Borderlands 3
" Engaging action RPG with vast weapon variety and co-op, but weak story and privacy issues "
Borderlands 3 Review
Borderlands 3 offers enjoyable gameplay with solid content and weapon variety, appealing to fans of the looter-shooter genre. However, the storyline is widely criticized for being weak and unengaging, with some players finding the characters and plot disappointing. The gameplay loop is considered fun but can feel stale without meaningful loot progression early on. Many players appreciate the game's visuals and mechanics but express frustration with the narrative and some design choices.
Significant backlash surrounds the recent sweeping changes to the Terms of Service (ToS) and End User License Agreement (EULA) implemented by publisher 2K Games and Take-Two Interactive. These updates introduce extensive data collection practices likened to spyware, including personal identifiers, billing info, browsing history, and more. The ToS also bans mods, exploits, VPN use, and virtual machines, sparking outrage over privacy violations and anti-consumer policies. This has led to calls for boycotts and damaged trust in the franchise and publisher.
Highlights
Players praise Borderlands 3 for its engaging gameplay mechanics, diverse weapon variety, and enjoyable co-op PvE experience. The graphics maintain a colorful, stylized aesthetic consistent with the series, pleasing fans visually. Some reviewers note that the game content and gameplay remain strong points despite other issues. The core shooting and looting mechanics continue to provide satisfying combat and progression for players who enjoy the franchise's signature style.
Criticisms
The story receives widespread criticism for being poorly written, with weak villains and sidelined characters, leading many to skip dialogue. The legendary loot is seen as underwhelming, reducing the motivation for grinding. The recent ToS changes have provoked severe backlash due to invasive data collection and strict bans on mods, cheats, VPNs, and virtual machines, raising serious privacy and consumer rights concerns. These policies have alienated many longtime fans and overshadow the game's merits.
Pros
- • Engaging and satisfying gameplay mechanics with solid weapon variety and combat.
- • Colorful and stylized graphics consistent with the Borderlands series aesthetic.
- • Enjoyable co-op PvE experience for players who like multiplayer looter shooters.
- • Large amount of content providing hours of gameplay for fans of the genre.
- • Strong core shooting and looting mechanics that maintain franchise appeal.
Cons
- • Storyline is weak, poorly written, and often detracts from overall experience.
- • Legendary loot feels underwhelming and reduces incentive for replayability.
- • Recent Terms of Service update introduces invasive data collection practices.
- • Strict bans on mods, cheats, VPNs, and virtual machines frustrate players.
- • Privacy concerns and anti-consumer policies damage trust in publisher.
- • Some players find gameplay loop stale without meaningful loot progression.
- • Dialogue and character development are often considered annoying or skippable.
Rating Criteria
The original shooter-looter returns, packing bazillions of guns and a mayhem-fueled adventure! Blast through new worlds and enemies as one of four new Vault Hunters.
