and even aiming down sights. Game crashes, texture pop-in, audio glitches, and menu lag detract from the experience.

Borderlands 3 Performance Issues

Conclusion

Borderlands 3 delivers on its promise of chaotic fun, a vast arsenal of weaponry, and engaging gameplay. The improved movement system and unique manufacturer traits enhance the core experience. However, the technical issues and optimization problems hold it back from greatness. While the Calypso Twins provide a fresh antagonist dynamic, they don’t quite reach the iconic status of Handsome Jack. Overall, Borderlands 3 is a worthy addition to the series, but addressing the technical shortcomings is crucial for a truly polished experience.