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MONSTER

New Tales from the Borderlands

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of New Tales from the Borderlands
Item: New Tales from the Borderlands
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2022

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Single Player

AvailableOct 21, 2022

PlatformPC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X

DeveloperGearbox Software

Overview

Decide the fates of altruistic scientist Anu, her ambitious, "streetwise" brother Octavio, and the fierce, frogurt-slinging Fran. Claw and con your way through five thrilling chapters!

Elsewhere

5.6

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

New Tales from the Borderlands garners mixed reviews; while some praise its humor and character interactions, many critics slam its slow pacing, shallow character development, and incoherent plot. Despite a few bright spots, the game largely disappoints, lacking the narrative depth and engagement of its predecessor, leaving players craving a more cohesive experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

41%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

38%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

22%

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

The opinions on the story of New Tales from the Borderlands reveal a mixed sentiment among critics, with several acknowledging its positive aspects. Many reviewers, such as Hobby Consolas and Digital Trends, praise the engaging humor and character interactions that are characteristic of the Borderlands universe. Critics like AusGamers highlight the character-driven narrative that intertwines with themes of humanity and personal growth, suggesting that it presents some of the best storytelling in the franchise since the original Tales from the Borderlands. Additionally, some reviews, such as those from Everyeye.it and Eurogamer Italy, commend the well-written dialogues and the distinct personalities of the new protagonists, indicating that the game retains some charm and humor despite its flaws. However, the negatives are pronounced and frequently cited across various reviews. Critics like Destructoid and Push Square criticize the story for its slow pacing and lack of character development, which detracts from player engagement. Many reviewers, including Inverse and GamingTrend, express disappointment over the incoherent plot points and lack of meaningful choices, suggesting that decisions feel inconsequential and fail to impact the overall narrative. Furthermore, Game Informer and Shacknews mention that the overarching narrative lacks cohesion and focus, often bouncing between subplots that distract from the main conflict, leading to an overall tedious experience. The overall consensus among critics leans towards disappointment, with many feeling that New Tales from the Borderlands does not live up to the legacy of its predecessor. While some reviewers appreciate the humor and character dynamics, the majority express concerns about pacing issues, weak character development, and a lack of depth in the narrative. Critics like IGN Spain and Gameblog.fr note that while the game captures some essence of the Borderlands universe, it struggles to balance humor with emotional depth, ultimately leading to a disconnect between the characters and their motivations. This sentiment is echoed by several others, indicating a general feeling that while the game has entertaining moments, it fails to resonate as a cohesive and engaging story.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

"New Tales from the Borderlands" offers a familiar narrative-driven style with engaging dialogue choices, but critics largely find the gameplay lacking. While some appreciate modernized mechanics and varied interactions, many describe it as monotonous and overly simplistic, resembling an interactive movie rather than a true game. Overall, it struggles to meet the expectations of its predecessor, leaving a mixed reception that leans towards disappointment due to its lack of depth and challenge.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

69%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

25%

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

The gameplay of "New Tales from the Borderlands" has received some recognition for its adherence to the narrative-driven style that fans of the genre have come to expect. Critics like Windows Central and Launcher (The Washington Post) appreciate the familiar mechanics, highlighting the importance of dialogue choices and character interactions that can significantly affect the narrative. Some reviewers, such as WellPlayed, note a modernized selection system that enhances player engagement and decision-making, suggesting that the game retains some enjoyable elements that resonate with fans of the original title. Additionally, the inclusion of varied gameplay mechanics, such as mini-games and quick-time events, provides moments of interaction that some players might find entertaining. However, a significant number of critics express disappointment with the gameplay, citing a lack of depth and meaningful engagement. GameOver.gr describes the experience as monotonous, with minimal player agency and a reliance on simplistic quick-time events (QTEs) that detract from the overall experience. IGN Italia and New Game Network echo this sentiment, noting that the gameplay elements feel uninspired and throwaway, with little challenge or exploration. Many reviews, including those from Ragequit.gr and Gamer.nl, criticize the game for feeling more like an interactive movie than a traditional game, leading to a passive experience where players often feel disconnected from the action. Overall, the consensus among critics is that "New Tales from the Borderlands" struggles to meet the expectations set by its predecessor. While some reviewers appreciate the narrative focus and character interactions, the overwhelming sentiment is that the gameplay lacks the depth, challenge, and meaningful choices that would elevate it beyond a simplistic experience. Critics like Destructoid and IGN Spain emphasize the linearity and minimal interactivity, suggesting that the game fails to innovate within the genre. Thus, while the narrative elements may hold some appeal, the gameplay mechanics leave much to be desired, resulting in a mixed reception that leans towards disappointment.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

