Borderlands 3 Review: 6 Ups & 4 Downs

Gearbox needed a win.

After practically sitting out an entire generation - save for Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, some remasters and the terribly-timed Battleborn - such a once-prolific developer could do with some positive press.

Thankfully, though it's very easy to label Borderlands 3 "more of the same"; a safe execution on a tried n' tested formula already beloved by millions, there are a ton of meaningful tweaks that - at least for me - make it the best Borderlands yet.

Now, keep in mind going forward that I've played very little of Borderlands before. I always bounced right off its comedy and thought the gunplay was supremely light, twitchy and lacking momentum.

In the current shooter landscape - where COD: Modern Warfare is going down a storm, Destiny's feel is exemplary and Warframe showcases a rewarding loot loop like no other - Borderlands needs to be airtight to reclaim the top spot.

Thankfully, although Gearbox have played their hand very carefully, this is a sequel of refinement - of a studio knowing exactly what's needed and where to implement changes.

So many instalments in, although it's the second numbered sequel, this is the perfect place to start for newcomers.