The return of the iconic unkempt Harold in Borderlands 3 was a major disappointment. Not only did it look different from the original, but it also performed poorly. And then, it got a massive 100% buff, making it overpowered and outshining everything else. This raises the question: when bringing back old items, should they be improved or left as they were? And should they overshadow other items in the game? Overall, it's a messy situation that needs to be addressed. 🎮
The Record-Breaking Charity Event at the Start of the Video 🏅
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Just before the video starts, some pretty huge news emerged in the Borderlands Community. The hunt, a charity event aiming to raise funds for the St Jude's Children's Research Hospital, officially raised over $65,000, breaking the community's all-time fundraising record. Huge shoutout to everyone involved, most notably k6 jols, Bad Karma, and other key organizers.
Modding Borderlands 3 and the Role of Nostalgia 🎮
On the modding front, the process of rescaling every weapon in Borderlands 3 unearthed some items that seemed to be out of place. Nostalgia has been a significant influence in the Borderlands series, and there's a lot of love for classic items. But is there a limit to how much of the past should be brought back into the game?
The Unkempt Harold: From Nostalgia to Disappointment 🔫
The iconic Unkempt Harold, reintroduced during DLC 3, sparked mixed feelings. A faithful recreation of a beloved item from Borderlands 2 was anticipated, but the reality fell short. The design, damage output, and overall relevance of the Unkempt Harold left many fans disappointed and questioning the decision to revive it.
Problems with the Unkempt Harold |
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- Ruined surprise due to leaks |
- Butchered design |
- Underwhelming damage |
A Drastic and Controversial Buff 🔥
In 2021, Gearbox made a bold move, deciding to significantly buff the Unkempt Harold, almost single-handedly power creeping other pistols in the game. Quag, a prominent community member, expressed strong opinions on the gun's newfound dominance. The discussion around balancing old items in the game gained momentum, leaving players divided on where to draw the line.
"Harold's on the same tier as free radical like straight up like it is that level... it can roll every element so you get a corrosive Herald like any armored boss you say hi it's dead." - Quag
Reflecting on Game Design and Nostalgia 🕹️
The introduction of old items into a new game opens up debates about how they should be handled. Should they be faithful reproductions, or should there be room for innovation and updating? The Unkempt Harold situation has prompted discussions on the power dynamics of old and new items in Borderlands 3, showcasing the complex relationship between nostalgia and game design.
With strong emotions tied to these classic items, the impact of their reintroduction goes beyond mere gameplay implications, provoking deeper reflections on the gaming community's connection to the past.