While theBorderlandsfranchise is a tight, well-produced, and immensely enjoyable shooter first and foremost, the wacky presentation, stylish visuals, and kooky cast of eclectic characters are the biggest draw for many players.Tiny Tina’s Wonderlandswill look to develop upon thewinning formula of pastBorderlandsinstallments, and by drenching the game’s setting in the unpredictability of the tabletop medium, the potential for surprises is higher than ever.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlandsis set to introduce players to a fantasy landscape, as opposed to the series' typical post-apocalyptic wasteland of Pandora. With the titular Tiny Tina serving as the game’s dungeon master, the story that unfolds is unlikely to be a familiar experience, though this doesn’t mean that the game doesn’t have access to the extensiveBorderlandslore for inspiration. Pandora is littered with memorable characters, from Tina herself to the adorable Claptrap, and though each are tightly weaved into theBorderlandsmythos, Scooter is a character who is perhaps the most primed for a comeback inTiny Tina’s Wonderlands.
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The Complex Man That Is Scooter
Far from the poster child thatClaptrap or Handsome Jack are, Scooter is the mechanic that maintains the Catch-A-Ride terminals, as well as provides missions when the player arrives in Sanctuary. Scooter is one of many characters who inhabit Pandora and help bring the barren wasteland to life, but while many who litter the planet are either too insane to relate to, or too villainous to be trusted, Scooter is immediately lovable, and his simplicity is part of his charm. Scooter is a man of few proficiencies, but his ability as a mechanic makes the vault hunters' jaunt across the hostile landscape all the more manageable.
Hs inclusion in the franchise ends with the superb, though largely overlooked,Tales From The Borderlands, where he departed the series with a bang. While some disregarded Telltale Games' take on the series due to its story-driven, episodic game design, the narrative that unfolded is the best in theBorderlandsseries to date, and one of its most prominent moments was in chapter 4 where Scooter sacrificed himself for the greater good.Tiny Tina’s Wonderlandsis far enough removed from theBorderlandsseries to be able to take artistic license, and including one of Pandora’s most heartwarming personalities would undoubtedly put a smile on many players' faces.
Finding A Place In The Wonderful Wonderlands
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlandshas the potential to forge an even greater story than itsBorderlandspredecessors, and while its status as a spin-off would have many believe it to be entirely different, the developer’s familiarity with the franchise grants it the opportunity to effectively utilize the things that made the series so great. Gearbox knows the characters it created very well, so reviving and redeveloping Scooter for the fantasy setting could be a great way to remind players just how delightful he is.Tiny Tina’s Wonderlandsseems to have a distinct lack of vehicles, so the need for a mechanic is minimal, but remolding him as a tavern keeper, merchant, or wayfaring stranger would be a great way to bring a familiar face to an unfamiliar setting.
Placing emphasis on character customizationthis time around,Tiny Tina’s Wonderlandsruns the risk of not developing the protagonists as well this time out. WhereasBorderlands 2used the previous title’s playable classes as side characters that are used as quest givers through the main campaign,Tiny Tina’s Wonderlandsdoesn’t have that luxury. From Roland the Soldier to Lilith the Siren, the fabric ofBorderlands 2’sstories would not be the same without their inclusion, andTiny Tina’s Wonderlandscommitment to giving players the freedom create their own protagonist may hinder the game’s world-building as a result. Implementing some friendly, familiar faces would be a subtle nod to existing fans, and Scooter is obscure enough to not deter new players while still giving those who cut their teeth on the originalBorderlandssomething to appreciate.
Scooter Has More To Give
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlandsis the most significant shake-up to the franchise since 2014’sTales From The Borderlands,and Gearbox' biggest deviation from the formula to date. With such a change comes the freedom toexperiment with new gameplay mechanics, story beats, and presentation quirks. Still, while the new release looks to forge a path of its own, the opportunity pull the best elements from previous games can’t be ignored. Scooter is a wonderful character, and though his inclusion in Telltale’s game was charming, he still has a lot more to give.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlandslaunches March 25 on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
