The major changes being made in Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands have received a lot of attention, and for good reason. Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands’ character creator and overworld map fit perfectly within the Dungeons and Dragons-inspired setting, while the addition of proper melee weapons and spells show that the spin-off’s theme will significantly impact gameplay. However, this is not all that is being done to make the setting more immersive.
With Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands just a few weeks away from making its debut, Gearbox has started to share more gameplay with the public. While this footage has put new mechanics like the spells and melee weapons on display, it has also revealed the changes that are being made to the game’s HUD and character designs. While these aspects may not be as flashy as the other changes that have been marketed, they could prove to be very important in the long run.
Why Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands’ HUD and Character Changes Matter
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands’ HUD rework is extensive, and given how much players will be seeing of it, this is a good thing. Had the game featured the usual Borderlands style when it comes to its HUD design, players would have experienced a bit of a disconnect between the information on-screen and the rest of the game. Fortunately, Gearbox went above and beyond in this area, touching up everything from the mini map to the health and shield bars.
All the text has been adjusted to feature lettering more fitting of a fantasy theme, ensuring that Gearbox did not stop at changing Borderlands’ weapon manufacturer names. When a character speaks to the player, gamers still see their face and name next to the mini map, but without the usual additions that make it clear they are coming through an ECHO log. When players are in their menus, everything looks appropriate to the Bunkers and Badasses experience, helping the game to stand on its own.
This attention to detail extends to some of the character models, as Gearbox has already shown how the iconic robot Claptrap has been reworked to fit into Tina’s universe. Instead of a Hyperion-made metal shell, a wooden exterior is used for his design, and his eye is swapped with a blue gem. Claptrap keeping the same high-tech design would break immersion a bit, so Gearbox putting in the extra effort to reskin the character is a great gesture. Mr. Torgue also seems to be reworked, as his skin has a yellowish hue and he has tree stumps on his knees.
These changes open some opportunities for meta humor, something the Borderlands franchise has become known for over the years. Characters like Claptrap and Torgue can complain about their designs, asking Tina to make adjustments throughout the story. Likewise, the reworked HUD has the potential to play into some jokes as well, with characters breaking the fourth wall and talking about how much it has changed since the last game.
While Gearbox is smart to focus on promoting features like Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands’ overworld map, as these are the mechanics that will attract newcomers, the little touches deserve some love as well. When the game releases, it should be a lot of fun to compare all the redesigned characters to their original looks. Further, the HUD has the potential to be the unsung hero of Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, adding even more personality to a game that already seems to have plenty of it.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
