Preview: Borderlands

Borderlands has been on my "games of interest" list for quite a while now, probably since the game was announced shortly after the launch of BioShock. For some reason, every time the game was shown I was previously indisposed and at this year's E3, a landslide of appointments kept me away with PixelPoet getting to enjoy the action. Recently, I finally got my chance to sit down with a an early preview build of the game and see what the hub-bub was all about. My assessment of this RPG/Shooter is pretty much in line with Pixel's: Dynamic. There is a lot here to enjoy and for gun toting minutia lovers, this game is a dream.

I will start off by saying I did not yet get a chance to play as all four character types. Once I actually got in to the nitty gritty of playing, I was so engrossed that I forgot to try the others out. Although, I did make one character change at the very beginning of the game. I started out playing as Mordecai the Sniper since sneaky shooting seems to be my strong suit. Unfortunately, the single player campaign is really not geared toward this type of character since you are often faced with three or four enemies at a time and it is easy to get overwhelmed. Another issue was that the beginner sniper gun had such a slow firing rate that I would find the enemy on top of me before I could get more than one or two shots in. Once I switched to Roland the soldier however, things changed significantly.

Each character in Borderlands has a special trait that enhances their gameplay. In RPG style, your characters abilities can be improved through the use of skill points that are assigned each time you level up. Roland's special skill happens to be the ability to throw down a shield turret that effectively shields you from bullets while firing at any nearby enemies. As Roland himself says "It's like having another soldier in the field." It makes it much easier to take on multiple enemies, especially the Skags, a giant rodent type enemy that seem to constantly be popping out of holes everywhere and where there is one, there are always at least three or four more. Roland also has a powerful melee attack with a giant knife for when things get a little too close for gun use.

Speaking of guns, there are a lot of them. In fact, it's reported that there are literally thousands to choose from once you really get in to the game. Weapons, shields, ammo and health items are available BioShock style from vending machines. Completing the various missions in the game will reward you with money that you can then spend to upgrade your arsenal. But don't think you are going to be able to walk around with every gun you run across. You have a limited amount of carrying space to choose wisely. I liked the weapons purchasing, but I must admit I got a bit overwhelmed by all the different versions and gun types once the list really started expanding. But, for those of you with a fondness for micro-managing and comparison shopping, this element will be just what you're looking for.