User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 850 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 65 out of 850
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  1. Aug 20, 2012
    8
    This game is just great, first person shooter meets rpg and works much better then I thought it would. And borderlands 2 is coming out and it will be better then ever. Borderlands 8.7/10
  2. Oct 31, 2014
    9
    Loot gathering fun at it's greatest. I have logged over 200 hours doing multiple characters both times through. The music, weapons, stylized graphics,and pacing make this game a 10. The very poor storyline and copious backtracking do bring this down for a 9, but it is still an absolute must play for the FPS or multiplayer lover.

    Also the final boss is way too easy when you figure it out.
  3. Oct 30, 2013
    9
    The game is a different spin on the post apocalyptic world schematic. owever, it manages to create it's own mythos and fully developed niche environment.
    It's an open world with 4 different classes to choose from. All with their own different skill sets and special abilities. Each character has 3 different skill sets to build upon (and can even mix and match) to suit the main playstyles.
    The game is a different spin on the post apocalyptic world schematic. owever, it manages to create it's own mythos and fully developed niche environment.
    It's an open world with 4 different classes to choose from. All with their own different skill sets and special abilities. Each character has 3 different skill sets to build upon (and can even mix and match) to suit the main playstyles. Very long game with well made expanded content that gives alot for the money as well. Lots of side quests and a well made main quest chain. Tons and tons and TONS of different weapons. Vehilce traveling is fun as hell too and the game is challenging for sure.
    The only slight drawback may be that the graphics have a unique style. They may not be for everyone.
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  4. Sep 24, 2012
    9
    Borderlands remains one of the few FPS to throw a massive variety of interesting enemies at you that all suit the world they live in. You'll be fighting large flying reptilian bats, burrowing insects, mutated wild dogs, a variety of crazy bandits, long legged war of the worlds style creatures, and mad mini robots to name just a few off the top of my head. You also get big awesome bossBorderlands remains one of the few FPS to throw a massive variety of interesting enemies at you that all suit the world they live in. You'll be fighting large flying reptilian bats, burrowing insects, mutated wild dogs, a variety of crazy bandits, long legged war of the worlds style creatures, and mad mini robots to name just a few off the top of my head. You also get big awesome boss fights providing you with ample opportunity to use different tactics to overcome them either by yourself or with a party of friends. The world of Pandora is a sparsely populated wasteland but still has interesting geography features and you'll be visiting a variety of locations from junkyards, to military installations, to wide open sandscapes requiring buggy style vehicles with weapons to negotiate their girth. Borderlands deserves all the praise it gets for its unique and witty take on a post apocalyptic world with massive depth and an awesome level of RPG style character customisation not seen in usual FPS fare. Unique. Expand
  5. Jun 18, 2012
    8
    This is probably one of the best co-op games on the Xbox. There are dozens of hours of gameplay and quite a few guns to pick up. However, there isnt much of a story and most of the areas look the same. I liked the leveling system and the different classes. If you love going around killing things and picking up loot, Borderlands is for you
  6. Jun 15, 2012
    9
    This game is witty and addictive. I have been known to be glued to this game until the early hours. The combat and levelling system is great and the quests themselves are good too, although some of them can feel a little bit same-y. The first few missions are a little tedious too, but after that the game is well worth sinking your teeth into. Truly one of my favourite games.
  7. Jul 24, 2012
    9
    To me, Borderlands was an insanely fun RPG that managed to hold my attention all the way through to the end, with interesting settings, weapons and characters. The cartoon-like graphic style is not for everyone, but I personally liked it. It made the game seem vibrant and colourful, a stark contrast to many other recent shooters. As an RPG it is fantastic. There are only 4 characters, butTo me, Borderlands was an insanely fun RPG that managed to hold my attention all the way through to the end, with interesting settings, weapons and characters. The cartoon-like graphic style is not for everyone, but I personally liked it. It made the game seem vibrant and colourful, a stark contrast to many other recent shooters. As an RPG it is fantastic. There are only 4 characters, but each can be played in a variety of different ways, meaning multiple playthroughs are possible. There are so many customisation options, from abilities to guns to armour that the game can feel overwhelming, but once you get into it you will love fiddling with items to get the best stats. As an FPS it is pretty fun; the controls are maybe not as tight as other titles but it is solid and never feels difficult or frustrating to play. It must be noted that this game is much better played in co-op with friends as this will make the experience even more enjoyable. The only downsides are a few bugs and glitches here and there (most of the ones I encountered were minor but I know others who weren't so lucky), and some repetitive and grind-y quests that can be tedious. Otherwise, Borderlands is great fun and I would highly recommend it. Expand
  8. Jul 17, 2012
