Summary
- Handsome Jack's return in Borderlands 4 would require a reboot of the series, as he is already dead and there are limited supernatural elements in the game.
- A reboot could allow for the exploration of updated versions of old chapters and mechanics, as well as the potential revival of beloved characters like Maya.
- While a reboot may bring back Handsome Jack, it could also mean cutting off the current story in progress and leaving many unanswered questions for fans. The effects of a reboot would be far-reaching and impact the entire series.
Handsome Jack's time as the villain of Borderlands is in the past, but there is one way that the series could bring him back. It would take a pretty drastic move on the developers' part in order to do so, and there would surely be side effects for the story. However, after three main games and a prequel, a shake-up of the series' status quo could potentially be in order. Borderlands hasn't given away much information about the next game, so almost anything could happen. In one specific circumstance, even a Handsome Jack return could be in the cards.
It's safe to say that Borderlands can't easily forget about Handsome Jack, despite his role in the storyline being over. Although he debuted in Borderlands 2 rather than the first game, he quickly became the franchise's most iconic antagonist. The main reason for this is his personality. Jack's naturally smug, cruel nature makes him a villain that players simply cannot wait to give his comeuppance. However, despite being such a memorable figure, he died at the end of his first game appearance, leaving a void for future villains to fill.
Handsome Jack only appears in person in two Borderlands games despite his fame. Although he was a major character in Tales of the Borderlands, that was an AI rather than the genuine article.
Handsome Jack Needs a Series Reboot in Order to Come Back
The only real way for Borderlands 4 to bring back Handsome Jack is if the next game is a reboot of the series. Jack is dead, and outside of the Sirens, there are few supernatural elements in Borderlands, much less any that could bring him back from the grave. While Jack does have a body double running around, it's clear that the man wants nothing to do with him or his plans, meaning that he likely won't be a villain anytime soon. If Gearbox wants Jack to antagonize the Vault Hunters once more, he needs a reboot to make it happen.
More than just Handsome Jack's return could be gained from making Borderlands 4 the end of an era by rebooting the franchise. Re-exploring updated versions of old chapters and mechanics could be a fun look back at the past. There's potential for new combinations of past Vault Hunters to act as the heroes of different chapters of a rebooted Borderlands, which could have significant impact on the story. This is especially true considering how important Lilith and Roland became after the first game. Another advantage of a reboot could be reviving Maya, the well-liked Siren from Borderlands 2 who got killed during the events of Borderlands 3.
There's potential for new combinations of past Vault Hunters to act as the heroes of different chapters of a rebooted Borderlands, which could have significant impact on the story.
A reboot isn't a perfect idea for the next Borderlands title, though. It would be disappointing if the story built up for Borderlands 4 ended up fizzling out without any resolution, for one. With Lilith disappearing, Ava becoming a leader of Sanctuary, and other recent revelations, cutting off the story now would be an incredible anticlimax. Not to mention, Moze, Amara, Zane, and FL4K just entered the story, so cutting their efforts short would also be a disappointment. Borderlands 3 ended with a lot of questions left unanswered overall. If Borderlands 4 instead resets the universe, those answers will probably never come.
If Borderlands gets rebooted, then the effects of the move will be felt across the series. After all, at this chapter in the story, it may be time for Borderlands to move past Handsome Jack and tell a new story. A new timeline for the Borderlands universe is an enticing concept, especially since Mortal Kombat 1 just did the same thing with its universe. Of course, a potential reboot may have to wait until after Borderlands 4, because cutting off the story in progress may be a bad move. A reboot may be what's necessary to bring back Handsome Jack, but its effects would reach far beyond his presence.
Borderlands 3
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 81 /100 Critics Rec: 78%
- Released
- September 13, 2019
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Gearbox Software
- Publisher(s)
- 2K Games
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op
- Cross-Platform Play
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S
WHERE TO PLAY
The original shooter-looter returns, packing bazillions of guns and an all-new mayhem-fueled adventure! Blast through new worlds and enemies as one of four brand new Vault Hunters – the ultimate treasure-seeking badasses of the Borderlands, each with deep skill trees, abilities, and customization. Play solo or join with friends to take on insane enemies, score loads of loot and save your home from the most ruthless cult leaders in the galaxy.
A MAYHEM-FUELED THRILL RIDE
Stop the fanatical Calypso Twins from uniting the bandit clans and claiming the galaxy’s ultimate power. Only you, a thrill-seeking Vault Hunter, have the arsenal and allies to take them down.
YOUR VAULT HUNTER, YOUR PLAYSTYLE
Become one of four extraordinary Vault Hunters, each with unique abilities, playstyles, deep skill trees, and tons of personalization options. All Vault Hunters are capable of awesome mayhem alone, but together they are unstoppable.
LOCK, LOAD, AND LOOT
With bazillions of guns and gadgets, every fight is an opportunity to score new gear. Firearms with self-propelling bullet shields? Check. Rifles that spawn fire-spewing volcanoes? Obviously. Guns that grow legs and chase down enemies while hurling verbal insults? Yeah, got that too.
NEW BORDERLANDS
Discover new worlds beyond Pandora, each featuring unique environments to explore and enemies to destroy. Tear through hostile deserts, battle your way across war-torn cityscapes, navigate deadly bayous, and more! QUICK & SEAMLESS CO-OP ACTION
Play with anyone at any time online or in split-screen co-op, regardless of your level or mission progress. Take down enemies and challenges as a team, but reap rewards that are yours alone – no one misses out on loot.
- Franchise
- Borderlands
- Number of Players
- 1-4
- Split Screen Orientation
- Vertical or Horizontal
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Stadia, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Metascore
- 91
- Platforms That Support Crossplay
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S
