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Battleborn

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Battleborn
Item: Battleborn
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2016

GenresAdventure, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Shooter, RPG, Strategy, Military and Warfare, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableMay 3, 2016

PlatformPlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One

DeveloperGearbox Software

Overview

"Battleborn is a next-gen hero-shooter brought to you by the creators of the award-winning and best-selling Borderlands franchise. In Battleborn’s distant future, the only hope for the last star in a dying universe is a new breed of warriors, who must put aside their differences to drive back an unstoppable menace. Choose from a myriad of powerful heroes and fight together alongside your friends in an intense co-operative campaign, or battle against them in fast-paced competitive multiplayer matches." Console versions of the game allow for split-screen co-op in all game modes.

Elsewhere

5.9

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

13%

Mixed (50-79)

58%

Negative (0-49)

29%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Battleborn are quite varied. Some critics, such as Cheat Code Central and Hardcore Gamer, appreciate the unique and humorous elements of the story mode. They mention that each mission has objectives and main bosses with hilarious dialogue, and that the writing is well done overall, with funny moments and quirky characters. Additionally, GameGrin praises the brilliant voice-acting and stellar dialogue of the characters, which salvages the otherwise forgettable story. These positive aspects of the story mode contribute to the entertainment value for players. On the other hand, several critics express negative opinions about the story of Battleborn. Critics like Game Debate and ActionTrip criticize the disjointed and repetitive nature of the campaign, with little connection between levels and missions. They also mention that the storytelling is minimal and lacks substance, with CGMagazine even describing the dialogue as horrendous. Other critics, such as Slant Magazine and The Digital Fix, find the narrative and plot confusing and hard to follow, which detracts from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Battleborn is lacking in various aspects. Many critics point out the repetitive nature of the missions and the lack of focus on the core of the game. The storyline is often described as predictable, cliché, and lacking coherent and entertaining storytelling. While some critics appreciate the humor and unique elements of the story, the majority of reviewers find it forgettable, uninteresting, and lacking substance. The lack of a cohesive plot and the imbalanced and unclear cooperative story missions are also mentioned as drawbacks. Despite the mixed opinions, it seems that the story mode of Battleborn fails to make a strong impression and does not meet the expectations of the majority of critics.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on Battleborn's story: some praise its humor and unique elements, while others criticize its disjointed and repetitive nature. Positive aspects include hilarious dialogue and quirky characters, but negative points highlight lack of substance and confusing plot. Overall, the consensus is that the story is lacking, with repetitive missions and predictable storyline. While some appreciate the humor, most find it forgettable and uninteresting, failing to meet expectations.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

54%

Mixed (50-79)

29%

Negative (0-49)

18%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Battleborn are varied, with both positive and negative aspects highlighted. In terms of positives, several critics mention that the gameplay is engaging, fun, and addictive. COGconnected describes it as "engaging and fun," while Hardcore Gamer praises the game for its addictive and well-balanced gameplay. Cheat Code Central also mentions that each character has a unique play style and set of weapons, adding depth to the gameplay experience. Additionally, Game Debate and Attack of the Fanboy appreciate the fast-paced combat and MOBA elements present in the gameplay. However, there are also several negative opinions regarding the gameplay of Battleborn. Some critics, such as PLAY! Zine and Game Informer, criticize the gameplay for being uninteresting, slow, and repetitive. Game Informer specifically mentions tedious objectives and repetitive wave-based missions. EGM highlights issues with controls, stating that they are not as tight as they should be, and traversal can be frustrating. Slant Magazine also points out the lack of tutorials for most characters, which can make competitive multiplayer confusing. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics, such as COGconnected, Hardcore Gamer, and Cheat Code Central, appreciate the engaging and addictive gameplay, others, like PLAY! Zine and Game Informer, find it uninteresting and repetitive. The presence of MOBA elements and diverse character selection is generally seen as a positive aspect of the gameplay, as mentioned by Game Debate and Attack of the Fanboy. However, issues with controls, lack of tutorials, and repetitive missions are some of the concerns raised by critics like EGM, Slant Magazine, and Game Informer. Ultimately, it appears that Battleborn's gameplay has its strengths and weaknesses, appealing to some players while leaving others less satisfied.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics are split on Battleborn's gameplay: some love its engaging and addictive qualities, while others find it slow and repetitive. Positive points include unique characters and fast-paced combat, but negatives like tedious missions and frustrating controls are also highlighted. Overall, opinions are mixed, with some praising its strengths and others pointing out its weaknesses.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

