Borderlands 2: "My Dead Brother" Quest: Edgar Vs. Simon
In the labyrinthine world of Pandora, where chaos reigns supreme and vault hunters carve their legend into the sands of time, how does one navigate the treacherous path of sibling rivalry, particularly when the stakes involve resurrection, betrayal, and the eternal quest for loot? The "My Dead Brother" side quest within "Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep" presents players with a moral dilemma, a choice between two formidable foes, and a treasure chest brimming with the spoils of war.
The narrative unfolds within the fantastical realm of "Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep," a downloadable content (DLC) adventure for Borderlands 2. Here, players step into the role of vault hunters, tasked with navigating a tabletop role-playing game masterminded by the erratic and explosive Tiny Tina. Within this whimsical, yet perilous, world, the players are confronted with a series of challenges, of which the "My Dead Brother" quest stands out as a pivotal moment, demanding a difficult choice that will shape the outcome of the quest.
The quest's core centers around two brothers, Edgar and Simon, both inhabitants of the "Lair of Infinite Agony." Their relationship, once seemingly unbreakable, fractured over a shared affection for a duchess, culminating in Simon's act of fratricide. In a twist of fate, Edgar is later resurrected by the vault hunters, only to discover that his brother masterminded this revival for the sole purpose of delivering a final, fatal blow. This sets the stage for a showdown, a battle of wills and weapons where the vault hunters are thrust into the role of executioner, deciding the fate of either brother.
As the vault hunters venture deeper into the quest, they'll encounter Simon, a necromancer, or Edgar, a pyromancer, depending on their choices. The quest design, while ostensibly simple, showcases the complexity of the Borderlands universe, highlighting how character development is driven by choices. The vault hunters have a choice between two possible outcomes. Players are given a choice to either kill Simon or Edgar. These choices provide distinct rewards, encouraging replayability and exploration of different character builds.
The quest also offers a glimpse into the broader narrative, with references to other characters and events within the Borderlands universe. The mission's setting, "Lair of Infinite Agony," is a location that appears during the course of the adventure. The quest acts as a microcosm of the overall Borderlands experience, with its blend of humor, action, and a touch of dark humor.
| Character | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Simon Phoenix |
| Portrayed by | Wesley Snipes |
| Known For | Being the main antagonist in the 1993 film "Demolition Man" |
| Crimes | Theft, kidnapping, rape, robbery, and murder |
| Abilities | Possesses enhanced strength, and new skills from a rehabilitation program. In the Borderlands context, he utilizes necromantic powers. |
| Relationship | Brother of Edgar. They were once close but turned hostile against each other, leading to Edgar's murder. |
| Involvement in "My Dead Brother" | The antagonist in the quest. Players must make a choice: kill him or Edgar. |
| Initial State | Initially imprisoned and later part of a rehabilitation program. |
| Motives | To kill Edgar and possibly to instigate fear in the populace for his own benefit. |
| Other Appearances | Appears in various video game adaptations of "Demolition Man". |
| Reference | Wikipedia - Simon Phoenix |
The choice in "My Dead Brother" isn't merely about choosing who lives and who dies; it directly impacts the rewards. Killing Edgar grants the player a shotgun, a powerful close-quarters weapon, while eliminating Simon bestows an assault rifle, suited for mid-range combat. This subtle detail illustrates the game's commitment to rewarding player agency, ensuring that every choice made resonates with tangible consequences. Furthermore, the quest has the potential to contribute towards the "magical massacre" challenge, and this adds another layer to its appeal, as completing these challenges enhances the overall gaming experience. The quest also provides experience points and either a mission briefing that allows for a deeper understanding of the game's mechanics and narrative.
The events of "My Dead Brother" are also subtly linked to the broader narrative of "Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep" itself. The core of the DLC, the story is built around the whims of Tiny Tina, as she uses the setting of a tabletop role-playing game to process her grief. The players' journey through the quest reflects Tina's own emotional turmoil, adding a layer of depth to the gameplay. Therefore the mission becomes an integral part of this process. Players take on the roles of vault hunters, who are tasked with fighting monsters. The quest offers the player a chance to face new enemies like skeletons. The mission involves exploration of several areas, each with its own challenges.
The DLC's narrative also showcases its capacity for world-building. For instance, references to characters like Edgar Friendly, a resistance leader, are sprinkled throughout the quest, providing snippets of lore that give the game its depth. The mentions of Cocteau, who reprogrammed Simon Phoenix, is also a nod to the larger story and character dynamics in the Borderlands universe. This intricate narrative structure offers a layered gaming experience, where the players can not only participate in an action-packed quest but also learn more about the game's characters.
The mission also highlights the players engagement. The game is a success due to the ability to speak with and raise the dead. These elements, when combined, create a quest that is more than just a mission; it's a story-driven experience. Players must follow the waypoints to start the mission, which contributes to the sense of progression in the game.
The design of "My Dead Brother" reflects a larger trend within the Borderlands franchise, where the gameplay experience often intertwines with the narrative. The choice to kill either brother, for example, directly aligns with the game's core mechanics, providing players with a tangible reward for their decision. The developers have skillfully interwoven the game's mechanics with the narrative, presenting players with a memorable experience.
The impact of "My Dead Brother" extends beyond the confines of the quest itself. The Borderlands 2 community, with its over 200,000 subscribers, actively discusses and shares their experiences related to the game. This community fosters the feeling of engagement and makes the game more attractive. The quest is also a part of the Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep. It demonstrates how the DLC creates a fresh experience. Whether it's dissecting the game's intricate plot, analyzing character development, or discussing the best weapons and builds, fans use forums to share their enthusiasm.
In this quest, the choice between killing Simon or Edgar, each with its unique implications and rewards, encapsulates the spirit of the game. The quest gives the player a chance to revisit the Lair of Infinite Agony. The vault hunters are tasked with a mission which makes the gameplay all the more attractive. The Borderlands franchise has a reputation for its engaging gameplay experience. Through "My Dead Brother", players are not simply completing a mission. They are active participants in a dark, yet humorous, narrative. This is where the player determines the fate of two brothers.
