Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is set to expand the Borderlands universe further, with the game’s fantasy setting not being seen since Assault on Dragon Keep. If it mimics the Borderlands 2 DLC in more ways than its premise, though, fans could expect to see a lot of returning Borderlands characters. However, there is a case to be made that this would not be for the best.
While there are several beloved figures in the Borderlands universe, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands has the potential to tell a truly fresh story with fully original characters. With the game set in Tina’s own world, it does not need to include returning characters. After all, the game is filling a gap between Borderlands 2 and Borderlands 3, ensuring that it will not progress the main story in a significant way. As such, while Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands should bring back some people that are significant to Tina’s story, it should not overdo things in terms of its Borderlands cameos.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands Should Only Feature A Few Borderlands Characters
With Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands being part of the Borderlands universe, some characters do need to be included. Those that do appear should have direct ties to Tiny Tina, however. This makes Brick and Mordecai essential, as the two are the closest thing that Tina has to family. They are also members of the B-Team, so seeing them come closer together through Tina’s latest campaign makes sense. The moment where the group properly forms and decides on its name could also take place during Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands.
With the focus likely being on Tiny Tina’s story, Lilith should also feature. While she is missing in action following the events of Borderlands 3, there is nothing holding her back from showing up in this prequel. Alongside three of the four original Vault Hunters, a few smaller characters can cameo as well. Claptrap is a must given his appearances in every prior Borderlands, while Mr. Torgue’s love for nerd culture would make him a fun addition. Finally, Zer0 should return after his appearance in Borderlands 3’s Bunkers and Badassess easter egg. Beyond this, though, returning characters should be kept to a minimum. Tannis, Marcus, Hammerlock, and several others that are not close with Tina have no real reason to appear in her narrative, and because of that, they should not be included.
Why Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands Should Focus More On New Characters
Outside of the characters that are known for playing Tina’s game, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands would do well to forge its own path. While only a few characters from the divisive Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel stuck with fans, giving original characters another chance in this spinoff could be worthwhile. Not only would it be nice to see some new faces in Borderlands, but it fits with the game’s Dungeons and Dragons style. Tina using her creativity to make fully original characters instead of re-skinning others would be a nice change, with Gearbox taking full advantage of the game’s premise.
Characters like Will Arnett’s Dragon Lord are a good sign, as the game’s main villain is confirmed to be someone new. This freshness should be seen throughout the rest of the game’s cast, as it would help the game stand apart from Assault on Dragon Keep. While that DLC featured some great emotional moments for Tina, seeing history repeat itself would cheapen what it accomplished. Re-using Handsome Jack, Angel, and Roland in the hero and villain roles was a great way to show Tina processing her grief, but it would not work as well a second time. With Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands likely being a fair bit longer than the classic expansion, too, it would be hard to tell a full story based around caricatures.
While Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands should take several things from Assault on Dragon Keep, a focus on returning characters is not one of them. Instead, gamers should be able to play through a whole new adventure, with original characters being used to show how Tina becomes more mature. While characters that are important to Tina should certainly appear, many others can be sidelined until Borderlands 4 releases. Likewise, anyone who does return should accompany Tina in a narrator position. Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands should do more than rely on old tricks, and original characters would go a long way to making it feel like something new.
Tiny Tina's Wonderlands is set for release in 2022 on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.