PGC NEWS

Tales from the Borderlands: Zer0 Sum, the first episode of the acclaimed narrative adventure series, throws players into the chaotic world of Pandora, a desolate planet teeming with bizarre creatures and trigger-happy bandits. This episode offers a fresh perspective on the Borderlands universe, focusing on a darkly comedic heist story involving two unlikely protagonists: Rhys, a Hyperion company man with aspirations of Handsome Jack-level villainy, and Fiona, a seasoned con artist with a knack for fast talking and even faster thinking.

review_off-zer0sum-01.jpg

A New Take on the Borderlands Formula

Zer0 Sum takes place after the events of Borderlands 2, offering a unique narrative experience distinct from the core looting-shooting gameplay. Instead of focusing on Vault Hunters, this episode delves into the lives of ordinary individuals caught up in extraordinary circumstances. Rhys, recently demoted at Hyperion, hatches a scheme to reclaim his status by traveling to Pandora and securing a valuable Vault Key. Fiona, motivated purely by profit, becomes entangled in the same deal, setting the stage for a hilarious clash of personalities and motivations.

This episode shines with its dual-protagonist storytelling, allowing players to experience the unfolding events from both Rhys’ and Fiona’s perspectives. The narrative unfolds through flashbacks, with each character offering their often-unreliable accounts of the same situations. This clever mechanic creates opportunities for humorous contradictions and allows players to shape the story in unexpected ways.

review_off-zer0sum-04.jpg

Humor and Heart in the Borderlands Wasteland

While the world of Pandora is known for its harshness and danger, Zer0 Sum injects a healthy dose of humor into the proceedings. Forget the tired memes of Borderlands 2; this episode introduces a new level of comedic brilliance through witty dialogue, absurd situations, and memorable characters. The writing is sharp, consistently delivering laugh-out-loud moments that perfectly capture the quirky spirit of the Borderlands universe.

Beyond the humor, Zer0 Sum also explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and unlikely alliances. Rhys and Fiona, despite their conflicting goals, are forced to work together to navigate the treacherous landscape of Pandora. Their interactions are often fraught with tension, but also reveal moments of genuine connection, adding depth and emotional resonance to the narrative.

review_off-zer0sum-05.jpg

A Visual and Auditory Treat

Visually, Zer0 Sum retains the signature cel-shaded aesthetic of the Borderlands series. Telltale Games cleverly incorporates visual elements that evoke the distinctive style of the franchise, from the bloom lighting to the bold outlines of characters and environments. The result is a seamless blend of Telltale’s signature art style with the established look and feel of the Borderlands world.

The soundtrack is another highlight, blending atmospheric soundscapes with jazzy melodies and electronic beats to create a unique sonic experience. Fans of the Borderlands series will appreciate the familiar musical cues, while newcomers will be captivated by the eclectic mix of genres.

review_off-zer0sum-08.jpg

A Must-Play Adventure

Tales from the Borderlands: Zer0 Sum is a refreshing take on the Borderlands formula, offering a compelling narrative experience that blends humor, action, and emotional depth. The dual-protagonist storytelling, witty dialogue, and distinctive visual style make this episode a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike. It’s a hilarious and engaging adventure that proves there’s more to Pandora than just looting and shooting.