New Tales from the Borderlands impresses with its vibrant visuals and improved cel-shading, earning praise for its gorgeous art style and enhanced animations, thanks to Unreal Engine 4. Critics highlight its cinematic quality and character detail, marking a significant upgrade from previous Telltale games. However, some shortcomings emerge, including lifeless facial animations and inconsistent body movements that detract from the storytelling. Overall, while the game captures the essence of the Borderlands universe, it has room for improvement in character animation to elevate the experience further.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

79%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

21%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of New Tales from the Borderlands have received considerable praise from critics, highlighting the game's vibrant and colorful art direction that aligns well with the franchise's established aesthetic. CGMagazine describes the game as "gorgeous," capturing the hand-drawn style that fans have come to love. Many reviewers, including GameSkinny and MondoXbox, commend the improved cel-shading graphics and detailed character animations, noting that the visuals surpass those of previous Telltale titles. Critics from Digital Trends and Game Informer emphasize the movie-quality cinematography and enhanced animation quality, which contribute to a polished experience. The use of Unreal Engine 4 has been particularly noted for providing sharp textures and dynamic environments, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the game. Despite the overall positive reception, some critics have pointed out notable shortcomings in the graphics and visual design. GameOver.gr mentions that while the visuals are beautiful, they are overshadowed by the game's poor execution. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Worth Playing and Gamer.nl, criticize the facial animations, stating that they can appear lifeless or overly exaggerated, detracting from the storytelling experience in a narrative-driven game. Critics like IGN Adria and Gamer.nl also highlight issues with character movements, suggesting that while the main character models are well-designed, the body animations can feel excessive or inconsistent. These critiques indicate that while the game excels in many areas, there are still aspects that could benefit from further refinement. Overall, the consensus among critics is that New Tales from the Borderlands presents a significant visual upgrade over its predecessors, with a strong emphasis on maintaining the franchise's iconic art style. Reviewers like Eurogamer Italy and Shacknews appreciate the masterful use of cel-shading and the engaging visual experience it provides. However, the mixed feedback regarding facial animations and character movements suggests that there is room for improvement. Ultimately, while the game successfully captures the essence of the Borderlands universe with its vibrant graphics and improved technical execution, it also faces challenges that could be addressed in future installments to elevate the overall experience further.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

New Tales from the Borderlands shines with stellar voice acting that breathes life into characters, winning praise from critics. However, the soundtrack and sound design disappoint, lacking the memorable impact of the original game—some say it's bland and poorly integrated. The absence of Spanish voice options also raises accessibility concerns. While voice performances are a highlight, the overall audio experience doesn't fully capture the Borderlands magic.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

36%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

11%

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

The sound design and music of New Tales from the Borderlands have garnered a generally positive reception, particularly regarding the voice acting. Critics like Dexerto and Checkpoint Gaming highlight the strength of the voice performances, noting that they effectively bring the characters to life with genuine emotion. Many reviewers, including COGconnected and Game Rant, praise the quality of the voice acting, emphasizing how it enhances the overall experience and adds depth to character interactions. Additionally, the soundtrack has been noted for its catchy tunes, with critics like Wccftech and Hardcore Gamer mentioning that the music complements the game well, contributing positively to the atmosphere and emotional weight of certain scenes. However, the music and sound design have also faced criticism, particularly in comparison to the original Borderlands game. Push Square and TheSixthAxis express disappointment in the integration of the soundtrack, describing it as poorly executed and lacking the impactful presence of its predecessor. Critics like MondoXbox and Gamer.nl echo this sentiment, stating that the soundtrack feels less memorable and impactful, with some songs described as bland or cheesy. Furthermore, the absence of Spanish voice acting has been noted by GamersRD and Hobby Consolas as a potential hindrance for non-English speakers, which may affect the accessibility of the game's audio experience. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while the voice acting in New Tales from the Borderlands is widely praised, the music and sound design do not reach the same heights. Many reviewers appreciate the catchy elements of the soundtrack, but the overall impression is that it falls short of the iconic status established by the original game. Critics like PC Gamer and XboxAddict indicate that the sound design is adequate but lacks the memorable themes and expert integration that fans might expect. Thus, while the voice performances are a standout feature, the music and sound design remain a divisive aspect of the game, with many feeling it does not fully capture the essence of the Borderlands franchise.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