48%

Mixed (50-79)

52%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Battleborn are varied. Many critics praised the game for its bright and colorful art style, with some comparing it to the Borderlands series. Critics such as ActionTrip and Wccftech mentioned that the game's cell-shaded art style and cartoonish elements were visually appealing and added to the humor and wackiness of the game world. Cheat Code Central also commended the visuals, stating that the graphics were surprisingly well-done for a game built on cartoon characters, with a lot of detail added to each world and map. Additionally, Gaming Age and High-Def Digest appreciated the distinct cartoon look and stylized details of the visuals, with the latter mentioning that the visual style was a mix of comic books and anime. On the other hand, some critics had negative opinions about the Graphics and Visual Design of Battleborn. Game Debate and Gameplanet criticized the character designs as generic and lacking originality. The Digital Fix mentioned that the art direction made it difficult to differentiate some characters, and the game looked like a 90s cartoon. Game Informer also had a negative view, stating that the animation style clashed with the onscreen color and that the overall visual design felt disconnected. Despite these criticisms, the majority of critics did not focus heavily on the negatives of the Graphics and Visual Design. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Battleborn has visually appealing graphics and a distinct art style that resembles the Borderlands series. The game's bright and colorful visuals, along with the cartoonish elements, were praised for adding to the humor and wackiness of the game world. However, some critics felt that the character designs lacked originality and that the art direction made it difficult to differentiate certain characters. Despite these criticisms, the positive opinions outweighed the negative ones, with many critics appreciating the unique art style, stylized details, and overall visual presentation of Battleborn.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Battleborn's graphics and visual design received mixed reviews from critics. Many praised its bright, colorful art style reminiscent of Borderlands, with some highlighting the humor and detail. However, some critics found character designs generic and the art direction lacking originality. Overall, while some criticized certain aspects, most agreed that Battleborn's visuals were visually appealing and added to the game's unique charm.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

20%

Mixed (50-79)

70%

Negative (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Battleborn are varied. Some critics, such as Destructoid and GameGrin, praise the voice acting and dialogue in the game. They mention that the characters have humorous dialogue and the voice cast brings humor to their characters, which keeps the players engaged. The banter during combat is also highlighted as a positive aspect by Attack of the Fanboy. These positive comments indicate that the game successfully delivers on its comedic elements through its voice acting and dialogue. However, there are also negative opinions regarding the Sound Design and Music of Battleborn. Game Informer criticizes the sound design, stating that it is strangely flat and does not enhance the gameplay experience. Gameplanet goes further, mentioning that the banter and jokes range from idiotic to obnoxious, and the sound design offers little feedback during combat. The Digital Fix also criticizes the music, stating that it clashes with the kid-friendly appearance of the game due to its blue language and Borderlands humor. These negative comments suggest that the sound design and music of Battleborn may not be universally appealing and may not effectively contribute to the overall experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While there are positive comments about the voice acting, dialogue, and banter during combat, there are also negative opinions about the sound design and music. Some critics, such as Gaming Age and High-Def Digest, mention that the main game lacks music but the action keeps the player engaged. On the other hand, Game Over Online mentions that the soundtrack goes for a heroic vibe and succeeds, but doesn't elicit much excitement. The overall sentiment seems to be that while Battleborn has its moments of humor and engaging voice acting, the sound design and music may not consistently meet the expectations of all players.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics have mixed opinions on Battleborn's Sound Design and Music. Positive feedback highlights engaging voice acting and humorous dialogue, keeping players entertained. However, negative reviews criticize flat sound design, obnoxious banter, and music that clashes with the game's tone. While some appreciate the humor and action, others find the sound elements lacking. Overall, Battleborn's audio features have received a polarized response from critics.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

27%

Mixed (50-79)

45%

Negative (0-49)

