Borderlands

 Xbox 360
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 850 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 661 out of 850
  2. Mixed: 124 out of 850
  3. Negative: 65 out of 850
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  1. PaperCoversRock
    May 27, 2011
    10
    This could quite easily be THE greatest game i have ever played. I used to be obsessed with videogames until the next-gen consoles came out, then everything that made games fun was thrown out the window and replaced by "impressive graphics". Frankly I don't care how my game looks, if it's entertaining and incredibly fun to play. Borderlands is all of that and more!

    In a time when    This could quite easily be THE greatest game i have ever played. I used to be obsessed with videogames until the next-gen consoles came out, then everything that made games fun was thrown out the window and replaced by "impressive graphics". Frankly I don't care how my game looks, if it's entertaining and incredibly fun to play. Borderlands is all of that and more!

    In a time when videogames cost 50-60 dollars a piece, I have a EXTREMELY HIGH priority on a games replay value. there's no way in hell that i'm going to shell out 50 bucks for a game i'm only going to play once, there's yet to be a game introduced that i'd pay that much for a one time experience.

    Not only would Borderlands be worth 50+ dollars for a one time experience, it basically prides itself on the fact that the game is so good the creators implented a "playthrough counter" which was one of the first things i noticed and immediately thought....oh this is going to be good.

    I know this review is just one giant opinion on my impression of the game, but there's literally so much about it that makes it a phenomenal game that the 5000 character max on metacritic is simply not enough space to write about all of it.

    here's the kicker:

