Borderlands: The Handsome Collection

The story of Borderlands: The Handsome Collection receives mixed but generally positive feedback, with many critics highlighting its humor, character-driven moments, and engaging gameplay. Reviewers like IGN and GamingTrend praise the "superb" storytelling and humor in Borderlands 2 and The Pre-Sequel, emphasizing their memorable characters, satirical tone, and pop-culture references. The narrative’s irreverent style and comedic dialogue are frequently noted as standout elements, with Digital Chumps and Game Rant appreciating the "funny and engaging" writing. Additionally, the collection’s chronological order is seen as a benefit for newcomers, allowing players to follow The Pre-Sequel’s setup of Handsome Jack’s backstory before diving into Borderlands 2, as highlighted by CGMagazine and XGN. The DLC expansions, such as Claptastic Voyage, are also praised for their creative ideas and sharp writing, even if they fall short in execution (e.g., Game Rant’s critique of its tedious final boss). However, several critics point out significant narrative shortcomings. Many argue that the story is not the series’ strongest aspect, with Pure Xbox noting it’s "not essential" to play the first game but failing to delve into deeper analysis. Everyeye.it and Gaming Nexus criticize The Pre-Sequel for its weaker plot, forced humor, and lack of originality compared to other entries. The absence of the original Borderlands in the collection is a recurring complaint, with CGMagazine and XGN suggesting it leaves the story feeling incomplete. Additionally, issues like uneven pacing (e.g., VideoGamer’s critique of The Pre-Sequel’s first-half slowness) and repetitive character arcs (e.g., PSX Extreme’s observation that plots "aren’t especially impressive") undermine the narrative’s impact. While some DLCs, like Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon’s Keep, add depth (Metro GameCentral), others are seen as inconsistent or poorly designed (Xbox Achievements). Overall, critics agree that while the story of The Handsome Collection is not groundbreaking, it remains a fun and accessible experience. The collection’s strength lies in its humor, character interactions, and gameplay variety rather than deep narrative innovation. IGN and GamingTrend emphasize the enjoyment of cooperative play and the series’ unique tone, even as they acknowledge flaws. While some reviewers, like Impulsegamer and Push Square, praise Borderlands 2’s improved storytelling and character development, others, such as Game Rant and Everyeye.it, find The Pre-Sequel lacking in cohesion and originality. Despite these critiques, the consensus leans toward appreciation for the collection’s entertainment value, with many noting that its narrative flaws are overshadowed by its engaging world-building and comedic flair. The absence of the original game remains a notable oversight, but the overall package is seen as a worthwhile experience for fans and newcomers alike.

The gameplay of Borderlands: The Handsome Collection is overwhelmingly praised for its addictive "shoot and loot" mechanics, robust co-op features, and innovative blend of FPS and RPG elements. Critics consistently highlight the game’s emphasis on cooperative play, with 4-player split-screen support being a standout feature. Gaming Nexus and Game Rant commend the inclusion of Borderlands 2 as a refined iteration, while Eurogamer Italy and IGN Spain note its mastery of blending shooter and RPG systems. The variety of weapons, character classes (e.g., Soldier, Gunzerker), and skill trees—particularly in Borderlands 2—are celebrated for fostering diverse playstyles. New mechanics like zero-gravity movement in The Pre-Sequel and elemental attacks are praised by Gaming Nexus and JeuxActu, adding depth to exploration and combat. The DLCs and extended content also receive acclaim for their replayability, with 3DJuegos and Game Revolution emphasizing the game’s longevity through mission diversity and challenging high-level enemies. Despite these strengths, several critics point to notable flaws. Issues like poorly designed driving mechanics (Gaming Nexus), erratic enemy spawning, and unbalanced skill trees for Claptrap are cited as drawbacks. The Pre-Sequel faces criticism for its unique but occasionally limiting mechanics, such as oxygen management and low-gravity traversal, which some find restrictive (MondoXbox, Gamers’ Temple). Performance issues in split-screen multiplayer, including frame-rate drops and inconsistent matchmaking, are highlighted by Xbox Achievements and Hardcore Gamer. Additionally, solo play is often deemed less engaging, with God is a Geek and Xbox Achievements noting that the games thrive best in co-op. Critics like Pure Xbox and GameOver.gr also mention repetitive level design and difficulty spikes, which can disrupt the flow for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority agreeing that Borderlands: The Handsome Collection delivers a highly enjoyable gameplay experience. While specific issues like split-screen performance and solo play challenges are acknowledged, these are seen as minor setbacks compared to the game’s strengths. IGN, Eurogamer Italy, and Game Rant emphasize its status as a "masterpiece" and a refined evolution of the series, with co-op, loot systems, and character customization standing out as defining features. The inclusion of both Borderlands 2 and The Pre-Sequel—alongside DLCs—further solidifies its appeal, making it a must-play for fans despite its imperfections. As Gaming Nexus and VideoGamer note, the game’s core loop of "shoot, loot, repeat" remains addictive, ensuring its place as a standout title in the genre.