    8
    This game could be a 10 if the quest log didn't get so gunked up with pointless busy-work that was only there for the sake of going back over the same terrain a few more times to level up. There are times you have to traverse the same area 4, if not 5, times just to be done with a quest-tree and keep moving. That said, the game is fun to play. I like looting and shooting and looting someThis game could be a 10 if the quest log didn't get so gunked up with pointless busy-work that was only there for the sake of going back over the same terrain a few more times to level up. There are times you have to traverse the same area 4, if not 5, times just to be done with a quest-tree and keep moving. That said, the game is fun to play. I like looting and shooting and looting some more just as much as the next guy. If I could make one recommendation it would be for there to be some way to upgrade a weapon you already have and like. Also, why not make the cars upgradable too? More room for character customization would also have been nice. This game amounts to being an arcade shooter with platformer-scape and a very fun time sink but at times gets repetitive as you endlessly drop unworthy foes or pick off the more formidable opponents one at a time in a slow process of fire-then-retreat. It can be beaten with as much or as little care as you'd like to take and you'll probably have the same success rate as the next guy as long as you keep an eye out for rare weapons with different colored titles. The odd thing about a game like this is, depending on the loot you acquire, the final boss can be easier than the first boss--as was the case in my experience. The game just needed a little bit of refinement and it could've been a 9 or better. Expand
  9. Aug 8, 2012
    10
    Borderlands is a great game, a fun shoot-em-up style with cool funky graphics and a good comedy ring to it, it is definitely more fun to play with your friends, trade weapons and help eachother out with the many quests.
  10. Apr 24, 2020
    10
    In many ways, it's the best Borderland game in the series. It takes itself more seriously than the games following. The world environment feels more desolate, dangerous and oddly more alluring to explore. Skill trees are not as advanced as later games but they are just as fun and of course there are weapons galore.
  11. Nov 28, 2012
    9
    No story to speak of, but the action is awesome and the variation of guns is stagering, Each kill or chest holds the hope of a better gun or artifact. The multiplayer is also great finishing a quest in your friends game completes it in yours as well. The car is nothing special just a good way to get around so don't expect any great vehicular battles but as I said the solo or team combat isNo story to speak of, but the action is awesome and the variation of guns is stagering, Each kill or chest holds the hope of a better gun or artifact. The multiplayer is also great finishing a quest in your friends game completes it in yours as well. The car is nothing special just a good way to get around so don't expect any great vehicular battles but as I said the solo or team combat is just too good to miss. I recommend choosing the soldier if you are unsure tossing out a turret to distract and pick off enemies while you finish off the rest is great. The upgrade system is fun but not super deep, although I was always super excited to spend my upgrade point each time I levelled up. Expand
  12. Jan 15, 2013
    9
    Borderlands é um ótimo game,uma mistura boa de FPS e RPG,o único contra é o fato da ambientação ser repetitiva,mas mesmo assim,quem procura um game de tiro frenético,borderlands é a melhor opção.
  13. Jun 27, 2013
    8
    A very fun, highly stylized shooter with rpg elements, Borderlands is destined to become some sort of minor classic. It can't stand up to games like Fallout 3 or Halo however, because its story is too thin, and its pacing is very laid back, even for an open world game. I did like how the game had its own unique and quirky sense of humor though. The myriad of cool weapons is impressiveA very fun, highly stylized shooter with rpg elements, Borderlands is destined to become some sort of minor classic. It can't stand up to games like Fallout 3 or Halo however, because its story is too thin, and its pacing is very laid back, even for an open world game. I did like how the game had its own unique and quirky sense of humor though. The myriad of cool weapons is impressive and leveling-up and looting is very addictive. The comic book styled graphics were a good design choice also. It's not a deep game that'll completely change your life, but it's a very entertaining and memorable one. I recommend it. Expand
  14. Mar 28, 2013
    9
    Borderlands is an original, open world first person shooter that includes some elements from modern MMORPG games, such as the quest, loot and leveling system. It has a unique, hand drawn graphics style, which I think looks nice, and adds to the originality if the game. The game takes place on the planet of Pandora. Legend has it that somewhere amongst this dangerous wasteland, lies aBorderlands is an original, open world first person shooter that includes some elements from modern MMORPG games, such as the quest, loot and leveling system. It has a unique, hand drawn graphics style, which I think looks nice, and adds to the originality if the game. The game takes place on the planet of Pandora. Legend has it that somewhere amongst this dangerous wasteland, lies a hidden alien vault, containing countless treasures. You play as one of four ‘vault hunters’, each with their own skill set and perks. Your goal is to find this Vault on the harsh planet of Pandora, and whatever treasures lie within. Many enemies and loot lies along the way. The game features many interesting and funny characters throughout the story line, resulting in some great dialogue.

