Borderlands: The Handsome Collection

The story of Borderlands: The Handsome Collection receives generally positive feedback for its character-driven narratives, humor, and expansion of the series’ lore. Reviewers like PlayStation LifeStyle and Attack of the Fanboy praise the cohesive arc of Handsome Jack’s descent into villainy across Borderlands 2 and The Pre-Sequel, highlighting the latter’s darker tone and exploration of his rise to power. Impulsegamer and Digital Chumps commend the humor, pop-culture references, and memorable character interactions, noting that both games offer engaging, irreverent storytelling. The collection is also lauded for its variety in missions, world-building, and the unique setting of The Pre-Sequel on the moon Elpis, which adds fresh elements to the series’ chaotic aesthetic. GamingTrend and COGconnected emphasize the enjoyable cooperative experiences and the games’ ability to balance action with witty dialogue, making them stand out in the shooter genre. However, several critics point to narrative shortcomings, particularly with The Pre-Sequel. Game Rant and Everyeye.it criticize its "lackluster story" and forced humor, arguing it feels like a step backward compared to Borderlands 2. XGN and CGMagazine highlight the absence of the original Borderlands in the collection as a missed opportunity, noting that The Pre-Sequel’s plot can feel disjointed without prior context. PSX Extreme and Dealspwn mention that the narratives in both games lack depth, with repetitive DLC content and underdeveloped plots. Additionally, Xbox Achievements critiques the tedious final boss in Claptastic Voyage, while Game Over Online notes that The Pre-Sequel lacks the narrative depth of earlier entries despite its role in expanding the universe. Overall, critics agree that Borderlands: The Handsome Collection succeeds as a package for fans of the series, particularly due to its focus on Handsome Jack’s backstory and the humor-driven storytelling. While PlayStation LifeStyle and Attack of the Fanboy appreciate the character development and unique tone, many acknowledge that The Pre-Sequel is less impactful than Borderlands 2. The absence of the original game remains a notable drawback for newcomers, but the collection’s value lies in its expanded lore and iconic characters. Despite mixed opinions on narrative quality, most reviewers agree that the games’ charm, humor, and cooperative play make them worth experiencing, even if their stories are not the series’ strongest suits. IGN and GamingTrend emphasize the sheer volume of content and entertainment value, while Eurogamer Italy and Atomix note the irreverent, Western-inspired themes that define the franchise’s identity.

The gameplay of Borderlands: The Handsome Collection is overwhelmingly praised by critics for its addictive loot-driven mechanics, expansive co-op features, and genre-blending design. Multiple reviewers highlight the series’ signature “shoot-and-loot” loop, with XGN noting the “hours of entertainment through side missions and character customization,” while PlayStation LifeStyle emphasizes the “seamless drop-in/drop-out co-op” and “O2 canister system” in The Pre-Sequel as fresh additions. Hobby Consolas and IGN Italia laud the game’s blend of shooter, RPG, and sandbox elements, with the latter calling Borderlands 2 a “capolavoro” (masterpiece) for its refined formula. The inclusion of all DLCs, split-screen support for up to four players, and diverse character classes are frequently cited as strengths, with critics like CGMagazine and Xbox Achievements praising the “enjoyable shooting mechanics” and “local co-op support for up to four players.” The variety of weapons, skill trees, and exploration opportunities also stand out, with Attack of the Fanboy noting the “shift from traditional level progression to open-world exploration” as a key highlight. Despite these positives, several critics point to notable flaws, particularly in solo play and technical execution. Xbox Achievements criticizes The Pre-Sequel for “performance issues like frame-rate drops,” while Hardcore Gamer highlights “split-screen multiplayer [that] causes performance issues.” Others, like Game Over Online and Game Revolution, note that the gameplay can become repetitive or tedious over long sessions, with “repetitive level design” and “excessive loot and travel time” mentioned as drawbacks. Some reviewers, such as Gaming Nexus and Everyeye.it, criticize specific mechanics: The Pre-Sequel’s “clunky gunplay,” “uneven difficulty,” and “poorly designed driving mechanics,” while Pure Xbox points to “enemy difficulty spikes” and “inventory management” issues. Additionally, several critics, including Game Rant and Eurogamer Italy, note that the games are “designed for multiplayer,” with solo play feeling less engaging or punishing. These critiques often center on how certain elements, like The Pre-Sequel’s zero-gravity mechanics or DLC content, disrupt the core experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Borderlands: The Handsome Collection delivers a highly enjoyable and replayable gameplay experience, particularly for fans of co-op and loot-based systems. While some technical and design flaws exist, the majority of reviews emphasize its strengths: the “addictive” nature of the loot system (as noted by COGconnected and Digital Chumps), the “endless looting” appeal (InsideGamer.nl), and the “flawless first-person shooter with RPG elements” (Impulsegamer). Critics like PlayStation LifeStyle and IGN Spain highlight how the collection’s “core formula of cooperative play and shooter mechanics” remains intact, even as new mechanics in The Pre-Sequel add variety. Despite mixed opinions on specific aspects—such as The Pre-Sequel’s reception—the overwhelming sentiment is that the gameplay is a standout feature, with many calling it a “masterpiece” or “perfected” iteration of the series. The combination of humor, customization, and cooperative chaos ensures its enduring appeal, even if some elements require refinement.

