Borderlands

 PC
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1852 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,191 out of 1852
  2. Mixed: 474 out of 1852
  3. Negative: 187 out of 1852
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  1. AlexS
    Oct 28, 2009
    7
    I got this game on steam, with 3 friends in a 4-pack, while the Canadian dollar was at a high, costing me only 35 bucks, half of what a brand new game usually is. I can count right now 11 people who I could play it with. It's a blast to play, the graphics are great, the environments are awesome, it has a great feel. But this is coming from someone who got it for a steal and has a I got this game on steam, with 3 friends in a 4-pack, while the Canadian dollar was at a high, costing me only 35 bucks, half of what a brand new game usually is. I can count right now 11 people who I could play it with. It's a blast to play, the graphics are great, the environments are awesome, it has a great feel. But this is coming from someone who got it for a steal and has a bunch of friends to play with. For someone who doesn't have a group of friends to play Borderlands with, or is about to buy it for more than 45 bucks Canadian (I guess around 40 USD), I say to you, pass. A list of my experiences thus far: -The AI is kinda lacking, it just doesn't do anything special or noteworthy like try to flank you, or run for cover. -The leveling is way too quick, I got to level 30 in three days of 2-3 hours a day. -The guns suffer a lot from what Diablo 2 weapons suffered from, and that is that when you find an amazing weapon, you will stick with it until you find another amazing weapon. Yeah, more than 17 million unique guns, 95% of which you'll leave on the ground or use to fatten your wallet. -Playing with anyone but your friends is usually out, because of how greedy people get over guns, and how eager they are to let you bleed out and die. -The ending is less than thrilling and pretty much makes no sense. -The first time the environments are definitely awesome the first time, but I could see myself getting bored of them after that. It's a good game, but I get the feeling that I only enjoy it because I am always with 3 good friends, and I didn't put much money into it, so I can feel alright about not playing it too much. In conclusion, what I am trying to say is buyer beware; if you have friends that you know will play with you, and you guys are getting this cheap, go for it, you'll like it, it really is new and refreshing. Otherwise, pass it for now. Wait for some DLC, or until it is cheaper, then consider it.… Expand
  2. ZAQ
    Oct 28, 2009
    8
    The core game is fantastic, and runs very well on my modest system (AMD 3500+, 8600GT). What brings down this game is the use of Gamespy for the co-op matchmaking, which is a HORRIBLE system to use and I wish Gamespy would just die already. Connecting to a game is very difficult, and it is lacking some very basic features such as the ability to mute other players and the ability to sort The core game is fantastic, and runs very well on my modest system (AMD 3500+, 8600GT). What brings down this game is the use of Gamespy for the co-op matchmaking, which is a HORRIBLE system to use and I wish Gamespy would just die already. Connecting to a game is very difficult, and it is lacking some very basic features such as the ability to mute other players and the ability to sort games in the lobby. On top of that the UI was clearly designed for consoles and is very unintuitive on the PC. Despite the faults I'm having a lot of fun playing it so I give it an 8, which is a shame because if Gearbox would have spent a bit more time on the PC version it could easily have been a 10.… Expand
  3. MadL
    Oct 29, 2009
    10
    Bloody brilliant game, loads of content (guns, upgrades, quests, enemies), single player lasts long, which is good as the game is fun. The game also has 4 player online also, which is very fun once again and i love the overall design of the game and the humor. A game i would wholeheartedly suggest to a friend.
  4. HaqeemA
    Oct 29, 2009
    10
    Borderlands is incredible, really distract my attention from Modern Warfare 2 and Left 4 Dead 2. Featured with cool and smooth graphic and "outline" styling (artwork ftw!) just like Prince of Persia, up to 4 player in multiplayer mode (more epic than those zombies shooting title) this product is worth every penny! I can't write more about this game cause this too awesome!