    Many of the games concepts are based on those found in modern MMORPGs. Throughout Pandora, rewarding chests, enemies and quests will yield loot; this can consist of weapons, shields, class mods, grenade mods, and relics. The game’s random weapon generator ensures that there is actually well over a million different weapons in the game, all with varying statistics. Players can receive quests from different characters and bounty boards throughout the game. You can take on many quests at once, from many different zones within Pandora, and you can then choose which quest to take on next, based on the location, objective and rewards. As players gain experience from defeating enemies and completing quests, they will level up. As players level up, new quests and weapons will become available. Another important feature of Borderlands is the skill system; each of the four player classes has three unique skill trees in which they can choose to specialize in, plus a unique ability available to that class. The player gains one skill point per level, and can choose to allocate this point how they please within the desired skill tree. Players should try to allocate their points to different skills based on their desired play style.

    Borderlands is not only incredibly fun and addictive to play by yourself, but you can also play cooperatively with other players, either split screen or over the internet. Exploring the world of Pandora, collecting loot with 3 other players is a whole new experience. You can choose to stick closely together to assist each other in combat against a great number of enemies, or you can choose to split up and tackle separate quests at the same time, while remaining together in the same world. The more players in the game, the harder the enemies are to face, and the more loot you shall receive. Each of the four classes in the game are balanced well and can each contribute to the combat in their own way.

    Borderlands is not without its flaws, otherwise it would have received a ten out of ten rating; the same brown, dusty wasteland environment can get boring after spending so long traveling the wastes. The enemies can also become repetitive toward the end of the game, once you have faced each type of opponent countless times. Despite the story being gripping, I never really found myself truly hooked to the story.

    The game may have an 18 certificate, but I believe most 15 year olds, and even mature 13 year olds would be able to play through Borderland without any trouble. Profanity is rare, and the violence is more ‘cartoony’ than anything else. Players must think about which skills to specialize in, and compare the stats of weapons, it is not just a simple action-shooter about shooting people.

