Summary
The nextBorderlandsgame could open a multiverse, but there are just as many advantages as disadvantages for such a plan. While theBorderlandsseries is certainly bizarre, it has yet to explore the idea of a multiverse. The end result of such a move could be the most intriguing installment yet, but it could also backfire if not handled well. This is especially true considering how frequently the idea of multiverses has been appearing in various media as of late. The question of whether the idea belongs inBorderlandsis also worth debating for the future.
There’s no doubt thatGearbox will go all out withBorderlands 4. After all,Borderlandsis Gearbox’s most well-known property, and with the series continually growing in size, one would expectBorderlands 4to be bigger and better than ever. That’s one reason to believe that an idea involving a multiverse could come to fruition. By expanding the scale of the story, it could generate several new plot ideas that wouldn’t have been available before. While it’s far from the only way to continueBorderlands' story, it’s certainly one to consider. Plus, withBorderlands' signature wackiness, it’s liable to have some ideas to work with the concept.
A Multiversal Focus in Borderlands Could Help or Hurt the Series
Pros: A Multiverse Offers Plenty of New Opportunities
There are some definite advantages toBorderlands 4doing something newwith a multiverse-themed plotline. Of course, the idea of characters meeting alternate versions of themselves, either as friend or foe, is an excellent concept worth exploring, as is exploring alternate versions of Pandora. This could even lead to colorful new characters like a good version of infamous villain Handsome Jack, as well as a crossover with the entirely fictional universe ofTiny Tina’s Wonderlands, since it featured several variants ofBorderlandscharacters and a twist on its gameplay. The sheer amount of possibilities that a multiverse could bring toBorderlandsis difficult to ignore.
Cons: Introducing a Multiverse Could Derail Borderlands' Existing Storyline
Despite a multiverse’s potential, it could provide achallenge thatBorderlands 4would have to overcome. Introducing multiple universes carries a significant risk of overcomplicating the game’s lore. While theBorderlandsseries has kept consistent continuity, its stories have refrained from being overly complex. The addition of several universes and character counterparts runs the risk of making the story too complicated for its own good. While the ideas may be fun, the writers would need to keep from overextending themselves, as indulging too much in multiversal shenanigans could risk causing the ongoing story to become more confusing than it needs to be.
Borderlands Should Ultimately Make the Decision That is Best For the Series
IfBorderlandsdecides to take on a multiverse, it will need to be done carefully. Using it to exploreunanswered questions about theBorderlandsuniversewould be a good way to go about it, for instance. Perhaps the Vault Hunters need to jump between dimensions to defeatBorderlands 4’s villain, or maybe the villain themselves draws the Vault Hunters into an alternate Pandora. The idea of revealing aBorderlandsmultiverse is not a bad one, but it is one that carries a fair amount of risks. It’s not a full positive or negative, butBorderlands 4would need to be careful if the series goes in that direction.
Since there’s still not an announced release date forBorderlands 4, fans may be speculating for quite a while. However, witheverything set up forBorderlands 4already, the real question may be whether there would be enough room for a multiverse. If it can be used as a springboard for the next phase ofBorderlands' story, then it could be the wild new direction for the next installment to focus on. There are some definite strengths and weaknesses that aBorderlandsmultiverse could bring, but whether it will happen is up to the developers to decide.
Borderlands
Borderlands is an action RPG first-person shooter created by Gearbox Software and published by 2K Games. The series is commonly called a looter shooter set in a space Western style, where players can select from multiple classes that can level up and acquire new skills. The franchise has quickly become one of the best-selling franchises and produced spin-offs like Tales from the Borderlands as well as a film adaptation being developed by Lionsgate.