  5. FezzT
    Oct 31, 2009
    9
    From the art style to the gameplay, to the voice acting, this has been a game to remember. I'll be honest when i say that in begining, i was reminded of fallout 3, which i thought was extremely boring but had so much work done to it. but this game delivers so much more excitement and the visual style is enjoyable. 4 player co-op is incredibly fun, but you must all be at the same part From the art style to the gameplay, to the voice acting, this has been a game to remember. I'll be honest when i say that in begining, i was reminded of fallout 3, which i thought was extremely boring but had so much work done to it. but this game delivers so much more excitement and the visual style is enjoyable. 4 player co-op is incredibly fun, but you must all be at the same part of the game for this to work. Still this game is amazing… Expand
  6. StevenI
    Oct 31, 2009
    7
    A game with a lot of potential, but potential is the key word. The PC version is a horrible port of a console game with limited support for everything has changed within the last 10 years of online gaming. To heavily market a game based on its online experience, only to provide an utterly shambolic system to provide it, is embarassing. They couldnt even be bothered to make the intial A game with a lot of potential, but potential is the key word. The PC version is a horrible port of a console game with limited support for everything has changed within the last 10 years of online gaming. To heavily market a game based on its online experience, only to provide an utterly shambolic system to provide it, is embarassing. They couldnt even be bothered to make the intial loading screens (necessary only for the console version) skippable.… Expand
  7. GM
    Oct 30, 2009
    9
    I love this game. Yeah, its a little repetitive, like a hack'n'slash kinda like diablo versions. But the graphics are crazy (in a good way), the mind numbing variation of weapons you can use however you game (power over accuracy, visa-versa, etc). Different game, pretty awesome. You oughtta try it, especially if you can find it on sale. I love it!
  8. Xiru
    Oct 30, 2009
    10
    10 without a second thought. The minor flaws of the PC version are completely overshadowed by the highly addictive gameplay, engrossing atmosphere and incredible variety. This game, without a doubt, offers an astounding experience to anyone even a little familiar with either shooters or RPGs - while fans of the two genres are in for a very, very special, unforgettable treat.
  9. ChrisT
    Oct 30, 2009
    9
    I've been a gamer all my life, growing up i'd play on the Amiga then on a Pentium 1 200mhz and upgrading ever since. I've played a insane amount of games, recently however I have been growing tired of the games coming out as they don't seem to offer anything new. I was hesitant of getting this game but I am really glad I did, I haven't really got this hooked on a I've been a gamer all my life, growing up i'd play on the Amiga then on a Pentium 1 200mhz and upgrading ever since. I've played a insane amount of games, recently however I have been growing tired of the games coming out as they don't seem to offer anything new. I was hesitant of getting this game but I am really glad I did, I haven't really got this hooked on a game for awhile, its insanely addicting. The way I would describe it is like Diablo hack and slash style but instead its first person run and gun. Loot is almost exactly like diablo, randomly generated guns and items that drop from your kills. The also also somewhat like WoWs items as they are rated in quality (white to purple) Also the quests are kinda like wow as well as you get them from NPCs and have to kill, obtain, other stuff... however its soo much more funner as you have tons of guns to test out on your enemies. Also getting critical hits takes accuracy (headshots and other places depending on the enemy) and is not a percentage like WoW. I have been playing single player the whole time and I usually only play multiplayer games which is weird for me, shows how good of a game it is imo. I think this game would be twice is bad ass if you team up with a friend, asd I plan on doing that soon. Also the AI is pretty cool, as they zig zag, sidestep, strafe, so they are challenging to hit. Heads can get blown off as well as limbs and they can even gib given the right weapon. The NPCs are funny as hell too.… Expand
  10. RivanF
    Apr 26, 2010
    9