The Graphics and Visual Design of Borderlands: The Handsome Collection received praise for its enduring cel-shaded art style, which many critics highlighted as a defining strength. Reviewers like Impulsegamer and Atomix commended the "cleaner and more vibrant" visuals on modern hardware, noting improved textures, lighting, and environmental details that enhance the game’s comic-book aesthetic. Game Rant and Digitally Downloaded praised Borderlands 2’s sharper textures and smoother frame rates, while Digital Chumps lauded its detailed environments and unique low-gravity setting in The Pre-Sequel. The art style’s consistency and charm were frequently emphasized, with New York Daily News noting that the "colorful and distinctive" visuals still hold up despite their age. Many also acknowledged the technical upgrades, such as 1080p resolution and 60fps performance on next-gen consoles, which brought the games closer to PC versions, as noted by GamingTrend and COGconnected. However, critics普遍 pointed out persistent technical flaws that undermined the visual experience. Issues like texture loading delays, "texture pop-in," and shadow pop-in were recurring complaints, with PlayStation LifeStyle, VideoGamer, and IGN Italia highlighting these as significant drawbacks. Critical Hit and Xbox Achievements criticized the outdated engine for causing last-gen visuals in The Pre-Sequel, while Game Rant and Arcade Sushi noted frame rate drops and screen tearing, particularly in split-screen modes. Multiplayer.it and JeuxActu pointed to minor graphical glitches, such as character clipping and unstable frame rates, which detracted from the polish of the remaster. While some improvements were made—like better anti-aliasing (SpazioGames) and enhanced draw distance (Gaming Nexus)—many felt these upgrades were minimal compared to expectations, with Cheat Code Central calling them "standard for next-gen ports." Overall, critics reached a mixed consensus, balancing appreciation for the art style with frustration over technical shortcomings. While the cel-shaded visuals remained a nostalgic and stylistic highlight, as noted by Attack of the Fanboy and Hobby Consolas, the collection’s graphical improvements were seen as modest at best. Game Over Online and Multiplayer.it acknowledged that the enhancements catered to returning players but fell short of justifying the price tag for some. Despite these issues, the games’ visual identity and charm persisted, with Push Square and Eurogamer Italy recognizing the "stylish" appeal despite flaws. Ultimately, the collection was viewed as a functional port that preserved the series’ aesthetic while exposing the limitations of its aging engine, leaving fans divided between nostalgia and technical disappointment.