The Graphics and Visual Design of Borderlands: The Handsome Collection received praise for its polished upgrades and enduring charm. Many reviewers highlighted the transition to 1080p resolution and 60fps performance on next-gen consoles, with XGN noting improved frame rates and resolution, while PlayStation LifeStyle and Hobby Consolas praised sharper visuals and smoother gameplay. The cel-shaded art style, a hallmark of the series, was consistently celebrated for its comic-inspired aesthetic and longevity. Attack of the Fanboy and Digital Chumps emphasized the style’s consistency and vibrancy, with the latter noting enhanced lighting effects and detailed environments. Additionally, Borderlands 2’s textures and draw distance saw improvements, as highlighted by Game Rant and PlaySense, while The Pre-Sequel’s unique low-gravity visuals were praised for their distinctiveness (Digitally Downloaded). The remastering efforts were seen as a respectful nod to the series’ identity, with critics like Atomix appreciating the cleaner, more vibrant presentation on modern hardware. However, technical limitations and persistent issues overshadowed many of these positives. Multiple reviewers, including PlayStation LifeStyle and Metro GameCentral, pointed out texture loading delays, pop-in effects, and frame rate drops, particularly in The Pre-Sequel. Xbox Achievements and IGN Italia criticized the game’s reliance on an older engine, with issues like screen tearing, polygon penetration, and unstable 60fps performance (e.g., LaPS4 noted 30fps drops in split-screen). Game Rant and ZTGD specifically called out The Pre-Sequel for its “ugly texture pop” and graphical inconsistencies, while Critical Hit deemed the visuals insufficient for the price tag. Even with upgrades, many felt the games retained a “last-gen” feel, as noted by Hardcore Gamer and Eurogamer Italy, who contrasted the art style’s charm against modern standards. These flaws, though not universal, were frequently cited as detractors from the overall experience. The overall consensus among critics was that Borderlands: The Handsome Collection offered incremental but meaningful graphical improvements, with the cel-shaded aesthetic remaining a defining strength. While technical issues like texture loading and frame rate instability persisted, the remastering was seen as a faithful enhancement of the series’ visual identity. Reviewers like IGN Italia and Game Rant acknowledged that the upgrades were expected for next-gen ports, but the art style’s charm and consistency (as noted by Attack of the Fanboy and Hobby Consolas) ensured the games still felt fresh. Despite mixed reactions to specific technical flaws, most agreed that the collection retained its unique appeal, with the visual design serving as both a nostalgic touchstone and a testament to the series’ enduring creativity. The balance between polished enhancements and lingering limitations reflected a broader industry trend of remastering older titles while grappling with their original technical constraints.

