Gearbox Software's long-awaited return to Pandora has arrived, but for many players, the vault is proving frustratingly difficult to open. According to a scathing review by critic Peter Hoskin, Borderlands 4 is launching in a shockingly unstable state, plagued by technical problems that frequently halt the chaotic, loot-filled fun in its tracks.
Hoskin's experience, likely mirroring that of many early adopters, was reportedly defined by one recurring nightmare: the game crashing to desktop. These weren't isolated incidents but persistent failures that disrupted gameplay and undermined the core experience.
A Catalogue of Catastrophes
The issues extend far beyond simple crashes. Hoskin's review details a litany of technical shortcomings that suggest the game may have needed more time in the oven:
- Frequent and unpredictable crashes that can occur during intense combat or even quiet moments.
- Severe performance hiccups and frame rate stuttering, breaking the fluidity of the first-person shooting.
- Game-breaking progression bugs that can soft-lock players, forcing restarts.
- Various visual glitches and audio sync issues that break immersion.
Diamond in the Rough?
Beneath the layers of technical sludge, Hoskin hints that the classic Borderlands charm might still be alive. The trademark humour, over-the-top weaponry, and satisfying core loop of shooting and looting are reportedly present and correct. However, the constant threat of a crash looms over every firefight, making it nearly impossible to recommend in its current state.
The review serves as a stark warning for eager fans: your mileage may vary drastically. While some players may experience a relatively smooth ride, others seem to be encountering a bug-riddled mess that renders the game almost unplayable.
For now, the verdict is clear. Potential vault hunters should perhaps wait for Gearbox Software to deploy significant patches and stability updates before investing in this particular adventure. The promise of Borderlands 4 is there, but it's currently locked behind a vault door of frustrating technical failures.
