Borderlands

[Gold Rush]

So...Borderlands...

Here is the shortest review I can think of :

It's like "Fallout-Lite"...but with multiplayer tacked on.











The above sums it up nicely, but as usual, I gotta add some details:

Okay, so the multiplayer CAN be fun, especially if you are not with some douchebags, but it is mostly just the same game as the single-player version...just tougher enemies are added and supposedly the drops one gets tend to be better, but I have not seen evidence of this. Also, a minor annoyance is that your quest-log is filled up if someone has played with someone who has completed said quests. It is a minor quibble and I think you can still get/finish those quests if your character never has done them, but I still have to test it out. There is combat between players, if one wishes it (or enables it in game options). You can have open-air combat or Arena style combat (with no option enabling; you go to the Arena).

The game itself is, like I said before, rather a Lite version of Fallout. The stats are not so heavy; the only point expenditure you really do is from a rather simple skill tree. You can max a skill to "5" on the first level of one branch and can unlock the next branch. From there you can spend and further points in the skill you didn't choose on that branch, go to the next level and up that skill, or go to another branch. Also, if you are unhappy, you can pay for a skill do-over.

Each class has their strengths (Hunter,Tanker,Soldier, and "Phase Walker") and their skill improve their inherent talents, especially among their favorite weapons, but one can use any weapon actually. To improve your usage, you just keep using a certain weapon and your skill improves with usage. The only thing here is that most of these weapons are guns, either short-range (shotguns) or long. There are no real melee weapons although there is a generic melee attack and some weapons enhance that (every character can do it). These are the only skills to build upon (again "Fallout Lite"); there are no skills such as Lockpicking.

The game can be long if you let it. One has to wait til Level 5 before getting your first Skill Tree point and it seems best to wait til Level 20 before you leave the first initial town/area/base of Firestone. There is a bit of a linear story to guide you along with some side quests that provide money, weapons, and XP. One cheesy thing you can do to gain more money is to hit all the money boxes in your area (one load area can be big) then either go to another area or simply exit your game (the game autosaves in certain points that you are introduced to) then re-enter the game; the game re-fills all containers and you can loot them once again...and repeat.

The (NPC) characters you meet are alright, but nothing stellar. The one unusual/funny thing is that the whole game seems like a Fallout-homage: There are several callouts to this in-game. Your ultimate mission is to find "THE VAULT", which has been rumored about. There is even a bobblehead of the gun merchant you initially meet in the opening sequence (as per the bobblehead included in the Fallout Limited Edition lunchbox). One can also find these scattered throughout the game, but these seem to give one money and nothing else. The humor of the game is "alright" imo, but nothing stellar.

So far, this has been an entertaining game, from a simplistic level. One can snipe from a distance and shoot things up close, but there is an annoying tendency, in my opinion of respawns that are too quick: one clears an area that is high/equal level, moving to the next room and before you know it people you killed in the previous rooms have respawned. This especially hurts because your inventory slots to carry things are limited at first and I tend to go back to the shop/soda dispenser to sell them (most are located at the entrance of a particular area). If you leave items, they will disappear after a time. One can alleviate this a bit by picking the item up and dropping it, but this can get tedious. Respawns can even happen in open areas, but once you have unlocked a vehicle to drive, one can at least not be too bothered by them and either run them over or use your mounted machine gun or Rocket Launcher with Unlimited ammo.

If you need a Fallout fix, this may be good for you. While the gameplay is made more simpler than Fallout, the mechanics is still a bit too much like Fallout. One hears reports of games being made in post-apocalyptic settings and since Fallout came out, they all don't want to be EXACTLY like Fallout so they change something: Their scenery or graphics or Background setting/story. Since this game is a bit of an homage, it seems that only the graphics were changed.

For other folks...well, I would have preferred to have paid something like $29.99 for this or less rather than the full price I paid for it. I feel it's more worth the 30 buck price tag than the $50 it's going for. So, maybe hold off and wait for a bargain bin discount.

[Kurai Inago]

Now you see, I friggen love this game to death, but for a very simple reason. THE GUNS MAN THE GUNS! It's awesome that when I go exploring in Borderlands as Opposed to Fallout, I actually might find me some cool loot, instead of "Oh, Just another X Gun that I have 900 of already" It makes me actually want to take the time to explore. I'm not saying that I like it better than Fallout, just that Fallout's a great RPG, while this is a really fun Shooter.

