BL4 nails the Borderlands basics, and that’s all that matters

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Many things come to my mind when I think of Borderlands. The fascinating gun design. The weird yet charismatic NPCs. Claptrap. Some of these aspects have potential, while others have aged poorly — I’m talking about you, my loudmouthed, metal friend. Borderlands 4 is touted as the biggest deviation from the Borderlands template yet, positioned as a reimagination of sorts of a 15-year-old series. Is there still room for a new installment to put a new shine on a very established looter shooter formula? I got a glimpse of that answer when going hands-on with Borderlands 4 ahead of its launch.

Borderlands 4 is hitting major platforms — PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X — on Sept. 12, with a Nintendo Switch 2 release planned for Oct. 3. If you haven’t lost yourself in the not-so-conventional world of Borderlands yet, you should know that this first-person shooter is all about shooting and exploding enemies in a variety of ways. You play as a Vault Hunter, a figure known in the game’s universe for chasing danger and treasures, a kind of job that requires big guns and powerful skills to survive.

An official Borderlands 4 screenshot showing Rafa, one of the Vault HUnter slashing an enemy with his energy blades

Typically, when making a character in a Borderlands game, you can choose from one of four Vault Hunters. That remains the case in Borderlands 4, which stars four new Vault Hunters: Vex the Siren, who can use self-cloning magic; Amon the Forgeknight, the roster’s tank; Harlowe the Gravitar, who’s equipped with gravity-based weapons; and Rafa the Exo-Soldier. I choose to play Rafa, because he’s basically a Latino cyborg with energy blades whose personality revolves around being handsome.

For this preview, which takes place a few hours into the game, I played solo a segment where we’re invading Fortress Indomita, a mission that consists of traversing a multi-layered base, destroying a ship, and facing the final boss of the area, Idolator Sol. Every step in this mission is marked by hectic combat against soldiers working for Sol, really annoying humanoid machines, and alien-esque creatures. For the record, these last ones kicked my ass.

I’ll be honest: I wasn’t really paying attention to what the characters were saying through comms, nor did I care about the narrative justification behind that infiltration mission. From time to time, Idolator Sol appeared on my screen to say he was mad at me or something along those lines. I can’t really remember because I was furiously pulling the trigger of my SMG, which was imbued with fire and electric damage, unloading delightful streams of ammo on the ground, and feeling the dopamine rush of seeing multiple red “Critical!” notifications popping from enemies’ heads. I completely lost myself in the intense action Borderlands 4 delivered.

An official Borderlands 4 screenshot taken on a Switch 2 showing a character fighting a dragon-like creature

One of the merits of the Borderlands series, which is even more evident in Borderlands 4, is how easily you can slip into the action of its smooth gunplay. I’ve played other games in the series, and Borderlands 4 feels like coming home — the shooting is that good. While I haven’t yet seen a wide variety of weapons, Gearbox seems to have balanced the power of our guns. Most of the time, I was running only uncommon and rare guns, and yet I could see them being effective. (In Borderlands, weapons follow the universal color-coded loot system: common, uncommon, rare, epic, and so on.)

Having fun by shooting things is the mantra in Borderlands 4, and this straightforward philosophy permeates its character design, which is more robust than ever. Rafa, the Vault Hunter I chose to play as, can use three specializations, each with their own main Action Skill (an ultimate, basically) and dedicated skill trees. My favorite is the Peacebreak Cannons, which gives Rafa two shoulder turrets. With the right passive skills, not only is my shield replenished as I kill enemies with my turrets, but their up-time extends whenever I land critical damage. With skill kits like this, Borderlands 4 only makes throwing myself at enemies more fun while I look for ways to capitalize on dealing damage and taking risks. And the risks are plenty!

While guns feel powerful, shields feel less sturdy, breaking more often than I thought they should. I died fighting regular enemies more than I did in the boss fight, and, before you start hitting me with “get good!”, know that Borderlands 4 is more punitive. If you don’t approach fights with good cooldown management and a solid notion of what you should be doing, you’ll quickly run out of tools. This gives enemies enough time to attack you back and, let me tell you, they hit hard. Depending on the situation, the sheer amount of incoming damage is a challenge for a single Vault Hunter to handle.