The Sound Design and Music of Borderlands: The Handsome Collection received generally positive feedback from multiple reviewers, with several highlighting its immersive qualities and atmospheric contributions. Critics like 3DJuegos praised the "powerful soundtrack" and "impactful sound effects," while Arcade Sushi emphasized the excellent sound design, noting proper audio levels and a 5.1 surround sound experience that enhanced immersion. Impulsegamer appreciated how the soundtrack complemented the game’s surreal sci-fi tone, citing specific elements like the Ocker accents in The Pre-Sequel and humorous enemy dialogue. Additionally, Gaming Nexus celebrated iconic tracks such as Short Change Hero and Black Dragon by the Vines, underscoring the music’s role in creating memorable moments. These reviews collectively suggest that the audio design effectively supported the game’s chaotic, comedic, and action-driven narrative. However, some critics pointed out limitations, particularly regarding the depth and originality of the musical composition. PSX Extreme noted that while the sound design was "good," it lacked significant improvements and sometimes faded during intense gameplay, diminishing its impact. Xbox Achievements described the music as "sparse" and lacking in compositional depth, while Digital Chumps observed that the soundtrack was "decent" but overshadowed by the game’s strong voice acting. Cheat Code Central and LaPS4 offered minimal critique, with the latter stating there were no specific praises or criticisms, implying a neutral stance. These reviews suggest that while the audio elements were functional and occasionally impressive, they did not consistently stand out as a defining feature of the experience. Overall, the consensus among critics leans toward appreciation for the sound design’s role in enhancing the game’s chaotic charm and humor, even if it wasn’t groundbreaking. Arcade Sushi and COGconnected highlighted the immersive qualities of the audio, including voice acting and environmental sounds, while others like Impulsegamer and Gaming Nexus celebrated specific musical moments. However, the lack of detailed analysis or innovation in the soundtrack—noted by PSX Extreme and Xbox Achievements—suggests that while the audio elements were effective, they did not elevate the game beyond its already vibrant, character-driven design. The reviews collectively indicate a balanced view: the sound design and music were competent and atmospheric but occasionally fell short of exceptionalism.

The voice acting in Borderlands: The Handsome Collection is widely praised for its humor, energy, and character-driven performances. Critics like Digital Chumps highlight the "humorous and memorable dialogue" in The Pre-Sequel, particularly noting the comedic timing and interactions between characters. Impulsegamer commends the "lively dialogue and memorable one-liners," emphasizing how voice actors embody the game’s chaotic tone. The Australian accents in The Pre-Sequel are frequently lauded for their comedic effect, with Digitally Downloaded acknowledging their self-deprecating humor and VideoGamer noting how they add distinct personality to the game. Additionally, Hobby Consolas praises the Spanish dub as "excellent," highlighting strong character interactions and humorous dialogue. COGconnected and PSX Extreme also celebrate the voice acting’s role in enhancing the series’ irreverent style, with the latter calling it a "highlight that keeps players entertained." However, some critics point to specific shortcomings. Gaming Nexus criticizes Claptrap’s "poorly designed" dialogue and repetitive humor, which detract from his voice acting. Everyeye.it calls the voice acting in The Pre-Sequel "subpar," citing a weaker script and ineffective jokes, though they acknowledge the series’ overall tone. Dealspwn notes that while characters like Clone Jack receive praise for their "fantastic voice acting," other aspects of the game’s voice work may fall short. Additionally, Xbox Achievements mentions that "great voice work" complements the humor but doesn’t fully compensate for narrative flaws. These critiques suggest that while the voice acting is generally strong, it isn’t universally flawless, particularly in character-specific or script-driven moments. Overall, the consensus leans heavily toward positive reception, with most critics agreeing that the voice acting is a standout feature of The Handsome Collection. The humor, energetic performances, and cultural quirks (like Australian accents) are frequently highlighted as key strengths, even if some characters or sections face criticism. Digital Chumps, Impulsegamer, and COGconnected all emphasize how the voice acting enhances the game’s comedic identity, while Hobby Consolas and PSX Extreme underscore its role in making the series memorable. Despite minor critiques about specific elements, the majority of reviewers view the voice acting as a vital component that contributes to the game’s enduring appeal.