    Overall I think Borderlands is truly a great game. I found myself hooked at different points throughout the game; I enjoyed getting progressively more powerful as I collected new weapons and developed my characters skills to fit my play style well. I would give this game a nine out of ten.
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  15. Apr 5, 2013
    9
    Borderlands was a wonderful surprise when I bought it...the cel-shaded graphics were appealing to the eye, gunplay was awesome, the mix of RPG and FPS worked perfectly together, colourful environments, characters and villains, and also I had such a blast playing this with my friends, if your going to okay this game, play it with friends. Also some really good DLC aswell...my only gripesBorderlands was a wonderful surprise when I bought it...the cel-shaded graphics were appealing to the eye, gunplay was awesome, the mix of RPG and FPS worked perfectly together, colourful environments, characters and villains, and also I had such a blast playing this with my friends, if your going to okay this game, play it with friends. Also some really good DLC aswell...my only gripes with it is that I feel the game didnt really focus on the story all to much and the ending was a massive anti-climax...but if you are fan of RPG, FPS or Co-Op games, then this is the game for you Expand
  16. Apr 25, 2013
    9
    fps rpg great game. But hackers and save problems. were i couldnt play thourgh 2nd time it killed xp for me but is still a great game. cool art style. CLAPTRAP!
  17. Feb 9, 2014
    8
    Borderlands is a lot like Cell Damage, it's undoubtedly fun despite not having the appearance of a quality game. Numerous side missions so even the non-DLC gamer can enjoy it, along with a great premise and plot leaves you wanting to play Borderlands more and more.
  18. Jan 2, 2014
    9
    I would give this game an 88 but I must round up. Initially, I thought of it as a tongue in cheek Fallout 3 game, which made me dislike it. However, after playing through it, I loved it. There is great replay value in this game because you can go with different skill trees for all four characters. The world is immense and there is tons of loot to be had. If you like FPS with RPGI would give this game an 88 but I must round up. Initially, I thought of it as a tongue in cheek Fallout 3 game, which made me dislike it. However, after playing through it, I loved it. There is great replay value in this game because you can go with different skill trees for all four characters. The world is immense and there is tons of loot to be had. If you like FPS with RPG elements that is geared towards collecting loot, you will thoroughly enjoy this game. It is also one of the most charming games to come out in a very long time. The characters will have you laughing out loud all throughout the game. I actually like Borderlands more than Borderlands 2 because the assault rifles are so much better and the sniping isn't so wobbly. In all, this game is well worth buying. Expand
  19. Jan 8, 2018
    8
    Borderlands is the best loot based game that I have ever played. The gameplay is so solid that it made me want to keep playing it just to get the next gun. My only complaint is that the story just is not there.
  20. Dec 31, 2013
    9
    The first RPS (Role Playing Shooter), and a giant success. Borderlands has a unique and gorgeous artistic style, tons and tons of loot, and it's insanely addicting and rewarding especially with friends. The story is weak but in a game like this it doesn't matter too much.

    Borderlands gets a 9.1/10
  21. May 31, 2014
    8
    This game is very OCD. What I mean by that is that it entices you to do mission after mission nonstop until you realize how much time you've invested in a day! So you can get a whole bunch of missions at once and you're free to go about which one you want to do. The fact that you have to level up is very unique although I can't say it is much different from any other open world games likeThis game is very OCD. What I mean by that is that it entices you to do mission after mission nonstop until you realize how much time you've invested in a day! So you can get a whole bunch of missions at once and you're free to go about which one you want to do. The fact that you have to level up is very unique although I can't say it is much different from any other open world games like Far Cry. I hear a lot of comparision between this and Fallout but I've never played it so I can't say for sure. Another OCD factor about this game is the amount of items you can carry is limited. You can upgrade to bigger inventory but they give you soo many variation of guns, shields, grenades, etc. that you really have to figure out what you like best. Overall I like it cause it's addicting but I don't know why. I can understand why some like it and some don't. The graphics are not the best and the developers seemed very lacking on creativity with enemies. However, they make this up by incorporating humor into the game. Overall, the gameplay and sidequest will keep you playing and this is a pretty interesting 'weird' game. Expand
  22. Jul 31, 2014
    10
    It reminds me of why I love games in the first place. It shows that sandboxes aren't limited to shocking games like GTA, but can be decent, entertaining games on their own merit. Guns,loot, and a hilarious cast and comic art style make this entertaining to no limit.
  23. Aug 17, 2014
    8
    Borderlands is a diamond in the rough. It is an MMO RPG meets FPS with a unique art style. Borderlands has SO, SO, SO, SO, SO, SO, SO, SO many guns and almost all of them are useful, even if only for a sort time. The character skill trees are well built, but the world is very brown and there isn't much enemy variety. Borderlands is still an exceptional game that shouldn't be missed.
  24. Jun 26, 2020
    9
    Well I have completed this game multiple times, completed all side missions, this is simply fun fun fun, some missions are a little boring, but it is like the 2% of the game
  25. Jun 19, 2018
    10
    OK Randy Pitchford, 1st off, take your time on Borderlands 3. Whatever time it takes to make it great, take that time. Just release it before I die please.