[Gold Rush]

Now you see, I friggen love this game to death, but for a very simple reason. THE GUNS MAN THE GUNS! It's awesome that when I go exploring in Borderlands as Opposed to Fallout, I actually might find me some cool loot, instead of "Oh, Just another X Gun that I have 900 of already" It makes me actually want to take the time to explore. I'm not saying that I like it better than Fallout, just that Fallout's a great RPG, while this is a really fun Shooter.

Have to agree there, but this also vexxes me. I tend to find something I like that, for me, has great stats. Then, I level up. The gun I found at Level 10 (or 13) is still better than many of the replacements I find at Level 15 or 18! The newer version tends to fail in some way; either not enough bullet storage or a a penalty to recoil reduction or something...or all three! I was carrying around the Level 3 Special Edition Gamestop guns for a very long time, because they did better overall than what I found. Even the Purple weapons I find on bosses have some limits, although I have yet to really give Sledge's shotgun a good try (but it seems like it can do a hell of a melee alpha strike, judging what he was doing to me when using it!).(the standard quality text colors of white-green-blue-purple-orange applies)

[Dr Jack Wolfe]

I'm not very deep into it, but I gotta say the fricking engine is fast as hell. 2500x1600, 16x anti-alias, blah blah blah. Lots of FPS. I wonder if optimizing for the consoles is what allows this thing to fly on the PC.

[Akamaz]

so can you play "with friends" and get a four person frie nds game going? or is this more like you just "play online" where you are randomly assigned to a game in progress?

i'm waiting for the special pricesmyself for this one, but the question is... wil anyone still be palying it when that happens? i've heard that it is very repetitive

[Dr Jack Wolfe]

You can play with friends, we (Guardian Angels TMBZ) are all playing together. Very L4D like with levels.

[Joe Schmoe]

Very fun game! Reeaaally fun.

[Akamaz]

that's what i was hoping you'd say Jack, l4d with levels eh? now all we need is for someone to make a l4d mod for it :)

[Gold Rush]

Very fun game! Reeaaally fun.

Well, really, the truth is I am probably gonna be playing this when I get home, so yes, again, I'd have to agree. Maybe I am comparing it with Fallout too much? Although a simple game, it does what it does nicely.

[Kurai Inago]

Have to agree there, but this also vexxes me. I tend to find something I like that, for me, has great stats. Then, I level up. The gun I found at Level 10 (or 13) is still better than many of the replacements I find at Level 15 or 18! The newer version tends to fail in some way; either not enough bullet storage or a a penalty to recoil reduction or something...or all three! I was carrying around the Level 3 Special Edition Gamestop guns for a very long time, because they did better overall than what I found. Even the Purple weapons I find on bosses have some limits, although I have yet to really give Sledge's shotgun a good try (but it seems like it can do a hell of a melee alpha strike, judging what he was doing to me when using it!).(the standard quality text colors of white-green-blue-purple-orange applies)

I've been using the same Revolver and Shotgun for 10 levels now. (Though, come on, the Revolver shoots 7 Rounds per shot and it's accurate as hell) Sledge's gun is great for Melee, but it's insane spread and fire rate make it really bad if whatever your shooting at is more than a few yards off.

So who's playing on what System? I'd like to try and get a Guru group together for this. 360 Myself.

[Half Life]

XBox 360, if anybody is playing it on their please add me as a friend, would love to try out the multiplayer ive been hearing so much about

Slip Breed

[Akamaz]

i'm debating on picking it up, but am waffling bwetween this and l4d2. i think it may depend on how the l4d2 trial demo whatever goes...

[Meltman]

Is there a demo out for it on any platform?

[Dr Jack Wolfe]

I've been using the same Revolver and Shotgun for 10 levels now. (Though, come on, the Revolver shoots 7 Rounds per shot and it's accurate as hell) Sledge's gun is great for Melee, but it's insane spread and fire rate make it really bad if whatever your shooting at is more than a few yards off.

So who's playing on what System? I'd like to try and get a Guru group together for this. 360 Myself.

I have all 4 archtypes, but am mostly playing the hunter on a PC. Not very far in yet with only an hour or so a day to play. Gamespot ID is Jack_Wolfe

[Gold Rush]

I alternate games between systems. Right now, I am playing it on the PS3. Been doing a Hunter for the most part and toying around with the other Archetypes.

[Plasma Wisp]

I like it alot. It appeases my love of FPS and love RPG's. Randomly found out that voice chat is built in PC Multiplayer.