27%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting of Battleborn are mixed. Some critics, such as ActionTrip and GameGrin, have praised the voice acting for its humor and entertainment value. They highlight the humorous and entertaining dialogue between characters, which adds freshness to replaying missions. Additionally, Game Informer mentions that the talented vocal cast showcases the personality of the characters, further emphasizing the positive aspects of the voice acting. High-Def Digest also commends the voice cast, describing it as stellar and bringing humor to their characters. These positive opinions suggest that the voice acting in Battleborn successfully adds comedic elements to the game, enhancing the overall experience. On the other hand, several critics express negative opinions about the voice acting in Battleborn. CGMagazine finds the voice acting annoying and the dialogue try-hard, suggesting that it may not resonate well with some players. Game Informer criticizes the dialogue as repetitive and banal, with smug and self-satisfied attitudes. They mention that the characters spout endless sarcastic quips and lame jokes. Gameplanet further adds that the characters are characterized by obnoxious quips, lacking depth. These negative opinions indicate that the voice acting in Battleborn may not appeal to everyone, especially those who dislike repetitive and sarcastic dialogue. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Battleborn has its strengths and weaknesses. While some critics appreciate the humor and entertainment value brought by the voice acting, others find it annoying, repetitive, and lacking depth. Push Square acknowledges that the game may not be amusing as Borderlands but still manages to raise the occasional smile. Gaming Age, Game Over Online, and Cheat Code Central provide a more balanced perspective, mentioning both positive and negative aspects of the voice acting. Despite the mixed opinions, it can be concluded that the voice acting in Battleborn has its moments of brilliance, but it may not resonate with everyone due to its repetitive and sarcastic nature.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed opinions on Battleborn's voice acting. Some praise it for humor and entertainment, adding freshness to gameplay, while others find it annoying and repetitive. Positive reviews highlight talented vocal cast showcasing character personalities, while negative feedback criticizes dialogue as try-hard and lacking depth. Overall, the voice acting in Battleborn has strengths and weaknesses, with some finding it amusing and others off-putting due to its repetitive and sarcastic nature.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

22%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

11%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance, Battleborn received mixed reviews across different gaming platforms. On the positive side, the game was praised for its technical performance on the PS4 and Xbox One. Critics from Game Over Online and GamesRadar++ noted that the game ran smoothly without any noticeable slowdown or lag. XboxAddict also mentioned that while there were some technical issues with multiplayer connectivity, the online modes were overall solid and fun. This indicates that the game performed well on the Xbox One, providing a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. However, there were also negative aspects of the technical performance, particularly on the PS4. Destructoid mentioned glitches and characters getting stuck in the environment, which can be frustrating for players. Push Square pointed out that the framerate occasionally struggled to keep up with the action, dipping below 30 frames-per-second. This can hinder gameplay, especially during intense encounters. Game Debate's criticism of Battleborn being always online and lacking a permanent save feature also highlights a technical limitation that may affect the overall experience, particularly for PC players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Battleborn had some technical issues on certain gaming platforms. While the Xbox One version seemed to perform well, with no noticeable slowdown or lag, the PS4 version faced some challenges such as glitches, framerate drops, and matchmaking issues. These technical limitations may have impacted the overall enjoyment and immersion of the game for players. However, it is worth noting that developers were actively patching the balance and matchmaking issues, as mentioned by Game Informer, indicating efforts to improve the technical performance. Despite the mixed reviews, it is important to consider other aspects of the game, such as gameplay mechanics and story, to form a comprehensive opinion on Battleborn.

TL;DR

technical performance

Battleborn received mixed reviews for its technical performance. While praised for smooth gameplay on Xbox One, PS4 faced glitches and framerate drops. Always online feature and lack of permanent save on PC also noted. Developers working on patches to improve issues. Overall, technical limitations affected player experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

48%

Negative (0-49)

19%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the replay value of Battleborn, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects to consider. Several critics highlight the game's positive aspects, such as its addictive leveling system, diverse roster of heroes, and the satisfaction of unlocking new characters and content. Critics like Cheat Code Central and Hardcore Gamer specifically mention the enjoyment of unlocking and playing with the 25 different characters, while Destructoid and Game Informer praise the engaging leveling system and unlockable content. The sense of player progression and rewards in each match is also mentioned positively by Attack of the Fanboy. On the negative side, critics express concerns about the limited number of multiplayer maps and game modes, which can diminish the replayability of Battleborn. Multiple critics, including EGM and NZGamer, mention the limited number of maps and modes as a drawback. The repetitive gameplay and lack of variety are also mentioned as negatives by PLAY! Zine and GameGrin, respectively. Slant Magazine criticizes the irksome matchmaking and imbalanced battles, further detracting from the overall replay value. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While there are positive aspects to the replay value of Battleborn, such as the addictive leveling system, diverse roster of heroes, and the satisfaction of unlocking new characters and content, there are also significant drawbacks. The limited number of multiplayer maps and game modes, as well as the repetitive gameplay, are mentioned as significant negatives that can diminish the overall replayability of the game. Some critics, like Game Informer and Digital Spy, highlight the potential for improvement through DLC and additional content. However, the general sentiment is that Battleborn may not have enough depth or variety to hold players' attention for an extended period, particularly when playing solo.

