Borderlands

What is Borderlands all about? Something to do with a Vault and bi-century openings and keys and Skags. Yes, lots of Skags.

Gearbox's Borderlands is without a doubt a slick, satisfying hybrid title for those who know what to expect. If you're a shooter fan curious what the world of Pandora is all about, then you should know that this is a product built on a foundation of statistical progression, character customization, and one that holds item acquisition high above interesting quest structure and narrative. At the same time, it plays like a shooter, requiring twitch skills to dominate the droves of enemies that stand in between you and your search for a mysterious vault. With the opportunity for up to four to join...

Gearbox should be praised. Borderlands is unique, it's different, and it's hard to classify.

I took a second look at Borderlands and here's what I think.

We take a look at Borderlands, the poster child of Western RPGs for this holiday period. Can it stand tall amongst the greatest Western RPGs? Find our official verdict inside.

Borderlands is another big surprise, but still manages to surprise positively with a fluid and functional gameplay and with an evolution system highly engaging and addictive. Want to play alone or with others, there is a lot to do and whether you are FPS or RPG fan, or both, then you shouldn't miss one of the most addictive and rewarding games of  2009.

With no redeeming qualities, Borderlands feels antiquated, pitiful, and devoid of fun.

You're better off watching someone's Let's Play on YouTube.

Borderlands is the newest game from the guys over at Gearbox and it is truly a game that exceeded my expectations. As far as gaming cliches go, I feel that most gamers can agree that post-apocalyptic wasteland is definitely on the list. However, Borderlands really makes the best out of what it has. As an FPS/RPG, I was expecting another Fallout 3 (I thought that game was complete trash), and I was a bit apprehensive to try Borderlands; however, as previously stated, I was impressed.

For fans of loot hunting and a cooperative multiplayer experience, Borderlands will unquestionably steal their soul. Their days will be wrapped around figuring out how to put more time into Borderlands and trying to find out who they can ultimately trust as a teammate.

Successfully fusing two genres into a whole that is greater than its component pieces is tricky business. The balance of yin and yang that will produce a successful hybrid is going to be different for every game. Borderlands isn't the first game to blend shooting with character progression systems familiar to roleplaying games. Deus Ex was the first masterpiece to fuse the two gaming styles, providing player choice and a memorable story to go with its gunplay. Over the last few years, we've s...