Beyond Plunderdome!

OXM GETS HANDS-ON WITH THE BIGGEST, BADDEST AND MOST BONKERS LO OTER SHOOTER YET, BORDERLANDS 3

- Chris Burke

There’s a well-worn phrase involving the heart, fondness and the aforementioned major organ being in some way fondly enhanced by absence. That may be most true of Borderlands, one of the most iconic game series of the last generation, because, not to be crude, but our organs are pretty well pumped for the return of the franchise after seven long years of waiting for it. Back in 2012, Borderlands 2 continued the series in fine style, while Telltale did the episodic Tales From The Borderlands in 2014, and there was a more ‘proper’ series entry in Borderlands The Pre-Sequel that year.

But five years really is a long time in games; a whole generation of Xbox and more. Battle Royales have sprung up everywhere, open-world games have only got more open. But then came the most surprising news that not only was Borderlands 3 going to be a thing, but it was a thing - ready for us to play. So it is that OXM has come to Los Angeles to witness the unveiling of Borderlands 3, and take part in the mayhem ourselves with three hours of never-before-played, hands-on gameplay. It’s an uncharacteristically overcast day in LA, as OXM and seemingly the rest of the world’s game media, YouTubers and influencers are herded into a huge warehouse somewhere in – we think – West LA. The venue has been kept top secret, as we’re ferried to the venue we half expect we’ll be blindfolded with bags over our heads. Arriving at the site, the building’s exterior is festooned with huge murals of red roses, Borderlands 3’s motif, somewhat giving it away should anyone be passing.