The game adds a grappling hook to characters’ kits, which, theoretically, I love. Rare is the game that hasn’t benefited from including one. This one can feel a bit clunky to use, though. During combat, all you can do is use it to grab capsules and other potential elemental explosives to throw at enemies. They can cause solid damage, but crafting a build around the hook isn’t exactly viable.

An official Borderlands 4 screenshot showing Vex, the Siren with demonic purple wings on her back

It was only during the boss fight against Idolator Sol that I needed to use the grappling hook. Sol starts with an impenetrable shield. You can’t remove it using your guns or applying a specific type of elemental effect, which is contrary to the whole “just shoot it until it dies” philosophy of Borderlands. Instead, you need to wait until Sol shoots some poles around the arena, then look for the single green one that contains an explosive, catch the explosive using the grappling hook, and throw it at him to break his armor. It’s only after this process that you can actually shoot the boss. Lotta work that does not involve pulling a trigger.

The grappling hook’s potential is held back by simply being a tool for exploration and extremely specific situations, like in the fight against Sol, instead of a more active asset you can use in general fights. At the same time, it seems like the dungeon and mission were designed around creating situations where it feels justifiable to use the hook, although they never felt natural. Did we really need the grappling hook to climb from one platform to another? Couldn’t we have unlocked the ship from its launching pad by shooting the beams instead of pulling them? At the end of the day, this addition begs the question of how much that tool actually adds to the experience of playing Borderlands 4.

I like the idea that, even though this is the fourth numbered title in a long series of games, the team behind Borderlands 4 is trying new things. Even so, I know that I will spend hours exploring its world (Kairos) and leveling up my Vault Hunter — not because of any novelty this particular entry in the series tries to offer, but because of what Borderlands titles have always excelled at: letting you shoot a bunch of guns at a bunch of enemies. What more do you need?

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Fireworks show co-organized by Arc’teryx and artist Cai Guoqiang in Xizang’s Himalayas draws backlash over ecology and cultural disrespect

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Cai Guoqiang stages a fireworks display in the Himalayas of Southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region on September 20, 2025. Photo: from web

Internationally renowned Chinese artist Cai Guoqiang staged a fireworks display in the Himalayas of Southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region on Friday evening, raising concerns about violating fundamental principles of ecological conservation. Although the organizers had noted in advance that the fireworks were eco-friendly and would be cleaned up afterward, the performance nevertheless sparked controversy.

Many netizens criticized the event as absurd, questioning the decision to set off explosions in such an ecologically fragile region as the Himalayas. In response to the backlash, the brand behind the show has since deleted related videos online.

At dusk on Friday, Cai began the fireworks performance in Gyangze, an area located at an altitude of about 5,500 meters in the Himalayas. Footage from the site showed Cai igniting three sequences of fireworks along the mountain ridge through gunpowder blasts, creating a dynamic “rising dragon” scene, symbolizing the auspiciousness and vitality embodied in Eastern dragon culture.

Organizers of the event had stated beforehand that all fireworks used biodegradable, eco-friendly materials, herders’ livestock would be relocated and small animals guided away with salt bricks prior to the display, and that residue would be cleaned up and vegetation restored afterward to avoid ecological risks.

Some netizens argued that the so-called eco-friendly materials were only “less polluting” compared with conventional products, but by no means zero-impact. Others pointed out that the plateau’s ecosystem is extremely fragile, “even a tire mark can take decades or centuries to heal, let alone such large-scale smoke and noise pollution,” according to media reports.

Critics also denounced the performance as an act of cultural arrogance, noting that local traditions include reverence for mountain deities and taboos against loud explosions.

Some further warned that the massive blasts could generate sound waves posing potential risks to glaciers already vulnerable due to climate change, possibly destabilizing ice masses, while also severely disturbing plateau wildlife, which violates basic principles of ecological protection.

