Throughout Borderlands 3, players are told about Typhon DeLeon. Whether it be through collectible audio logs where he details his many adventures or Tannis praising his impact on Vault Hunting, the build-up to meeting the character is full of intrigue. While he ultimately looks a lot different than the legends and posters claimed he did, his stories and personality do not disappoint. In fact, a prequel game that explores the character more closely could make for a nice spin-off before Borderlands 4.
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Why A Typhon DeLeon Prequel Game Would Work So Well
During Borderlands 3’s story, plenty of emphasis is placed on Typhon DeLeon telling his children - the Calypso Twins - tales about his past adventures. This could be the premise for the prequel, as Typhon could be placed into the role of narrator like Marcus is in the main Borderlands titles. The entire history of his past adventures could be delivered through the lens of a story he told his kids, with the game featuring his meeting with Leda and ending with the birth of the Calypsos.
Aside from a bittersweet story that shows Typhon spending time with his family, a prequel game would allow players to face off with all the Vault Monsters that Typhon did. Borderlands 3 players only get to see the snake-like monster from Nekrotafeyo’s Vault of the Serpent, as the massive beast was slain by Typhon years prior. Actually fighting this giant serpent could make for an incredible battle, however, and it could only be achieved through a Typhon-focused prequel game.
Another strength of a game focused on Typhon is that it would be a planet-hopping affair. Borderlands 3’s different playable planets could all be included, as Typhon had some adventures on each of them. Further, dozens more planets are confirmed to exist in the Borderlands universe but have not yet been explored in a game. Gearbox could open the universe up further by letting players see some Typhon adventures that were not mentioned in the 2019 title. Typhon could work with younger versions of characters like General Knoxx and Wainwright Jakobs while meeting plenty of new faces as well.
One immediate worry Borderlands fans might have about controlling Typhon is his size, as the character is extremely short and stocky. However, Borderlands 2’s Gunzerker is proof that this would not be an issue. While Salvador was short, something reflected through the low placement of his camera, he was every bit as fun to play as the other Vault Hunters. Typhon’s DeLeon’s laser whip would instantly make his skill trees fun to mess around with, too. One tree could be dedicated to traversal, letting him swing around like he can in Borderlands 3, while another can be aimed at grabbing and hitting enemies with the whip.
A Typhon DeLeon game could retroactively improve Borderlands 3’s story, provide fun gameplay in the form of a playable Typhon, and further expand the series’ growing universe. While Gearbox would need to come up with three Vault Hunters to accompany Typhon on his adventures to keep the series’ co-op gameplay intact, it would be worth the effort. If Borderlands 4 does not come right after Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, a Typhon DeLeon spin-off could be an excellent way to kill some time.
Borderlands 3 is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
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