New Tales from the Borderlands

The story of New Tales from the Borderlands receives praise for its engaging characters, humor, and emotional depth, with several critics highlighting its strengths. Hobby Consolas commended the "well-written characters" and comedic narrative exploring corporate conflict, while Press Start Australia noted it "recaptures the essence of what made the original enjoyable." GamesRadar+ described it as a "cheeky and heartfelt narrative" featuring lovable underdogs, and CGMagazine acknowledged its focus on "found family and empathy," despite flaws. Critics like DualShockers praised the "likable characters that grow throughout the game," while GameSpot highlighted "relatable characters" whose arcs influence the plot. The story’s blend of Borderlands’ signature absurdity with themes of trust, personal tragedy, and societal issues also resonated, as noted by WellPlayed and Player 2, who appreciated its mix of humor and emotional depth. However, the narrative faces significant criticism for its pacing, coherence, and character development. Destructoid called it "slow-paced" and lacking the humor and depth expected from a Borderlands title, while Push Square criticized the "magic rock with low stakes" and an unsatisfying ending. CD-Action described the plot as "vague, illogical, and uninteresting," and Inverse lambasted the "hamfisted writing" and "exploitative humor." Many reviewers, including GameSkinny and GamingTrend, found the story "unbearable" due to "annoying characters" and "cringe-inducing dialogue," while Shindig and TheXboxHub criticized its "joyless" tone and unlikable protagonists. Issues like forced pop culture references, inconsistent pacing, and underdeveloped subplots were recurring complaints, with Windows Central noting the story’s "disjointed structure" and "inconsistencies in the plot." The overall consensus reflects a mixed reception, with critics divided between those who found it a flawed but worthwhile entry and others who deemed it a missed opportunity. While some praised its character-driven moments and connection to the Borderlands universe—such as AusGamers’ assertion that it offers "the best storytelling in the franchise since the original"—others felt it failed to meet expectations. The narrative’s strengths, like humor and emotional beats, were often overshadowed by structural issues, with IGN Spain noting the struggle to balance comedy with depth and Game Informer criticizing its "incoherent" subplots. Despite polarized opinions, many acknowledged its ambition, with some critics (e.g., Atomix) calling it "the strongest aspect of the game," while others (e.g., Destructoid) saw it as a misstep in the series’ evolution. The divide underscores a story that, while occasionally compelling, struggled to fully realize its potential.

The gameplay of New Tales from the Borderlands receives mixed reactions, with several critics highlighting its narrative-driven approach and unique elements. Many praise the game’s focus on dialogue choices and character interactions, noting that it allows for a degree of player agency in shaping the story. For instance, Twinfinite acknowledges the inclusion of unique character gadgets and mini-games like Vaultlanders, which add variety to the experience. Similarly, TheSixthAxis appreciates the balance between dialogue-heavy sequences and free-roam areas, while Player 2 highlights the accessibility options for quick-time events (QTEs) and the engaging Vaultlanders minigame. Some reviewers, such as Game Rant, acknowledge moments where creativity shines, like the game’s occasional inventive mechanics, suggesting that the narrative focus and character-driven storytelling can be compelling for fans of the series. However, the majority of critics criticize the gameplay for its lack of innovation, repetitive mechanics, and minimal player engagement. Multiple reviews, including those from GameOver.gr, LevelUp, and Meristation, describe the experience as monotonous, with players often reduced to passive observers watching cutscenes or performing simplistic QTEs. The reliance on dialogue choices is frequently criticized for lacking meaningful consequences, as noted by New Game Network and IGN Spain. Additionally, exploration sections are deemed superficial (Destructoid), while mini-games are labeled as too easy or unengaging (GamingTrend, PC Gamer). Digital Trends and IGN France emphasize the game’s failure to innovate within its genre, with many reviewers pointing to a lack of depth in mechanics and an over-reliance on formulaic structures reminiscent of Telltale-style adventures. The repetitive nature of QTEs and minimal interactivity further detract from the experience, as highlighted by Jeuxvideo.com and GamingBolt. Overall, the consensus among critics is that New Tales from the Borderlands leans heavily on narrative-driven gameplay at the expense of meaningful player interaction. While some elements like dialogue choices and unique mini-games are praised for their creativity (Twinfinite, Player 2), the overwhelming sentiment is one of disappointment due to its simplistic mechanics, lack of innovation, and repetitive structure. Critics such as Destructoid and IGN France argue that the game feels like a step back from previous entries in the series, with many noting that it fails to capitalize on opportunities for deeper engagement or originality. Despite occasional highlights, the majority view the gameplay as underwhelming, prioritizing storytelling over substantive interactivity, which leaves many players feeling disconnected from the experience. The mixed reception reflects a divide between those who appreciate its narrative focus and those who find its mechanics too shallow to justify the effort.