    I bought this game at GameStop about 3 weeks ago for.....13 **** yea    … Expand
  2. ImUnavailable
    May 8, 2011
    8
    Borderlands brilliantly blends FPS and RPG elements with neither side feeling underdeveloped. The story is swiftly dispensed with but this game is not about a compelling narrative. Its about lots of loot and plenty of grinding. Borderlands really shines when played with friends where items and experience are shared, emphasising teamwork and co-operation. Given the sheer number of weapons,Borderlands brilliantly blends FPS and RPG elements with neither side feeling underdeveloped. The story is swiftly dispensed with but this game is not about a compelling narrative. Its about lots of loot and plenty of grinding. Borderlands really shines when played with friends where items and experience are shared, emphasising teamwork and co-operation. Given the sheer number of weapons, its an achievement that each one feels unique meaning that each player will have their own favorite gun. Environments do become quite dull and repetitive as do the missions. There is also a disappointing lack of customization available for vehicles, surprising considering how customizable characters are. This game won't appeal to every gamer but if you and some pals want an entertaining co-op game, look no further than Borderlands.… Expand
  3. TheQuietGamer
    May 7, 2011
    9
    Borderlands is a fantastic game, it takes the best from games like Fallout 3, Halo, and Call of Duty, and adds in it's own unique gameplay elements and sense of humor, the graphical style is unique and fantastic, and the sound is great, and it's just so much fun to play, my only complaints are that it has some bugs, long load times, and all the quests are just fetch quests, but these flawsBorderlands is a fantastic game, it takes the best from games like Fallout 3, Halo, and Call of Duty, and adds in it's own unique gameplay elements and sense of humor, the graphical style is unique and fantastic, and the sound is great, and it's just so much fun to play, my only complaints are that it has some bugs, long load times, and all the quests are just fetch quests, but these flaws are easy to overlook because it's just so much fun, and has high replay value do too tons of side quests, and the fact that it offers a second play through that makes it more challenging next time around, and it has really fun co-op, all in all this is a game I highly recommend, and is just shy of perfection.… Expand
  4. BigDave81
    Apr 28, 2011
    9
    I know this review is waaaay late but I had to give in my 2 cents on this Amazing No......Epic Game named Borderlands.this game has kept me playing through some long nights and alot of coffee and pizza.All I can say is if you love Shooters and RPG's then this game is up your ally.from beginning to end I was amazed.it's a must play for any gamer.
  5. JoeMtW
    Apr 24, 2011
    10
    Easily one of the best games I've ever played. Although fun on singleplayer, it's insanely fun on multiplayer. Playing this game with friends was one of the best gaming experiences I ever had. Although the game had some bugs, that's to be expected because of the mass amount of things to do. Fun the first time around, but the replay value for me wasn't enjoyable. But the replay value isEasily one of the best games I've ever played. Although fun on singleplayer, it's insanely fun on multiplayer. Playing this game with friends was one of the best gaming experiences I ever had. Although the game had some bugs, that's to be expected because of the mass amount of things to do. Fun the first time around, but the replay value for me wasn't enjoyable. But the replay value is good, I just didn't like it. Definitely a buy.… Expand
  6. FatalExcursion
    Apr 20, 2011
    10
    "Borderlands" is indeed flawless by blending in hardcore FPS action, and gritty RPG elements, to create a gun-loaded, definitive odyssey through the harsh and strangely humorous world of Pandora, full of psychotic...well, psychos, mindless bandits, mutant plasma worms, feral skags, and legendary bosses. Literally thousands, even millions, of guns are at your disposal, along with the"Borderlands" is indeed flawless by blending in hardcore FPS action, and gritty RPG elements, to create a gun-loaded, definitive odyssey through the harsh and strangely humorous world of Pandora, full of psychotic...well, psychos, mindless bandits, mutant plasma worms, feral skags, and legendary bosses. Literally thousands, even millions, of guns are at your disposal, along with the specialties of each of the characters to choose from, ranging from a fatal bird of prey, a rage-filled knuckle barrage of fury, a supportive turret of aid and destruction, or even a stealthy, and mysterious power of seductiveness and death. Cooperative play also provides tons of fun with three other players, and with this masterpiece, you'll enjoy every bad*** moment of it.… Expand
  7. DWlubu1998
    Apr 14, 2011
    5
    I was very disappointed when i first played this and I got my game of the year addition and sold it 2 days later. This has to be the most difficult game i have played in my life, the only way to acually win is to have a mod. The game design is good and looks like a cartoon (which isnt bad) crap load of guns, cool upgrade system but overall if there is another one im not gonna waste moreI was very disappointed when i first played this and I got my game of the year addition and sold it 2 days later. This has to be the most difficult game i have played in my life, the only way to acually win is to have a mod. The game design is good and looks like a cartoon (which isnt bad) crap load of guns, cool upgrade system but overall if there is another one im not gonna waste more money unless they make the AI less difficult.… Expand
