Tiny Tina’s Wonderlandsis bringing back Assault on Dragon Keep’s fantasy setting, and fans can expect a lot because of that. Plenty of humorous references to important fantasy franchises are likely, while some of the uniqueenemy types from Assault on Dragon Keepare sure to make a return. Themed locations will be coming as well, andTiny Tina’s Wonderlandscould bring back some smaller details like the different vending machines and dice chests.
However, while it will likely be great to seeTiny Tina’s Wonderlandsbringing back so much, its story will need to be different. Specifically, Gearbox needs to find a way to accomplish something with this new narrative. While fans currently have no idea how it will be done, most are likely hoping that the game finds a way to expand upon Tiny Tina’s character in a meaningful way. While pulling too much from Assault on Dragon Keep in terms of the plot would be the wrong move, as it risks feeling repetitive, it will be important to answer why this new campaign matters so much to Tina.
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What Assault On Dragon Keep Accomplished With Tiny Tina
While Tiny Tina was popular from the get-go, as her dialogue and first appearance inBorderlands 2are unforgettable, it is Assault on Dragon Keep that brought her likability to a new level. Alongside Tina continuing to be hilarious and twisted, theDnD-like story sees her grieving over Roland’s loss. Refusing to accept that her father figure has died, Tina ignores every attempt fromthe Vault Huntersto remind her that he is gone. The result is a surprisingly emotional story that adds a new layer to Tina, making her more relatable in the process.
By the end of the story, she finally admits to herself that Roland is dead and not coming back. As devastating as it may be, she does move on, hugging his statue and accepting her loss. While this Roland-focused narrative was essential for Tina’s character, it was told brilliantly intheBorderlands 2DLC. As such, it has been wrapped up, and Gearbox should leave it in the past. While Roland can still be referenced in a minor way, a new story should be told that moves beyond the topic of Tina’s sadness. It should still carry some emotional weight, however.
How Wonderlands Can Improve Tiny Tina’s Story
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlandshas an interestingplace on theBorderlandstimeline, and it may limit the story that can be told in the game. Taking place shortly after Tina’s original Bunkers and Badasses campaign, this new story will be set shortly after the events ofBorderlands 2. As such, Gearbox will be working with the younger version of the character, filling in some gaps from before she became an adult. With the last campaign having an arc that meant so much to her, giving this newDnD-like experience the same importance will be crucial.
One way that Gearbox can do this is by making the game a coming-of-age story for Tina. Seeing Tina mature in a meaningful could be interesting, at it makes sense given the version of the character that is seen inBorderlands 3’s story. While Tina is not exactly a normal adult, she is significantly less jumpy and is more focused. She is a leader, too, as she orders around the B-Team on their various missions. As such, seeing her start to come into the leadership role would be great, and seeing her bond with Brick and Mordecai deepened would be great.
WhileTiny Tina’s Wonderlandscould succeed with just a funny, one-off story, it will need something a bit more complex to match Dragon Keep’s quality. Witha playable Tiny Tinaunlikely, though, Gearbox should have plenty of time to flesh out a strong story arc for the dungeon master. Realistically, the game could answer the question of why this campaign matters to Tina in several ways. However, the option that makes the most sense givenTiny Tina’s Wonderlands’ spot in the timeline would be to show how much the character matured beforeBorderlands 3.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlandsis set for release in 2022 on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
MORE:What Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands Can Learn from Assault on Dragon Keep
