Up until this point the Tales from the Borderlands series has always been driving forward at full speed with the constant action and exploits of Rhys, Fiona and their always growing larger group. Things in this most recent chapter however don't see nearly as much high stakes action as their has been but this is not a bad thing and it sets the ground work for what appears to be an incredible concluding chapter. After the events of the last episode, our team appears soundly defeated by the group of bandits that have been chasing after them but hey they put up a much better struggle to this messed up world than most. Now they're on a mission to head back to Hyperion HQ to gain the last piece of Gortys and get access to the Vault of the Traveler. This is what it has all been leading up to since the get go and now that Gortys is almost complete, she will be able to hold the Vault in one place so they can get their huge pay day. They just have to break into the most secure facility in the universe and then find away to dupe their wood be captures.
Things for Rhys and Fiona have reached a crucial tipping point in terms of their individual futures. With Handsome Jack constantly getting more accustomed to his new form, Rhys finds himself closer than ever to his goal of finally running Hyperion and being a huge big shot. It is hard not to be extremely weary of what Handsome Jack may do if you choose to go to the beat of his drum but at the same time it is insanely appealing. Jack also returns with some classic one liners but also some excellent guidance for Rhys and what it would be like if the two of them worked together to rule over Pandora. I felt the dark side calling my name the entire episode. I also particularly enjoyed when he taught you how to punch the lights out of a Psycho after they all were tired out from a flesh pizza frenzy, don't ask. But, the important question remains and that is, what will you do when you are sat on the throne?
Fiona however is on a different sort of path since the events of the last episode and her dealing with Athena. The prospects of becoming a Vault Hunter are now weighing in her mind but that could lead to some emotional struggles as Athena's relationship with her girlfriend Springs points out. Springs knows that Athena wasn't on a delivery mission and in order to get her help with your rocket powered car you either have to tell her the truth or lie to her. This is the kind of emotional trouble you expect to experience with almost all of Fiona's story this time around, her and Sasha reminds you of why they want the riches of the vault but also an unexpected turn with a Borderlands veteran leads to some deeply emotional scenes. I, of course, am referring to Scooter who plays a much bigger role than you would ever expect to see from him and the fact that he is always such a welcomed delight makes the events of this latest episode even more gut wrenching.
The slower pacing for "Escape Plan Bravo" does have some trade offs in terms of the gravity of the situations. While this whole incredible plan is being hatched you would think that there would be some grueling issues for players to deal with this time around but there isn't much in the way of tough decisions until the final moments of the story. There were some particularly dull moments for the chapter including an optional close changing scene that brings back my issues with the money collecting for the entire series. Or whether or not you choose to lie to Springs ends up making very little difference as either way she will end up helping you so the story will continue. Overall, these points didn't hit me too hard as the slow pace left opening for some great dialogue and references to the Borderlands lore which include a tender moment with Handsome Jack about his daughter Angel and a split decision for Fiona that may lead you to shoot a familiar diamond encrusted "statue" by the name of Butt Stallion.
Episode four of Tales from the Borderlands certainly features a slower pace than the ones we have seen so far but it is hard to notice in the wake of all the comedic gems spread throughout the episode. Between a giant shootout with finger guns by high ranking Hyperion employees, an Armageddon slow motion walk sequences and a triumphant performance by the long time favorite, Scooter, I found myself loving every moment. The dull moments of decision making are present but there was plenty of great ground work laid throughout this latest episode and I cannot wait to see how Telltale plans to send us off.
Good:
- Hilarious amounts of one liners and Borderlands references
- Characters are running on all cylinders and their develops are getting even more interesting
- Gut wrenching emotional scene
Bad:
- Dull decision making this time around
- Some fluffed up story moments that, in the end, didn't effect the progression
Scully Rating: 8.8 out of 10
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