The majority of reviewers praised the sound design and music of Borderlands: The Handsome Collection, highlighting its immersive and well-balanced audio experience. Arcade Sushi commended the "excellent sound design" and 5.1 surround sound, noting that audio levels for effects and cues were "properly balanced," while Impulsegamer emphasized how the soundtrack contributed to a "surreal sci-fi atmosphere" through impactful sound effects and unique vocal accents like the Ocker dialect in The Pre-Sequel. Similarly, 3DJuegos described the soundtrack as "powerful" and the sound effects as "rotundos" (impactful), while Hobby Consolas acknowledged standout moments in Borderlands 2’s music. COGconnected also praised the "strong audio presentation," particularly the comedic dialogue and immersive environmental sounds, which enhanced the game’s lively atmosphere. These critiques collectively underscore a generally positive reception of the audio elements, with specific praise for their technical execution and contribution to the game’s distinct identity. However, some critics pointed out limitations in the musical composition and overall depth. Xbox Achievements noted that the music was "sparse," lacking in complexity despite satisfactory audio quality, while PSX Extreme observed that the soundtrack sometimes "fades during intense moments," though it saw a slight increase in intensity during boss battles. Digital Chumps remarked that the music was "decent" but "overshadowed" by the game’s strong voice acting and dialogue, which they considered more memorable. Additionally, several reviews, such as those from LaPS4 and InsideGamer.nl, provided minimal commentary on the soundtrack, suggesting a lack of detailed analysis or specific praise. These critiques indicate that while the audio design was generally effective, the musical elements were seen as less impactful compared to other aspects like voice work or environmental soundscapes. Overall, the consensus among critics leans toward appreciation for the game’s sound design and its role in enhancing immersion, though opinions on the music itself were mixed. While many praised the technical quality of audio cues, surround sound, and localized voice acting—particularly the humor in dialogue and accents—others felt the musical composition lacked depth or consistency. Reviewers like Arcade Sushi and Impulsegamer emphasized the strengths of the audio experience, while Xbox Achievements and PSX Extreme highlighted areas for improvement. Despite these varied perspectives, the general sentiment suggests that The Handsome Collection’s sound design effectively supports its chaotic, humorous tone, even if the music itself was not universally celebrated as a standout feature.

The voice acting in Borderlands: The Handsome Collection is widely praised as a standout element, with multiple critics highlighting its comedic brilliance and character-driven performances. Hobby Consolas emphasizes the "excellent" Spanish dub, noting its humorous dialogue and strong interactions, while Xbox Achievements and Metro GameCentral commend the "great voice work" that enhances the game’s humor and chaotic tone. Impulsegamer praises the "lively dialogue" and "memorable one-liners," particularly in Borderlands 2, and PSX Extreme describes the performances as "comical and energetic," contributing to a "lively atmosphere." Digital Chumps and COGconnected further applaud the "hilarious voiceovers" and Australian accents in The Pre-Sequel, which add authenticity and cultural humor. These reviews collectively underscore the voice acting’s role in amplifying the series’ irreverent, character-driven style. However, some criticisms emerge regarding specific aspects of the voice work. Gaming Nexus criticizes Claptrap’s "poorly designed" dialogue and repetitive humor, which detract from his voice acting experience, while Everyeye.it notes that The Pre-Sequel’s voice acting is "subpar" due to a weaker script and ineffective jokes. Dealspwn acknowledges decent work for characters like Clone Jack but highlights inconsistencies, and Digitally Downloaded points out the Australian accents as a "clichéd but self-deprecating" representation of culture. These critiques suggest that while the overall voice acting excels, certain characters or entries in the series fall short, particularly in terms of script quality and comedic execution. Despite these mixed elements, the consensus among critics is that The Handsome Collection’s voice acting remains a key strength, with its humor, character depth, and energetic performances driving much of the game’s appeal. While some reviews, like COGconnected’s praise for the Australian cast or Hobby Consolas’ admiration for the Spanish dub, highlight regional localization efforts, others, such as Gaming Nexus’ frustrations with Claptrap, reveal occasional flaws. Overall, the voice acting is seen as a defining feature that enriches the series’ chaotic and irreverent personality, even if it occasionally falters in specific instances. The majority of critics agree that it significantly contributes to the game’s entertainment value and enduring charm.

