Summary
Since there’s a discernable pattern to Gearbox’s additions to theBorderlandsfranchise, fans might have expected the developer to announceBorderlands 4back in 2021. However, Gearbox had a different idea in the form of a spin-off titledTiny Tina’s Wonderlands. The game’s tabletop RPG spin on typicalBorderlandsproceedings evoked a sense of nostalgia in fans familiar withDungeons and Dragonsgames. With a masterful blend of modern first-person shooter and fantasy RPG elements, Borderlands put its imprint on magic, despite limiting what players could do with spells in the game. If there was ever aTiny Tina’s Wonderlands 2, the sequel has an excellent foundation to take magic to the next level.
Chronologically a sequel toBorderlands 2DLC Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep, players are transported to a table inTiny Tina’s Wonderlandswith Tiny Tina and other main characters and narrators. The player-character is known as the Fatemaker, and they are completely customizable using the game’s character creator engine, unlike previousBorderlandsgames. Gamers also get the option to choose the class they want and, along the line, mix in a subclass, adjusting the character’s playstyle to their personal preference. Players begin the game of Bunkers and Badasses,Borderlands' version ofDungeon and Dragons, with Tiny Tina as the Dungeon Master and the other characters as guides. The in-game adventure is set in a high fantasy world, and defeating the evil Dragon Lord takes priority.
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Magic Has Untapped Potential In Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands
On their quest to defeat the Dragon Lord, gamers play with a first-person perspective similar to previousBorderlandstitles. They can use a variety of combat elements, including guns, class-specific action skills, magic from spellbooks instead of grenades, and melee weapons.Tiny Tina’s Wonderlandsemploys the procedurally generated loot system in typicalBorderlandsfashion, and players have many weapons they can choose from. Given itsfantasy RPGsetting, including magic spells was natural for the game, even though guns first come to mind when thinking about aBorderlandsgame.
Magic and spellbooks were more integral toTiny Tina’s Wonderlandsgameplay, with ten basic spell types, four spellbook manufacturers – which determine the casting method – and three levels of rarity. The game also puts a magical spin on the action skills ofclasses like Clawbringers' Cleansing Flames, which lets the character create a giant fire nova by slamming their hammer into the ground. Although few would scoff at the power of bringing down a meteor or impaling enemies with ice spikes, some fans felt that certain aspects of spells and magic lacked finesse, which could tweaked with a sequel.
The ability to use multiple spells at once, which was exclusive to the Spellshot class, could be more general in a sequel. Players could then try new game mechanics like synergy between different spells, such as extra damage when using a shock and frost ability, or a combined spell effect to make powerful enchantments or traps akin toVigors inBioShock. Magic that augments the physical properties of the character would also be a good addition, like an ability that would increase the character’s size or cover them in fire or ice to deal damage.
Shifting away from a game centered around guns and going all out with magic instead would no doubt be a risk for Gearbox, abandoning its tried-and-tested formula for more uncharted waters. However, it’s a risk that could yield compelling results, and one Gearbox has to take ifTiny Tina’s Wonderlandsis to ever be more than just anotherBorderlandsoffshoot.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlandsis available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