The graphics and visual design of New Tales from the Borderlands received widespread acclaim for their adherence to the franchise’s signature cel-shaded aesthetic while showcasing notable technical advancements. Critics consistently praised the game’s vibrant art direction, with CGMagazine describing it as “gorgeous” and capturing the series’ hand-drawn style. GameSkinny and MondoXbox highlighted its clean, colorful comic-book visuals, while PlayStation Universe noted sharper textures and detailed environments that evoke the Borderlands universe. The use of Unreal Engine 4 was frequently lauded for elevating cinematics and character animations, as seen in Digital Trends’ mention of “movie-quality cinematography” and GameStar’s praise for “expressive faces.” Additionally, performance capture technology enhanced character realism, with AusGamers noting that “cinematics feel like real characters,” and IGN Spain commending the game’s ability to run smoothly on modest PCs. The art style’s consistency with earlier Borderlands entries was a key strength, as highlighted by Press Start Australia, which called the cel-shaded world “a highlight.” Despite these positives, several critics pointed out flaws that detracted from the visual experience. Worth Playing and Gamer.nl criticized over-animated body movements and inconsistent character models, particularly for background characters, while Destructoid noted a departure from the “distinctive cell-shaded style of the original Borderlands games.” IGN Adria and IGN Italia mentioned lifeless or exaggerated facial expressions, with the latter noting texture loading issues. Some reviewers, like Meristation, felt the graphics were technically sound but unremarkable, and Jeuxvideo.com observed that the game “doesn’t push boundaries.” Additionally, while many praised the cel-shading, others found it familiar to series fans, as noted by Hobby Consolas, which suggested it might lack surprise for longtime players. These critiques highlight areas where the visual design, though improved, still faced limitations in execution and innovation. Overall, the critics’ consensus leans heavily toward appreciation for New Tales from the Borderlands’s visuals, with most acknowledging its technical improvements and faithful representation of the Borderlands aesthetic. While some criticisms about animation quality and graphical polish were raised, these were often framed as minor drawbacks rather than deal-breakers. The game’s ability to balance stylized cel-shading with modern engine capabilities—as noted by GameStar and Wccftech—was seen as a significant achievement. Even critics like Oyungezer, who called the graphics “very beautiful,” and Shindig, who praised their “visually appealing” nature, emphasized that the visuals were one of the game’s strongest aspects. Though not flawless, the visual design was widely regarded as a step forward for the series, aligning with the expectations of fans while showcasing the potential of its technical foundation.

