It looks like the sequel to Tales from the Borderlands might be launching pretty soon. Like, October 21, according to a listing on Amazon. As much as I would love to be excited for a sequel to the best game Telltale Games ever made, New Tales from the Borderlands isn’t being made by that team and will, as originally announced, be handled by Borderlands developer Gearbox internally. And that fact makes me worried the game’s writing might not be up to scratch.

The Amazon listing includes a full story synopsis, which confirms New Tales from the Borderlands won’t be picking up where the original left off. This isn’t surprising, given that original co-protagonist Rhys already appeared in Borderlands 3 and was doing other shit. So instead, players will control three characters named Anu, Octavio, and Fran during what the synopsis describes as “the worst day of their lives.” The full synopsis reads as follows:

“Take a stand against ruthless corporate overlords in this narrative-driven adventure! Within the perpetually war-torn metropolis of Promethea, you’ll control Anu, Octavio, and Fran on the worst day of their lives. Help these three lovable losers as they endeavor to change the world (and maybe even save it)! Face down a planetary invasion, vicious vault monster, and cold-hearted capitalist in this cinematic thrill ride where what happens next is up to you! Meet a motley cast full of misfits, assassin bots, and talking guns in this race to the top! It’s time to fight back against exploitation and corporate greed. It’s time to make Mayhem your business.”

Altogether, it sounds pretty removed from the original Tales from the Borderlands. Which is probably fine. That story was mostly complete. My bigger fear is that since Gearbox is handling the game internally, there may be a gap in quality with New Tales from the Borderlands‘ writing, as I’ve never been a fan of the mainline Borderlands‘ meme-y writing to begin with. That was what made the original game so refreshing to me, as it felt like it was able to keep the chaotic slapstick of the franchise but with better characters, arcs, and choices that ate at me. But Telltale as we knew it back then is gone, and a new company has its name and is doing other projects like The Wolf Among Us 2.

The release date seems like it might be legitimate, as most placeholder dates are the first or last of the month. October 21 is specific enough that I believe New Tales from the Borderlands will launch that day. But will it feel as elevated as the original game did while the mainline Borderlands games felt stuck in the gutter? I hope so. We’ll have to wait and see.

New Tales from the Borderlands Seemingly Launching in October

The team that made the original game is gone, so Gearbox is taking on the sequel.

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