In the wake of the mounting backlash, Cai and Arc’teryx, the brand that sponsored the fireworks show, have deleted related videos, though they are yet to issue an official response.

An official from the Ecology and Environment Bureau of a branch of the Gyangze County told media on Saturday that the event had been filed with the bureau and all procedures were compliant. “Since environmentally friendly materials were used for the fireworks, an environmental assessment was not required, and approval from township, village, and county-level governments was sufficient. The government had held multiple meetings in advance to study the site selection, assess what wildlife might be nearby, and eventually chose a location outside ecological protection zones with no residents in the vicinity. So far, there has been no observed damage to the local environment, and follow-up monitoring will continue,” the official said, bjnews.com reported.

An Arc’teryx customer service staff later on Saturday responded to media that the event was carried out under scientific assessment and strict guidance, noting that the artistic creation used environmentally friendly materials. The colored powders selected were biodegradable, and the emissions met environmental standards, according to Jimu News.

Responding to why the well-known outdoor brand chose Himalayas as the site for a fireworks display, the staff noteed that the brand’s original intention was “to pay tribute to nature, culture, and the environment.”

According to public records, Cai, born on December 8, 1957, in Quanzhou, East China’s Fujian Province, is a fireworks master and contemporary artist, and one of the most internationally renowned Chinese contemporary artists. He rose to fame with his gunpowder explosion works and has explored installation art, performance art and multimedia art. His representative works include Venice Rent Collection Courtyard, “Sky Ladder,” and the giant “footprints” shown at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

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Swiatek sweeps Saturday doubleheader; to face Alexandrova in Korea Open final

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A rainout the previous day created a packed Saturday schedule at the Korea Open, with both the quarterfinals and semifinals being held just hours apart.

World No. 2 Iga Swiatek handled the challenge with ease.

Seoul: Scores | Draws | Order of play

She opened against Barbora Krejcikova in what was expected to be a competitive quarterfinal. Instead, Swiatek dominated, blanking the former Grand Slam champion in the first set. After trading breaks early in the second, she broke for a 4-3 lead and closed out the match 6-0, 6-3 in 1 hour and 23 minutes.

Following a brief break, Swiatek returned to the court to face rising star Maya Joint in their first career meeting. Joint had upset No. 3 seed Clara Tauson in the quarterfinals earlier in the day, also by a score of 6-0, 6-3.

But the 19-year-old’s run ended in the semifinals. Swiatek, unfazed by the quick turnaround, delivered another commanding performance, winning 6-0, 6-2 in just over an hour to secure her spot in the final.

It was another case of Swiatek wasting no time in asserting control over her opponent, breaking at love in the opening game and needing just 25 minutes to bagel Joint in the first set.

Joint held serve to start the second set to finally get on the board, but Swiatek reeled off four straight games to go up a set and a double break. Joint showed further signs of life by converting a break point later in the set, but Swiatek won the final two games, closing out the match with a smash at the net.

Though she doesn’t know who she’ll face in Sunday’s final just yet, Swiatek is prepared for what lies ahead, taking confidence in the level she’s displayed so far this week.

“Let’s see who I play,” Swiatek said after the match. “But I’ll just focus on myself and on the goals that I had before and continue to do what I was doing throughout the tournament, because it’s been working.

“The final is supposed to be the toughest and it always produces a different kind of stress, so I’m just happy that I’ve already played solid matches here.”

It marks Swiatek’s fourth individual final of the season — all since June. She is 2-1 in finals this year, with titles at Wimbledon and the Cincinnati Open, and 24-5 overall in her career.

This will be her first Korea Open final.

Alexandrova defeats qualifiers Seidel, Siniakova to advance to Seoul final

Double duty proved more challenging for Ekaterina Alexandrova than it did for Swiatek, but the No. 2 seed took care of business, setting up a battle between the top two seeds in Sunday’s Korea Open final.

Alexandrova began her day with a 6-2, 6-3 quarterfinal win over German qualifier Ella Seidel in 1 hour and 14 minutes. While the scoreline suggests a routine victory, it was anything but.