The sound design and music of New Tales from the Borderlands received mixed but largely positive reception, with several critics highlighting its strengths. Voice acting was consistently praised as a standout element, with reviewers like Dexerto, GameSkinny, Checkpoint Gaming, and COGconnected noting that it brought characters to life with authenticity and emotional depth. The soundtrack also garnered praise for its creativity and integration into the game’s narrative. PlayStation Universe described the music as "catchy and progressive," while MGG and Vandal highlighted a "notable soundtrack" and "engaging non-interactive musical sequences." Additionally, IGN Adria and Jeuxvideo.com appreciated the high-quality French localization, which enhanced the experience for non-English speakers. The game’s use of montages, such as the opening credits’ rock playlist mentioned by Press Start Australia, was seen as a memorable highlight, blending humor and style effectively. However, several critics pointed out shortcomings in the music and sound design. Push Square criticized the "poorly integrated" soundtrack, arguing it lacked the expert use seen in earlier Borderlands games, while Destructoid called the music "bland" and mismatched with the franchise’s iconic style. Meristation found the attempts to mimic the original’s sound "cringe-worthy," and TheXboxHub noted a disconnect between the music and on-screen action. Others, like MondoXbox and Gamer.nl, felt the soundtrack was weaker than previous entries, with "weaker songs" and "lack of memorable moments." Technical issues also arose, such as audio drops mentioned by GamesRadar+, and some critics, including CD-Action, found the music "chaotic and childish," undermining its impact. The reliance on licensed tracks and a lack of original, iconic themes were recurring criticisms. Overall, while the voice acting was universally acclaimed for its quality and emotional resonance, the soundtrack and sound design faced divided opinions. Most agreed that the music, though occasionally effective in montages or comedic moments, failed to match the original Borderlands’s memorable and bombastic style. Critics like PC Gamer and Windows Central acknowledged the soundtrack’s adequacy but noted its lack of standout moments, while others, such as Wccftech and Vandal, found it "catchy" or "engaging." The consensus leaned toward a middle ground: the sound design was functional and supportive, with strong voice acting elevating the experience, but the music fell short of expectations, particularly when compared to its predecessors. This duality reflects a game that excels in character-driven storytelling but struggles to replicate the auditory magic of its roots.

The majority of critics praised the voice acting in New Tales from the Borderlands as a standout strength, with many highlighting its ability to elevate the game’s characters and humor. Dexerto, Games.cz, PlayStation Universe, and Softpedia all emphasized that the performances were "strong," "excellent," or "fantastic," noting how they brought the material to life. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and COGconnected praised the "amazing" and "exceptional" delivery, while IGN and IGN Spain specifically commended the cast for their ability to "deliver silly humor effectively" and create memorable characters like LOU13 and Fran. TheXboxHub and Gamer.nl acknowledged that even with some narrative shortcomings, the voice acting remained a critical component of the game’s charm, with GameSkinny praising the ethnically authentic portrayals and Digital Trends noting how it "contributed to the game's charm." These reviews collectively underscore the voice acting as a cohesive and impactful element of the experience. However, a smaller subset of critics raised concerns about specific aspects of the voice acting. GameOver.gr criticized it as "overly theatrical and exaggerated," arguing that this detracted from immersion, while TheXboxHub found most performances "unremarkable" except for the sentient robots. GamersRD pointed out the lack of non-English options, which could alienate some players, and Gamer.nl noted that the absence of original voice actors for key roles diminished the experience. Shindig and Inverse suggested that even strong performances couldn’t fully compensate for weak writing, with Shindig stating that "talented actors would struggle with the material." Additionally, MGG mentioned minor synchronization issues in the French version, and Wccftech noted that while the voice acting was solid, the characters themselves were often "irritating." These critiques highlight areas where the voice acting, though generally strong, faced limitations. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the majority agreeing that the voice acting was a significant strength of New Tales from the Borderlands. Reviewers like IGN, GamesHub, and Twinfinite emphasized how it enhanced character personalities, humor, and immersion, while others such as Game Rant and RPG Fan praised its role in making the narrative engaging. Even critics with reservations acknowledged the technical quality of the performances, with TheSixthAxis noting the "effort put into the voice acting" and TierraGamer calling it "sensational." While a few voices pointed to specific flaws—such as over-the-top delivery or lack of localization options—the prevailing sentiment was that the voice acting elevated the game’s storytelling and character dynamics, making it a key factor in its success.

