To me, the most underrated part of Battleborn is the art design itself, and, specifically, that of the backgrounds.
They serve their purpose, but when you take time to really soak in the landscape, either on the icy world of Bliss or the smoky, gloomy world of Tempest, it’s hard to argue that, man, these backgrounds are really something!
Lately, a pet project of mine has been taking pictures of the backgrounds and, when you do so, you find that these weren’t just hastily put together for the sake of it, that these backgrounds have so much depth to them.
So, to the art team at Gearbox, you guys rule, and in celebration of that, I thought I would post up the photographs I have taken. Note, not all maps and episodes are below, but if you would like to, you can add them here.
Note: I really love the design of the clouds on Tempest, like this one. Another one that comes to mind (which I don’t have a photograph of) is the beginning of The Sabatour, which has excellent cloud designs!
Note: On Outback. I don’t think I noticed this fossil before, or of I did, I didn’t take time to really look at it.
Note: The fact the sky is full of these floating pyramids is something, but even more impressive is the fact a lot of them seem to have been uprooted from the ground.
To me, ZIGGURAT calls back to the days of Crash Bandicoot and old school games that had secret areas. This whole world is being uprooted from the looks of things, and it adds a real mystical feeling to the game. Also, we need a map with secret entrances. K?
Note: Weirdly shaped mountain.
Note: This is on Horizon. There’s, of course, the massive fighting Transformers but to me the part I like the most is this swamp down at the ground and those weird cotton candy trees. Not sure they’re edible though.
Note: Outskirts, which is also at Tempest. Unlike the other Tempest maps, this one is lighter. I couldn’t get a photograph of it, but at the shards where the first grinders are, there’s a massive entrance of some sort. There, you’ll find some atmospheric lightning that is very cool to look at!
Note: Not really a background, as such, but a part of the stronghold in AaTTR has this dam that I always love.
Note: Far off in the distance, you can make out a small temple. Pretty neat!
Note: Again, these uprooted floating bridges, this time on Bliss. Notice they have Japanese architecture?
If I end up getting more, I’ll add them here. Which brings to mind, wouldn’t it be great if Battleborn had a photo-mode? Or, better yet, a published art book maybe?
I know looking at pretty backgrounds isn’t everyone’s favourite pass time. Most people are just intent on spilling as much blood as possible or gaining points to win the round, but I thought I would share these just because I have nowhere else to put them.
If @Jythri could point me in the direction to the people in charge of these backdrops, I’ll buy them a beer. How much beer does an organic drink? Twelve gallons?
If you have a favourite background, why don’t you let me know?