GameSpy ID: The_Plasma_Wisp

[razoras]

Not too impressed with the game. Pretty good use of cell-shading, though. I think the only other game that has felt as "drawn on your screen" was Okami.

Characters are derivative and predictable, storyline is derivative and predictable, and game play is not incredibly interesting. Rather than doing both the RPG elements and the FPS elements really well it's pretty bland in both areas. But, hey, it's not Hellgate:London!

It runs really poorly on my machine at resolutions and graphics settings below what I can run Fallout 3 at, so that really sours me even more on it. Probably more than everything else combined. The only time it runs good is when I'm Single Player, and I don't want to be playing single player! I wanted to play with friends but every time I do I get too frustrated to enjoy the experience and I don't have the time to keep up (and just a few levels makes a HUGE impact).

[Plasma Wisp]

The_Plasma_Wisp is also my steam ID

[iggy880]

Been meaning to rent this for my Xbox to play with the roommate and friends but haven't gotten out to Blockbuster yet.

Also, don't know how many of you check the Escapist(at least for more then Zero Punctuation) but the guys from Unskippable(think MST) worked their magic with the opening cinematic. (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/unskippable/1055-Borderlands)

[Joe Schmoe]

Finally got my hosting games ability working.

My GamespyID is joeschmoe4ever

[Kozzma]

Picked this up on Saturday, it is like crack, level 24? soldier by last night once I figured out all the little tricks and got some decent gear. only played multi player once and I was 1/2 the same level as every one else.
Might buy it on steam and give this copy to my son, he has been watching over my sholder. loves all the godzilla, and other referances in the game as do I.

Game Spy ID Kozzma

[Hydrothermia]

I bought it Friday night after work from Steam and it has taken my attention away from every other game right now. I really like the references and the story so far is very cool. Already a level 34 Soilder in a day of play (24+ hours).

Game Spy ID: hydrothermia

[Joe Schmoe]

Reached the ending! Fun game! I rarely enjoy new games, but this was one of them.

[Gold Rush]

I don't know if this is true with Xbox-ers, but on 11/24 (I guess that is today!) they will be releasing new content with Multi-Player. A new map and expansion to play. The new map is called "Jakob's Cove" and the new expansion is : The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned.

[Kozzma]

Just an FYI, the second run-though is just as fun as the first one hit 50 like 3-4 days ago and still enjoying it. you do find better versions of the same weapons, ran though the last 20% of the game with Joe, Korp and Jaarka in about 4 hours. the game is just fun.

[bpphantom]

I've still never finished it... or come anywhere close. *shrug* Maybe we'll make a return to it a few months from now or something.

[Kozzma]

I've still never finished it... or come anywhere close. *shrug* Maybe we'll make a return to it a few months from now or something.

I talk to you what 5 out of 7 days a week let me know when you you want to play!

[Meltman]

Got this on Steam when it was on sale this weekend. Loving it so far (only lvl 12 though) especially once I got my multiplayer problems sorted out (one of the ports I was forwarding was the wrong type, whoops).

[Tarkenchi]

DLC is up, $9.99 on steam.

[Plasma Wisp]

Rumor of a new DLC that involves multiplayer-centric content is strengthening.

[The Icy One]

Whats the DLC?

[Meltman]

If you mean the one currently available, then it's the Zombie Island of Dr. Ned. (http://store.steampowered.com/app/5515/)

[RedSwitchblade]

Um.. HOLY SHIT THAT LOOKS AWESOME.

[razoras]

Also comes with SecurROM copy protection and a 5 install limit.

[Akamaz]

so i guess l4d2 is being put on hold until monday then?

[bpphantom]

Also comes with SecurROM copy protection and a 5 install limit.

Well then. No thanks.

[razoras]

Your existing executable has also been patched to include SecureROM even if you didn't buy the DLC.

[bpphantom]

Your existing executable has also been patched to include SecureROM even if you didn't buy the DLC.

Ah. Fuck Borderlands then. Sucks to be Gearhead. I'm done with them after that.

[razoras]

It's possible it's all harmless, because the update to the executable might not be anything but wasted bytes without other SecureROM executables, but it has left fingerprints in there (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=18821855&postcount=9031). The whole patch process is pretty shifty, done without any notice or patch notes.

[Plasma Wisp]

The Borderlands Securom is just the lifeguard teenager. Harmless but can mess with you for a bit.