The technical performance of New Tales from the Borderlands receives largely positive feedback across all platforms, with notable improvements over previous Telltale titles. On PS5, reviewers like CGMagazine, GamersRD, and PlayStation Universe highlight a smooth experience with no performance issues or glitches, while Worth Playing notes the game’s stability and lack of bugs. For Xbox Series X, MondoXbox praises the game’s technical execution, citing improved performance and stability compared to earlier Telltale games, though Gaming Age reports some environmental loading and audio sync issues. On PC, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive: CD-Action, Destructoid, and Digital Trends emphasize smooth gameplay with no major technical problems, while Digital Trends specifically credits Unreal Engine 4 for reducing past issues. Critics like GameStar and GamingBolt also highlight stability and optimization, with some noting improved frame rates and quick loading times. However, there are notable negatives, particularly on PC and Xbox Series X. On PC, GamesRadar+ reports screen slowdowns and audio problems on the Steam Deck, while IGN Italia mentions bugs on that platform. MGG notes skipped dialogue during testing, and Wccftech points to minor glitches, though not game-breaking. GamingTrend criticizes the lack of cloud saves on Steam, and some reviewers like Vandal and WellPlayed mention texture loading issues or pop-in. On Xbox Series X, Gaming Age’s concerns about environmental loading and voiceover sync stand out as significant drawbacks. While these issues are less frequent than the positives, they highlight inconsistencies in optimization across hardware, particularly on lower-end systems or specific devices like the Steam Deck. Overall, the critics agree that New Tales from the Borderlands represents a technical step forward for Telltale Games, with PS5 and Xbox Series X versions delivering stable, polished experiences. PC receives mixed but largely positive reviews, with most praising optimization and performance despite minor issues. The game’s use of Unreal Engine 4 is frequently cited as a key factor in its improved stability, though some platform-specific quirks remain. While PC faces more varied feedback due to hardware diversity, the general consensus leans toward technical success, with only isolated complaints about bugs or optimization hiccups. This suggests that while not flawless, the game’s technical performance is broadly commendable across all platforms.

The review landscape for New Tales from the Borderlands presents a nuanced view of its replay value, with several critics highlighting elements that could encourage multiple playthroughs. Notably, MondoXbox and DualShockers emphasize the game’s multiple endings and episodic structure, which allow players to revisit choices and explore different outcomes. Similarly, Eurogamer Italy, Everyeye.it, and SpazioGames praise the branching narratives and story permutations, suggesting that the ability to experience varied consequences—especially after failing quick-time events or making moral decisions—adds depth. GameSpot and GamesRadar+ also note that choices significantly alter outcomes, while MGG and Twinfinite highlight cohesion systems and dialogue options as incentives for replayability. These positives suggest the game’s design does offer some appeal for players seeking to explore its narrative flexibility. However, a significant portion of critics argue that these elements are undermined by structural and thematic limitations. GameOver.gr, Games.cz, and Push Square criticize the lack of meaningful choices, with Games.cz describing the gameplay as repetitive and Softpedia calling it “a waste of time” beyond a single playthrough. Atomix and CD-Action point to linear endings and illusory moral decisions, while Destructoid and GamingTrend express no desire to replay due to shallow engagement. The game’s short runtime (around 7–10 hours) is another recurring complaint, with Wccftech and New Game Network noting that its brevity diminishes the incentive for revisiting. Even IGN Spain and Jeuxvideo.com argue that the lack of impactful choices makes the experience feel one-dimensional, despite some attempts at branching narratives. Overall, the consensus leans toward a mixed but largely critical assessment of New Tales from the Borderlands’ replay value. While some critics, like MondoXbox and SpazioGames, see potential in its choice-driven mechanics and multiple endings, the majority highlight flaws that limit long-term appeal. The game’s episodic structure and collectibles offer minor incentives for revisiting, but these are often overshadowed by its linear storytelling, repetitive gameplay, and shallow consequences. As GameOver.gr and Destructoid succinctly put it, many reviewers feel the experience is best enjoyed once, with little to entice players back. The divide reflects a broader tension between the game’s ambition to offer narrative flexibility and its execution, which fails to fully capitalize on its potential for sustained engagement.