  8. BoneyMSomewhere
    Apr 8, 2011
    8
    It's a good game and all but the ending really was SOOOO BAD. What the hell? How could you end something so horribly? What is wrong with 2K Games? Anyway, I really enjoyed it otherwise.
  9. Sceptic
    Mar 11, 2011
    10
    This is easily one of my favourite games ever.Fun Fun Fun,the entire way.Excellent visuals and sound,the weapons are fantastic and numerous.The characters you meet,while not really fleshed out,are awesome.I would have liked CL4PTP to narrate throughout the entire game though.
    The only annoying thing about this game are the mediocre vehicles,while good for transport and a few    This is easily one of my favourite games ever.Fun Fun Fun,the entire way.Excellent visuals and sound,the weapons are fantastic and numerous.The characters you meet,while not really fleshed out,are awesome.I would have liked CL4PTP to narrate throughout the entire game though.
    The only annoying thing about this game are the mediocre vehicles,while good for transport and a few missions,could have been much better.The only other complaint would be the Mad Moxxi DLC.Skip it if you can.
    Buy this!    … Expand
  10. thelawgiver
    Mar 9, 2011
    9
    Borderlands is pure fun. It doesn't have a particularly well-developed story (or much of a story at all) and the RPG elements aren't all that intricate, but the game is extremely well-paced and the complexity is just enough to keep the experience constantly fresh. Throughout, you will have a solid mix of easier, normal and challenging missions to embark upon. The combat elements workBorderlands is pure fun. It doesn't have a particularly well-developed story (or much of a story at all) and the RPG elements aren't all that intricate, but the game is extremely well-paced and the complexity is just enough to keep the experience constantly fresh. Throughout, you will have a solid mix of easier, normal and challenging missions to embark upon. The combat elements work exceptionally well, requiring you to effectively utilize your unique character skill, as well as find, use and master the appropriate weapon for your character build. There are a few points in the game where it seems to get a little bit ahead of the player, in terms of difficulty, but generally the experience is very well balanced. The game world, Pandora, is surprisingly humorous, in a somewhat twisted way, for such a desolate, miserable place. The game does have a few shortcomings, though. Principally, there is almost no storyline to speak of. The game all feels a little bit random, although you'll probably never really care because it's so fun to play. Also, the unique abilities of two of the characters - Lilith and Brick - are far less useful than those of Roland and Mordecai. Similarly, melee combat is not nearly as viable a combat option as it should be to make Brick a true equal to the others. Even playing as Lilith or Brick, however, is still a ton of fun.… Expand
  11. ScottH
    Mar 6, 2011
    10
    I keep coming back to this game and playing it again and again. When I'm not sure what I want to play and don't feel inspired, Borderlands is the one that comes to mind as the most fun. I love that it's a first person shooter rpg. Developing my character, leveling up, getting better and better guns... Awesome! The fps action is very well done. I like the cell shading and style too. II keep coming back to this game and playing it again and again. When I'm not sure what I want to play and don't feel inspired, Borderlands is the one that comes to mind as the most fun. I love that it's a first person shooter rpg. Developing my character, leveling up, getting better and better guns... Awesome! The fps action is very well done. I like the cell shading and style too. I haven't ever purchased downloadable content for a game before... that is until now. I just bought some DLC and am waiting for it to download so that I can enjoy this game even more!… Expand
  12. FrozenStar90
    Feb 21, 2011
    9
    One of the most addicting and thoroughly enjoyable RPGs available. Honestly, I'm having a hell of a time playing this game, more so than Fallout 3. The interaction with NPCs would be the game's biggest flaw, but everything else is brilliant. Questing is always entertaining and the game easily touts gaming's biggest roster of weaponry. Borderlands is a sleek game sporting some very humorousOne of the most addicting and thoroughly enjoyable RPGs available. Honestly, I'm having a hell of a time playing this game, more so than Fallout 3. The interaction with NPCs would be the game's biggest flaw, but everything else is brilliant. Questing is always entertaining and the game easily touts gaming's biggest roster of weaponry. Borderlands is a sleek game sporting some very humorous moments. Simply put, this game is badass.… Expand
  13. SFN
    Jan 9, 2011
    7
    the first few missions of this game were extremely boring and it was just repetitive combat over and over again but after awhile the game became so much fun that i found myself playing it for 4-5 hrs. a day, the graphics to me coud've beeen alittle better and the storyline was confusing but all and all this game to me was one of the best games of 2009 and it should be given more credit
  14. thebigbusser
    Nov 24, 2010
    10
    This game was a blast. It was a unique experience, from the graphics, to the guns, to the world. I seriously couldn't get enough, and have actually gone back and played through it from the start again.
  15. VengeanceUK
    Sep 21, 2010
    8
    an excellent game, marred by some problematic flaws.
    Pro's: Cell shading makes a difference for a change, involving story, decent multiplayer. intelligent ai (on the whole)
    Con's: Repetitive generic Tasks, Poor Waypoints at times etc

