marfig
No ROM battery
I'm replaying borderlands after a 7 month hiatus. During that time I also lost my savegame files due to a bad backup schema I had in place when I upgraded to my current machine, so I'm also trying to rebuild a bit of its former glory; 5 builds, 4 different classes, all above level 60. I don't think I will go that far anymore. But will try to get at least two of my favorite characters (Lilith and Roland). Although frankly I love them all.
Next month Borderlands will make 2 years since its release (congratulations!) and as I'm going through this playthrough I just don't cease to be amazed at how up-to-date this game looks and how modern its gameplay still is. Borderlands could have been released today and none would be the wiser. The artistic decisions in the game greatly contributed to make this a title that will cross over the barrier of time. It's a fun fact of this game that it wasn't meant to look like this. We were all supposed to be getting a Fallout 3 look-alike. Screenshots were even made public. It was almost by accident, but also the sign of an inspirational vision, that cel-shading would be a better solution. The decision to use the game concept art, instead of deriving from it was pretty much a radical notion (and still is) for an AAA title. The result is a game that will never look old. Kudos!
The gameplay itself is still superb. The fluidity of controls, the overly high jumps, the weapon system, the RPG elements, the expansive areas, the intelligent humor, all contribute to a game experience that frankly hasn't been seen on FPS for a very, very long time, and we haven't seen since. And in a time we are talking about Hard Reset going back to origins, we must not forget that Borderlands, under the cover of a RPG hybrid, is pretty much a throwback to dumb and fun FPS with a forgetful story but with unforgettable characters and gameplay.
In fact, as I look once more at the poor Metacritic score this game had, I'm pretty much convinced this is one of those games which true global appreciation will only come with time, and no doubt it has a plaque waiting for it that will put among the Classics.
So, I've been playing Borderlands again and enjoying it as if it was the first time. As I am moving to Steam (I'm a slowpoke, I know) my only regret is not having bought it for the platform back then. This may be hard to believe, but the game still requires today the DVD to start (shame!). This Friday I sent an email to 2K begging them to remove this requirement on an upcoming patch. It's just plain ridiculous that this limitation is still there.
Anyways, as I said I've been having lots of fun playing it again. But as I do, it just keeps confirming how important and substantial the DLCs for this game where. I also own all the DLCs (and bough the Scooters tee from borderlands online store once, which I admit was a bit nerdy of me). The game by itself is a blast. Rock solid fun. But the DLCs improve the experience by adding good quality playtime. Heck, it's not everyday that we see a DLC for ANY game out there, introduce memorable new characters and experiences. The Island of Dr. Ned is possible the best DLC ever published, while Knoxx introduces my favorite depressive character of all times. Claptrap has possible the least interesting ending. But the whole DLC is otherwise absolutely top notch, with one of the best multiplayer maps (at least where I had the most fun) of the whole game; Hyperion Dump. And Moxxi's makes for one of the most fun co-op experiences I've experienced for a while, with a very good scaling algorithm that makes it even enjoyable by single-players.
Seeing the work gone into Borderlands DLCs, the vast majority of games pale in comparison. So also here Gearbox and 2K where revolutionary. Everything about Borderlands looks and feels like a work of love. Love for the games and love for the customers. So happy birthday Borderlands. And thank you for still being fun 2 years later. And good luck for Borderlands 2. I just hope it's as good or better than Borderlands ever was.
Next month Borderlands will make 2 years since its release (congratulations!) and as I'm going through this playthrough I just don't cease to be amazed at how up-to-date this game looks and how modern its gameplay still is. Borderlands could have been released today and none would be the wiser. The artistic decisions in the game greatly contributed to make this a title that will cross over the barrier of time. It's a fun fact of this game that it wasn't meant to look like this. We were all supposed to be getting a Fallout 3 look-alike. Screenshots were even made public. It was almost by accident, but also the sign of an inspirational vision, that cel-shading would be a better solution. The decision to use the game concept art, instead of deriving from it was pretty much a radical notion (and still is) for an AAA title. The result is a game that will never look old. Kudos!
The gameplay itself is still superb. The fluidity of controls, the overly high jumps, the weapon system, the RPG elements, the expansive areas, the intelligent humor, all contribute to a game experience that frankly hasn't been seen on FPS for a very, very long time, and we haven't seen since. And in a time we are talking about Hard Reset going back to origins, we must not forget that Borderlands, under the cover of a RPG hybrid, is pretty much a throwback to dumb and fun FPS with a forgetful story but with unforgettable characters and gameplay.
In fact, as I look once more at the poor Metacritic score this game had, I'm pretty much convinced this is one of those games which true global appreciation will only come with time, and no doubt it has a plaque waiting for it that will put among the Classics.
So, I've been playing Borderlands again and enjoying it as if it was the first time. As I am moving to Steam (I'm a slowpoke, I know) my only regret is not having bought it for the platform back then. This may be hard to believe, but the game still requires today the DVD to start (shame!). This Friday I sent an email to 2K begging them to remove this requirement on an upcoming patch. It's just plain ridiculous that this limitation is still there.
Anyways, as I said I've been having lots of fun playing it again. But as I do, it just keeps confirming how important and substantial the DLCs for this game where. I also own all the DLCs (and bough the Scooters tee from borderlands online store once, which I admit was a bit nerdy of me). The game by itself is a blast. Rock solid fun. But the DLCs improve the experience by adding good quality playtime. Heck, it's not everyday that we see a DLC for ANY game out there, introduce memorable new characters and experiences. The Island of Dr. Ned is possible the best DLC ever published, while Knoxx introduces my favorite depressive character of all times. Claptrap has possible the least interesting ending. But the whole DLC is otherwise absolutely top notch, with one of the best multiplayer maps (at least where I had the most fun) of the whole game; Hyperion Dump. And Moxxi's makes for one of the most fun co-op experiences I've experienced for a while, with a very good scaling algorithm that makes it even enjoyable by single-players.
Seeing the work gone into Borderlands DLCs, the vast majority of games pale in comparison. So also here Gearbox and 2K where revolutionary. Everything about Borderlands looks and feels like a work of love. Love for the games and love for the customers. So happy birthday Borderlands. And thank you for still being fun 2 years later. And good luck for Borderlands 2. I just hope it's as good or better than Borderlands ever was.
