“The FPS and RPG had a baby”. This couldn’t be a better self-proclaimed description of Gearbox’s Borderlands, as it brings all the goods to satisfy the most eager of looters, as well as that headshot enthusiast, but can this highly stylized post-apocalyptic FPS/RPG make a stand and crown itself king of the wastelands?
A very stylish cut-scene at the beginning of the game sets players up with the story. You play as a vault-seeking bounty hunter, who’s part of a mad rush to find a hidden vault on the planet of Pandora. This vault consists of alien technology which grants the finder riches, power, women and anything else you can think of. This results in a mad rush of aggressive bandits and rivaling bounty hunters all seeking the vault. A spirit-like guide known as the Archangel will also guide players through Pandora’s hostile wastelands. The story is not the main focus of Borderlands, although it is engrossing and enough intrigue has been created to keep you pushing through the campaign.
Players have the selection of four different characters, each with their own special ability and specialty of weapons or melee attacks. For example: Roland, a soldier who specializes in shotguns, rifles and can mount an automatic turret or Brick, a large brawler who, with a ‘Berserker’ ability, deals out some serious damage with his fists while taking minimal damage. There’s a great mix of choice here which will please all class-orientated fans, so if you’re a fan of up-close and personal tactics, or sniping from a distance, there’s something for everyone.
The incorporation of RPG elements into Borderlands is a great choice by Gearbox, it really accentuates the title and makes every quest something to look forward to. Naturally, leveling up allows you to attain and use stronger weapons and skills, as well as progress new attributes, such as increasing your characters unique abilities, shield, health or weapon damage.
OK, so Borderlands is this hybrid FPS/RPG thing, but at the end of the day, it’s all about the weapons and you’ll not be disappointed here. There are literally over a hundred different guns, thanks to a randomization mechanic, which results in a multitude of guns spawning with different sounds, looks, fire rates or whatever throughout the game. There are also different rounds, upgrades and characteristics of the guns, such as fire or electricity damage, which will leave your enemies burnt, roasted or shocked (if they still there). But don’t think it’ll be all that easy, as enemies themselves change and level-up throughout the game. Obviously, these guns take up space so you may struggle at first to fit all your rare findings into your backpack, but as you progress you’ll unlock and acquire new inventory slots which help stuff that extra rocket launcher you “had-to-have” in.
Ammo and weapon crates also make an appearance throughout the game and are vital ‘pitstops’ to gather what you can. Once again, these are totally randomized and you’ll find anything from four-barreled shotguns, sniper-rifles modded with electricity, to a measly clip or two.
Vehicles play a role within the game after a few quests are completed. They primarily function as transport across the incredibly large open-world environment, but are also mounted with weapons to deal out some serious automotive death.
Players can also take on the campaign via two-player split screen, as well as four-player online co-op. This adds a whole multiplayer dimension to Borderlands and as you can imagine, exploring, killing and swapping up loot with your buddies makes the whole experience that much better.
One thing that’ll immediately catch your attention is Borderlands’s unique cel-shaded art style. It’s not revolutionary, but it’s incredibly refreshing to see games utilizing this unique look, as it’s not only visually awesome, but it also conveys a sense of fun and represents the ‘not-too-serious’ nature of the game. The enemies, NPC’s and player characters are astonishingly unique, and their animations match that hands-down: as their silky smooth movements and actions are a pleasure to watch.
Overall, the presentation is top-notch, there’s even a ‘fight for your life’ gameplay mechanic, which through wobbly and unstable vision, gives players a chance to fire some shots before they die, resurrecting themselves if a they get a kill. Everything is beautifully, stylistically and awesomely put together in Borderlands.
Borderlands is definitely (as said above) a gorgeous looking game, but it’s definitely not a case of style-over-substance, as it delivers a compelling and original First Person Shooter experience, wrapped up in RPG elements reminiscent of Diablo. It’s is not too be taken too seriously, but if you don’t take notice of Borderlands, you’ll definitely miss out.
[starreviewmulti id=1 tpl=20]
