WhileTiny Tina’s Wonderlandsdoes a lot of things that help it establish its own identity, it also continues someBorderlandstraditions. Brick still loves punching things, Mr. Torgue is still censored, and, try as he might, Claptrap remains a failure. Alongside this, red text returns, with Gearbox using the tool to fillTiny Tina’s Wonderlandswith some top-notch jokes and references.
One example ofTiny Tina’s Wonderlands’ red text being used well was seen withthe Antique Greatbow. The weapon’s red text hints that it can be sold for a massive amount of gold if it has not been used. However, if it is fired, the red text changes to read “what a pity” to highlight its greatly lowered sell value. This is just the tip of the iceberg forTiny Tina’s Wonderlands’ red text, however, as there are several amazing jokes to be seen when inspecting a unique weapon.
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Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands’ Best Flavor Text
Similar to what is seen with the Antique Greatbow, the red text of the Blank Slate can be adjusted. The original red text confirms that the item is areference toPath of Exile, as it asks players to click the item 1500 times. Funnily enough, doing this will unlock a second line of red text, with the item becoming “Krangled” - an excellent nod to thePath of Exilefan base and a popular community meme. Another great video game-related item is the Harbinger necklace, which referencesMass Effectvia the red text “I AM ASSUMING… of the situation,” a nod to Harbinger’s favorite phrase.
There are several red text jokes that reference other properties, though as usual, Gearbox transcends the medium of gaming with these jokes. Several red text lines refer to movies, with one example being found on the Donkey of the Spire Assault Rifle. The red text reads “your breath STINKS,” a direct quote from theShrekcharacter Donkey. Given the weapon name, the connection is clear, and the gun will surely be a must-have for the Redditor thatturned their Fatemaker into Shrek.
BeforeHogwarts Legacyreleases later this year,Harry Potterfans can wield the adorable Glittering Spellblade melee weapon. Not only does this item boast a cutesy design and silly sound effect when swung, but its red text reads “the wand chooses the wizard.” A more ridiculous bit of flavor text is seen on the Reviver spell, reading “I’m never going to physically recover from this” - a clear play on the “I’m never going to financially recover from this” meme fromTiger King. While it remains to be seen if anyone will play as Joe Exotic, someone at Gearbox clearly got a kick out of the absurd Netflix series.
Another great item and red text combo is seen with the Maced Wardu. Not only is this a play on the word Ward,Tiny Tina’s Wonderlandsversion of Shields, but it is also a reference toStar Wars’ Mace Windu - something confirmed by the red text “he’s too dangerous to be left alive.” With anotherStar Warsquote appearing in the game, asClaptrappays homage to Anakin’s much maligned “sand” line, there is plenty of love for the Prequels inTiny Tina’s Wonderlands. For fans of Disney’s other huge film franchise, the Universal Soldier necklace’s “I can do this all day” text is an obvious nod to the MCU’s Captain America.
Yet another reference comes in the form of the Deathless Mantle item, which has flavor text reading “not today” - a callback toGame of Thrones’ line about the God of Death. With the Shamwai shield combining the iconic Sham fromBorderlands 2withGremlinsreferences in the form of its name and the “don’t get it wet” red text, it is a standout loot drop. Lastly, the Snake Stick melee weapon features a joke fromRick and Mortythrough its “snake jazz” flavor text, showing thatGearboxhas covered a ton of ground with its homages. With so many different audiences targeted through these jokes,Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands’ item descriptions are one of many areas where it shines.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlandsis available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
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