New Tales from the Borderlands is a single-player graphic adventure game set in the Borderlands universe. Players control three protagonists through a five-part narrative on the planet Promethea, where choices influence relationships and multiple possible endings.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on dialogue selections, quick-time events, and limited exploration within contained areas. Players switch between Anu, Octavio, and Fran, each equipped with distinct gadgets that support specific interactions. Anu uses high-tech glasses to scan objects and people for additional details. Octavio relies on a smartwatch-style device to hack electronics and access social media profiles. Fran operates a hoverchair capable of freezing targets during certain sequences.
Exploration segments allow movement through small environments to talk with non-player characters, gather resources for cosmetic unlocks, and complete optional side tasks. Quick-time events punctuate key moments, with options for hard failures that require restarts from checkpoints and soft failures that alter minor story elements without halting progress. Mini-games appear at intervals, including a simple hacking puzzle and a collectible-based fighter involving Vaultlander figures that players can skip entirely.
Performance in quick-time events contributes to an overall relationship metric among the trio, which in turn shapes dialogue reactions and available branches. The experience emphasizes narrative pacing over combat or resource management, with the story unfolding across five episodes released as a complete package.
Game Modes
New Tales from the Borderlands supports only single-player mode. There are no multiplayer options, co-operative features, or competitive elements. The game progresses through a linear episodic structure divided into chapters, with chapter select available after initial completion for replaying specific sections. All progression remains tied to one save file per account, and choices made during a playthrough determine the final outcome without carryover to new sessions.
Story and Characters
The narrative follows Anu, an altruistic scientist recently fired from her position, her ambitious adopted brother Octavio, and their associate Fran, who runs a frozen yogurt business from a hoverchair. Set roughly one year after prior Borderlands events, the trio navigates corporate conflict with the Tediore weapons manufacturer while pursuing a powerful artifact. Returning and new supporting characters appear throughout, including an assassin bot and various Promethea residents.
Decisions range from immediate dialogue options to larger team plans that affect interpersonal bonds. These choices lead to several endings, some involving character survival or separation and others centered on collective success in a new venture. The five-episode format delivers the full story without additional downloadable content.
Is It Worth Playing?
Reception has been mixed since the 2022 release. Critics have noted strengths in character chemistry, humor, and the branching narrative that rewards attention to relationships. Some players appreciate the lighter tone and performance-capture animations that bring gestures and expressions to life during conversations.
Others have pointed to repetitive quick-time sequences and optional mini-games that add little depth. Steam user feedback trends mostly negative in aggregate, while professional scores from outlets such as IGN and GameSpot sit in the mid-range. The game remains available on Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles as part of broader Borderlands collections, with no further seasons or updates planned.
It suits players who prefer choice-driven stories with comedic elements over action-heavy gameplay. Those seeking tight integration with the wider Borderlands shooter series or ongoing content may find the experience limited. Completion typically requires around ten hours for the main path, with additional time for exploring alternate endings.
