I’m not even sure what the truth is anymore when it comes to Claptrap’s reception, because as soon as I think he’s hated by the majority, I read comments from plenty of Borderlands fans saying they love him. Well, I’m not ashamed to admit that he’s one of my favorite characters from the Borderlands franchise, and not once has he gotten on my nerves — not once. Sure, once he starts talking, you can generally expect him to keep going for the foreseeable future, but that has never rubbed me the wrong way, and I especially find his self-deprecating humor to be both charming and funny. Nevertheless, I know some people really do loathe the robot, which is why there is now a slider in Borderlands 4 that players can use to mute him.
Needless to say, though, I haven’t touched that slider since starting my journey through Borderlands 4. For one thing, Claptrap isn’t always around (especially if you’re focused on every bit of content the game has to offer, as I am), so I find no need to keep him muted. But also, his dialogue offers the game a lighter tone that some of its other content, including the main quest, strays away from. However, while I might not feel the need to mute Claptrap, there is one “character” that, perhaps for the first time ever in a Borderlands game, I really cannot stand, and I would love the opportunity to be able to mute them instead.
I Find Borderlands 4's Cindershelly Shields More Annoying Than Claptrap
Cindershelly Just Never Stops Talking
Cindershelly is generally considered one of the stronger legendary shields in Borderlands 4, even though it might not complement every build. While it might be effective for one player to use, it might not be for another, but that’s just the beauty of Borderlands 4‘s build flexibility. But what makes Cindershelly such a strong shield is its defensive scaling and its ability to trigger a nova upon breaking, making it an ideal choice for increased survivability in late-game and endgame content. The only downside to having this shield equipped, though, is that it talks — and unlike Claptrap, it never stops talking.
The Borderlands series has taken some wild attempts at comedy in the past, and talking gear is nothing new in that arena. However, Cindershelly, in my opinion, reaches a bit too far for laughs. The shield has something to say after almost any action you do in Borderlands 4, even grappling, making it hard to do anything or go anywhere in peace. To make matters worse, Cindershelly’s dialogue gets repetitive very quickly, cycling through the same 10–15 lines the entire time it’s equipped.
Cindershelly's Humor Is Beyond Cringy
Of course, it would help if that repetitive dialogue were actually funny, but instead, it’s just beyond cringy. The shield is built around cheeky, adult-flavored humor, dishing out plenty of dirty talk, moaning, and suggestive lines at frequent intervals. It’s excessive, to say the least, and something a middle-school boy is more likely to find funny than Borderlands‘ older fans — and I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m one of those. I just wish there was a way to mute the voice without unequipping it, but alas, I can only dream. As a result, I’ve found myself occasionally using worse shields just so I can have a break from Cindershelly for a while.
Maybe this is just Gearbox’s mischievous way of maintaining balance. Cindershelly might not be what some consider to be the “best” shield out there, and I wouldn’t even go so far as to say that either, but I can’t deny that it’s a great choice for the defense it offers. And again, what is best for one player might not be for another. Even so, I wish I could use Cindershelly without listening to it moan in my ear every five seconds. I can’t imagine anyone preferring it over Borderlands 4‘s Claptrap.