TL;DR

replay value

Battleborn's replay value divides critics: praised for addictive leveling and diverse heroes, but criticized for limited maps and repetitive gameplay. Some suggest DLC could improve its appeal, but overall, the game may struggle to keep players engaged long-term.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

28%

Mixed (50-79)

70%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The opinions of the critics regarding the overall verdict of Battleborn are quite varied. Some critics, such as COGconnected, ZTGD, and Gaming Age, have positive views on the game. They appreciate the depth of gameplay, character diversity, and solid mechanics that Battleborn offers. COGconnected specifically mentions the incredible depth of gameplay and character diversity, while ZTGD praises the fun gameplay and diverse characters. These positive aspects contribute to the enjoyment and replay value of the game, making it worth playing for fans of action shooters and MOBAs. On the other hand, several critics express negative opinions about Battleborn. Game Debate, PLAY! Zine, CGMagazine, Game Informer, and GameGrin all have criticisms of the game. These critics mention issues such as lack of unique identity, uninteresting story, repetitive gameplay, unbalanced multiplayer, and a disconnected core gameplay. Game Debate even goes as far as stating that Battleborn lacks excitement and needs significant gameplay updates. These negative aspects hinder the overall experience of the game and make it less appealing to some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While there are positive aspects to Battleborn, such as its solid gameplay, character diversity, and visual appeal, there are also significant flaws that prevent it from reaching its full potential. Critics like Cheat Code Central and Hardcore Gamer acknowledge the game's enjoyable elements but also point out its shortcomings. Additionally, the comparison to other games in the genre, such as Overwatch, is mentioned by critics like The Digital Fix and Wccftech, which may overshadow Battleborn's appeal. Ultimately, the overall verdict of Battleborn seems to be a game with some enjoyable elements but lacking in certain areas, making it a divisive title among critics.

TL;DR

Critics are divided on Battleborn: some praise its depth, character diversity, and solid mechanics, while others criticize its lack of identity, repetitive gameplay, and unbalanced multiplayer. Despite its enjoyable aspects, the game falls short of its potential, facing tough competition from other titles like Overwatch. Overall, Battleborn is a mixed bag, leaving critics split on its appeal.

MONSTER

Reviews

142 reviews found

100

Gaming Age

Xbox One

May 5, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Battleborn is a solid and unique action shooter that is a lot of fun to play. The multiplayer aspect is the highlight of the game.

Hardcore Gamer

PlayStation 4

May 5, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Battleborn is an overstuffed package that manages to keep players interested in its multiplayer. Despite some design choices in the campaign mode, the addictive gameplay and variety of content make it worth playing.

COGconnected

May 7, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game has incredible depth of gameplay and character diversity, but lacks polish and has some small issues.

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Game Over Online

Xbox One

May 16, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

While it's far from perfect, Battleborn is still a lot of fun to play. It's a great-looking game that could use some work in the soundtrack department, but is well worth a pickup for fans of light-hearted adventures even if you weren't a fan of the Borderlands franchise.

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Wccftech

PlayStation 4

May 18, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Battleborn is praised as a fun and intuitive shooter with depth. It is compared to other competitive shooters on the market and may be overshadowed by upcoming titles like Overwatch.

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ZTGD

PlayStation 4

May 11, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Battleborn is a well-made game with fun gameplay and diverse characters. The story mode can be hit or miss, but the competitive multiplayer shines in strategy and gameplay. It is recommended for people looking for a MOBA multiplayer style game with a fun and wacky feel.

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Cheat Code Central

PlayStation 4

May 4, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review describes Battleborn as hilariously terrible and a sheer piece of artistic genius all wrapped into one. It also mentions that the game breathes life into an exhausted genre and that the graphics, gameplay, and characters are enjoyable.

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PlayStation LifeStyle

PlayStation 4

May 5, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Battleborn is a hero shooter with Gearbox Software's signature style, but the humor falls flat most of the time.

EGM

PlayStation 4

May 12, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Battleborn feels like a game with more fun ideas than content, and would benefit from more focus on the core gameplay.

XboxAddict