Is the pre sequel to Borderlands canon?

Is the Pre-Sequel to Borderlands Canon?

The Borderlands franchise has been a staple in the gaming world since the release of the first title in 2009. The series has undergone numerous changes and additions, making it a complex and diverse universe. One of the most debated topics among fans is the canonicity of Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, specifically its place in the overarching narrative. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Pandora to explore the answer to this question.

The Basic Premise

Before we dive into the complexities, let’s briefly discuss the premise of Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel. The game takes place in the year 1170 AWT (After World Transmission), between the events of Borderlands and Borderlands 2. The player takes on the role of either Axton, Axton’s daughter Phantis, or Athena as a member of the bandit group, the Lost Legion. The story revolves around Pandora’s moon, Helios, where the bandits have established a new power base. The main narrative follows the player’s journey as they uncover the truth about the moon’s dark history and the intentions of various factions vying for power.

Canon vs Non-Canon

When defining canon, we consider materials that are officially recognized and accepted as part of a franchise’s narrative. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel has not been explicitly stated as canon by Gearbox Software or 2K Games. However, the game has been included in the narrative of Borderlands 2 and subsequent titles. Despite this, some events in the Pre-Sequel can be considered non-canonical due to inconsistencies and lack of direct connections to later games.

Canonical Clues

Despite the gray area, there are signs that suggest the Pre-Sequel is, at the very least, part of the Borderlands lore:

• ECHO-logs: The Pre-Sequel features ECHO-logs, which are recorded information from the ECHO cast, a network of holographic recordings. These logs contain information about events on Pandora and Helios. While not explicitly confirmed, the ECHO-logs can be seen as indirect canon.
• Jack’s Backstory: Jack’s backstory, revealed through the Pre-Sequel, affects the events of Borderlands 2. Marcus Kincaid, another key character, has multiple references to the Pre-Sequel in his dialogue.

Non-Canonical Clues

On the other hand, there are discrepancies that raise questions about the Pre-Sequel’s canonicity:

• Timelines: The events in the Pre-Sequel clash with the timeline of later games. For example, the Pre-Sequel concludes with the destruction of Pandora’s moon, yet it is still intact in the events of Borderlands: The Handsome Collection (a compilation of Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel).
• Lore Inconsistencies: Some plot points in the Pre-Sequel contradict elements from other games, causing confusion and inconsistency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel has not been explicitly labeled as canon, there are hints that suggest it contributes to the Borderlands universe. The inclusion of the Pre-Sequel in subsequent games, ECHO-log references, and connections to other characters all imply some level of canonicity. However, inconsistencies in the timeline and lore hinder a clear declaration of its canonicity. At best, the Pre-Sequel can be seen as a part of the overarching narrative, with some minor adjustments to accommodate its status as a "side tale" within the larger world of Pandora.

Ultimately, the question of canonicity remains open to individual interpretation. Fans will continue to debate and re-examine the narrative ties between games, ultimately weaving their own understanding of the Borderlands universe. What do you think? Are you convinced that the Pre-Sequel is part of the canon, or does its ambiguity leave room for interpretation? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Table: Canonicity of Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel Components

[b]Note: The provided table is a subjective breakdown of the components mentioned throughout the article. Feel free to adjust or modify to better suit your own canonicity interpretation!"]