Malcolm_Roberts October 22, 2009 PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 4,773 views Comments Print This Post  Email This Post

Guns, guns, and more guns; that is the name of the game in Gearbox’s post-apocalyptic “RPS” (Role Playing Shooter) Borderlands. Whether you’re exploring the wasteland for the next available quest or shooting hostile locales, you will find yourself quickly addicted to the game. Upon playing the game many will note the similarities between Fallout 3 and Diablo 2. If anything Borderlands has more in common with the latter than anything. Fallout 3 is post-apocalyptic but the game is lonely and finding loot is only exciting to you. But with Borderlands and its multiplayer you can show off your hot new gun from a boss or barter with your friend to get his/her shield. And then look more loot.

Yes, this game gets a little epic

Story: 7.7

Pandora, the planet where the game takes place, is a world of intrigue and hostility. On Pandora there is a story passed down from generation to generation of a vault filled with vast amounts of treasure. This story is mainly a myth at least to the locals of Borderlands. You play as one of four different characters as a mercenary on a quest for wealth. You are quickly told that the vault is simply a fairy tale but that is quickly cast aside as a mysterious woman, who talks in a static visual, tells you that the vault exists and to not trust everyone on Pandora. If this sounds simplistic then you are right. If there is one thing that Borderlands lacks it’s a story. However, there are some very unique characters however. For example, there’s a doctor who doesn’t have a medical license and looks like something from a zombie movie and there is a blind fellow with a double barelled shotgun who talks like a hill billy. The story is lacking, sure, but the characters are colorful and there is some clever writing in the dialogue that goes along with them. Even though you may want an epic story you will quickly forget as the gameplay is the true star of the game.

Flaming Psycho Bandits will run at you if you’re not careful

Gameplay: 9.5

As noted earlier, this game is all about the gameplay. Everything from how the guns shoot to how they feel has been detailed to great satisfaction. In fact Gearbox has a good track record with shooters with the Brothers in Arms series and PC ports of Halo under their belt. It has been touted by Gearbox that there are a “bazillion” guns in the game and after playing for hours on end I am not going to challenge that claim. Pandora is a place where it seems weapon dealers have found a great success. You will find yourself foaming at the mouth in anticipation of going on a quest to find a new gun. If you really want to get the best experience you need to be playing with friends. Playing the game solo is a bit slower but with others involved the game has a brisk pace to enjoy. You can travel around on dune buggies with your party and duel to see who gets the loot from the next boss. All of this provides a deep satisfaction that will keep you coming back for more.

The Siren and Hunter class together at last

Presentation: 9

Borderlands may seem like its supposed to be this post-apocalyptic game within a wasteland of sadness and despair. However, even though things are true, the games art style is simply amazing and it makes it feel completely different that what we are accustomed to. The color palette that the developers chose makes the game seem bright and lively. You won’t get bored with the numerous locations because they all have a distinct style and look. This is all enhanced by the cel-shaded graphics that makes the game almost feel like a comic. It reminds me of Prince of Persia’s cel shaded graphics. Some may doubt the developers decision to go cel-shaded but I feel it was for the better. We have too many shooters these days with a gray palette and it is beginning to make many FPS games look like one another. The sound of the guns are spot on and the ambient music adds to the atmosphere of being alone is a wasteland. Voice acting, although not amazing, is well done and it supported by some good writing. If I could complain about anything in the presentation it would be technical graphics issues. For example, when you go through water there is no indication of the water moving at all and sometimes vehicles get stuck on objects in the environment.

The Whole Gang poses for a photo

Replayability: 9

Borderlands is addictive. Not since Diablo 2 has a game made loot finding so exciting. It is so utterly addictive that I have thought about the game even in my spare time. Upon completing the story you can start a new game with the same character and skills and continue to find new weapons that you may have never seen before. Enemies will also match your level to better suit your character. Add that on to the multiplayer and you have a game that you may be coming back to for the next few months.

Overall 8.8/10

Borderlands is a fantastic game and could go down as this year’s “sleeper hit” due to Modern Warfare 2 and Assassins Creed 2 hitting later next month. With its addictive gameplay plus its fantastic multiplayer you will quickly forgive the forgetful story. I highly recommend this game to anyone who loves Diablo or Fallout. You will constantly be reminded of those games throughout but also find yourself admiring Borderlands for what it is: a game about finding guns, selling guns, sharing guns, and oh yes, finding even more guns.