Beyond Borderlands 3, gamers may be enjoying a Tiny Tina-focused adventure called Wonderlands. Part of a massive 2K leak that has been verified by reputable sources, there is a good chance that the game is revealed at E3. While fans only know the title for the rumored project, and that it will supposedly play similarly to other Borderlands games, it is hard not be excited. Not only is Tiny Tina one of the most popular characters in the series, but Wonderlands could fix some of Borderlands 3’s problems. While the current Borderlands title is a good game, Wonderlands could be a great one if it makes some specific improvements.
RELATED: Borderlands 3 Crossplay May Not Come to PlayStation
Giving Borderlands Fans More Tiny Tina
One big issue that the rumored Tiny Tina game would automatically fix is Tina’s lack of screen time in Borderlands 3. Part of the B Team with Brick and Mordecai, the older version of the character is just as much fun as she is in the original. However, while it is a lot of fun to help her build a bomb in a main mission and help her get back a pet Skag in a side quest, Tina’s role is far less significant than most fans expected it to be. Outside of these missions, she does little else in the sequel, leaving most fans confused.
With Tiny Tina being popular enough to feature in the Borderlands movie and get her own DLC in Borderlands 2, nobody would have expected a smaller role for the character in the threequel. It is a shame, then, that Tina was relegated to side content and a hidden broadcast of Bunkers and Badasses after her one main mission. The same can be said for Brick and Mordecai as well, as they never got to interact with Lilith, Maya, Tannis, or other returning characters. Still, with Tina not appearing in the DLC either, her absence is the most disappointing of all.
Given the name of the game, though, it seems like a guarantee that Tiny Tina fans will be pleased with Wonderlands. While she is unlikely to be a playable Vault Hunter, as past Borderlands naming conventions like Moxxi’s Heist of the Handsome Jackpot and Psycho Krieg’s Fantastic Fustercluck do not make those characters playable, having her as the focus should be more than enough to please fans. Tina giving players all their quests, talking them through their missions, and assisting as an AI partner often would make for tons of memorable moments. She could bring the B-Team along, too, giving fans a lot more time with the beloved faction.
Giving Borderlands Fans More Raid Bosses
While more Tiny Tina would instantly improve the spinoff from a comedic and storytelling standpoint, one way it can deliver more is with its raid bosses. In Borderlands 3, there is only one proper raid boss, with Hemovorous The Invincible introduced via the Director’s Cut DLC. While fans were pleased with the fight, as she offered a special arena with unique loot alongside immense difficulty, she remains the only endgame battle available in the third Borderlands game.
Considering that Borderlands 2 featured 10 different raid bosses, this was a major step down in terms of endgame content. While Wotan and Scourge were also Invincible enemies, they required a 30-minute Takedown full of grueling fights just to gain access to the battle. This stopped them from being farmable, and those trying to get straight to the raid boss were out of luck. With Borderlands 3’s DLC possibly finished, the game’s post-launch support might end with a single proper raid boss, something that Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands should aim to avoid.
Given the lack of raid bosses in Borderlands 3, and the overwhelmingly positive reaction when Hemovorous arrived, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands should double down on raid boss fights. While Borderlands 3’s Mayhem Mode is a fine source of endgame entertainment, nothing can top the intensity of a raid boss. If Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands features several raid bosses at launch, and adds new raid bosses with every expansion, the game could have a far more enjoyable endgame than Borderlands 3. While Borderlands 3 features top-notch build variety, it lacks places to truly bush those builds to their limit, something that raid bosses are specifically designed to do.
RELATED: Were Borderlands’ Eridians Escaping Their Fate?
Giving Borderlands Fans A Story Like Assault On Dragon Keep
Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep is arguably the most popular Borderlands DLC ever made, and despite many requests for a similar Borderlands 3 expansion, it has not happened. Still being played to this day and even getting a spinoff board game, Assault on Dragon Keep offers a unique backdrop that sees gamers shooting through a fantasy world. Full of references to Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones and packed with enemies like skeletons, fairies, and dragons, the expansion still holds up over seven years after its release. However, while the fantasy setting is great, it is Tiny Tina’s storytelling that makes it what it is.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands has the chance to do the same thing that Assault on Dragon Keep did, but without treading the same territory. Instead of a Fantasy setting, Tiny Tina could make up her own ideas for whatever the “Wonderlands” are. Some could be inspired by fairy tales, while others could take on a sci-fi theme. Each could be colorful and unique, and with Tina filling the role of narrator once again, anything could happen. The rules of the Borderlands universe could go out the window, with Gearbox doubling down on randomness and fun.
At the core of Assault on Dragon Keep was an emotional story that let players know more about who Tiny Tina is as a character, and that should return as well. Under all the jokes and craziness, there should be some depth to this tale, whichever characters feature should be treated with respect. With Borderlands 3’s deleted funeral scene recently showcasing some strong writing, a Tiny Tina spinoff game could continue the trend. With so much potential for improvements and fan service, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands could turn out to be even better than Borderlands 3.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is rumored to be in development.
MORE: What the Leaked Tiny Tina Borderlands Spin-Off Game Could Be