Tales from the Borderlands Episode Two: Atlas Mugged (Review)

Episode Two of Tales From the Borderlands picks up exactly where the first episode left off, with plenty of violence, Hyperion, and everybody trying to stab each other in the back. After stumbling upon a hidden cache of Atlas tech and nearly failing to scoop an eyeball from a not-so-dead dead guy, Rhys, Fiona, Vaughn, and Sasha learn of the Gortys Project, something Atlas was working on before they abandoned Pandora to the Hyperion Corporation, vault hunters, and bandits. While Rhys deals with the increasing presence of Handsome Jack (who can’t quite come to terms with the fact he’s dead) in his head, the others mount a plan to find the abandoned Atlas Factory in Old Haven in hopes of the Gortys Project leading to the fortune they lost in the first episode. Sounds simple enough, right? Not really.

As if existing on Pandora isn’t difficult enough, it’s even harder when it’s raining moonshots on your car and there’s a Rakk Hive coming straight at you. It’s at that point that Atlas Mugged begins to become overly complicated, yet surprisingly fun. After luring one of the moonshots towards the Rakk Hive, Rhys and Vaughn are thrown out of the car and left to wander the desert until their boss Hugo shows up and holds them at gunpoint, while forcing them to dig their own graves. Thanks to a defective weapon and their old pal Loader Bot, they escape with their lives and a little less dignity. They then head to Old Haven where they believe they’ll find clues about the Gortys Project. Meanwhile, Fiona and Sasha are having troubles of their own. After seeking out Scooter for repairs to their caravan, they return to Felix’s house in search of clues about his betrayal, but with the price on their heads, there’s no shortage of bounty hunters after them, including Athena, who was one of the playable characters from Borderlands: The Presequel, who is now dating Janey Springs, who is an associate of Scooter, who is completely unaware of everything. Yes, it’s just as confusing as it sounds. From there it’s more betrayal, people dying, and chaos aplenty until its cliff-hanger ending, which leaves you wanting more.

Overall, episode two of Tales From the Borderlands is an entertaining experience. It’s a definite step up from Zer0 Sum, which became somewhat monotonous after the first hour, halting both character development and plot in exchange for a few laughs and a Mad Max style chariot race that offered players little to do but sit and wait. Atlas Mugged is confusing at times, but it picks up the pace and offers you more depth to what many assume are one-dimensional characters. While the concept of allowing players to weave their own stories is something gamers might not be used to, your gaming experience is safe in the hands of Telltale Games.

Score: 7.5/10

Played On: Xbox One

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