    but on the whole a very good game
  16. BeanyBean
    Sep 20, 2010
    7
    Borderlands is an extremely fun and interesting, new experience... for a few hours. I've had friends that have played it until they've maxed out their levels, and I don't honestly understand how that's possible. It's another game where the first play through can actually be quite amusing and contain things that no one else has had the mind to create yet, but at a certain point, youBorderlands is an extremely fun and interesting, new experience... for a few hours. I've had friends that have played it until they've maxed out their levels, and I don't honestly understand how that's possible. It's another game where the first play through can actually be quite amusing and contain things that no one else has had the mind to create yet, but at a certain point, you realize that you just wanna put the controller down. It's also far from lag-free, and unless you're willing to shell out the money for the many DLC's, I'd suggest a rental.… Expand
  17. Banditron
    Sep 17, 2010
    10
    So far one of my favorite games for the 360. Played through the game multiple times with different characters, and this is one of the few games that my wife loves to play with me. The NPCs add to it by being absolutely hilarious, and the missions they send you on are often just as funny. Though it gets harder and harder to find the better guns and upgrades as the game progresses, it'sSo far one of my favorite games for the 360. Played through the game multiple times with different characters, and this is one of the few games that my wife loves to play with me. The NPCs add to it by being absolutely hilarious, and the missions they send you on are often just as funny. Though it gets harder and harder to find the better guns and upgrades as the game progresses, it's still fun finding and using them just to try them. Can't wait for a sequel.… Expand
  18. CoDFather
    Aug 14, 2010
    9
    This game is a perfect combination of violence, humor, adventure, and role- playing, but not the **** Fallout role- playing; bad graphics, predictable story, and customize-your-own-character feature, which never ends well. This game does include the "level- up" feature that didn't make other role- playing games, there are better rewards other than just power- ups. Like weapons, andThis game is a perfect combination of violence, humor, adventure, and role- playing, but not the **** Fallout role- playing; bad graphics, predictable story, and customize-your-own-character feature, which never ends well. This game does include the "level- up" feature that didn't make other role- playing games, there are better rewards other than just power- ups. Like weapons, and upgrades for the weapons. This is the best role- playing game I've ever played. Haters can eat me.… Expand
  19. JudgeMental
    Aug 13, 2010
    5
    Was it "OK?" Yes. Was it "good?" Maybe. Was it as good as the magazine reviewers said? Absolutely not. This game might have several hundred thousand weapons, but that's been done before, I can think of Diablo II right off the bat. Mildly creative, but heavily lacking, with little replay value and a poor online component. Funny at times, downright annoying at others, I give this game aWas it "OK?" Yes. Was it "good?" Maybe. Was it as good as the magazine reviewers said? Absolutely not. This game might have several hundred thousand weapons, but that's been done before, I can think of Diablo II right off the bat. Mildly creative, but heavily lacking, with little replay value and a poor online component. Funny at times, downright annoying at others, I give this game a solid 5 out of 10.… Expand
  20. Psynapse
    Aug 12, 2010
    8
    I'd give this game more than an 8, but frame rate issues and confusing/lack of story bring it down in my books. Fantastic outing, bring on Borderlands 2!!
  21. MordecaiHunter
    Jan 14, 2010
    10
    Borderlands retains the best elements of Fallout 3, leveling, skills, open RPG environment, and the first person shooter behavior and ridiculous weapons variety of Modern Warfare, all wrapped up in an orignal and creative style. The opportunities for developing a unique character based on the choices you make in the game are nearly infinite. I love this game, a must buy!
  22. XpectResistance
    Jan 13, 2010
    10
    Wicked good FPS! Hints of Fallout3 and old skewl Diablo but is very much its own flavor. A good buy and hours of game play make it a very well rounded game. Warning! You will get hooked. Killer weapons and almost endless mods.
  23. JoshuaF
    Jan 6, 2010
    9
    I've just made it into my second playthrough with Roland (tho Soldier) and I won't likely be putting down the controller soon. What I will do is respond to various negative comments I have seen about this game: "Copy/paste of CoD4 controls" - It's a shooter. There are only so many ways to set up the controls. "no story" - Diablo 2 had no story. Look how popular that was... I've just made it into my second playthrough with Roland (tho Soldier) and I won't likely be putting down the controller soon. What I will do is respond to various negative comments I have seen about this game: "Copy/paste of CoD4 controls" - It's a shooter. There are only so many ways to set up the controls. "no story" - Diablo 2 had no story. Look how popular that was... I could go on, but it would get boring and repetitive. On the subject of Diablo 2, however, has anyone else noticed the similarities? Instead of Deckard Cain, we have Claptrap. Instead of Griswold, we have a Russian arms dealer. (ok, so that's Diablo 1...) And, if you downloaded Zombie Island, you have an NPC that went bad and has to be dealt with (Nihalathak in Diablo 2) except that Ned is TOTALLY not Zed from the main story. Back on track, get the game. When you start to get bored with it, get some friends. You'll be playing for a while.… Expand
  24. AlexN
    Jan 3, 2010
    9
    Fantastic! I've played a lot of RPGs and a lot of FPSs and this one may not be the best of either, but its phenomenal fusion of the two. With tons of hilarious pop-culture references great online co-op thrown into the average gameplay as well as coveted weapon crates as rewards for exploration, Borderlands is the best gaming experience I've had this year. A great leveling system Fantastic! I've played a lot of RPGs and a lot of FPSs and this one may not be the best of either, but its phenomenal fusion of the two. With tons of hilarious pop-culture references great online co-op thrown into the average gameplay as well as coveted weapon crates as rewards for exploration, Borderlands is the best gaming experience I've had this year. A great leveling system makes the RPG aspect great combined with the FPS aspect makes a memorable fusion superior to that of Fallout 3. There are certain 'types' of quests repeated, but the experience never gets boring and keeps the player coming back for more and more.… Expand
