Summary
TheTales from the Borderlandsseries is vastly different from the mainline franchise’s looter-shooter formula. Comprising two titles,Tales from the BorderlandsandNew Tales from the Borderlands,the series puts character relationships and world-building front and center, with players shaping the narrative. The success of theTalesseries is said to have inspired the creation ofthe recentBorderlandsmovie. Unfortunately, the film failed to resonate with critics and fans, drawing universal criticism. With all eyes back on the franchise’s video games, developer Gearbox Software is under a lot of pressure to deliver another successful storyline. However, a recent novel expansion has resulted inTales from the Borderlandssitting on a powder keg after theBorderlandsmovie.
Tales from the Borderlandswas a five-part episodic adventure game by Telltale Games, which followed a host of new characters after the climactic events ofBorderlands 2. The game introduced Rhys, who eventually became CEO of Atlus, and Fiona, a con artist out to find the ultimate score. The title spawned a sequel,New Tales from the Borderlands, which expanded the universe ofBorderlandseven further. During its final cutscene, it is revealed that Fiona is being told the story by Marcus, leading her to embark on a new adventure to find the Shard Spirit. In June 2024, a prequel novel toNew Tales from the Borderlandswas released, titledBorderlands: Debt or Alive, which picked up right where the original title left off, bridging the gap betweenTales’game entries
A Future Tales from the Borderlands Entry Could Succeed Where the Movie Failed
Some fans had low expectations for theBorderlandsmovie from the moment it was announced. However, little could have prepared them for just how poorly the film would adapt the world, humor, characters, and narrative ofthe first twoBorderlandstitles. While inspired by the layered storytelling and unique lens thatTales from the Borderlandsbrought to Gearbox’s hyper-violent universe, the film lacked any semblance of these elements. Following the film’s failure, a new entry in theTales from the Borderlandsseries could be just what the franchise needs to get the story back on track.
New Tales from the Borderlandspicked upwhereBorderlands 3left off, featuring a new cast of characters that cross paths with Rhys and the CEOs of the franchise’s major arms manufacturers, namely Tediore’s Susan Coldwell. While Rhys and company play a major role in the title’s narrative, the story doesn’t follow up on any of the originalTales’ loose ends. A potentialTales from the Borderlands 2could pick up with the original main characters once more, delivering the game-accurate storyline the franchise is in such dire need of. However, a recent story expansion forTales from the Borderlandsmay have taken the series’ most compelling threads off of the table.
Borderlands: Debt of Alive Closed the Book on Tales’ Original Storyline
FollowingTales from the Borderlands, fans were eager to catch up with the original crew. The originalTales from the Borderlandsleft off on a cliffhanger, with Fiona and Sasha entering the Vault of the Traveler and being teleported to an unknown location. In June 2024, Anthony Burch, the writer behindBorderlands 2, released an official novel titledBorderlands: Debt or Alive, which continued the events ofTales from the Borderlands. Unfortunately, it conclusively wrapped up the entire storyline, leaving no threads to explore in a potential direct sequel.
Tales from the Borderlandsis caught between a rock and a hard place, with theBorderlandsfranchise in dire need of a compelling storyline and the original spin-off with none left to explore.New Tales from the Borderlandsleft off with Rhys and Fiona headed in opposite directions, as the latter embarks to the Gladius Nebula, in search of the shard spirit. However, recent news could see the stage set for these characters to meet once again. At Gamescom Opening Night Live 2024,Borderlands 4was officially announced, and, while no official details were shared, it’s possible that Rhys, Fiona, and the rest of theTales from the Borderlandscast will cross paths once more.
