Level Up! #1: Borderlands

Level Up! #1: Borderlands


Reviewed and edited by Jeff Williams

Since my "in the process" Video game review series, Small Type started last sunday, I've decided to re-name my full game review series….. Level Up!.

Tonight's review is on Gearbox Software's/2K games 2009 FPS/RPG "Borderlands", reviewed for the PlayStation 3. 

Now before I started the review…….. "This game is the true definition of the genre Shooter/RPG, unlike a certain space opera TPS/RPG done by a Canadian game studio."


Now after that burn to said canadian company, onto the review…..

Borderlands

Developer: Gearbox Software (Windows PC, PS3, X360), Feral Interactive (Mac OS X)

Publisher: 2k Games, Feral Interactive (Mac OS X)

Release Date(s): 

10-20-09 (PS3, X360)

10-26-09 (Windows PC)

12-23-10 (Mac OS X)

Systems: Windows PC (Steam/OnLive), Mac, PS3 (review), X360

DLC: Yes! (The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned, Mad Moxxi's Underdome Roit, The Secret Armory of Gen. Knoxx and Claptrap's New Robot Revolution)

History:

In 2007, Borderlands was originally announced in the September issue of Game Informer. The original art design for the characters, monsters and the world of Pandora itself, had a more realistic approach than what we have with the final product. After the surprising art-change in mid-late 2008, the game saw it's release on October 20th, 2009 for PS3/X360, October 26th, 2009 for Windows PC and more recently, December 3rd, 2010 for Mac OS X.

                                             Borderlands Debut Trailer (Spike VGA '07):

Plot:

On the planet of Pandora, they're a tale spoken of… "The Vault". This vault supposably contains mass amounts of riches of unspeakable proportions. Majority of the inhabiters of Pandora have search for this vault, none return…. You play as one of the 4 playable characters in Borderlands: Brick "Himself", Lilith "The Siren", Mordecai "The Hunter" and Roland "The Soldier". The Question remains: Do you feel Lucky surviving the Borderlands? Only time will tell….

Presentation:

When Gearbox changed the art-style of Borderlands from a realistic, serious tone to that of a comic-book, cel shaded, comedic tone. I still say to this day Randy Pitchford and his creative Plano, TX studio made the right call.

While the voices in Borderlands get it's job done. There is an exception. One Word: Claptrap.

The written dialogue done by Mikey Neumann is hilarious, something that's been missing in recent First Person Shooters. The best example I can give with the handling of the dialogue, the first boss of the game: 9-Toes (Also, he has 3 balls).

The Music of Borderlands was done by Sascha Dikiciyan, Cris Velasco, Jesper Kyd and Raison Varner. The Score does have a dark action vibe to it, while having a calm, western vibe to it as well.

Gameplay:

Unlike other shooter hybrids in the same genre, Borderlands in my eyes is the de-facto definition of Shooter/RPG.

The Classes in this game are...

- "Brick" Beserker, a tank-like characters that specializes in melee. His special ability is of him entering a temporarily rage mode that in this mode, he uses his fists to rapidly pound enemies to death, and regenerative health. His weapon of choice are heavy weapons (Rocket Launchers, Explosives).



                          

- "Lilith" Siren, a frouge class that has superhuman abilities. Her special ability is Phasewalk, which allows her to enter another dimension temporarily, is invincible to enemies, faster and invulnerable to enemy damage while in this mode. Her weapon of choices are guns that use the following ammo types: fire, acid, electrical and explosive.

                         

- "Mordecai" Hunter, a assassin like class in the game. His special ability is his pet Bloodwing, an alien creature that resembles a hawk. This ability can be used as an assistance in his long-range attacks and can also locate and scavenge for loot. His weapon of choice are sniper rifles and revolvers.

                        

- "Roland" Soldier, The warrior class in this game "Normal mode". His special ability is an automated gun turret, when activated it could also be used a shield with it's electric blue plasma sides. This ability when active could also be used for additional cover for your team in online/offline co-op. His weapon of choice: Shotguns, combat rifles (every gun). 

As I briefly mentioned in the last character class, this game can be played solo, 2 player offline co-op (consoles), 4 player online co-op play (Windows PC, Mac) or over over LAN on both Windows PC and Mac. While this game is fun alone, the true fun and experience is felt with a friend or with a 4 people group.

Bottom Line: 

Like I said, this game's mechanics and structure is and should be the future blueprint for future shooter/RPG in the future. While the only two things I can say about this game is the repetitive class of enemies and once in a great while dumb AI, this is a great game that everyone should own in their gaming collection. 

This is why I love Gearbox Software, they are a FPS game developer that make fun, hectic shooters that follows the trends in time but also have a feel of the classic 90's FPS' that we grew up with in that era. Bring on the sequel, Gearbox. (Already Pre-ordered)

Borderlands get a 8.5 out of 10




*psst* You wanna buy something?

Amazon:

Borderlands: GOTY Edition - Windows PC


Borderlands: GOTY Edition - Macintosh 


Borderlands: GOTY Edition - PlayStation 3


Borderlands: GOTY Edition - Xbox 360


iTunes:


Various Artists - Borderlands (Original Soundtrack)


Ain't No Rest for the Wicked (Borderlands Theme) - Cage the Elephant


Steam:


Borderlands: GOTY Edition - Windows PC*



"*At the moment sadly, both the original PC copy of the game and the GOTY edition on Steam are Windows PC capable Only! I'll update if and/or when the Mac version of either will show up in the store."

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What are your thoughts? Do you agree? Disagree? Leave you comments below in the comment box. Also, please leave some creative criticism below in the comment box as well. It will help me get better and improve in future articles, editorials and reviews. 

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