The technical performance of Borderlands: The Handsome Collection on PS4 and Xbox One received mixed but largely favorable reviews, with several positives highlighted by critics. On PS4, reviewers like Attack of the Fanboy praised improved frame rates (60fps) and cross-save functionality, while PlaySense and Impulsegamer noted smoother gameplay and better optimization compared to previous generations. IGN Spain and Digitally Downloaded emphasized stable performance on next-gen consoles, with no major technical issues reported. For Xbox One, ZTGD acknowledged that Borderlands 2 runs smoothly despite minor flaws in The Pre-Sequel, and COGconnected highlighted the 1080p/60fps upgrade as a significant improvement. Overall, both platforms saw praise for core gameplay stability, with many critics acknowledging the effort to polish the remaster for modern hardware. However, technical shortcomings were consistently reported across both platforms, particularly in multiplayer modes and specific titles. On PS4, PlayStation LifeStyle and Metro GameCentral criticized texture loading issues, jaggies, and frame rate drops in split-screen co-op, while Arcade Sushi and JeuxActu noted screen tearing and performance hiccups during intense action sequences. The Pre-Sequel faced particular scrutiny, with IGN Italia and Everyeye.it highlighting persistent frame-rate drops and visual glitches despite patches. On Xbox One, We Got This Covered called the technical issues "horrendously awful," citing screen tearing, unstable framerates, and failed day-one patches, while Xbox Achievements and Pure Xbox criticized similar problems in The Pre-Sequel. Both platforms struggled with the outdated Unreal Engine 3, leading to optimization challenges that affected multiplayer experiences. Despite these flaws, critics generally agreed that Borderlands: The Handsome Collection is a playable and enjoyable experience on both PS4 and Xbox One, with many viewing technical issues as minor drawbacks rather than deal-breakers. While The Pre-Sequel faced more significant performance hurdles—particularly on Xbox One, where We Got This Covered was highly critical—the core gameplay remained stable, and improvements like 60fps performance (noted by Attack of the Fanboy and Impulsegamer) were widely appreciated. The consensus leaned toward acknowledging the games as a solid remaster with room for refinement, especially in multiplayer modes and engine optimization. Critics like Digital Chumps and COGconnected emphasized that while technical flaws exist, they didn’t overshadow the game’s overall appeal or content value.

The overwhelming consensus among critics is that Borderlands: The Handsome Collection boasts exceptional replayability, driven by its vast content and multiplayer-focused design. Reviewers consistently highlight the inclusion of over 50 DLCs, multiple playable characters (with some noting up to 12), and co-op features as core pillars of its longevity. For instance, XGN emphasizes that playing the main story first before diving into DLCs enhances the experience, while PlayStation LifeStyle and Attack of the Fanboy praise the polished package and "every piece of content in one package" as key selling points. The sheer volume of gameplay—over 100 hours per title, with some critics like Hobby Consolas and Arcade Sushi citing up to 200+ hours—underscores the game’s ability to keep players engaged through varied missions, weapon variety, and character customization. IGN Italia even calls it a "ghiottissima" (delicious) opportunity for new players, while Game Rant highlights specific DLCs like Claptastic Voyage as add-ons that extend playtime significantly. The combination of loot-driven mechanics, multiple playstyles, and cooperative multiplayer creates a compelling loop that many critics agree sustains interest over time. However, some critics point to limitations that could dampen long-term appeal. Xbox Achievements notes that solo play feels less engaging due to design flaws like locked-out quests, while GameOver.gr and LaPS4 mention repetition in level design and enemy encounters, which may wear thin for veterans. Multiplayer.it and Gaming Age suggest that returning players might find little new to explore beyond graphical upgrades or minor tweaks, and Hardcore Gamer acknowledges that completionists could struggle with the lack of fresh content. Additionally, JeuxActu and Eurogamer Italy observe that while the collection offers "durée de vie gigantesque" (huge playtime), The Pre-Sequel is seen as a less compelling addition compared to Borderlands 2. These critiques often center on repetition and the diminishing returns of revisiting familiar mechanics, though many reviewers concede that co-op and DLCs mitigate these issues for casual or new players. Despite these reservations, the majority of critics agree that The Handsome Collection delivers strong replay value, particularly for newcomers and fans seeking extended engagement. The collection’s emphasis on cooperative play, character progression, and extensive DLCs creates a robust foundation for repeated playthroughs, as noted by Impulsegamer and COGconnected. While some veterans may find the content repetitive, the sheer scale of the package—described by Digitally Downloaded as "a good hundred hours" of material—makes it a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize variety and multiplayer. Critics like Vandal and Critical Hit emphasize that the loot-driven gameplay and endless customization options ensure long-term appeal, even if individual mechanics may feel familiar. Ultimately, the collection’s value lies in its ability to offer something for both new and returning players, with only minor drawbacks detracting from its overall recommendation.