The technical performance of Borderlands: The Handsome Collection on both PlayStation 4 and Xbox One received mixed but generally positive feedback, with critics highlighting improvements in graphical fidelity and frame rates. On the PS4, several reviewers praised the games' ability to run at a stable 60fps, with IGN Spain noting "no significant technical issues" and Digital Chumps observing smooth performance at 1080p/60fps. The Xbox One version also saw praise for its visual upgrades, as COGconnected acknowledged minor texture pop-in but emphasized that the games ran smoothly overall. Atomix highlighted that Borderlands 2 maintained smoother performance compared to The Pre-Sequel, while Game Revolution noted a stable 60fps and improved save transfer functionality via patches. These positives underscored the remaster’s success in leveraging next-gen hardware for enhanced visuals and responsiveness. However, technical flaws were consistently reported across both platforms, particularly with The Pre-Sequel. On the PS4, critics like Eurogamer Italy and VideoGamer cited texture loading delays, frame rate drops in co-op modes, and screen tearing, while XGN and Hardcore Gamer pointed to persistent bugs from earlier generations. The Xbox One faced similar issues, with We Got This Covered criticizing "horrendously awful" frame-rate hitches and a failed day-one patch, and Pure Xbox noting screen tearing and texture pop-in in The Pre-Sequel. Split-screen multiplayer was a recurring pain point: Critical Hit and CGMagazine highlighted performance issues in co-op, while Push Square noted framerate dips from 60 to 30fps during splitscreen. These problems were often framed as significant drawbacks despite the games’ core appeal. Overall, critics largely agreed that The Handsome Collection was a technically flawed but ultimately enjoyable remaster. While IGN Spain and Digital Chumps found minimal issues on PS4, most reviewers acknowledged persistent optimization challenges, particularly in multiplayer modes. The Xbox One version faced harsher criticism for its instability, as seen in We Got This Covered’s scathing remarks, while the PS4’s struggles with The Pre-Sequel’s frame rates were a common complaint. Despite these flaws, many praised the games’ content and visual upgrades, with 3DJuegos noting "polished code" and Impulsegamer calling the gameplay "relatively flawless." The consensus was that while technical issues detracted from the experience, they didn’t overshadow the games’ core strengths, making them a worthwhile purchase for fans despite their imperfections.

The majority of critics overwhelmingly praise the replay value of Borderlands: The Handsome Collection, emphasizing its vast content and engaging mechanics. Multiple reviewers highlight the inclusion of both Borderlands 2 and The Pre-Sequel, along with over 50 DLCs, which collectively offer hundreds of hours of gameplay. Eurogamer Italy notes the collection’s “massive content volume,” while Game Rant applauds specific DLCs like Claptastic Voyage and Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep for their replayable appeal. The co-op features, character customization, and loot-driven progression are frequently cited as key factors. IGN and Critical Hit stress the enduring fun of experimenting with diverse characters, skill trees, and weapon builds, while Game Over Online and Digital Chumps commend the game’s “variety of characters” and “exploration” that encourage multiple playthroughs. The sheer scale of content—such as over 100 hours of gameplay per title (SpazioGames) or 200+ hours total (ZTGD)—positions the collection as a strong value proposition for fans seeking extended engagement. However, several critics note limitations that may reduce long-term appeal for returning players. GameOver.gr and LaPS4 point to repetitive level design and enemy encounters, which can diminish replayability despite the volume of material. The Pre-Sequel is occasionally criticized as less compelling compared to Borderlands 2 (Everyeye.it), while Hardcore Gamer and Multiplayer.it observe that veterans may find little new content beyond graphical upgrades or minor tweaks. Game Over Online acknowledges that “repetitive gameplay mechanics” could detract from enjoyment, though they note co-op features help mitigate this. Similarly, Game Revolution and Gaming Age suggest the collection is less appealing to completionists who’ve already tackled the games, as the lack of substantial new features may leave them feeling unchallenged. These critiques highlight a divide between newcomers, who benefit from the depth of content, and veterans, for whom the experience may feel repetitive. Despite these reservations, the overall consensus among critics is that Borderlands: The Handsome Collection delivers exceptional replay value, particularly for new players and co-op enthusiasts. While some reviewers like Game Revolution and IGN acknowledge that completionists or veterans might find limited appeal, the majority frame the collection as a “massive” and “enduring” experience. Critics such as Eurogamer Italy, Critical Hit, and SpazioGames emphasize the game’s ability to sustain engagement through its loot systems, character variety, and DLCs, with many noting that the sheer volume of content justifies repeated playthroughs. Even when addressing shortcomings—like repetition or lack of innovation—the general sentiment leans toward celebrating the collection’s accessibility, affordability, and longevity. As Game Rant and IGN observe, the series’ “evergreen” nature ensures it remains a compelling choice for fans seeking extended gameplay, even if it doesn’t entirely satisfy those craving groundbreaking new content.