Borderlands: Some highlights

At some point I may be ready to review Borderlands in it’s entirely. I’ve created 5 separate character files, tried all the classes, gotten above level 20 with three of them and finished a play-through with one. I’ve played online with two of my characters and sampled the splitscreen mode. To be perfectly honest, there remains alot of content to see and I still have the “omg I have to get home and play right now” feeling. This is after something beyond 40 hours of playtime. So I’m not gonna review the game, since I haven’t played the whole game and I’m still in love with it. Instead, here are some random thoughts from a gamer that’s still swooning…

Loot Love – There is a game play “feeling” being held hostage here. It’s the same thing that consistently drove me back to play World of Warcraft and with Diablo II gave me with a reason to avoid sleep. Fun, functional, unique weapons. Nothing beats the moment you equip that awe inspiring drop… except the first time you fire it!

User Driven Criticals – Critical strikes are becoming a commonality, especially in RPGs. Borderlands is no different, with weapons that confer +150% Critical Damage and skill points that improve it as well. The difference? Head Shot == Critical Hit. End of story. This has been a source of endless glee for me, and has motivated me to become a better shooter. Having all those extra stats behind you is a good motivator to aim rather than spray and pray. One last thing, every time that you get a critical hit, the word “Critical” pops out from the target in bold, red letters. Imagine if you will a point blank burst from a very accurate SMG. It’s like Christmas.

Charm – Borderlands has my favorite opening sequence in recent memory. It should be experienced in high definition and with the sound turned up. Watch it if you like. I’m obsessed with the two songs used in this game, Cage the Elephant – Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked and DJ Champion – No Heaven. They both have a feeling of untouchable badassery with a dose of pure fun that always gives me a few goosebumps. I could also start to comment on the art style, but any words spoken about it would not do it justice. It must be seen.