    I keep going back to it. Need I say more? I'll say what I didn't like since the list is smaller: Enemies were pretty easy. Their difficulty is based more on how many hitpoints they have rather than being actually "skilled". IE, moving around for cover, trying to out maneuver you, etc... Would like to see a PvP system better instilled. Some weaponry is crazy powerful and make PvP I keep going back to it. Need I say more? I'll say what I didn't like since the list is smaller: Enemies were pretty easy. Their difficulty is based more on how many hitpoints they have rather than being actually "skilled". IE, moving around for cover, trying to out maneuver you, etc... Would like to see a PvP system better instilled. Some weaponry is crazy powerful and make PvP pretty pointless, unless there's some way to better level the playing field. Perhaps in a further patch (if this were figured out, I could imagine a Borderlands MMOFPS that would be extraordinarily fun). Also, obviously, the weapon hex editing would need to be stopped... Parts were rather repetitive, but yet I still go back.… Expand
  11. LysanderS
    Nov 11, 2009
    8
    Great game, offset by a terrible and weak storyline. As an RPG it's pretty average, and as an FPS it's pretty great. With a ton of weapon and enemy types, you won't get bored easily. Sexy graphics forced me into an 8, otherwise it would be a 7 because of the weak story. Basically, you have to find a vault filled with "riches". Besides that, each character is supposed to Great game, offset by a terrible and weak storyline. As an RPG it's pretty average, and as an FPS it's pretty great. With a ton of weapon and enemy types, you won't get bored easily. Sexy graphics forced me into an 8, otherwise it would be a 7 because of the weak story. Basically, you have to find a vault filled with "riches". Besides that, each character is supposed to have it's own story, with Lilith seeking out another "siren", Brick looking for revenge on the person who killed his dog, Mordecai looking for his old mentor and the x-crimson lance Roland looking for...well i haven't a clue. Each character is supposed to have had it's own quests in the game, but was for some reason scrapped, meaning each playthrough with either of the characters is exactly the same. That makes replayability suck, and means the single storyline is the vault. Once you complete the game you're given the chance to playthrough again giving you more powerful enemies, but there's not much of a point as it's just the same quests again. The whole game, including each side quest and a bit of grinding took me...exactly 24 hours and 1 minute. So it's not as long as other RPGs but much longer than other FPS's. Signs of a clear console port are the serious problems with controls, such as toggle crouch and steering with the mouse rather than the normal WASD. Also a number of interface issues and multiplayer connectivity problems. Overall definitely worth a go, you don't want to miss out on this game, but be prepared for a weak story and some much needed patching. Especially for the PC...*shudders*… Expand
  12. JoeK
    Nov 17, 2009
    5
    I am very disappointed with the PC support of this game. It is obviously a rushed port of the console version, and lacks push to talk. There remain numerous bugs even after a 3 week late patch, which was expected at launch. The game itself is wonderful, skill and equipment progression are very well done. Combat is superb. If the PC support were there, I would have no reservations about I am very disappointed with the PC support of this game. It is obviously a rushed port of the console version, and lacks push to talk. There remain numerous bugs even after a 3 week late patch, which was expected at launch. The game itself is wonderful, skill and equipment progression are very well done. Combat is superb. If the PC support were there, I would have no reservations about this game, however, due to the lack of customer support from Gearbox, I will not be buying any DLC or future PC games from them.… Expand
  13. KevinC
    Nov 2, 2009
    8
    All in all, a fun little game. The action is fast paced and a steady stream of rewards keep you moving from area to area. Also, I found the robot NPC genuinely amusing, which is very rare for a video game character (most comic relief NPCs are cloying or distracting, but this little guy's ADHD made me smile). What really hurts this game is GameSpy's matchmaking service which is All in all, a fun little game. The action is fast paced and a steady stream of rewards keep you moving from area to area. Also, I found the robot NPC genuinely amusing, which is very rare for a video game character (most comic relief NPCs are cloying or distracting, but this little guy's ADHD made me smile). What really hurts this game is GameSpy's matchmaking service which is tragically flawed. Despite many attempts, I have never been able to join a friend in game. I hope someone from GameSpy reads this because I'm very disappointed in your company's service and you guys need to do better than this.… Expand
  14. SpencerC
    Nov 3, 2009
    9
    worth it. Its a full rpg that HAPPENS to use guns, not a fps with some rpg in it. multiplayer is accesible and multiplayer (among other things) make this game timless. You WILL be playing this game 5 years from now, even if you abandon it for 3
  15. PaulL
    Dec 13, 2009
    9
    Fantastic game. I love the Diablo-like looting and leveling mixed with the action of a fps. This is the most fun I've had with a game all year.
