Borderlands 3

Borderlands 3, the latest instalment in Gearbox Software's iconic looter-shooter series, has made its triumphant entrance into the next generation of gaming on the PlayStation 5. Released in 2019, Borderlands 3 received acclaim for its signature humour, expansive world, and addictive loot mechanics. Now, with the power of the PS5, the game promises enhanced visuals, faster load times, and an overall more immersive experience. In this in-depth review, we'll dissect every aspect of Borderlands 3 on the PS5 to determine if it lives up to the hype and whether it's worth diving back into Pandora and beyond.

One of the most anticipated aspects of the PS5 version of Borderlands 3 is the visual upgrade. The game runs in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, providing a crisp and fluid experience. The vibrant, cel-shaded art style that defines the Borderlands series looks even more stunning on the PS5, with improved textures, lighting, and particle effects. The details in character models, environments, and weapons are sharper, giving the entire game a more polished and modern feel.

The improved hardware of the PS5 also allows for a more stable frame rate, reducing the occasional dips seen on previous-generation consoles. Whether you're engaged in a chaotic firefight or exploring the vast open landscapes, the smooth performance adds to the game's overall enjoyment. Additionally, ray tracing technology enhances reflections and lighting, adding realism to the cartoonish aesthetic.

Loading times, a common pain point in the previous console generation, are significantly reduced on the PS5. Transitioning between zones and respawning after death is nearly instantaneous, eliminating the frustrating downtime that could sometimes hinder the game's flow. This optimisation showcases the PS5's SSD's prowess and demonstrates Gearbox's commitment to providing players with a seamless and immersive experience.

Borderlands 3 retains the core gameplay mechanics that have made the series successful while introducing many new features and improvements. The diverse cast of playable characters, each with unique skills and skill trees, ensures that every playthrough feels fresh. Whether you prefer Moze's explosive antics or Amara's mystical powers, there's a character that caters to your preferred playstyle.

The gunplay, a cornerstone of the Borderlands experience, remains as satisfying as ever. The procedurally generated weapons, known for their absurdity and creativity, offer an endless variety of options. The PS5 version introduces adaptive triggers, adding a tactile feel to gunfights. Pulling the trigger of a powerful shotgun provides a different sensation than firing a rapid-fire submachine gun, enhancing the overall immersion.

The cooperative multiplayer, a staple of the series, is seamlessly integrated into the PS5 version. Whether playing locally or online, the drop-in, drop-out co-op functionality ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience. The game dynamically scales difficulty based on the number of players, promoting teamwork while preventing encounters from becoming too overwhelming or trivial.

While the core mechanics shine, some players may find fault in the narrative's pacing. Borderlands 3 boasts a lengthy campaign filled with humorous dialogues, memorable characters, and unexpected twists. However, the sheer volume of content sometimes leads to pacing issues, with certain segments feeling drawn out or overly chaotic. The humour, a subjective element, remains an acquired taste, with some jokes hitting the mark while others may fall flat.

Borderlands 3 continues the tradition of delivering a narrative that balances humour, irreverence, and genuinely emotional moments. The game's story revolves around pursuing the mysterious Vaults scattered across different planets, with the enigmatic Calypso Twins serving as the primary antagonists. The narrative explores themes of greed, power, and the consequences of unchecked ambition, all while maintaining the series' signature lighthearted tone.

The PS5 version benefits from improved character models and animations, making the cutscenes more visually appealing. The additional processing power allows for more NPCs and enemies on screen simultaneously, enhancing the scale of epic battles and bustling hub areas. The expansion to new planets and environments provides a breath of fresh air for returning players, offering a diverse and visually stimulating world to explore.

One of the standout features of Borderlands 3 is its extensive lore and world-building. The game delves deeper into the history of Pandora and introduces new planets with their unique ecosystems and cultures. The environmental storytelling conveyed through graffiti, audio logs, and environmental details enriches the player's understanding of the game world. For lore enthusiasts, the PS5 version's improved visuals make these details even more captivating.

Despite the engaging narrative and well-crafted world, the game occasionally struggles with tonal inconsistencies. The shift between slapstick humour and more serious moments can feel abrupt, impacting the emotional resonance of certain story beats. However, the diverse and charismatic cast of characters, including returning favourites and new additions, helps maintain player engagement throughout the lengthy campaign.

Borderlands 3 continues the series' tradition of delivering a memorable and eclectic soundtrack that complements the chaotic gameplay. The diverse selection of music, ranging from high-energy tracks during intense firefights to atmospheric tunes in quiet moments, enhances the overall immersion. The dynamic nature of the soundtrack ensures that the music always aligns with the on-screen action, contributing to the game's unique audiovisual experience.

Voice acting remains a standout aspect of Borderlands 3, with talented performers bringing each character to life. The charismatic performances of the Calypso Twins, the gruff humour of Claptrap, and the iconic surliness of the recurring character Tiny Tina all contribute to the game's distinct personality. The improved audio processing capabilities of the PS5 further elevate the clarity and richness of the voice acting, allowing players to fully appreciate the nuances of each performance.

The environmental sounds and weapon effects contribute to the overall auditory experience. From the distinct sound of each weapon type to the ambient noises of the various landscapes, the attention to detail in the audio design adds depth to the game world. The PS5's 3D audio capabilities enhance spatial awareness, making it easier for players to locate enemies based on sound cues during intense battles.

Borderlands 3 on the PS5 benefits from ongoing support and additional content released since its initial launch. Gearbox has consistently provided updates, patches, and downloadable content (DLC) to engage the player base. The PS5 version includes all previously released DLC, ensuring players can access the complete Borderlands 3 experience from the get-go.

The additional content, ranging from new story campaigns to challenging endgame activities, adds significant value to the overall package. The variety of DLC introduces new characters, enemies, and environments, expanding the game world beyond the base campaign. The continuous support also includes seasonal events, providing limited-time challenges and rewards to keep the gameplay loop fresh and exciting.

The integration of cross-play functionality further enhances the multiplayer experience. Players on the PS5 can join forces with friends on other platforms, fostering a more inclusive and connected community. The cross-play feature also ensures that finding a co-op partner is easier than ever, addressing one of the common challenges of multiplayer-centric games.

Borderlands 3 on the PlayStation 5 successfully builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessors, offering a visually stunning and technically polished experience. The improved graphics, performance, and reduced loading times showcase the capabilities of the next-generation hardware, providing a more immersive and enjoyable gameplay experience. The core mechanics, including the addictive loot system and cooperative multiplayer, remain as compelling as ever.

While occasionally hampered by pacing issues and tonal inconsistencies, the narrative delivers an engaging and humour-filled experience. The expanded lore and world-building contribute to the richness of the game world, providing both new and returning players with a vast and diverse universe to explore. The soundtrack, voice acting, and audio design enhance the audiovisual experience, creating a game that fully embraces its unique identity.

The post-launch support and inclusion of cross-play functionality ensure that Borderlands 3 on the PS5 remains a dynamic and evolving experience. With a wealth of additional content and a thriving community, the game offers longevity beyond the initial playthrough.

In conclusion, Borderlands 3 on the PlayStation 5 is a triumph of technical prowess and creative design. While it may not revolutionise the looter-shooter genre, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Borderlands series. For fans of chaotic co-op gameplay, irreverent humour, and a near-endless supply of loot, Borderlands 3 on the PS5 is a must-play title.