Gearbox Announces Borderlands
In September 2007, in a piece in Game Informer magazine, the world was treated to a preview, and cover, of Borderlands; a post-apocalyptic, science-fiction gun-fest with 4-player co-op created by Gearbox Software. It's been 2 years since that preview, and quite a bit has changed.
Comic Book-style Sci-fi
Graphics
(8/10)
The original plan was for an ultra-realistic, gritty, graphic game involving a scarred woman, gruesome beasts, and blood; lots, and lots, of blood. Then while the game was only around 50% completed, Gearbox decided that realistic wasn't the way to go, and started redesigning the graphics to a 3D cel-shaded type. This choice may seem strange, but once players have control of their character--and even during the opening sequence--the game looks great.
Guns, Screams, and Guitars
Sound
(6/10)
Borderlands has very little voice-acting, aside from the "Guardian Angel" character who gives players crucial updates, and the occasional one-liner from the characters on-screen. The music seems to lack any variety or feeling. The only exception to this is during the opening sequence, where viewers are treated to an amazing little intro to the world, and their ears are treated to "Ain't No Rest For the Wicked" from Cage the Elephant.
Aside from the opening shot, where Borderlands really shines, sound-wise, is the guns, of which there are billions. Granted, with the game randomly creating weapons, Gearbox is bound to have used the same sounds for at least some of the weapons, but players will never notice.
Roleplaying Elements, Online Co-op, New Game+
Gameplay
(9/10)
While the missions are all basically the same, the locations they cover are somewhat varied, and they never seemed boring. The story? It's almost an afterthought for most of the game, and players will rarely think about it while completing the missions, but it is there, and eventually they will remember what they're supposed to be doing.
Online-play (4-player co-op) is great. The only unfortunate part is that the entire game is determined by the person hosting. If they aren't as far along as the rest of the group, then the others get to repeat some missions. The game scales to accommodate the additional players, too. Whereas it doesn't get easier for single players, in co-op it only gets harder; more challenging to make up for the extra firepower.
Borderlands Offers Billions Of Guns, And Hours Of Entertainment
Overall
(7/10)
While Borderlands is far from perfect, it's also a long way from horrible, and well-above average. The replay value is exceedingly high, and the level cap is high enough to almost guarantee a 2nd playthrough. It may not be the best game ever made, but Borderlands definitely gives most of what's out there a run for its money.
Charles Zuspan - I am an avid Mac-user, nerd, musician, freelancer, and gamer. Ask me about my collection of M:TG cards! I've also got a horrible habit ...
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