The contest featured nine breaks of serve, including six in the opening set. Alexandrova faced 11 break points — more than she generated against Seidel — but the difference lay in how many each saved. Alexandrova saved eight of the 11 break points she faced, while Seidel saved just four of 10.

If the World No. 11 expected her path to another final in Seoul was going to get any easier in her next match, she was mistaken.

Her semifinal opponent, Katerina Siniakova — another qualifier — had defeated Suzan Lamens in the quarterfinals earlier in the afternoon. Like Seidel, Siniakova had made a strong run through the main draw after advancing through qualifying but saw her tournament come to an end at the hands of Alexandrova.

After trading holds in the first five games, Alexandrova struck first, breaking for a 4-2 lead. Siniakova responded immediately with a break of her own but was undone by a double fault on set point which handed the first set to Alexandrova.

The Czech regrouped quickly, breaking to start the second set and jumping out to a 2-0 lead. But from there, the match followed a familiar pattern.

Alexandrova went 3-for-6 on break points, while Siniakova — who began to cramp late — failed to convert any of her four chances. Alexandrova won the final six games to wrap up a 6-4, 6-2 victory in 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Sunday’s final will be Alexandrova’s third of the season — all at the WTA 500 level. She won the title in Linz and was runner-up in Monterrey.

It also marks her second Korea Open final, having defeated Jelena Ostapenko for the title in 2022.

“I’m happy to be back in the final here in Seoul,” Alexandrova said after the match. “It would be such an amazing achievement to win here again but tomorrow will be a super difficult match. The final is always different, so I’ll just go on the court and try to do my best, and let’s see how it goes.”

Top seeds Swiatek, Alexandrova set for a final showdown

For the first time since 2022, the Korea Open final will feature the top two seeds, with Swiatek and Alexandrova set to square off.

The two are no strangers to each other, having met seven times in their careers, including three times this season. Swiatek leads the head-to-head 5-2 and has won both of their 2025 meetings, most recently in straight sets at the US Open. Alexandrova’s last win in the series came in Miami last year

Sunday will mark their first meeting in a WTA final.

Both players bring plenty of finals experience. Swiatek owns a robust 24-5 career record in championship matches, while Alexandrova is 5-5.

With Swiatek’s advancement, it marks the fourth straight year the top seed has reached the final in Seoul.

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Why Hiring an Auto Accident Attorney in Charlotte, NC Can Improve Your Case

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Life after a car accident can be overwhelming. Between medical care, car repairs, and figuring out what comes next, it is easy to feel unsure about your options. Many people in Charlotte find themselves facing unexpected medical bills, missed time from work, or pressure from insurance adjusters. In moments like these, the idea of handling everything on your own can feel nearly impossible. Having the right support can make a meaningful difference in protecting your health, your finances, and your future.

That is where working with an auto accident attorney in Charlotte, NC becomes important. An attorney provides more than legal knowledge. They can step in as an advocate, making sure your rights are protected and your voice is heard when dealing with insurers or other parties. Whether you were injured in a minor collision or a more serious crash, having legal guidance can give you clarity during a confusing time. It is not just about filing claims or lawsuits. It is about ensuring that you are treated fairly and that your recovery is not held back by unfair practices.

For many accident victims, reaching out for help is the first step toward peace of mind. Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers has become a trusted name for people in Charlotte and throughout North Carolina. Their team takes the time to understand each case, answer questions, and provide clear guidance. If you are wondering how to move forward after a crash, contacting a law firm like Rosensteel Fleishman for a free consultation can help you see your options more clearly and ease some of the stress that comes after an accident.

TLDR Summary:

Hiring an auto accident attorney in Charlotte, NC can protect your rights and ensure insurance companies treat you fairly.
Local law firms like Rosensteel Fleishman provide guidance that is specific to North Carolina law and the Charlotte community.
Attorneys help gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and secure compensation for medical care, lost wages, and long-term needs.
A free consultation gives accident victims clarity and peace of mind about their options without added pressure.

