Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel

The biggest problem with this game is its awkward positioning. It wants to tell a prequel story but doesn't dare stray too far from the Borderlands 2 framework. Low gravity and laser weapons are new additions, but they fail to sustain a full game's worth of freshness. Jack's character development is a highlight, but the narrative serves too narrow an audience—veteran players see it as nostalgic completion, while newcomers find it confusing.

The shooting mechanics and loot grind foundation remain intact, which is the series' bread and butter. If you're a die-hard Borderlands fan wanting to know how Jack became a tyrant, the twenty-hour main story is worth playing. But if you're expecting a work that stands on its own, this game will disappoint—it feels more like a massive DLC for Borderlands 2 rather than a sequel with its own soul.

Buy it on sale, not at full price.