Borderlands Review - FPS/RPG with 4-player Co-op
RPG/FPS hybrid, Local Split-Screen & Online Co-op, Xbox 360, PS3, PC
Oct 29, 2009
Borderlands is a unique First Person Shooter that blends Role Playing Game elements with intense action. It features online cooperative multiplayer for up to 4 players just like Halo 3. But, instead of featuring an epic campaign like most FPS games, Borderlands features a mission-based, action RPG with experience points, 4 different character classes, leveling up, skill points distributed across three branches, and loads of loot.
The seemingly endless variations of weapons and player customization give Borderlands far more replay value than the typical first-person shooter, but lacks the intense competitive multiplayer that most FPS games feature. Borderlands is available for Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and PC.
Borderlands as a Sci-Fi RPG - Leveling, Skill Trees, and Missions
Not too many games successfully blend action and role-play. These two seemingly polar opposite game styles typically results in a game with boring action sequences and shallow role-playing elements. Diablo II set the standard for Action RPGs, and Borderlands follows that standard pretty precisely.
As an RPG, players can choose between 4 unique character classes: The Hunter, The Soldier, The Berserker, and The Siren. Each class has specialized strengths, a unique special ability, and three distinct skill tree branches. Four classes may not sound like much, but the skill branches allow for even greater variety. Each class could be played through multiple times using different skills for a new gameplay experience.
The story is lacking, with very little more than context and instruction for each mission, and little more than a treasure hunt as an overarching plot-line. What Borderlands focuses on, then, is character customization, multiple pathways when leveling, and loads of loot. Borderlands is a loot-driven RPG with mini quests, not an epic story-driven one.
Borderlands as a First Person Shooter (FPS)
The size and scope of the game is huge, something more akin to Fallout 3 or Farcry 2, as opposed to the more cramped quarters found in a Halo 3 ODST or Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare. Even though the quick travel option and spawnable vehicles allow for quicker travel and somewhat reduces the hassle, there's still quite a bit of mindless running around. However, multiple missions or "quests" can be assigned at a time, so players can tackle numerous missions before returning to town and collecting the XP and money rewards.
Borderlands is very much a Run-and-Gun style FPS, with some tactical elements thrown in. Players should use cover frequently, however, especially in large firefights, as reckless charging simply won't work. When the player runs out of HP, the character goes into a downed state, where it is possible to be revived either through a teammate, or by killing an enemy. This dynamic keeps the game more fast-paced, preventing the player from having to frequently restart back in town.
Local and Online Co-op and Single Player Play
The co-op play in Borderlands is not meant as an added feature, but as a fundamental component to the game's design. As a result, the single-player experience can feel a bit lackluster. There's certainly nothing wrong with playing alone, but only co-op play shows its true potential.
Each of the four characters serve a particular function in a party, and each party works best with one member of each class. The Berserker class acts like the warrior or tank by dealing big damage and soaking it up, The Hunter works as a ranger or archer playstyle dealing damage from afar and supporting with a summon, The Soldier doubles up as a cleric or mage class with the ability to summon a turret as back-up and learn healing skills, and The Siren feels like a Rogue using disabling attacks and skills to assist the team and sneak up on the enemy.
Two players on one console can team up locally, or go online and find additional players. Even for those who don't have Xbox Live Gold, simply playing with a partner locally will greatly enhance the experience.
Borderlands Graphics, Numbers and AI
The cell-shaded graphical style in Borderlands looks great, and the usage of numbers and statistics will give Action RPG fans exactly what they want. Not only do all weapons come with many stats and numbers to determine which is better, but whenever an enemy or player is damaged the number will spray out like blood, which is a far more dynamic method of relaying information than the standard action RPG or MMORPG.
If there's one major complaint to be had about Borderlands, its the AI. Enemies are dumb as bricks and rarely take cover, instead choosing to run out in the middle of open fire. Better enemy AI would have added more challenge to the game, but instead, the majority of the challenge is fighting enemies of a higher level.
Review Conclusion 8.5/10 - One of Xbox 360, PS3, and PC's best Co-op Online Games
Borderlands offers one of the best co-op experiences available on any of the major consoles. Most co-op experiences only last by increasing levels of difficulty, but Borderlands offers added replay value with numerous classes and skill branches to craft unique characters and gameplay experiences. Considering the replay value, Borderlands is well worth the investment for online Co-op fans. Playing with two via local split-screen is also great, but Borderlands truly shines with 4 players online.
Those interested in more Co-op Games for the Xbox 360 game console should check out the games listed in Top 5 Xbox 360 Split-Screen Co-op Games. Gamers interested in more Borderlands coverage should check out Borderlands Class Guide as it contains information on the four classes available in this unique FPS/RPG game.
 |
 |
 |
 |
