Tales from the Borderlands: A Telltale Game Series

Tales from the Borderlands: A Telltale Game Series – Review

Tales from the Borderlands is one of those rare spin-offs that doesn’t just live in the shadow of its franchise—it arguably outshines it.

Developed by Telltale Games, this episodic, choice-driven adventure takes the chaotic universe of Borderlands 2 and flips it on its head. Instead of focusing on shooting and loot, it delivers a story-driven experience filled with humor, emotion, and memorable characters.

Story & Characters

The game follows Rhys, a Hyperion employee, and Fiona, a clever con artist, as they get tangled in a treasure hunt for a Vault.

What makes this game stand out is its storytelling. It balances comedy and emotional depth incredibly well, making you care about characters you’d normally overlook. Critics praised its “strong characterization” and unexpected emotional moments.

Even Reddit players echo this:

“I got really invested in it… genuinely amazing.”

Humor & Tone

This is easily one of the funniest games ever made. The writing is sharp, awkward, and perfectly in line with the Borderlands universe.

Reviews highlight its ability to stay consistently funny while still telling a meaningful story—something most games struggle to balance.

Expect:

1. Ridiculous action scenes
2. Unexpected jokes
3. Moments that go from hilarious to emotional instantly

Gameplay

Like most Telltale titles, gameplay is choice-based:

1. Dialogue decisions
2. Quick-time events
3. Light exploration

Your choices affect relationships and certain outcomes, but the gameplay itself is fairly simple. Some critics mention that interaction can feel limited compared to traditional games.

Presentation

The game keeps the iconic cel-shaded Borderlands look and blends it perfectly with Telltale’s cinematic style.

Add in:

1. Great voice acting
2. Strong soundtrack
3. Episodic pacing

…and it feels more like an interactive movie than a typical game.

What Works

✔ Brilliant writing and humor

✔ Strong, lovable characters

✔ Emotional storytelling

✔ One of the best narratives in the Borderlands universe

What Doesn’t

✖ Limited gameplay depth

✖ Occasional technical issues

✖ Not for players who want action-heavy gameplay

Final Verdict

Tales from the Borderlands is widely regarded as one of Telltale’s best games—and even one of the best entries in the Borderlands franchise.

If you enjoy story-driven games like The Walking Dead, this is a must-play. Even if you’ve never touched Borderlands before, it’s still an unforgettable experience.