68
MONSTER
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!
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
Expand for full analysis
67
Critics have mixed opinions on New Tales from the Borderlands' story. Some praise its well-written narrative, likable characters, and emotional moments, while others criticize it for lacking interesting characters, weak development, and missed humor opportunities. Overall, positive reviews highlight diverse characters, humor, and emotional depth, while negative reviews point out issues with character development and humor execution. Despite differing views, the overall consensus leans towards a more positive reception.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
67
Positive (80-100)
46%
Mixed (50-79)
36%
Negative (0-49)
18%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Critics have mixed opinions on New Tales from the Borderlands' story. Some praise its well-written narrative, likable characters, and emotional moments, while others criticize it for lacking interesting characters, weak development, and missed humor opportunities. Overall, positive reviews highlight diverse characters, humor, and emotional depth, while negative reviews point out issues with character development and humor execution. Despite differing views, the overall consensus leans towards a more positive reception.
Gameplay Mechanics
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59
Critics have mixed opinions on the gameplay of New Tales from the Borderlands. Positive aspects include well-executed quick-time events and engaging mini-games that add excitement. However, critics also point out issues like lack of meaningful interaction and variety in mini-games, detracting from the overall experience. While some find the gameplay light and enjoyable, others criticize the lack of challenge and depth. Overall, the gameplay has strengths and weaknesses, with missed opportunities for more engaging elements like free-roam sections.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
59
Positive (80-100)
4%
Mixed (50-79)
92%
Negative (0-49)
4%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Critics have mixed opinions on the gameplay of New Tales from the Borderlands. Positive aspects include well-executed quick-time events and engaging mini-games that add excitement. However, critics also point out issues like lack of meaningful interaction and variety in mini-games, detracting from the overall experience. While some find the gameplay light and enjoyable, others criticize the lack of challenge and depth. Overall, the gameplay has strengths and weaknesses, with missed opportunities for more engaging elements like free-roam sections.
Graphics and Visual Design
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81
Critics lauded New Tales from the Borderlands for its stunning graphics, vibrant colors, and attention to detail. The Unreal Engine and Gearbox graphics were praised for surpassing Telltale's previous work. While some criticized over-animated body movements and character models, overall feedback on the visuals remained positive.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
81
Positive (80-100)
94%
Mixed (50-79)
6%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Critics lauded New Tales from the Borderlands for its stunning graphics, vibrant colors, and attention to detail. The Unreal Engine and Gearbox graphics were praised for surpassing Telltale's previous work. While some criticized over-animated body movements and character models, overall feedback on the visuals remained positive.
Music and Sound Design
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72
Critics praise the standout voice acting in New Tales from the Borderlands, highlighting expressive performances that bring characters to life. However, some critics express disappointment in unremarkable voiceovers and music that doesn't enhance the experience. Overall, while there are mixed opinions, the majority agree that the sound design and music are generally positive, with catchy tunes and well-executed sound supporting the gameplay.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
72
Positive (80-100)
42%
Mixed (50-79)
47%
Negative (0-49)
11%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Critics praise the standout voice acting in New Tales from the Borderlands, highlighting expressive performances that bring characters to life. However, some critics express disappointment in unremarkable voiceovers and music that doesn't enhance the experience. Overall, while there are mixed opinions, the majority agree that the sound design and music are generally positive, with catchy tunes and well-executed sound supporting the gameplay.
Voice Acting
Expand for full analysis
76
Critics generally praise the voice acting in New Tales from the Borderlands for bringing the characters to life with strong performances and effective delivery. While some critics have mixed opinions, the consensus is that the voice acting adds value to the game with standout moments. Overall, the voice acting is highlighted as a positive aspect, contributing to the engaging personalities and humor in the game.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
76
Positive (80-100)
82%
Mixed (50-79)
12%
Negative (0-49)
6%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
Critics generally praise the voice acting in New Tales from the Borderlands for bringing the characters to life with strong performances and effective delivery. While some critics have mixed opinions, the consensus is that the voice acting adds value to the game with standout moments. Overall, the voice acting is highlighted as a positive aspect, contributing to the engaging personalities and humor in the game.
Technical Performance
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72
Critics praise smooth performance and lack of issues on PS5 and PC for the game, but Xbox Series X and PC faced performance problems and glitches. Overall, technical performance seems solid, with some minor issues noted.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
72
Positive (80-100)
57%
Mixed (50-79)
29%
Negative (0-49)
14%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Critics praise smooth performance and lack of issues on PS5 and PC for the game, but Xbox Series X and PC faced performance problems and glitches. Overall, technical performance seems solid, with some minor issues noted.
Replay Value
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54
Critics are divided on the replay value of New Tales from the Borderlands. Some praise its multiple story branches and outcomes, while others criticize its limited impact of choices. Overall, the consensus leans towards a lack of replay value, with many critics feeling no urge to replay the game.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
54
Positive (80-100)
9%
Mixed (50-79)
55%
Negative (0-49)
36%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Critics are divided on the replay value of New Tales from the Borderlands. Some praise its multiple story branches and outcomes, while others criticize its limited impact of choices. Overall, the consensus leans towards a lack of replay value, with many critics feeling no urge to replay the game.
Overall Verdict
68
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
68
Positive (80-100)
25%
Mixed (50-79)
67%
Negative (0-49)
8%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Critics have mixed opinions on New Tales from the Borderlands. Positive aspects include praise for storytelling and character development, with some highlighting humor and heart. However, negative points focus on lackluster characters, script, and story, along with criticisms of humor and gameplay. While some recommend the game, others view it as a missed opportunity. Overall, opinions are divided, with some enjoying the game's essence while others point out flaws in character development and gameplay execution.
68
MONSTER
Reviews
114 reviews found92
COGconnected
Oct 20, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
New Tales from the Borderlands is immensely entertaining, exceptionally well written, and acted with pitch-perfect attention to character. The quick-time events are a minor disappointment.
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85
Checkpoint Gaming
Oct 20, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
New Tales from the Borderlands is an exciting addition to the Borderlands universe with well-developed characters and an engaging narrative.
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83
Launcher (The Washington Post)
Oct 20, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is praised for being a completely new story in the Borderlands world with realistic characters. The reviewer enjoyed the experience of helping the main characters change the world.
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83
Gaming Age
Nov 10, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The review recommends the game, stating that it delivers the same feeling as the first Tales from the Borderlands with humor and heart. It also suggests playing the first game if the player hasn't experienced it yet.
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80
GamesHub
Oct 20, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
A deeply heartfelt and engaging adventure that highlights the power of friendship, despite some changes in gameplay mechanics.
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80
Screen Rant
Oct 20, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
A satisfying and meaningful experience with a strong narrative, despite some missteps and limited gameplay
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80
Hooked Gamers
Dec 6, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
A must-play for fans of Borderlands and adventure games.
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80
Comicbook.com
Oct 21, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
This sequel is a step in the right direction.
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75
Stevivor
Oct 20, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The review concludes that there is a lot to love for fans of the franchise and the genre, and that the game can serve as a standalone experience. The reviewer enjoyed the tale of the characters and recommends the game.
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75
RPG Fan
Nov 7, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
If you can tolerate flawed characters and crass jokes, the game is entertaining
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