Summary
Borderlandsis approaching 15 years since it first dropped players on the planet of Pandora and unleashed its brand of zaniness and action on them. In that time, it has swelled in popularity, becoming developer Gearbox Software’s flagship franchise, andBorderlandshas risen to prominence as one of the most highly regarded looter shooters around. With the next mainline title now on the way,Borderlandswill be continuing down the path laid out over the course of its three previous entries and various spin-offs.
Along withBorderlands' eclectic and extensive castof colorful characters, the franchise has included a variety of licensed music tracks from a range of artists featuring songs that fit intoBorderlands' trademark style and thematic tone. Many of its introductory cinematics are often a highlight of the soundtrack too, with bombastic tunes playing during character splash scenes. Given this,BL4should finally go all-in by providing a way for fans to listen to and enjoy these freely in-game, and it has the perfect narrative justification for doing so.
Though it has been officially confirmed since March of this year, and some rumors pointed to more information being revealed at Summer Game Fest, this turned out not to be the case, and fans are still awaiting more details such asBorderlands 4’s possible plotand release window.
Borderlands 4 Needs its Own Diegetic Music-Listening Mechanic
An appropriate choice of songs for a game can provide an additional touch that greatly enhances the experience. Starting all the way back in 2009, before the series established itself as one of thepremiere looter shooter franchises, the originalBorderlandstrailer was set to Cage the Elephant’s “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked” accompanying the introduction of the first four Vault Hunters.
It was a pitch-perfect encapsulation of the mix of high-octane action and offbeat humor in its Space Western setting that is deeply ingrained inBorderlands' identity. The song fit the style and tone of its over-the-top zaniness, and this would continue to be the case in subsequent titles, withBorderlands 2’s use of “Short Change Hero” by The Heavy as another excellent example, among a number of others.
How Borderlands 4 Could Easily Introduce a Way to Listen to its Music In-Game
Games likeGrand Theft Auto,Fallout, andWatchdogsinclude a plethora of music tracks via in-game radio stations and a method for fans to crank them at will during missions or freeform exploration. A world-building element featured across all entries areBorderlands' ECHO devices– essentially its version of futuristic smartphones.
Players often receive communications on their ECHOs from allies and enemies alike, and they also serve as hidden collectibles that flesh out backstory and lore for diligent players who hunt them out. Later entries included unlockable custom cosmetic skins for ECHO devices. As such, the ECHOs provide the perfect diegetic outlet forBorderlands 4to offer a similar option as those mentioned.
It may not necessarily need to go as far as the above even, but could perhaps offer at least a handful of tracks available on the ECHO from the start.Borderlands 4could then possibly go further by having a chain of quests centering on creating or finding new songs, or as rewards from NPCs, adding incentives for fans to engage with them and expand their playlists.
Having this feature would create another great layer of immersion for itsSpace Westernvibes, allowing fans to enjoy their favorite tunes at any given time, blasting them in-game while blasting bandits and psychos, or just leisurely exploring the world. Either way, it would be a welcome addition, and one thatBorderlandscould easily explain via the ECHOs to show off its fantastic selection of music.
Borderlands 3
WHERE TO PLAY
The original shooter-looter returns, packing bazillions of guns and an all-new mayhem-fueled adventure! Blast through new worlds and enemies as one of four brand new Vault Hunters – the ultimate treasure-seeking badasses of the Borderlands, each with deep skill trees, abilities, and customization. Play solo or join with friends to take on insane enemies, score loads of loot and save your home from the most ruthless cult leaders in the galaxy.A MAYHEM-FUELED THRILL RIDEStop the fanatical Calypso Twins from uniting the bandit clans and claiming the galaxy’s ultimate power. Only you, a thrill-seeking Vault Hunter, have the arsenal and allies to take them down.YOUR VAULT HUNTER, YOUR PLAYSTYLEBecome one of four extraordinary Vault Hunters, each with unique abilities, playstyles, deep skill trees, and tons of personalization options. All Vault Hunters are capable of awesome mayhem alone, but together they are unstoppable.LOCK, LOAD, AND LOOTWith bazillions of guns and gadgets, every fight is an opportunity to score new gear. Firearms with self-propelling bullet shields? Check. Rifles that spawn fire-spewing volcanoes? Obviously. Guns that grow legs and chase down enemies while hurling verbal insults? Yeah, got that too.NEW BORDERLANDSDiscover new worlds beyond Pandora, each featuring unique environments to explore and enemies to destroy. Tear through hostile deserts, battle your way across war-torn cityscapes, navigate deadly bayous, and more! QUICK & SEAMLESS CO-OP ACTIONPlay with anyone at any time online or in split-screen co-op, regardless of your level or mission progress. Take down enemies and challenges as a team, but reap rewards that are yours alone – no one misses out on loot.
