Borderlands - Gamefreaks Review

The cover of Borderlands should just about sum it all up: the image of what looks to be a mutated human with his fingers pressed to his head as if to imitate blowing his own brains out. Oh and yeah, there's also what looks like some type of brain matter splattering out in a yellow mass behind him. With a rating of R18, you just know that you're going to be in for one hell of a freaky ride with Borderlands.

Borderlands is set on a planet called Pandora that has a very funky kind of western-type, steampunk vibe going on. You'll see and discover elements of futuristic technology (such as weapons) but some of the environment and buildings give off a very western-like feel.

The gameplay is split between four different character types which introduces the RPG element (as each character has individual strengths and weaknesses) and in single player mode you get to choose who you want to play. Bearing in mind that the game can play out differently for each character simply due to their differences and skills. You've got the choice of either a grunty tank (Berserker) type, a Hunter who specialises in long-range weapons, the Siren who possesses magic ability and the Soldier.

If you're familiar with RPGs you'll understand how most of the game progression is structured in Borderlands. But leveling up isn't simply a matter of just killing things. You'll be required to complete missions (which can involve killing other NPCs, beasties etc) and strategise your way through some of the more difficult encounters.

And this is where the co-op game mode is really great. Although Borderlands starts off slow, things can get pretty difficult early on if you're running in and just shooting everything. With group co-op gameplay, the entire dynamic of the game changes and working as a group definitely has its advantages, especially in the more difficult missions.

Borderlands isn't all about shooting although you'll be definitely working your way through the ammo. The gameplay is similar in style to Diablo, where you're constantly having to search the environment for money and whatever you can get from the bodies. Killing and looting everything in sight will soon become a force of habit.

It's difficult to determine how well a game will do when it pushes the boundaries of blending two distinctive genres like shooters and RPGs together. But Borderlands is developed with both types of gamer in mind and the missions, storyline, characters and game mechanics cater for this exceptionally well.

And If you think romping around through Pandora with your mates will be a blast in co-op mode, Borderlands has more than just oodles of weapons to acquire and fancy powers to use - you can even get mobile with vehicles.

Downloadable game content will be available for Borderlands on the Xbox 360 from the 24th of November in New Zealand so it's well worth considering if they're already pumping out the expansions. Fans of running and gunning might find Borderlands is something a little more challenging and RPG fans looking for a a break from the fantasy world will definitely get it with Borderlands.