Summary
Apart from captivating gameplay and a compelling storyline, aesthetics also play a significant role in game appeal, etching a long-lasting memory in gamers' hearts.Borderlandshas had many memorable installments, butBorderlands 2was a visual beauty in particular, as Vault Hunters embarked on a characteristically thrilling but fun-filled journey across Pandora. This landscape became an iconic backdrop for adventure in the player’s quest to stop the nefarious Handsome Jack, from its snow-capped glaciers to the tundras and fiery volcanic mountains. Fans expected the colorful scenery to continue inBorderlands 3, but Gearbox Software backtracked, returning to the barren desert wastelands reminiscent ofBorderlands 1. With Bethesda’s new release,Starfield, leaving gamers in awe with its depiction ofThe Settled Systems, Gearbox is under pressure to deliver a visual stunner inBorderlands 4.
Amidst swirling rumors of its development, fans hopeBorderlands4’s Pandora will emulateBL2instead of towingBL3’s path. TheBorderlandsfranchise has always placed an emphasis on reviews from its player base, and during the build-up toBorderlands 2, a survey was conducted to get players' feedback on their desired features for the sequel. Additionally,Borderlands 1DLCs weren’t merely add-ons to the main story, but were experimental platforms to gauge players' preferences, which in turn influenced the development of new game content. As a result, the visual detail inBorderlands 2was born, and there was tangible disappointment at the decision to return to the plain desert style fromBL1.
RELATED:The 5 Best Borderlands 3 Guns That Should Return in BL4
A Change of Scenery Could Shake Up Borderlands 4’s Visuals
Borderlands 2expanded upon theconcept art styledesign from the previous installment, refining it with vibrant colors, landmarks, and unique biomes that added to the title’s replay value after players helped the Pandorans recover their planet from the clutches of Jack and the Hyperion forces. The scenery wasn’t so adored because of its visuals alone – it came with unique challenges that keptVault Hunterson their toes even while traversing the map. In particular, the Caustic Caverns made players contend with the hazard of acid pools and caves infested with creepers, adding an extra element of dangerBorderlandsprides itself upon.
Similarly, the Blight region features some interesting locations. The Arid Nexus-Badlands inBorderlands 2(a refined version ofBL1’s Arid Badlands) featuredEridium pipelinesand the mini-boss battle with Saturn, while Eridium Blight has lava pools and widespread volcanic ash fall. The Highlands is also an exciting sight with its Shining Horizons lake and Overlook hilltop town – all markedly unique encounters that make for memorable gameplay.Borderlands 2’s reviews speak for themselves, and the vastly varied scenery was a major contributor to the title’s success. The unique regions, each with distinct missions and lore, were a big draw that madeBorderlands 3appear dreary in comparison.
In contrast,Borderlands 3’s Pandora was mostly composed of similar desert areas. The only exceptions were the Splinterlands and Carnivora, which had some vehicular combat elements. However, these regions were still primarily sandy and rocky, with minimal variation. Although Gearbox kept its promise and added several new planets for gamers to explore inBorderlands 3and its DLCs, Pandora felt rather uninspiring compared toBorderlands 2’s.Borderlands 2’s Pandora had more lore to uncover as it expanded on the history and culture, unveiling more vaults of the ancient alien race, the Eridians.
With the desert making appearances in twoBorderlandsmainline installments, it makes sense to give the varied landscapes another spin in the franchise. There have been reports of players growing fatigued with the rocky view, andBorderlands 4should bring back the iconic locations fromBL2. While the series is venturing into new directions and introducing additional planets for exploration, it’s crucial for Gearbox to not forget the original planet players fell in love with.
Borderlands 4is rumored to be in development.
MORE:One Hilarious Secret Deserves to Make a Return in Borderlands 4