  16. DavidD
    Dec 14, 2009
    8
    Great Game in Co-Op/Multi, but in Single Player make the game not so much fun, because its too easy in single and thats make it boring...
  17. Gashx
    Dec 27, 2009
    0
    Unfortunatly, not only can I not recommend this game, but I actively recommend you do not buy it. I have found it to be one of the poorest value for money games I have bought in recent time. The reasons are as follows: at launch match making was very poor with myself and many friends being unable to reliably connect to games. After the first patch, the shadows suddenly didn't work Unfortunatly, not only can I not recommend this game, but I actively recommend you do not buy it. I have found it to be one of the poorest value for money games I have bought in recent time. The reasons are as follows: at launch match making was very poor with myself and many friends being unable to reliably connect to games. After the first patch, the shadows suddenly didn't work properly. And after the 2nd patch character models didn't display properly. The sum total of my purchase is a broken and unplayable game which I struggled through a few hours of and sepnt more time trying to get working than actually playing - AVOID.… Expand
  18. YannickL
    Dec 29, 2009
    10
    This is the best game! It's like Diablo But one skill and it's first person shooter! It's awsome
  19. TannerG
    Dec 31, 2009
    9
    Very fun game, too bad the mutiplayer you have to open ports to get to work or else i would give it a ten
  20. JeremiahP
    Dec 30, 2009
    3
    As a single player game, it's loads of fun. I can see myself wasting tons of time in this game in the months or even years to come. However, as it was adverstised as a Co-op game, I find myself severely let down. It seems unexcusable to me that two months after the game is released, the PC version is still plagued by severe connectivity issues. It takes a PC user with a bit of As a single player game, it's loads of fun. I can see myself wasting tons of time in this game in the months or even years to come. However, as it was adverstised as a Co-op game, I find myself severely let down. It seems unexcusable to me that two months after the game is released, the PC version is still plagued by severe connectivity issues. It takes a PC user with a bit of confidence and knowhow to open the appropriate ports to even get it halfway working right. 10 years ago, this may of been acceptable. This is not acceptable in today's day and age where "ease of use out of the box" is one of the cornerstones of good software design. And don't even get me started on the sloppy menu interface. Bottom line, if you want to play this with friends, stick with a console release, don't even touch the PC release.… Expand
  21. ThiagoM
    Dec 31, 2009
    10
    If you're fan of Diablo and fan of a Post Nuclear World (Liek Fallout) then you will love Borderlands... The game has a linear storyline, but it gives you an universe of Skills combination that you aquire along your levels of experience. It has very different classes which gives you a reason to start another game just to play as other character. The multiplayer its very simple and If you're fan of Diablo and fan of a Post Nuclear World (Liek Fallout) then you will love Borderlands... The game has a linear storyline, but it gives you an universe of Skills combination that you aquire along your levels of experience. It has very different classes which gives you a reason to start another game just to play as other character. The multiplayer its very simple and cool (The only prob is realeasing the right firewall ports). So, if you ready to collect hundreads of different weapons, build characters in different levels and smash Hundredes of monsters with Rocket Launchers, Sniper Rifles, Machineguns and Grenades, Borderland is your game!.… Expand
  22. ChrisS
    Oct 26, 2009
    9
    I've played this game at a friends house on the 360, and I must say we had a blast playing this game. The true fun comes from the coop game play. Playing by yourself can be ok if you wanna level your character up and take it to the multi, but with no Friendly AI in single, its not the main fun point of this game. There are many guns and pickups the game play was smooth, but smoother I've played this game at a friends house on the 360, and I must say we had a blast playing this game. The true fun comes from the coop game play. Playing by yourself can be ok if you wanna level your character up and take it to the multi, but with no Friendly AI in single, its not the main fun point of this game. There are many guns and pickups the game play was smooth, but smoother on pc. The enemies and animation were great! Overall, If you get this game and enjoy the rpg elements fused with fps, then you will not be disappointed.… Expand
  23. VincentC
    Oct 26, 2009
    9
    Excellent game, fun, easy to get into, but the customization has depth, and it is fast paced when your playing with 3 friends! I personally love the graphics, I was upset when i first saw the change, because I had been following this game forever, but once I booted the game and saw the images up close and personal I can tell you it is beautiful. Good call visually!
