Who knew a desolate wasteland could be so much fun?

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This article was published 26/11/2009 (6149 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Video games are elements of a constantly evolving medium in which developers trying to introduce something new — such as mixing different gaming together to create a new one — are taking a risk.

Borderlands exemplifies this risk-taking with a unique "role-playing shooter" that blends the first-person shooter with the RPG. Throw in an open-world structure, a "loot" element and some cel-shaded graphics, and what you have is game that stands out from the pack. It’s what happens when Fallout 3 meets Diablo meets Mad Max — and that’s what Borderlands is about.

At the beginning of the game you select from one of four characters: Soldier, Siren, Hunter or Berserker. You’re on a wasteland of a planet called Pandora. Not only must you survive the assortment of menacing psychos and convicts scattered throughout the land, you are driven by a need to find The Vault, a mythical place that holds limitless treasure and alien technology of astonishing power.

 

The Good

Part of the obsession that drives this game is finding all the hidden loot (cash, items, guns, and more), which is similar to the gaming in Diablo. Even when you find a new gun out of the countless guns scattered throughout, you’re driven to find new, more powerful weapons. It’s awesome when you pick up that scoped shotgun for the first time or the sniper rifle that contains acidic bullets.

On the RPG side, as you accumulate experience points, you’ll be able to customize the skill of your character. There’s a branching tree of skill sets for you to build up. Don’t expect the depth of a Bioware RPG, but more of a streamlined, easy-to-upgrade system.

Also, don’t worry that this game will become a whiny talkfest of an RPG; Borderlands is a shooter first and an RPG second. There aren’t any cut-scenes or lots of towns with villagers to visit, which is good for those who want more action.

Who knew there would be so much to do in a wasteland? Borderlands features a vast, immersive world to explore, challenging boss battles, some crazy-awesome vehicles to drive (especially fun in co-op), tons of missions and over 25 hours of gameplay. It will hook you to your screen for hours of insane fun.

You can play Borderlands alone, but this game is at its best during co-op play. You and up to four of your friends can work together on the host’s mission to search Pandora together, making the experience much more enjoyable and challenging. Not only do you get to fight tougher enemies from the get-go, but you’re rewarded with better quality loot items after winning a battle.

 

The Bad

The downside to this game is the weak story and the repetitive nature of the missions. The post-apocalyptic-world storyline is something we’ve seen too often in gaming. The mission-to-mission structure makes the game progression feel slow at times, and it seems very little of what you’re trying to accomplish is explained. Beyond that, the game doesn’t create any emotion or characters to care about, which diminishes its appeal.

 

Final Word:

Despite some drawbacks, Borderlands succeeds as a unique game mixing different genres; it’s definitely most enjoyable when played with friends.

 

— Canwest News Service

 

Top 10 Game Rentals

1. Assassins Creed 2 (Xbox 360)

2. Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Xbox 360)

3. New Super Mario Bros Wii (Nintendo Wii)

4. Assassins Creed 2 (PlayStation 3)

5. Left 4 Dead 2 (Xbox 360)

6. Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (PlayStation 3)

7. Dragon Age: Origins (Xbox 360)

8. Uncharted 2 (PlayStation 3)

9. Dragon Age: Origins (PlayStation 3)

10. Lego Indiana Jones 2 (Nintendo Wii)

— Rogers Video, week ending Nov. 22