Summary
TheBorderlandsseries is best known for its aggressive and bizarre characters, unique visuals, and looter-shooter gameplay. While the mainline series continues the original’s multiplayer formula,theBorderlandsfranchiseboasts a pair of spin-off titles that put character relationships and world-building front and center. The first of these,Tales from the Borderlands, introduced a host of brand-new characters. Two of the title’s most memorable were Sasha and Fiona, who quickly became fan favorites. However, both were omitted from the next entry in the series,Borderlands 3, leading to some fans' disappointment. Last month, Titan Books announced that it would continue Sasha and Fiona’s story in an original novel, titledBorderlands: Debt or Alive,which acts as a prequel toTales of the Borderlands 2. However, the most exciting aspect of this announcement came when Titan revealedDebt or Alive’s author.
Tales of the Borderlandsis a five-part episodic adventure game by Telltale Games. Its narrative takes place directly after the climactic events ofBorderlands 2, which saw Handsome Jack defeated while attempting to coerce the Vault Hunters into opening Pandora’s vault and unleashing the Destroyer. The game follows Rhys, a Hyperion businessman who seeks to fill Jack’s shoes, and Fiona, a con artist out to find the ultimate score. While Rhys rose to the ranks of Atlas CEO, Fiona is revealed to be the audience for Marcus' narration ofNew Tales of Borderlands. AtNew Tales' conclusion, Fiona sets out for the Gladiolus Nebula, in search of the Shard Spirit.
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Borderlands' Fiona and Sasha Novel Marks the Return of Anthony Burch
Titan Books has revealed that Anthony Burch,the lead writer ofBorderlands2, is returning to the franchise forBorderlands: Debt or Alive.Borderlands 2is widely considered the best title in the series and remains one of the fastest and best-selling games of all time for publisher 2K games. While the announcement of Fiona and Sasha’s return was a pleasant surprise for fans, the reveal that the story is coming from Anthony Burch is by far the novel’s most exciting aspect. TheBorderlandsseries suffered a significant decrease in quality betweenBorderlands 2andBorderlands 3, and Burch’s return sets the stage for that quality to come back.
Anthony Burch departedBorderlands developer Gearbox Softwareto write for the Hulu streaming seriesRocketjump: The Show. However, he has continued to contribute to the world of gaming. While he was not the head writer, he consulted on the season-wide arc for bothTalesandNew Tales of the Borderlands,wrote the core narrative forBattleborn,and was a contributing writer forGod of War Ragnarok.Borderlands: Debt or Alivemarks his return as the lead writer of aBorderlandsproperty. This development has led fans to speculate that Burch may play a bigger role in the series moving forward.
Burch’s Return May Herald the Future of the Borderlands Series
Anthony Burch has written or consulted on some of theBorderlands' best titles.Borderlands 2,Tales of the Borderlands, andNew Tales of the Borderlandshave all been praised for their storytelling and overarching narrative.Borderlands 3’s villains and narrative, on the other hand, remain one of its biggest weaknesses. WithBorderlands: Debt or Alivefunctioning as the official prequel to the currently-unannouncedTales of the Borderlands 2,Burch’s involvement may indicate his position as the title’s head author.
Borderlands: Debt or Aliveis tentatively set for a March 2024 release. Between now and then, there are likely to be additional reveals as to how the novel will impactBorderlands' future gaming titles, including the official announcement ofTales of the Borderlands 2. Anthony Burch’s return as the head writer of aBorderlandsproperty bodes well for the series' future. Until fans are given the bigger picture, many look forward to the continued adventures ofTales of the Borderlands' Fiona and Sasha inBorderlands: Debt or Alive.
Tales from the Borderlandsis available now on PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