"New Tales from the Borderlands" boasts strong voice acting that enhances the game's charm and narrative, earning praise from many critics for bringing characters to life and delivering humor and emotional depth. However, some note exaggerated performances and the lack of localization as drawbacks, with a few voices deemed unremarkable. Overall, the voice work is seen as a crucial asset, despite some criticisms.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

78%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

18%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in "New Tales from the Borderlands" has received considerable praise from a majority of critics, who highlight it as one of the game's strongest aspects. Reviewers from outlets such as Dexerto and Games.cz commend the cast for their strong performances, noting that the voice acting effectively brings the material to life and enhances the overall experience. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Digital Trends echo this sentiment, emphasizing how the voice actors contribute to the unique personalities of the characters, which adds charm and depth to the narrative. Many reviews, including those from IGN and Game Informer, agree that the performances are not only believable but also play a crucial role in delivering the game's humor and emotional weight. However, there are some criticisms regarding the voice acting that cannot be overlooked. GameOver.gr points out that the performances can be overly theatrical and exaggerated, which may detract from the overall experience. Additionally, GamersRD raises a valid concern about the game being available only in English, potentially alienating non-English speakers and impacting their enjoyment. Some critics, like TheXboxHub, describe the voiceovers as unremarkable, with only a few standout performances, suggesting that not all characters are equally well-served by the voice acting. Moreover, Inverse mentions that while the voice cast gives their all, the writing itself can hinder the impact of their performances. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in "New Tales from the Borderlands" is predominantly strong and enhances the game's charm and narrative. While there are valid criticisms regarding certain performances and the lack of localization options, the majority of reviews highlight the quality of the voice acting as a significant asset. Critics like COGconnected and Twinfinite emphasize how the voice actors contribute to the comedic tone and character engagement, reinforcing the idea that despite some drawbacks, the voice acting is a key element that elevates the game's overall experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

New Tales from the Borderlands shines on PS5 with smooth performance and fast texture loading, earning positive reviews. However, the Xbox Series X faces criticism for issues like environment loading and audio sync problems. PC reviews are mixed, with some praising stability while others note bugs and slowdowns. Overall, PS5 offers the best experience, while Xbox and PC players may encounter significant hurdles. Choose your platform wisely!

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

42%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

56%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The technical performance of New Tales from the Borderlands has received a largely positive reception across different gaming platforms. On the PS5, reviewers such as CGMagazine, PlayStation Universe, and Worth Playing noted that the game ran smoothly without any performance issues or glitches, indicating a polished experience. GamersRD highlighted improvements in texture loading times, which suggest advancements in technical performance compared to previous titles. This consistent feedback from multiple critics reinforces the notion that the PS5 version delivers a solid technical foundation, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. In contrast, the Xbox Series X version has faced some criticism, with Gaming Age reporting performance issues such as incomplete environment loading and audio desynchronization. While MondoXbox acknowledged improvements in stability compared to earlier Telltale titles, the presence of these issues detracts from the overall experience. On PC, the reception is mixed; while many critics, including CD-Action and Digital Trends, praised the game for running smoothly and without major technical issues, others like GamesRadar+ and IGN Italia pointed out specific problems such as screen slowdowns and bugs on the Steam Deck. Additionally, GamingTrend raised concerns about cloud saves and glitches affecting the final episode, which could impact player satisfaction. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that New Tales from the Borderlands performs well on PS5, with a strong emphasis on stability and lack of significant issues. The Xbox Series X version, however, presents challenges that could hinder the experience for players. On PC, while the majority of reviews are positive, there are notable exceptions that highlight technical inconsistencies and bugs. This divergence in performance across platforms suggests that while the game has made strides in technical execution, it is essential for players to consider their chosen platform, as experiences may vary significantly.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics are split on the replay value of New Tales from the Borderlands. While some highlight features like multiple endings and collectibles that invite exploration, many others criticize the game for its lack of meaningful choices and linear gameplay, leading to a general consensus that it's a one-and-done experience. The game may offer some variety, but most reviewers agree it lacks the depth to encourage multiple playthroughs.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