  24. AdamS
    Oct 27, 2009
    10
    This is one of the most fun and addictive games I have played in ages. It has the action RPG elements of Diablo and the FPS elements of Halo. The Firefly-esque Sci-Fi/Western feel works to blend these genres well. This is the most addictive game I've played since WoW and I can't believe I'm taking the time to type this rather than playing it right now!
  25. BiffB
    Dec 7, 2009
    0
    A pretty good game until they start treating PC users like second class citizens. The console release came out a week earlier and they've had the DLC for two weeks now, with nothing but empty promises of "Were working on it, have it right up" from Gearbox for PC users.
  26. NatoT
    Oct 27, 2009
    8
    As a game, Borderlands is an easy 9/10. Fallout 3's action was too slowly paced for me, but Borderlands is much faster. The world feels a little constricted, in that you can't see as far as you can in Fallout 3. Also, there are chasms and cliff faces which prevent you from going to the distant places that you can see. This are both problems with the otherwise excellent Unreal As a game, Borderlands is an easy 9/10. Fallout 3's action was too slowly paced for me, but Borderlands is much faster. The world feels a little constricted, in that you can't see as far as you can in Fallout 3. Also, there are chasms and cliff faces which prevent you from going to the distant places that you can see. This are both problems with the otherwise excellent Unreal Engine that the game utilizes extremely well in all other aspects. As a product, Borderlands falls a a bit short. There are some menus (in-game journals, quests) which cannot be scrolled with the scroll wheel on the mouse, for instance - you must use the page up/page down keys. This is one example where the UI behaves in annoying non-standard ways, and was clearly made for use on a console. There also doesn't appear to be any support for anti-aliasing, another limit from the console development which harms the game visually. So averaging 9/10 as a game and 7/10 as a PC product, Borderlands is overall an 80% from me.… Expand
  27. JackJ
    Oct 27, 2009
    10
    So much fun!
  28. DontouchMeThere
    Oct 27, 2009
    10
    This game is AMAZING, Well worth the money, lots of interesting dialogue, and TONS of weapons. This is everything I'd ever wanted in an RPG/FPS hybrid, the combat is smooth, the enemies are challenging, and the humor... is humorous!
  29. MooMan
    Oct 29, 2009
    9
    If you like RPGs, this game is for you. If you like FPS, this game is for you. Although this game was made for x-box, they did a fairly decent job making it usable for PC although it "reeks" of x-box. This game deserves a 8 but i like it so much i'll give it a 9. Most of the "ba zillion guns" are crap white.
  30. Philip
    Oct 31, 2009
    9
    Superb FPS gameplay, addictive loot and level-up mechanics, and kick-ass art style! Solo or co-op, this game is awesome! Post-apocalyptic Diablo with guns, more please!
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Awards & Rankings

31
#31 Best PC Game of 2009
8
#8 Most Discussed PC Game of 2009
17
#17 Most Shared PC Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
  1. IGN
    88
    It's something action role-playing game fans looking for an experience more up-close and brutal than genre entries of the third-person variety should have a blast with, and one of the more memorable products of 2009.
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  2. Destructoid
    85
    With tons of weapons to find, a great co-op system, fantastic art, and a whole bunch of exploding bodies, Borderlands is worth your money. Even when I feel that the game is starting to get repetitive, there's something about it that keeps me playing.
    Read full review
  3. AtomicGamer
    92
    I think you'll agree that when you've got guns blazing from four players at once and loot is flying everywhere, Borderlands easily makes up for any perceived shortcomings.
    Read full review
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