26th Entry - Borderlands

If you're not aware by now that Poke and I are big fans of co-op games, then you're obviously new or you just don't pay attention. Either way, when we heard about a 4 player co-op shooter, i was instantly on board. AND it's post-apocalyptic!? Yessir.



Borderlands - Xbox 360

Borderlands is a post-apocalyptic shooter/RPG abomination (the good kind of abomination) that takes place on desolate Pandora. You're a merc in search of the Vault, a treasure trove of alien weaponry. This is essentially the whole story. The gameplay is all this game has going for it, and fortunately, it's quite fun.

Now, there are four classes to choose from in Borderlands, with a level cap that goes to 50 (61 if you bought the newest DLC).

First is the Soldier, Roland, specializing in shotguns and assault rifles. His special ability is a turret that not only blows away enemies, but it can also eventually drop ammo, fire rockets, refill health, and even resurrect fallen allies. Roland can effectively fullfill a CQB/DPS role, running in with high damage shotguns, or he can fulfill a healer role through a talent that heals allies when you shoot them. This is also the class yours truly played as.

Next is the Hunter, the sniper named Mordecai. He specializes in sniper rifles (durr) and pistols. His special ability is his pet hawk, Bloodwing, which can attack mulitple targets for reasonable damage. Mordecai has talents that emphasize making enemies drop extra loot (whee) as well as making it much easier to one-shot your enemies. Mordecai eventually can learn a talent which allows his sniper shots to skip shields entirely, often causing lethal damage. Poke played to 61 with me as this class.

Brick, the Berserker, specs in launchers and, um, his fists. Brick's talents revolve around pummeling things with his hands harder, faster, and more efficiently. They can also make his launcher skills go through the roof. Brick generally fulfills a tank role, in which he runs in punching things while his friends pick everything else off.

Lilith, the Siren, is an odd mage-esque class that specs in SMGs. Her talents revolve around causing elemental damage, i.e. melting, incinerating, electrocuting and detonating her enemies. Her Phasewalk ability has a fast cooldown, and can be used to inflict huge damage through damage over time (DOT) abilities. She can essentially go full melee or SMG/melee, though i recommend suing SMGs, they are my favorite gun type.

Ah yes. Guns. Borderland's claim to fame is their eleventy bazillion gun types throughout the game. Basically, no matter what, there is a gun for you in this game. Indeed, this is where the game truly shines.

I've found rocket launchers that shoot mortars, assault rifles that fire all forms of fire, acid, lighting and explosive rounds, shotguns that fire rockets, sniper rifles that have a explosion radius, shotgun pistols, an SMG that functions more like a flamethrower, and weapons that fire bullets that bounce off walls as well was weapons that fire curving rounds. Some of the most fun you will have in this game is by experimenting with what you do and don't like. Poke and I thoroughly enjoyed tossing out guns and trying new and different setups until we found out what we really liked.

The game is truly fun all the way through, and though it lacks a complex story, unless you're a Final Fantasy person with no soul, I doubt you'll care.

Aside from the story aspect, little else is wrong with the game itself. There were few if any bugs to be found. The controls can feel a tad loose at times, but it's only a tad bothersome at first. Not much about the game sticks out as bad, honestly.

There were several DLC packs released for Borderlands -

The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned - This is definitely the best DLC pack. Basically you just kill zombies, as well as a few other goofy creatures, and harvest their brains. Some ridiculous guns to be found in this DLC pack. Ned's undead, baby. Ned's undead.

Mad Moxxi's Underdome Riot - This DLC pack sucked pretty hard, even if it was Borderlands. The whole thing is a goddamn grindfest, and each tournament takes 2-3 hours of work. Don't buy this, although it does add the in-game bank system, which is important for keeping a collection of guns you like.

The Secret Armory of General Knoxx - A great DLC pack with lots of Crimson Lance to kill, as well as midgets. Lots of midgets. Poke and i had a blast with this one. Enjoy looting the secret armory, it's a bunch of fun.

Bottom line - Borderlands is fun as hell - the more the better. Grab a copy and jump in.
9/10