Borderlands 4 Channels the Destiny 3 Vibe We’re Missing, and It’s Gearbox’s Best Move Yet

I’m at my screen, like a gazillion other humans (or so it felt), glued to the Borderlands 4 State of Play last night. I mean, who knew a game update could be this much of a rollercoaster? There’s this whole buffet of new stuff, and it’s like it’s sipping an old-school cocktail with the OG Borderlands vibes more than all that newer jazz. Honestly, it’s like they mashed it up with Destiny 3… kinda weird but in a good way? I dunno, but feels like they’ve nailed it this time.

Okay, so Borderlands, we know it for two big things, right? First, the butt-kicking FPS mayhem. A “schlooter” or, uh, whatever you wanna call a million combos of “gun goes boom.” It’s been the heart and soul forever — day one fan here, waves. Even Borderlands 1 — seems sorta chill now, right? — was like, oh-wow when it dropped. Good times!

Oh, and cookies. Something about cookies here… Am I missing out on cookies, or is the page just being weird? Nevermind.

Then there’s the humor — you know the kind, right? Like, they’re trying so hard it’s almost funny in itself. Remember Claptrap’s antics? Or that crazy Spongebob takeoff in the Borderlands 3 DLC? Sure, some folks dig it, but there’s also the “please stop” crowd. So, props to Gearbox — they saw a chance to give this baby a facelift. I think they grabbed it with all available hands.

That tone… gah, I can practically count the jokes from Borderlands 4 preview on one hand. Kudos for restraint, pals. They’ve learned how to sprinkle humor without making you roll your eyes. I thought they’d slam a “Sigma” joke in there for sure, but nope! Surprised in a good way. Feels like a change of skin, and boy, it’s refreshing!

Speaking of looks — the game? Still zany, not gonna lie, but they dialed down the over-the-top cartoony stuff. Feels… sleek? If that even makes sense. And they’re shaking up the gameplay, too. Vaults are more like dungeons now? Didn’t see that coming, but it’s a bold twist. I mean, a drone helper? Summon-when-you-want vehicles? Destiny 2 vibes much? What. Is. Happening.

Here’s the thing — Bungie’s got their hands full with Marathon. Destiny 2’s kind of in this slow-burn mode with tiny updates, and they’ve had hiccups with player engagement. Not to mention a few layoffs that didn’t exactly boost morale. So, Borderlands stepping in right now, it’s like perfect timing. They’ve got a serious shot at filling that AAA-sized vacuum.

But Marathon’s not quite ready for the big leagues, y’know? Early testers are iffy about it. Borderlands 4 seems posed to nudge it off the stage. Almost feels like they’re doing Bungie a kindness by not squashing them on release day. Who would’ve thought?

With all this chaotic jumble in my head, I’m hyped for Borderlands 4’s new path. And sure, maybe this hype’s just pre-launch adrenaline. But hey, it’s got people buzzing, bringing the franchise back into the convo. Sweet move, Gearbox. Keep it rolling!