    Now, regarding Borderlands, great game, worthy of a 10. BL2 is better. I gave this one a 10, so what the heck do I score BL2?? Regardless, my only issue with the 1st Borderlands has nothing to do with the game itself. Thanks for
    OK Randy Pitchford, 1st off, take your time on Borderlands 3. Whatever time it takes to make it great, take that time. Just release it before I die please.

    Now, regarding Borderlands, great game, worthy of a 10. BL2 is better. I gave this one a 10, so what the heck do I score BL2?? Regardless, my only issue with the 1st Borderlands has nothing to do with the game itself.

    Thanks for making Borderlands backwards compatible for XBOX ONE. Problem is, I don't want to play it yet because I hear Borderlands may be released as a Remaster soon. If that's the case, I'd rather wait and play it when the remaster comes out. But if the remaster is far off OR isn't going to happen, I wish you would clarify that so I can go ahead and play it as XBOX ONE backwards compatible.

    I'm waiting for some hint or clue to determine when and how I play Borderlands 1 again. I hope this is clarified soon because I'm itching to play it! Here's hoping for clarification in the near future. But, love me some Borderlands! Oh and please make Aliens Colonial Marines and Duke Nukem Forever XBOX ONE backwards compatible soon, sign those forms to make it happen good sir...

    Thank you
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  26. Feb 27, 2016
    10
    Borderlands is one of the most purely fun games I've ever played. I have hundreds of hours off the base game alone and probably around 60+ off the DLC. This is another game that any fan of the RPG/Shooter genres should own
  27. Mar 6, 2017
    9
    This is an amazing game and it gets even more amazing when you get all the DLC. One of the better games on the system and definely worth a purchase if you haven't played it.
  28. Jul 23, 2016
    10
    Borderlands is, in my opinion, the greatest game of all time. It's blend of action, adventure, and comedy is simply unparalleled. I have completed the story mode eight times now and still love it. What sets this game apart from all others though is the sheer amount of customization; there are millions of weapons that you find or can buy, a decently sized skill tree, shields, grenades,Borderlands is, in my opinion, the greatest game of all time. It's blend of action, adventure, and comedy is simply unparalleled. I have completed the story mode eight times now and still love it. What sets this game apart from all others though is the sheer amount of customization; there are millions of weapons that you find or can buy, a decently sized skill tree, shields, grenades, general mods that boost specific stats like health or gun accuracy. It has it all. Due to this, Borderlands offers ENORMOUS replay value (as you can tell from how many times I have played through it). I honestly cannot recommend this game enough. JUST TRY IT!!! :) Expand
  29. Sep 9, 2016
    8
    Phenomenal title. Extremely immersive, deep role playing elements, and fantastically addictive co-op. I have nothing but love for this game. However, I wish that the world was entirely open and not limited to zones, and that there was a house or a trunk to store items.
  30. Aug 7, 2018
    9
    It combines RPG's and first person shooters to make an awesome game. As much as I love this game, it still has it's many faults. The story is still exciting but not quite immersive. Perhaps the worst thing about this game is the underwhelming final boss battle. However, the gameplay is utterly fantastic. Rating - 88%
  31. Aug 27, 2021
    8
    A fun Mad Max-like cooperative shooter with RPG elements. The game drags at first, but eventually finds a rhythm. Fans of Halo and Left 4 Dead will certainly enjoy it. Each playable character has their own skills and abilities. As you progress, you'll discover tons of loot and weapons. You can play solo, but the real fun comes in partnering with three other players. I would rate this withA fun Mad Max-like cooperative shooter with RPG elements. The game drags at first, but eventually finds a rhythm. Fans of Halo and Left 4 Dead will certainly enjoy it. Each playable character has their own skills and abilities. As you progress, you'll discover tons of loot and weapons. You can play solo, but the real fun comes in partnering with three other players. I would rate this with an 8.5 out of 10. Expand
  32. May 22, 2019
    8
    I do really like the core gameplay here, but all of the playable characters (with the exception of Brick) have pretty boring action skills.
  33. Nov 6, 2018
    10
    Borderlands isn't as good as Borderlands 2 in many ways but it started it all and was still for its time awesome. It still is great but if you play it and then play Borderlands 2 you will quickly see that 2 just improves on Borderlands. So it doesn't make Borderlands bad or worse as it was years before Borderlands 2 so i am rating this as if Borderlands was just released as when it wasBorderlands isn't as good as Borderlands 2 in many ways but it started it all and was still for its time awesome. It still is great but if you play it and then play Borderlands 2 you will quickly see that 2 just improves on Borderlands. So it doesn't make Borderlands bad or worse as it was years before Borderlands 2 so i am rating this as if Borderlands was just released as when it was this was a game i never stopped playing. I recommend this to anyone. There is 4 player classes 4 player coop and tons of fun. Finding great weapons is one of the pains as unlike Borderlands 2 where you at least knew which enemies could drop what in Borderlands you basically farm Red Chests and hope you get some good purple stuff as the orange and pearl stuff was few and far between and with all great purple weapons you had what you needed. The 4 DLC Expansions were great and i still prefer Lilith's phasewalk to Maya's Phaselift but still play this and see if you don't like it. Expand
  34. Jan 17, 2021
    8
    In its time it was the WoW with guns. Online Coop with randoms let you not enjoy the story. I Played it after almost 10 years a second time, to focus on the story.
  35. Jul 28, 2020
    8
    in terms of replay value this one beats the sequel without even trying(lol so random borderlands 2 meme hardy har har)

