Why is pandora’s Moon Space Brittain? The Borderlands franchise, celebrated for its irreverent humor, memorable characters, and unique blend of sci-fi and Western themes, takes players to the harsh, chaotic worlds of Pandora and its moon Elpis. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (BLTPS) introduces players to Elpis, a stark, chaotic landscape orbiting Pandora, which comes with its own distinct culture and peculiarities. Among these is the unmistakable British influence, seen in the moon’s language, cultural cues, and characters. But why exactly is Pandora’s moon portrayed as “Space Britain”? This article explores the inspirations behind Elpis’ “Space Britain” vibe, diving into BLTPS’s themes, character design, and underlying British cultural influence.
The Borderlands World-Building: Blending Sci-Fi and Dark Comedy
The Borderlands series, developed by Gearbox Software, has always been about pushing boundaries. Each installment offers a hyper-stylized world with over-the-top action, gritty landscapes, and dark humor that satirizes real-world themes. The series takes a satirical approach to capitalism, corporate control, and colonialism, often framing these themes in a way that makes them both entertaining and thought-provoking.
In Borderlands:
The Pre-Sequel, the storyline dives deeper into the origins of some fan-favorite characters, like Handsome Jack, while expanding on the universe beyond Pandora. The developers sought to differentiate Elpis from Pandora, giving it a unique flavor that simultaneously feels familiar yet distinct. Enter the concept of “Space Britain”—an intriguing choice that adds to the series’ layered commentary on culture and colonialism.
“Space Britain” on Elpis: A Distinct Setting
Elpis, the moon of Pandora, is a desolate and hostile environment with low gravity, limited oxygen, and wild terrain. Despite these harsh conditions, Elpis has its community of inhabitants, notably characterized by their British accents and mannerisms. This distinctly “British” setting emerges not just through accents but through a unique dialect, humor, and cultural quirks that resonate with a stereotypical British identity. From Cockney-like accents to dry humor, Elpis embodies a fictionalized version of Britishness. Here are some key aspects that make Elpis feel like “Space Britain”:
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1. Accents and Language
Nearly every NPC on Elpis speaks with a British accent, from the cockney dialect to a posh, almost aristocratic tone. These accents serve as an immediate cue to players that Elpis, while alien, is set apart from Pandora’s Americanized tone. The exaggerated accents also play into the series’ tendency to lean on hyperbolic representations. Language and accents are tools used to give players a quick cultural impression, creating a sense of familiarity that feels distinctly British.
2. British Slang and Humor
British slang is heavily incorporated into character dialogues, bringing out a unique flavor of humor that is often dry, sarcastic, and self-deprecating. This humor style contrasts with Pandora’s more “Americanized” chaotic style, providing a refreshing, deadpan wit that’s quintessentially British. Characters like Janey Springs, a scrap dealer on Elpis, and the NPCs you meet throughout your journey reflect these British humor influences, often using terms that may feel a bit foreign or even quirky to non-British players.
3. Bureaucratic Satire
In a satirical nod to British bureaucratic systems, Elpis is home to the Hyperion Corporation’s militarized bureaucracy, a corporate “civilization” that mirrors a sort of British colony on an alien landscape. From checkpoint-style gates to the overly regimented (and often nonsensical) processes that players encounter, these elements reflect an exaggerated commentary on British administrative structures. Even the idea of a “corporate colonial outpost” draws on a historical theme that ties back to British colonial ventures, reimagined here as a space-age company town in orbit.
Cultural Parallels and Influences: Why “Space Britain”?
Gearbox Software’s choice to set Elpis as “Space Britain” taps into a variety of cultural and literary influences, from British science fiction to historical British exploration and colonization. Here are some likely inspirations behind the British design influence on Elpis:
1. British Science Fiction and Space Exploration Tropes
British sci-fi has long been known for its unique take on the genre, often blending dark humor with bleak or absurd realities. Doctor Who, Red Dwarf and Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy are notable British sci-fi shows that influenced how the genre is viewed around the world. By using British accents and humor, Elpis feels like a nod to these cultural staples, embedding a British sci-fi essence within the game’s otherwise Americanized narrative. This influence provides a whimsical layer to the game, adding both levity and an unmistakable character to the desolate moon.
2. Colonialism and Satire of Empire
Borderlands often incorporate commentary on colonialism and corporate exploitation. Pandora and its moon Elpis resemble frontier-like colonies where corporations mine resources and enforce their laws, often at the expense of the local populations. This parallels British colonial history, where Britain established outposts around the world, often with little regard for indigenous cultures or the natural environment. In Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, Hyperion’s presence on Elpis mirrors this colonial framework, with corporate motives taking precedence over ethical considerations.
By framing Elpis as “Space Britain,” the game makes a statement on how cultures and corporations expand, sometimes destructively, into new territories. Hyperion’s brutal takeover of Elpis, coupled with the “British” inhabitants who have become part of this corporate machine, presents a satirical take on colonization and exploitation—a running theme throughout the series.
3. A British Society in Chaos
Another possible reason for the “Space Britain” motif on Elpis lies in Britain’s historical reputation for “keeping calm and carrying on” in the face of adversity. Elpis is a dangerous place with constant threats from wildlife, bandits, and corporate forces, yet the British-influenced inhabitants carry on with an air of stoic resilience and humor. The exaggerated British accents and demeanor could be a nod to Britain’s ability to maintain a stiff upper lip despite chaotic circumstances, a tone that aligns perfectly with Borderlands’s style of comedy.
Player Experience: How “Space Britain” Shapes Gameplay
This cultural reimagining of Elpis as “Space Britain” impacts not only the narrative tone but also how players engage with the environment. The distinct British characteristics of NPCs provide a break from Pandora’s more stereotypical Wild West-style chaos. British humor, sarcasm, and irony make NPC interactions on Elpis unique, infusing the gameplay with a fresh sense of wit that’s both amusing and immersive.
Moreover, the British tone contrasts sharply with the overarching corporate oppression and brutality of Hyperion, adding layers of complexity to the player’s journey. In true Borderlands fashion, the British-inspired community on Elpis offers players a sense of familiarity amidst alien chaos—a reminder of the game’s ongoing satire of the “corporate colony” and exploration tropes.
Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of “Space Britain” on Elpis
In Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, the decision to portray Elpis as “Space Britain” adds cultural depth and humor to the storyline. From the exaggerated British accents and slang to the colonial undertones of Hyperion’s corporate rule, Elpis offers a blend of British culture that feels both refreshing and satirical within the Borderlands universe. Through this “Space Britain” portrayal, Gearbox Software continues to develop the rich, dystopian world of Borderlands, inviting players to explore a chaotic yet familiar world that is both a loving homage and a critique of real-world cultural and historical themes.