The one's over yond at EA are armed guards at the kiddie pool.

http://kotaku.com/5423539/borderlands-expands-again-with-mad-moxxis-underdome-riot-%5Bupdate%5D

Gearhead sees a future in this and won't, I hope, fuck it up by doing this to PC's. [Gamespy hosting make me irked, but w/e]

[Gold Rush]

Still, makes me glad I got this on the console, even though it's not as flexible as the PC.

[Half Life]

Never understood why people get so pissy about Secure-Rom, if you arent pirating then why does it matter?

[bpphantom]

Never understood why people get so pissy about Secure-Rom, if you arent pirating then why does it matter?

Internets is wonderful ;)

SecuROM bad for your PC (http://www.reclaimyourgame.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=56&Itemid=16)

SecuROM doesn't uninstall (http://forums.tweakguides.com/showthread.php?t=4027)

Still more SecuROM issues (http://club.myce.com/f81/securom-versions-associated-issues-77695/)

If you don't install malware that fucks your system voluntarily, why would you install malware that calls itself DRM?

[Meltman]

From your own 2nd link: http://forums.tweakguides.com/showthread.php?t=4027
I already do mention that a program or game has SecuROM in the relevant tweak guide (pages 3 and 4 usually), and please remember that SecuROM is not the same as StarForce. SecuROM is annoying but nowhere near as potentially damaging as StarForce. At worst secuROM can cause your secuROM-protected game to crash. It does not do any other damage or cause any other intrustion.

[Akamaz]

securerom can also cause issues with cd drives, and it also takes system resources.


that's what part of the problem is, that it installs itself on the Kernal and takes up processing power and RAM even when not using the securom "protected" (in quotes becuase SPORE was one the biggest bittorrented game of 2008 despite the program) software.


my big issue with securom is the installation limits that they're putting on a single CD. (or steam account if you got it through steam) My wife likes for me to uninstall stuff from the computer if it isn't being used. having to call up tech support to ask them for permission to reinstall is a bit ridankulous

[Akamaz]

but aside from that i still bought borderlands today on STEAM (with zombie island)

gamespy id is akamaz1369 friend me so we can play!!!!!!!!

[Akamaz]

also, i love my sniper machinegun, i just wish that there was a way to make your own guns. I had a scoped rocket launcher that just wasnt cutting it damage wise anymore, and now i have an unscoped one.

my favorite weapon captions is by far for my new shotgun


"Holy Crap! this shoots ROCKETS!"


i will say one thing though... they call this the game with a bajillion guns... notice they didn't call it the game with a bajilliion "good" guns.

my current loadout:
Sledges Shotgun Damage: 57 × 11 = 627
Accuracy: 0%
Rate of Fire: 4.2
Magazine Capacity: 2 (4 with class mods/skills)
Bonuses:
The Legend Lives
+150% Melee Damage
+106% Damage
+10000% Burst Fire Rate (Fires all shells in quick succession)
Static Law
and my sniper machine gun

Heavy Weapons Class Mod (+55% ammo capacity for weapons +2 "IMPACT" skill +3 magazine size increase skill

[iggy880]

Is it worth the $34 on Steam? Been holding off one buying like anything on their after X-Mas sale and if it doesn't go on sale there tomorrow I don't think I want to miss that sale if truly worth it.

[Tarkenchi]

Yes. It absolutely is.

[Akamaz]

well, i can say without a doubt that Borderlands is worth it. definitely worth it. i just got done playing a four player game with melty, Razorus and my friend Raptor Jesus and I'm having a blast with my soldier. I honestly can't wait to try out some of the other classes more.

[iggy880]

Didn't want to at that price but I felt I was missing out and wouldn't find a better price until everyone stopped playing so I caved...though its downloading at a crawling rate so gonna run it through the night and hope

[Plasma Wisp]

You'll like it. If you have steam, post your name and those that play could help you out. Single player and multiplayer use the same missions.

[bpphantom]

Though only Multiplayer is remotely fun.

[Akamaz]

i have several low level characters to play with you with

[thebluecanary]

I just got this got the 360. It is a very cool game. Teamed with a few lvl 50 friends, and I hit lvl 15 in under 30 minutes. Also have more money then I know what to do with. Makes the game much easier. Also once you get your hands on a ammo recharge mod, you never need buy ammo again.

Friend of mind even has a combat rifle with a +6 ammo regen on it. I have a lvl 9. In the time it takes me to reload my SMG I have already gained back all the shots fired.

[iggy880]

I think most of you guys already have my Steam so can't wait for it to finish(my wifi is totally crap no joke) and play it tonight

[iggy880]

Played a bit, got to lvl 10 then as no Gurus on signed off

[Meltman]

What's your Gamespy ID, Iggy?