10%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

56%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

33%

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

In analyzing the replay value of New Tales from the Borderlands, several critics have pointed out aspects that contribute positively to the game's potential for multiple playthroughs. Some reviewers, like MondoXbox and SpazioGames, highlight the presence of multiple endings and the ability to revisit specific episodes, which can encourage players to explore different choices and outcomes. This notion of replayability is reinforced by IGN France, which suggests that the impact of choices on the narrative allows players to engage with the game in varied ways. Additionally, the inclusion of collectibles and character bonding ratings, as noted by PC Gamer, provides some incentive for players to return to the game after their initial playthrough. Conversely, a significant number of critics express concerns regarding the overall replay value of the game, emphasizing its limitations. GameOver.gr and Games.cz both argue that the game lacks meaningful choices and consequences, rendering the experience less engaging upon replay. Critics like Softpedia and Destructoid explicitly state that they felt no desire to replay the game after completing it once, indicating a pervasive sentiment of low replayability. Many reviews, including those from Gamer.nl and AusGamers, point out the linear nature of the game and the repetitive gameplay, which further detracts from the incentive to revisit the experience. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a lack of substantial replay value in New Tales from the Borderlands. While there are some positive mentions regarding the potential for varied outcomes and decision-making, the overwhelming feedback suggests that the game does not provide enough meaningful choices or engaging content to warrant multiple playthroughs. Reviewers like GameSpot and Hardcore Gamer acknowledge the possibility of replayability but caution that the experience may feel less rewarding. Ultimately, the game appears to be seen as a one-time experience for many players, with critics like New Game Network and Oyungezer emphasizing that the lack of significant choices diminishes the likelihood of returning for a second run.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

25%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The reviews for New Tales from the Borderlands present a mixed bag, with several critics highlighting its strengths. Many reviewers, such as GamingBolt and WellPlayed, commend the game for its humor, character depth, and engaging narrative. Critics like COGconnected and GamesRadar+ emphasize the well-written dialogue and memorable characters, noting that the game captures the essence of its predecessor while introducing new elements to the franchise. Additionally, some reviews, including those from MondoXbox and Checkpoint Gaming, appreciate the game's visual presentation and voice acting, which contribute to an entertaining experience for fans of the series. However, the negatives are significant and frequently echoed across various reviews. Critics like Destructoid and Push Square describe the game as a "spectacular misfire," citing poor character development, unfunny jokes, and a lack of engaging gameplay. Many reviewers, including Wccftech and New Game Network, express disappointment in the narrative, describing it as lackluster and overshadowed by irritating characters. The consensus among several critics, such as Shindig and CGMagazine, is that the game fails to meet the expectations set by its predecessor, with many suggesting it is only Worth Playing for die-hard fans of the franchise. Overall, the sentiment surrounding New Tales from the Borderlands leans towards disappointment, with a notable divide between those who find value in its humor and character-driven elements and those who criticize its narrative shortcomings and gameplay mechanics. While some critics, like Digital Trends and Hardcore Gamer, argue that it is a worthy successor, the prevailing opinion suggests that the game does not live up to the charm and engagement of the original. This dichotomy reflects a broader sentiment that, despite some redeeming qualities, New Tales from the Borderlands ultimately falls short of delivering a compelling experience, leading to a mixed reception among critics and players alike.

TL;DR

New Tales from the Borderlands garners mixed reviews; praised for humor, character depth, and engaging narrative by some, but largely criticized for poor character development, unfunny jokes, and lackluster gameplay. While die-hard fans may find redeeming qualities, most critics feel it fails to live up to its predecessor, leaving a disappointing impression overall.

MONSTER

Reviews

114 reviews found

COGconnected

Oct 20, 2022