  25. JarredB
    Jan 3, 2010
    10
    Id say to be exact i'd give this game a 9.7 i have never played a game so much for so long. The beginning of the game felt a little drab with a lame story but the more i went on the more that i cared about my character. I first beat it with about 20 hours of gameplay which i thought was very solid not bad. the whole way through i played single player just because i thought it would Id say to be exact i'd give this game a 9.7 i have never played a game so much for so long. The beginning of the game felt a little drab with a lame story but the more i went on the more that i cared about my character. I first beat it with about 20 hours of gameplay which i thought was very solid not bad. the whole way through i played single player just because i thought it would be better to beat it alone then to play it co-op. But when i beat it i put it back on the shelf for a day and thought i wouldnt go through again for who knows how many weeks. But i still had this urge to play it so the next day i picked it up and started playing co-op and now leveling up has become an addiction just needing to get to level 50 with my siren and im already thinking about beating it with a new character. this is easily a game with a lot of replay ability. ill compare it to fallout a bit because everyone does. Yes its an open world yes there are quest but i dont see that being very related to fallout the quest all felt completely different and leveling up means so much more in Borderlands, New gear you can equip new abilities and overall just being stronger. I beat fallout put in my 30 hours and havnt touched it since broken steel. I was considering getting the game of the year edition just to have all of the DLC but then i got borderlands and i havn't even thought about that recently. I had minor glitches were i had to either let myself die because i got stuck some where or a very VERY minor frame rate issue here or there when there was too much going on on the screen.This was more of my input on the game and less of a review my review would be a sentence long. This game is freaking awesome and i cant get enough go out buy it now play it with your friends you wont regret it.… Expand
  26. DerekM
    Jan 2, 2010
    7
    The gameplay was pretty fun overall,except some repeativeness. All you had to do was aim and pull the trigger. Also aiming down the sights for most weapons was terrible. Other than some bad voice acting,a dull story, short game, and a disapointing ending, the game was pretty good. The bad ending gave players the "Aww damn, I did allt hat for nothing?" feeling. Has some room for The gameplay was pretty fun overall,except some repeativeness. All you had to do was aim and pull the trigger. Also aiming down the sights for most weapons was terrible. Other than some bad voice acting,a dull story, short game, and a disapointing ending, the game was pretty good. The bad ending gave players the "Aww damn, I did allt hat for nothing?" feeling. Has some room for improvement but overall it's a fine game that most games would like to play through.… Expand
  27. ChrisS
    Dec 21, 2009
    7
    I have only played this game through 1 time with 1 friend (2 people playing) and I gotta say it is pretty underwhelming. The idea is there, SOME guns are cool (the fact that their are "bazillions" of them is lame considering many are the same), but I never really felt involved in any way. Its just "go here, do this go back, repeat and none of it is particularly fun. Bottom Line: Fun if I have only played this game through 1 time with 1 friend (2 people playing) and I gotta say it is pretty underwhelming. The idea is there, SOME guns are cool (the fact that their are "bazillions" of them is lame considering many are the same), but I never really felt involved in any way. Its just "go here, do this go back, repeat and none of it is particularly fun. Bottom Line: Fun if you have friends to play with and dont mind doing mindless (and imo pointless) quests killing things and backtracking. If you want substance from a game, look elsewhere.… Expand
  28. JasperW
    Dec 12, 2009
    9
    This was definitely a solid game. The RPG elements made it addictive and thus worth the money by a long shot. An inventive world with an incredible amount of replayability.
  29. mandudebro
    Dec 12, 2009
    9
    This game is addictive. Easily a 50-70 hour fun fest. The more you level up the more awesome your skills and weapons are. I thought i was wasing my time the first 2 or 3 hours, but now i'm a level 27 ( 25 hours of gameplay later ) Soldier and my one shot one kills are entertaining. Millions of guns and there's loot galore. Fun co-op. I'd give it a 10 if DLC was free or at This game is addictive. Easily a 50-70 hour fun fest. The more you level up the more awesome your skills and weapons are. I thought i was wasing my time the first 2 or 3 hours, but now i'm a level 27 ( 25 hours of gameplay later ) Soldier and my one shot one kills are entertaining. Millions of guns and there's loot galore. Fun co-op. I'd give it a 10 if DLC was free or at least cheaper.… Expand
  30. WillB
    Dec 7, 2009
    3
    I've never been more disappointed by a game. Glitchy (misplaced markers, corrupted my savegame on xbox) annoying (millions of weapons, but they're all the same and you can only carry so many) no replay (quests aren't repeatable) and the ending is a flat-out disappointment after which you're left with no reason to do anything but throw down the controller. I want to I've never been more disappointed by a game. Glitchy (misplaced markers, corrupted my savegame on xbox) annoying (millions of weapons, but they're all the same and you can only carry so many) no replay (quests aren't repeatable) and the ending is a flat-out disappointment after which you're left with no reason to do anything but throw down the controller. I want to like Borderlands, but my deleted character and complete lack of reward make the rest of the fun I had feel not worth it.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

28
#28 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2009
5
#5 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2009
8
#8 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 83 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 80 out of 83
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 83
  3. Negative: 0 out of 83
  1. RPG Fan
    87
    In short, Borderlands is a top-quality shooter and grind-fest.
    Read full review
  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. Gamer Limit
    90
    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.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »