Borderlands Review

Borderlands, developed by Gearbox Software and published by 2K Games, is a groundbreaking action role-playing first-person shooter (RPG FPS) that redefined the genre. Released on the PlayStation 3 (PS3) in 2009, Borderlands combined the visceral combat of a shooter with the loot-driven progression of an RPG, all set in a unique and visually striking world. This Borderlands PS3 review explores the game’s key features and lasting appeal.

Gameplay: Shoot, Loot, and Level Up on Pandora

Borderlands on the PS3 delivered a unique gameplay experience centered around the core loop of shooting enemies, collecting loot, and leveling up your character. Players choose from four distinct Vault Hunters: Brick, Mordecai, Lilith, and Roland, each with their own unique skill trees and playstyles.

The game features a vast arsenal of procedurally generated guns, resulting in millions of possible weapon combinations. This “loot shooter” mechanic, combined with the game’s RPG elements, provided a compelling sense of progression and encouraged players to constantly seek out better gear. Borderlands also featured cooperative multiplayer, allowing up to four players to team up and tackle the game’s challenges together.

• Unique blend of FPS and RPG gameplay
• Four playable Vault Hunters with distinct skill trees
• Procedurally generated weapons with millions of variations
• Cooperative multiplayer for up to four players
• Open-world environment on the planet of Pandora

Setting and Style: The Wild World of Pandora

Borderlands is set on the harsh and desolate planet of Pandora, a world filled with bandits, dangerous creatures, and the promise of untold riches. The game’s visual style is distinctive, featuring a cel-shaded art style that gives it a comic book-like appearance.

This unique art style, combined with the game’s dark humor and over-the-top action, created a memorable and instantly recognizable aesthetic. Pandora itself is a character, with its diverse environments ranging from arid deserts to icy tundras.

Story and Characters: The Vault Hunters’ Quest

Borderlands‘ story revolves around the search for the Vault, a legendary alien treasure said to hold incredible power. Players follow their chosen Vault Hunter as they navigate Pandora, completing quests, battling enemies, and encountering a cast of memorable characters.

While the story serves as a backdrop for the action, it’s the game’s characters and its overall tone that truly shine. The dialogue is often humorous and irreverent, and the villains are both menacing and entertaining.

PS3 Experience: Bringing the Loot to PlayStation

The PlayStation 3 version of Borderlands brought the unique blend of shooting and looting to the PlayStation audience. The game performed well on the console, delivering the fast-paced action and cooperative gameplay that defined the experience.

The PS3 controller provided a solid control scheme for both shooting and navigating the world of Pandora. Players were able to team up with friends online to experience the game’s cooperative multiplayer, which was a major draw.

Legacy: A Genre-Defining Hit

Borderlands was a critical and commercial success, and its influence on the shooter genre is undeniable. It popularized the “loot shooter” subgenre and paved the way for numerous other games that combined FPS mechanics with RPG progression.

The game’s unique art style, addictive gameplay loop, and emphasis on cooperative play made it a standout title and helped to establish Gearbox Software as a major player in the industry.

Is Borderlands on PS3 Worth Playing Today?

Yes, Borderlands on PS3 is still worth playing today, especially for those who enjoy loot-driven action and cooperative gameplay. While its graphics may show its age, its core gameplay loop remains addictive and satisfying.