Imagine a first person shooter with role-playing elements built into the core game mechanics. That is the premise on which Gearbox Entertainment’s newest video game title, Borderlands, is built on. The game promised to be an innovative role-playing shooter, to have dynamic cooperative game play, and to offer “bazillions of guns.” For the most part, Borderlands delivers everything it was hyped up to be.
Both Gearbox and fans were excited about the prospect of having role-playing and first person shooter elements together in a hybrid mix, but others were skeptical at the concept. Games like Fallout 3 have implemented some FPS (first person shooter) elements into its RPG (role-playing game) game play, but most other endeavors at this combination have rarely been wholly successful. Borderlands attempts to change this. While FPS gamers may find the inventory management and other role-playing elements to be refreshing and offer extra depth, RPG gamers will find the leveling system to be simplistic and limited. Players only have four character templates available, with each having only one active skill. However, these are minor gripes in an overall excellent game. In addition, a stronger leveling system would have benefitted the game, but the action is a still thrilling and leveling up is highly rewarding.
Also, any gamer who is excited about the idea of gathering loot from fallen enemies is not going to be disappointed. When killed, enemies will drop money, health packs, and many types of weapons. Though not literally featuring a “bazillion” guns, Borderlands does contain hundreds of guns. In actuality, most of the variety offered in the weaponry is based on the stats system. Many guns found will simply be newer models of guns found earlier, with slight tweaks in their stats. Having so many guns in the game was an exciting notion that Gearbox pitched, but it really is just one part in the ‘shoot and loot’ game play. It is still just as rewarding as the leveling system, and it is satisfying to find a gun set that feels just right.
Halfway through the game’s development, Gearbox Studios overhauled the game’s art style and direction so that the graphics resembled a graphic novel rather than making an attempt at realism. This was a very smart decision on the developers’ part, because it keeps the gamers focused on the high volume of action and humor, instead of a gripping and realistic story. In fact, there isn’t much to say about the game’s story, that is, there almost isn’t one. This is ironic given that the opening cut scene begins with an exuberant “Have I got a story for you!” from the narrator. Players looking for the epic tales found in role-playing games such as the Final Fantasy series will be disappointed.
Brian Li, a freshman majoring in computer science who helped play the game cooperatively for this review, said “The story is a let down, especially after watching the vibrant intro cut scene,” which tells the tale of a mystical alien vault containing riches and powerful weapons, “and then being dumped into the wasteland with little more than a map and a list of quests to complete without any further advancement in the story line for the next several hours of game time.”
Gearbox Entertainment’s minimalist approach in the story line allows players to find the high-octane action sequences to be the story, something that may be fine with FPS gamers, but RPG gamers will most likely feel somewhat set back. However, this is offset by solid game play and a strong cooperative mode. Playing Borderlands with one to three other friends is both addicting and fun, and many firefight stories will be told afterwards.
Borderlands is a great game that really brings together a well-balanced mix of both role-playing and first person shooter game play. Gamers from both genres will find something to like, even if some will feel that it leans more heavily on the shooter side. The leveling and inventory system is rewarding, and gunning down hordes of enemies is as fun as in other successful FPS games. While playing the game alone may feel repetitive and monotonous, Borderlands excels as an extremely fun cooperative game that will entertain for many hours.
