Borderlands 4 and the State of Gaming (aka, we whine about video games)

·1 hr 22 min·5 clips

Michael and Derek explain how a time machine plan to learn instruments for a Mario theme went awry when a dog ate a bassoon.

The episode begins with a humorous intro where Michael and Derek joke about using a time machine to learn instruments for a Super Mario Brothers theme, which fails comically. They transition to discussing Borderlands 4, a game both have played recently but not together. Michael explains his gaming style favors variety and character-building over end-game grinding, while Derek emphasizes story and skill trees but dislikes online gameplay. They critique Borderlands 4 for requiring players to complete the main story before accessing the best gear and side quests, calling it backwards design. The hosts compare it to games like Expedition 33 and Yakuza: Like a Dragon, which allow pre-endgame exploration. They defend using easy mode and walkthroughs, citing time constraints and rejecting toxic shaming. The conversation shifts to live service models, with examples from Diablo 4 and Helldivers 2, and they express preference for games with definitive endings. Derek mentions survival games like Grounded and a Dune survival title, highlighting creative base-building. Michael talks about a resort-building minigame in Yakuza: Infinite Wealth. They conclude by acknowledging Borderlands 4's fun elements but reiterating their critique of its structure.

As heard by us

A funny, irritated take on game loops that demand repeat time without changing enough to justify it.

The Jack of All Nerds Show turns a gaming chat into a loose, funny argument about games that keep asking for time after their rewards have gone thin.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want livewire video-game talk about replay fatigue, friendly-fire chaos, and the moment a game stops earning your return trip.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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