Working with an attorney after a car accident can ease the stress of dealing with insurance companies and provide clear direction during an uncertain time. In Charlotte, Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers offers experienced support for accident victims seeking fair outcomes. By reaching out for a free consultation, you can take an important step toward protecting your future and focusing on recovery.

Why Legal Support Matters After a Car Accident

After an accident, many people assume that the insurance companies involved will handle everything smoothly. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Insurance companies are focused on protecting their bottom line, which often means offering settlements that do not fully cover medical bills, lost wages, or the lasting effects of an injury. Having a car accident attorney by your side gives you someone who understands the tactics insurers use and how to respond effectively.

Legal support is also important because car accident claims can involve more than just filing paperwork. There may be questions of fault, evidence gathering, or disputes about the severity of your injuries. In these situations, a car accident lawyer in Charlotte can collect accident reports, interview witnesses, and work with medical experts to strengthen your case. These steps are often crucial to making sure the outcome reflects the full impact of the accident on your life.

For those searching online for a “car accident lawyer near me” or “car accident attorney near me,” it often comes down to finding someone who understands the unique challenges of handling claims in North Carolina. Local experience matters because laws vary from state to state. A car accident law firm in North Carolina knows how local courts operate and what strategies tend to work best. This kind of knowledge can help you avoid mistakes that might otherwise delay or reduce your claim.

The Value of Early Legal Guidance

Timing is critical in accident cases. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the more options you may have. Evidence can disappear quickly, and memories of witnesses may fade over time. An early consultation allows a lawyer to secure key details that could strengthen your case. Even if you are unsure whether you want to pursue a claim, having that first conversation can help you make an informed decision.

Understanding the Role of an Auto Accident Attorney in Charlotte, NC

When people hear the term attorney, they often imagine courtroom battles and lengthy trials. In reality, an auto accident attorney in Charlotte, NC plays a much broader role in helping clients after a crash. Their work often begins the moment you reach out for help, and it extends well beyond legal filings. They act as both a guide and a protector, making sure you are not left to handle the stress and pressure of insurance claims on your own.

One of the most important things an attorney does is evaluate your case with honesty and clarity. They can explain whether your situation is strong enough to move forward with, what kind of compensation may be realistic, and what steps you need to take. For many people, this first consultation brings peace of mind. It transforms uncertainty into a clearer path, which can be incredibly helpful during a time when everything feels overwhelming.

Another key role of a Charlotte lawyer focusing on auto accidents is communication. Insurance companies and other parties may flood you with calls, paperwork, or requests for statements. Responding to these alone can lead to mistakes that hurt your case. An attorney steps in to handle this communication for you. They know how to respond to insurance adjusters, what information should be shared, and what needs to be protected. This allows you to focus on recovery without worrying about saying or signing the wrong thing.

How Attorneys Strengthen a Case

Building a strong case takes more than just telling your side of the story. Attorneys gather evidence, such as medical reports, police records, and witness statements, to create a full picture of what happened and how it affected you. They may even work with experts who can testify about accident causes or the long-term impact of injuries. All of this adds weight to your claim and makes it harder for insurance companies to deny or reduce compensation.

Beyond collecting evidence, attorneys also bring negotiation skills to the table. Most cases are resolved before they ever reach trial, and the outcome often depends on how well your lawyer can negotiate. A car accident attorney understands the tactics insurers use to push lower settlements. Their role is to push back, using facts and evidence to argue for a fair resolution that reflects your true needs.

For anyone searching for help after a crash, working with a car accident law firm in North Carolina provides more than legal representation. It gives you a partner who understands local laws, knows the community, and is committed to standing by your side until your case is resolved. This blend of legal knowledge and personal support makes hiring an attorney a smart step for anyone trying to move forward after an accident.

Common Issues Accident Victims Face

Car accidents often leave behind problems that go beyond the immediate injuries. Many victims find themselves struggling with delayed symptoms that appear days or weeks later. For example, neck or back pain might not seem severe at first but could become chronic over time. Without proper medical documentation and legal support, these injuries might be overlooked in a settlement.

