Should I Play Tales from the Borderlands Before or After the Pre-Sequel?
The Borderlands series has gained immense popularity over the years, offering a unique blend of cooperative gameplay, humor, and action. With two of the most popular games, Tales from the Borderlands and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, you might be wondering about the best order to play them. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of playing Tales from the Borderlands before or after the Pre-Sequel to ensure an enjoyable experience.
Why Play Order Matters
Before diving into the games, it’s crucial to understand that playing the games in a specific order can significantly impact your gaming experience. The story and characters in the Borderlands series are interconnected, with each game building upon the previous one. Playing out of order can lead to confusing plotlines, uninteresting characters, and a overall lack of engagement.
Tales from the Borderlands: A Unique Narrative
Tales from the Borderlands is a narrative-driven game that takes place in the Borderlands universe but is not a traditional action-RPG. This episodic game follows two new characters, Rhys and Fiona, as they try to survive in a hostile world. The game is known for its strong storyline, engaging characters, and witty dialogue.
The Pre-Sequel: An Action-Packed Adventure
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, on the other hand, is a traditional action-RPG set between the events of Borderlands and Borderlands 2. The game introduces new characters, such as Athena and Wilhelm, and takes place on the moon, Helios. The game is known for its action-packed gameplay, humorous cutscenes, and variety of playable characters.
So, Should I Play Tales from the Borderlands First?
Pros:
- Story consistency: Playing Tales from the Borderlands first ensures you understand the Borderlands universe and its characters. You’ll appreciate the nods and references to the mainline games.
- Narrative cohesion: The episodic structure of Tales from the Borderlands sets up the story for the rest of the series. Playing it first helps you appreciate the connections between the games.
Cons:
- Spoiler alert: Some plot points in Tales from the Borderlands might be spoiled if you play it after the Pre-Sequel.
- Unique narrative: Tales from the Borderlands has a distinct story and tone that might feel disconnected from the action-RPG gameplay of the Pre-Sequel.
Why Play the Pre-Sequel First?
Pros:
- Gameplay variety: The Pre-Sequel offers a distinct gameplay experience, with the addition of new abilities, characters, and settings. Playing it first introduces you to the series’ fast-paced action.
- Character introductions: Meeting characters like Athena and Wilhelm for the first time in the Pre-Sequel adds excitement and surprise to their reappearance in later games.
Cons:
- Story confusion: Playing the Pre-Sequel first without prior knowledge of the series might lead to confusion regarding the story and characters.
- Lack of narrative cohesion: Without context from Tales from the Borderlands, the connections between the games might not feel as strong.
A Compromise: Play Tales from the Borderlands Then the Pre-Sequel
If you’re still undecided, consider playing Tales from the Borderlands first and then the Pre-Sequel. This order provides a balance between story consistency, narrative cohesion, and gameplay variety.
The Best Order: Tales from the Borderlands → Pre-Sequel → Borderlands (Mainline Games)
Here’s a suggested play order to ensure the most enjoyable experience:
- Tales from the Borderlands: Get introduced to the series, explore the narrative, and familiarize yourself with the world.
- Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel: Experience the action-packed gameplay, new characters, and settings while continuing the story.
- Borderlands (Mainline Games): Dive into the mainline series, playing Borderlands, Borderlands 2, and Borderlands 3, to complete the saga.
Conclusion
When deciding whether to play Tales from the Borderlands before or after the Pre-Sequel, consider your priorities. If you value storytelling and narrative cohesion, playing Tales from the Borderlands first is the best approach. If you prefer variety in gameplay and are not concerned about spoilers, start with the Pre-Sequel. Ultimately, playing in the suggested order provides a balanced experience, ensuring a fun and engaging adventure in the Borderlands universe.
Additional Tips
• Play the mainline games after the Pre-Sequel: The story in the mainline games will make more sense if you’ve played the Pre-Sequel first.
• Keep an eye on minor spoilers: While the major plot points are unlikely to be spoiled, minor events and character appearances might be revealed in the Pre-Sequel.
• Embrace the series’ tone and humor: Borderlands is known for its wacky humor and tone; be prepared for an irreverent and entertaining ride.
By following these tips and considering your preferences, you’ll be ready to embark on an epic adventure in the Borderlands universe.