Should I Skip the Pre-Sequel to Borderlands?
The Borderlands franchise has a dedicated fan base, and for good reason. The series has evolved over the years, with each installment introducing new mechanics, characters, and stories. But, with multiple games in the series, it can be overwhelming for new players to decide which one to start with. In this article, we’ll explore the pre-sequel to Borderlands, discussing its relevance to the series and whether or not you should skip it.
What is the Pre-Sequel to Borderlands?
Released in 2012, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel is a first-person shooter with RPG elements, developed by Gearbox Software and published by 2K Games. The game is set between the events of Borderlands and Borderlands 2, offering a unique storyline that bridges the gap between the two main games.
Story-wise, Should I Play the Pre-Sequel?
In our opinion, no. The Pre-Sequel’s story is somewhat lackluster compared to the main games. The plot follows Jack, the villain from Borderlands 2, as he rises to power and corrupts the Pandora’s government. While some fans might enjoy seeing more of Jack’s backstory, the story itself is relatively straightforward and doesn’t have the same level of emotional depth as the main games.
Gameplay-wise, Is the Pre-Sequel Worth Playing?
From a gameplay perspective, the Pre-Sequel is decent but lacks the innovation and polish of the main games. The game’s co-op mode is still fun, with new abilities and vehicles to play around with. However, the missions and enemies are less engaging than those found in the main games.
How Does the Pre-Sequel Fit into the Borderlands Timeline?
Here’s a breakdown of the Borderlands timeline:
| Game | Release Year | Story Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Borderlands | 2009 | Introduces the world of Pandora and the Vault Hunters |
| Borderlands 2 | 2012 | The bandits are back, and the Vault Hunters must stop them |
| Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel | 2012 | Jack’s rise to power and corruption of Pandora’s government |
| Borderlands 3 | 2019 | The Calypso Twins return, and the Vault Hunters must stop them |
As you can see, the Pre-Sequel takes place between Borderlands and Borderlands 2, providing a missing link in the story. However, playing the Pre-Sequel before Borderlands 2 might lead to some confusion, as it introduces new characters and events that are referenced in Borderlands 2.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Pre-Sequel is a decent game in its own right, we recommend skipping it unless you’re a die-hard Borderlands fan or want to experience every aspect of the series. The game’s story and gameplay are not as polished as the main games, and playing it before Borderlands 2 might make it difficult to understand certain plot points.
Borderlands Series Timeline: A Quick Recap
Here’s a quick recap of the Borderlands series timeline:
| Game | Release Year | Story Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Borderlands | 2009 | Introduces the world of Pandora and the Vault Hunters |
| Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel | 2012 | Jack’s rise to power and corruption of Pandora’s government |
| Borderlands 2 | 2012 | The bandits are back, and the Vault Hunters must stop them |
| Tales from the Borderlands | 2014 | A narrative-driven game that explores the consequences of the Vault Hunters’ actions |
| Borderlands: The Handsome Jack Collection | 2015 | A compilation of Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel |
| Borderlands 3 | 2019 | The Calypso Twins return, and the Vault Hunters must stop them |
We hope this article has helped you make a decision about whether or not to play the Pre-Sequel. Happy gaming, and may the Vault Hunters guide you on your quest for loot and glory!