Claptrap is a fictional character from the Gearbox Softwarevideo game, Borderlands. Claptrap is a CL4P-TP general purpose robot manufactured by Hyperion and has been programmed with an overenthusiastic personality. It brags frequently, yet also expresses severe loneliness and cowardice. Claptrap received mostly negative reviews due to its perceived "annoyance".
Character development
Claptrap was developed from a random sketch in a low-level assignment made by the JIRA project-management software system. In the German version, the initial Claptrap introduces itself as "CLP4P-TP", even though the subtitles read "CL4P-TP". Claptrap is the only robot of its kind that has been designated with an actual name, Claptrap P. Claptrappington. Claptrap was voiced by David Eddings on Borderlands 2 DLC but has been replaced by a new voice actor, Jim Foronda on Borderlands 3 after controversy surrounding it, where Eddings claimed that the Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford assaulted him, calling him "bitter and disgruntled" after being fired from voicing the character. When asked by website VG247 what Hollywood actor could play Claptrap on-screen, Gearbox members suggested Dwayne Johnson or Bill Murray could voice the character.
Appearances
Claptrap first appeared in the original Borderlands game in 2009. He appears in Borderlands 2, released in 2012, and then in released in 2014 as a playable character, as well as their various DLC including The Secret Armory of General Knoxx, Claptrap's New Robot Revolution, Sir Hammerlock's Big Game Hunt, Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep, and Commander Lilith & the Fight for Sanctuary. The eccentric robot appeared again in Claptastic Voyage as the main character, and on the Claptastic Voyage at the final episode. He later returned in Borderlands 3, when he introduces Pandora and has an ability to climb stairs. In non-Borderlands media, he has appeared in Fortnite as part of a minigame and is one of the player's opponents in the crossover game Poker Night 2.
Reception
Multiple journalists on PC Gamer claimed that Claptrap is "the worst character", Andy Kelly said that "When he starts dancing and beatboxing I want to toss him in a car crusher then eject the resulting yellow cube into a wormhole that leads directly to the s..t dimension, where everything's made of s..t." Shaun Prescott stated that "Claptrap is more annoying than virtually every other character and dialogue line in every single Borderlands game." Joanna Nelius stated that the character "is good but only in fiction." Christopher Livingston stated that "Not good, but I'm sure not the worst. But definitely one of the worst." Jody Macgregor stated that "By the end of this imaginary conversation he's convinced himself it's really OK for bad dudes to kick the s..t out of him for no reason. Fraser Brown stated that the robot "It is just a minion, throw it in the bin." Wesley Fenlon claimed the character is "bad unless voiced by Keith David." Samuel Roberts claimed that "He wasn't bad until dubstep." the character also has been made of fan-fiction and some NSFW. TrustedReviews also claimed that Claptrap is "an annoying piece of trash". Game Revolution also mentions that Claptrap is a slightly annoying mascot, Rock Paper Shotgun said that it is an annoying but beloved character. While The Verge claimed that the Claptrap is one of the most obnoxious robots. A variety of related merchandise portraying Claptrap as a bizarre talking car charger, Pop Toys, geek-themed controller holders, and a deluxe figure from McFarlane Toys, which Kotaku praised for its detail.