[Akamaz]

borderlands takes gamespy ID's, not steam id's

[iggy880]

Ahh, then I need to dig that up. Think Game Spy isn't even on my PC anymore. What's the point of having it on Steam if doesn't even function with it

[Joe Schmoe]

Ahh, then I need to dig that up. Think Game Spy isn't even on my PC anymore. What's the point of having it on Steam if doesn't even function with it

What they meant was it uses Steam, but not as your ID. It uses your GameSpy ID. You don't need to download Gamespy.

[iggy880]

well ID is iggzy880 and I downloaded GameSpy for the hell of it so look for me on either I guess

[Plasma Wisp]

The_Plasma_Wisp is my GameSpy ID

[Meltman]

Mad Moxxi's Underdome Riot is out for PC now. Yay bank!

[Akamaz]

booo being poor :(

[Meltman]

booo being poor :(

Boom, check Steam.

[thebluecanary]

Mad Moxxi's Underdome Riot is out for PC now. Yay bank!

So whats that one all about? Any good?

[Meltman]

Includes a bank with extra storage space for loot, and the main feature are 3 arenas where you fight waves of enemies that increase in difficulty and after the first round, all waves are effected by some special powerup (enemies take less damage, reduced gravity, everyone speeds up, etc.) If everyone dies, you lose, though the normal bleed out rules still apply. You only get ammo and health pickups between waves.

The playthrough 2.5 version is haaaaard by yourself.

[Akamaz]

The playthrough 2.5 version is haaaaard by yourself.

which I bet is why Melty bought me a copy... thanks Melty!

[Meltman]

which I bet is why Melty bought me a copy... thanks Melty!

Had nothing to do with it.:look:

[Akamaz]

new borderlands DLC available

http://store.steampowered.com/app/50110/

[thebluecanary]

new borderlands DLC available

http://store.steampowered.com/app/50110/

Downloaded, and waiting to find the time to play. Lvl 61 here I come! (Once I get to 50. =P I'm only 47 atm.)

[Akamaz]

ok, is it just me or is it taking forever for this thing to dl? (upload speed on steam right now is <200kbs

[Akamaz]

Well worth the purchase... new vehicle is sick, can't wait to see how it plays out in mixed campaigns and new stuff..

Moxie is scooters mom.... who knew?

[Tarkenchi]

The one issue I have with the new DLC is the level ranges. I loaded it up on a second playthrough at level 47, enemies spawned at 51-61(!), and I got totally raped. First playthrough, everything's level ... 38.

Kind of annoying. Either I get fucked in the ass, or I stroll through without and sort of challenge.

[Akamaz]

well, it is supposed to be taking place directly after the events of the original missions so i can kinda see that...

[Akamaz]

fyi, i love the apc for multi... not so much for solo though... a four seat vehicle where each seat has a different job/attack.... mines, an AoE blast, the cannon, and the drivers minigun with the best fire arc and accuracy in the game... it makes you want to actually shoot things instead of just running them over.

[thebluecanary]

fyi, i love the apc for multi... not so much for solo though... a four seat vehicle where each sea has a different job/attack.... mines, an AoE blast, the cannon, and the drivers minigun with the best fire arc and accuracy in the game... it makes you want to actually shoot things instead of just running them over.

Wait, you can SHOOT things with the car? And all this time I just used it to run things down.

[Akamaz]

Wait, you can SHOOT things with the car? And all this time I just used it to run things down.

lol... they made the enemies in the expansion mostly un-runoverable. the giant spider thingies have legs longer than your vehicle is tall, and a lot of the crimson lance are in areas where you can't run them over.

[Gold Rush]

lol... they made the enemies in the expansion mostly un-runoverable. the giant spider thingies have legs longer than your vehicle is tall, and a lot of the crimson lance are in areas where you can't run them over.

I should play this again, but that sucks you can't run over things as easily as you used to.

But yeah, machine gunning things was alright, at least for an initial attack burst.

[Meltman]

At the high levels the car never lasted that long running things over anyway.

[Akamaz]

true... the Crimson lance APC is prety nice for a full party, but it's the slow tank (4200 health though) of the vehicles... i think that they sped up the regular cars, and they have the monster, which is a truck with homing missiles that's in between the two

[Akamaz]

borderlands crazy sale (66% off game and aLL dlc)

game and all dlc total at $20.36

http://store.steampowered.com/app/8980/