Borderlands 2 Reviews

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Written by WorstUsernameEver on October 7th, 2012

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Despite being an all-around improvement over the original Borderlands, Borderlands 2's biggest flaw is that it plays it safe. The formula hasn't really changed much, and while a few system and interface tweaks make it a stronger game, it feels more like a patch or expansion than a brand new experience. Apart from the copious quantities of new writing, Borderlands 2 is pretty much identical to its predecessor, and after three years, one would have hoped for a bit more innovation. Thankfully, the original Borderlands was already a terrific game, so franchise fans would be remiss to not pick up its sequel. For players new to the series however, the original can be safely skipped over without fear of missing out on much. The main campaign of the game is massive, easily clocking in at forty hours or more for a single playthrough, a total that's remarkable for either a dungeon crawler or a shooter. For any RPGamers looking for black comedy and big guns, Borderlands 2 is a solid choice.

I could keep going on about so many fun moments I've had playing Borderlands 2, but I don't want to spoil anything. It is too great not to experience yourself. Even if you did not like Borderlands (which is weird by the way) you should check out this sequel. It is better in so many ways and possibly the best co-op games of 2012. I expect we'll be seeing Borderlands 2 in the game of the year discussions in the coming months and with a lot of DLC being planned you will want to get playing soon so that you're not 50 hours behind your friends when the first new character releases in a few weeks.

With a massive main storyline, countless side-quests, four playable characters and a new game + mode, Borderlands 2 offers and incredible amount to players. Great as a single player experience, but fantastic when played co-operatively, Borderlands 2 represents what games should be about; pure, unadulterated fun. It doesn't care about photo-realistic graphics or gameplay that obeys the rules of nature (you take no damage from falling, and never grow tired whilst sprinting). Everything about Borderlands 2 shows that it is a game that has been built to be enjoyed, to entertain, and to give players a good time. The fact that it manages to do this whilst also delivering a meaningful plot is a testament to Gearbox's hard work. Putting both feet forward, Borderlands 2 is definitely bigger, better and more badass-er.

Being a sequel and all, in many ways there's less of a (wow) factor in playing Borderlands 2, despite the refinements and additions that have been brought to the game. That said, it's difficult to find much to fault with it, at least from a solo-player's perspective. It's a hell of a lot of fun.

Using these new characters, you will be able to create a specific set of skills catered to your way of playing. Snipers, sword wielders and stealth killers look out for Zero the Assassin. As for those who love to rage it up and duel-wield, go with Salvador the Gunzerker. If you love the idea of psychic powers, become Maya the Siren. Or if you're a fan of having a buddy to cover your back, Axton the Commando and his automated turret may be your best bet.

If you liked or loved Borderlands, chances are you already own or are planning on owning Borderlands 2. If you aren't or don't, you should put this on a short list of games to buy. Borderlands 2 takes the formula of shooter and RPG hybrid with a taste of the insane and builds on that quite successfully. The world feels bigger, the stakes feel higher, the story is a lot more involved this time around giving players an arch-enemy at the start you really want to shoot in the face, and the new classes don't feel like a rehash of the classes we had in the first game while still feeling familiar. Co-op still works the same way with an easier way to connect with your friends in game this go around listing who's online right from the start. This is an easy recommendation for anyone who likes first-person shooters and a no-brainer for anyone who liked the first game.

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