    the game play is satisfy and just really delivers on crunchy feedback which really animates the game and helps it seamlessly delivers a consistent satisfying experience that never gets boring. the violence in this game i just satisfy to watch, from the heads popping
    in terms of replay value this one beats the sequel without even trying(lol so random borderlands 2 meme hardy har har)

    the game play is satisfy and just really delivers on crunchy feedback which really animates the game and helps it seamlessly delivers a consistent satisfying experience that never gets boring.

    the violence in this game i just satisfy to watch, from the heads popping from electrocutions, to watch the upper torsos of bandits explode in a glorious display of bloodshed.
    as some who has plated this game from star to Finnish 3 times it delivers in all areas.
    the story might suck but so does the plot of borderlands 2,pres sequel etc.

    anyway that was my 2 cents
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  36. Jul 23, 2020
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I know it's old but its so good and so engaging
    And I can't let it go that's it
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  37. Sep 3, 2021
    10
    Awesome action packed with great graphics and everything else as well that's awesome
  38. Aug 16, 2021
    8
    Don't be dumb like me and think this is just a regular shooter LOL. Once I got passed that part, it actually is a great game and have been loving the series ever since.
  39. Sep 13, 2021
    9
    O primiero jogo da Franquia Borderlands é de longe um dos melhores jogos da geração X360 e PS3.
  40. Mar 11, 2022
    10
    I cannot stress this enough when I say: this. game. is. GREAT. I sunk roughly 100+ hours into this game and I would definitely play it for 100 more.
  41. Sep 9, 2022
    8
    The average score is for feeling like I was constantly grinding to level up. I also think the weapon drops weren't all so great a lot of the time and I felt like I was wasting my time. I think the game and the characters were incredibly adventurous, story was a great experience but some things just made me not like it and love it at the same time, which is why I gave it an average score.
  42. Jan 10, 2023
    10
    Einer der besten Spiele was ich jemals gespielt habe Kann ich nur jedem empfehlen
  43. Aug 1, 2023
    9
    One of the most innovative and iconic looter shooters of all time, Borderlands sets up a franchise that will dominate the genre for decades. Even though many of the more recent Borderlands titles improve on many aspects of the game mechanics, there have been no classes to date that have the mobility as the ones in this game.
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 83 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 80 out of 83
  2. Negative: 0 out of 83
  1. 87
    In short, Borderlands is a top-quality shooter and grind-fest.
  2. X-ONE Magazine UK
    90
    A furiously successful RPG and FPS combination that doesn't fall short on either front. [Issue#52, p.86]
  3. When a game has such vicious combat, an intriguing skill system, and full co-op capability, a mediocre story can be overlooked. Borderlands is a necessity for any fan of the FPS and RPG genres, or just down-right looting fun.