With Borderlands 4‘s imminent PC launch scheduled for today, final review scores have started to release into the wild, and everyone seems to think the raunchy looter shooter is back to form.
Gearbox Software’s Borderlands series was an instant cult classic when the original launched way back in 2009 for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The series continued to maintain its high standards with the launch of Borderlands 2, but received criticism from fans for what many felt was a different core experience in Borderlands 3, although it also received positive reviews since launch. For fans since day one, this meant Borderlands 4 would have to do better, especially after the incredibly poorly received Borderlands film adaptation from Lionsgate launched to the critical equivalent of an egging.
While the franchise has always maintained an elevated report card, Borderlands 4 launches today, and its initial reception is here. While the franchise has always done well, Borderlands 4 launches to an average review score of 84% on Metacritic after over 60 impressions. CGMagazine’s 10/10 review of Borderlands 4 says, “This isn’t just another round of shoot-loot-level-repeat. This is Borderlands reborn. A game that understands where it stumbled, where it soared, and where it needed to break through,” adding, “this is the best the series has ever been.”
Other critics have spoken up as well, putting Borderlands 4 as the second-best reviewed title in the series, falling just second to Borderlands 2. Forbes’ Paul Tassi says its review placement is impressive considering the age of the series, he says, while that’s surprising in the 16 years it’s been on the market, “I think the game is great and I would recommend it.”
Game Informer’s Brian Shea says, “Borderlands 4 introduces and recalibrates myriad elements to deliver what could very well be my new favourite in the series,” regarding the title’s return to form with its new approach after 16 years on the market. IGN follows suit in their 8/10 review, saying, “Gearbox proves it still knows how to bring the boom. After fizzling somewhat with Borderlands 3, it felt like this series had begun to fall behind in the genre it pioneered,” suggesting Borderlands 4 is a return to form.
Currently, Borderlands 4 is at the top of the Steam Top Sellers (by revenue) page, so while critics are giving the new release its flowers, fans also seem to be buying the game quickly (at least on the Steam platform). Although Borderlands 4 still has to release on consoles, it’s already made an impact with critics, with everyone seemingly agreeing the title is the best the series has been in years.