Another issue is financial stress. Missing work can quickly lead to unpaid bills and added pressure. Insurance companies may try to minimize this loss, but a car accident attorney can calculate both present and future income you may miss because of the accident. This ensures that the financial impact is fairly addressed.

Emotional stress is also a reality for many accident victims. The pressure of dealing with calls from insurance companies, worrying about medical treatment, and handling everyday responsibilities can take a toll. Having a reliable attorney allows you to focus on recovery while they handle the legal details.

Challenges With Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters may appear friendly at first, but their goal is to close claims quickly and at the lowest cost possible. They may ask you to sign documents or give recorded statements that could be used against you later. This is why consulting with a car accident attorney in Charlotte before agreeing to anything is smart. An attorney ensures that your rights are not compromised in the process.

Hiring a Car Accident Law Firm in Charlotte, NC

When choosing a law firm after an accident, many people prefer working with a local team that knows the Charlotte area. Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers has built strong connections in the community and understands the local court system. Their experience with North Carolina law allows them to provide practical guidance for accident victims dealing with both minor and serious injuries.

One advantage of hiring a local car accident law firm in North Carolina is accessibility. Meeting with your lawyer face-to-face can help you feel more comfortable and confident. It also makes communication easier when you have questions about your case. A local team is familiar with nearby medical providers, repair shops, and experts who may be needed to support your claim.

Clients often find reassurance in knowing their case is being handled by attorneys who focus on personal injury and accident claims. Corey Rosensteel and Matthew Fleishman have dedicated their careers to helping people in Charlotte recover from accidents. Their focus on client needs and commitment to personalized service make the legal process less stressful for those already dealing with life-changing events.

Benefits of Hiring a North Carolina Injury Law Firm Post-Accident

Choosing a local firm offers benefits beyond convenience. It means your case is being handled by professionals who understand both the legal and personal challenges that follow an accident. From negotiating with insurance companies to presenting your case in court if necessary, a North Carolina law firm offers the support and knowledge needed to pursue fair results.

What a Charlotte Car Accident Attorney Does and How They Assist

A Charlotte lawyer focusing on car accident cases provides support in multiple ways. They review police reports, collect medical records, and gather any available evidence. This helps create a clear picture of what happened and how the accident has affected your life.

Attorneys also act as negotiators. Insurance companies may attempt to settle quickly, but a lawyer ensures that any offer is fair before you agree to it. If negotiations do not lead to a fair settlement, the attorney is prepared to represent you in court. This dual role as both advisor and advocate allows accident victims to feel more confident in the process.

In addition to financial recovery, attorneys help clients secure compensation for long-term needs. This can include ongoing medical treatment, therapy, or assistance with household responsibilities affected by injuries. Having someone who looks at the bigger picture ensures that you are not left with hidden costs later.

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Be Helpful After an Accident in Charlotte, NC

Personal injury cases are rarely simple. Each accident affects people differently, and every claim requires careful attention to detail. An attorney helps you understand what compensation may be available, guides you through paperwork, and explains the legal process in plain language. Their involvement helps reduce uncertainty and stress, allowing you to focus on recovery.

Taking the First Step Toward Support

Recovering from a car accident takes time, but getting the right help early can protect your health and your future. Speaking with an attorney does not mean you are committing to a lawsuit. Instead, it means you are giving yourself the chance to understand your options. Many people find relief simply by learning what steps are available and knowing they do not have to handle everything alone.

Corey Rosensteel often reminds clients, “You do not need to face insurance companies by yourself. Having someone in your corner can make the process less intimidating and give you the confidence to move forward.” That kind of reassurance can be valuable when life feels uncertain.

Call Today for a Free Consultation

If you have been in a car accident in Charlotte or anywhere in North Carolina, Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers is here to help. Calling 1-704-714-1450 connects you with a team that understands what you are going through and is ready to listen. A free consultation can provide clarity and peace of mind, showing you the steps available for your situation. Reaching out is simple, and it could be the most important step you take toward protecting yourself and your future.

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