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. 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
  2. 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!
  3. MichaelW
    Nov 8, 2009
    10
    This is not an RPG. It is comedy with a great plot watched through gun sights. While the game is big and pretty it's not interactive outside of interacting your bullets with badguys and shaping your character into a better bullet. This game is also not really for me. It is however for everyone. I don't need a lot of tutorials, I preferr more interaction with a game and I like This is not an RPG. It is comedy with a great plot watched through gun sights. While the game is big and pretty it's not interactive outside of interacting your bullets with badguys and shaping your character into a better bullet. This game is also not really for me. It is however for everyone. I don't need a lot of tutorials, I preferr more interaction with a game and I like complexity. However I realize not everyone deals with my level of obsession with gaming. Everyone however likes having fun, everyone prefers to play than to figure out how to play and people who play action games generally like action. this game is remarkably well designed to appeal to most people, it's fun, it's not hard to figure out how to do things and there's a lot of action. I continue to be astounded by how easy it is to turn on the 360, go into this game and reliably have fun playing it online or alone.… Expand
  4. AdamM.
    Oct 20, 2009
    10
    I really think the only people won't like it are people who take games and themselves too seriously. It's a fun and addicting game that never takes it's self too serious to keep anything fun out of it no matter how ridiculous it might be. Play it. You'll see what I mean.
  5. BernardR.
    Oct 20, 2009
    10
    This game delivers on everything it promises: millions of fantastic guns, tons of loot, lots of crazy bad guys, an interesting world filled with personality, skill trees, vehicles, and the best multiplayer experience I've had in a long time.
  6. ElliotI
    Oct 22, 2009
    10
    This is one of the most fun games I've played this year. The only comparison to fallout is that they both take place in a wasteland type environment -- similarities stop there. This feels and plays like a shooter, with a few added skills. The shooter mechanics are fun and the coop is amazing. Fallout 3 always felt like a turn based rpg with a shooter skin over it. If you enjoyed This is one of the most fun games I've played this year. The only comparison to fallout is that they both take place in a wasteland type environment -- similarities stop there. This feels and plays like a shooter, with a few added skills. The shooter mechanics are fun and the coop is amazing. Fallout 3 always felt like a turn based rpg with a shooter skin over it. If you enjoyed Diablo 2 style looting and like shooters this is the game for you.… Expand
  7. Lance
    Oct 23, 2009
    10
    The game is everything it promised it would be. The multiplayer co-op is fabulous, the quests while simple keep you wanting more. If you're a hard core gamer, or love looting style games this is right up your alley. The game's ability to deliver simple, straight forward fun only increases the more players join together.
  8. JackR
    Oct 24, 2009
    10
    Brilliant game. I believe penny arcade said it best when they called the game a first person looter. It has many of the elements that made diablo 2 one of my all time favorite games, hunting for the next best weapon/shield. There are also multiple classes with unique features. This doesn't take away from the actual gameplay at all. The cel-shading is absolutely beautiful. There are Brilliant game. I believe penny arcade said it best when they called the game a first person looter. It has many of the elements that made diablo 2 one of my all time favorite games, hunting for the next best weapon/shield. There are also multiple classes with unique features. This doesn't take away from the actual gameplay at all. The cel-shading is absolutely beautiful. There are so many more little things i could rant about for days, you owe it to yourself to buy this game. My only real complaint would be that the skills don't really offer enough customization. even the hardest tier of skill to access doesn't change the gameplay very much. I hope to see that changed in borderlands 2, but for now, all I can say is buy this game.… Expand
  9. AndrewM.
    Oct 24, 2009
    10
    the only problem I have with this game is that there isn't anyplace to store any items you want for the future, but don't want in you backpack. for example, after you complete a mission where you have to slay a skagzilla, u get a gun called the elephant gun that does 308 damage, has 98.5 accuracy, but only has a fire rate of .7, so I was forced to sell it to free up backpack the only problem I have with this game is that there isn't anyplace to store any items you want for the future, but don't want in you backpack. for example, after you complete a mission where you have to slay a skagzilla, u get a gun called the elephant gun that does 308 damage, has 98.5 accuracy, but only has a fire rate of .7, so I was forced to sell it to free up backpack space, when it could have proved very useful later on.… Expand
  10. JesseC
    Oct 27, 2009
    10
    I've played just about every 360 game and this is one of the best. I just dont see how it only got a rating of 85.... The lowest "Critic" review was a 70/100 and their review sounds like they should have given it a 10/10.... "Borderline brilliant".. "Minor Flaw".... that doesnt sound like a 70/100!!! especially when the next highest score is a 79, that 70 brings it down alot. This I've played just about every 360 game and this is one of the best. I just dont see how it only got a rating of 85.... The lowest "Critic" review was a 70/100 and their review sounds like they should have given it a 10/10.... "Borderline brilliant".. "Minor Flaw".... that doesnt sound like a 70/100!!! especially when the next highest score is a 79, that 70 brings it down alot. This games overall rating should be at LEAST 90/100 so it can be up there with the other 90's like... Tom clancy's ghost recon advanced war fighter lol??? and portal? are you joking?... geometry wars? forza 2? this game is 10x better than those… Expand
  11. Jason
    Oct 29, 2009
    10
    Great shooter gameplay, RPG elements, tons of loot all combined with online co-op make it one of the best co-op games ever made. The awesome art style is just a bonus.
  12. KevinC
    Oct 30, 2009
    10
    Awesome retro cartoon-style artwork, randomly generated weaponry and well-thought out characters makes this game a good purchase and hours of fun!
  13. DanielC
    Nov 2, 2009
    10
    This game is amazing. It is as fun as any other game i have ever played. True for the co-op you have to be the same level, but you can go back to the arid badlands or whatever to level up and just have fun. The number of weapons is extraordinary and some thought definitly went into them, rarely do i find two weapons that just have different damages or fire rates. "No weapon trading among This game is amazing. It is as fun as any other game i have ever played. True for the co-op you have to be the same level, but you can go back to the arid badlands or whatever to level up and just have fun. The number of weapons is extraordinary and some thought definitly went into them, rarely do i find two weapons that just have different damages or fire rates. "No weapon trading among players" whoopdy do, you can drop a weapon, it wont hurt your soul. The gameplay is so fluent and easy to learn. It makes shooting 20 bandits in a row fun and different than your last battle. I love how they just left out armor, it makes the focus more on your weapon where it needs to be. The saving system is absent, but that is part of the game, and respawning takes NO LOADING TIME. Yeah the story is lackluster and the npc's somewhat lifeless, but the point of the game is to be a shooter with rpg elements, not an rpg with shooter elements, get over it… Expand
  14. PrestonW
    Nov 20, 2009
    10
    I've waited for this game for some time and all i can say is that.....It's Brilliant! The combat is addictive. I've just started playing and i wasconsidering skiping school to keep playing. I played for four hours straight and it honestly seemed like i was only playing for an hour; It's that fun. There are so many guns and soo mucg loot. The first boss fight is I've waited for this game for some time and all i can say is that.....It's Brilliant! The combat is addictive. I've just started playing and i wasconsidering skiping school to keep playing. I played for four hours straight and it honestly seemed like i was only playing for an hour; It's that fun. There are so many guns and soo mucg loot. The first boss fight is hillarious. It perplexes me that people hated it.… Expand
  15. DavidH
    Nov 3, 2009
    10
    One of the best multiplayer games I've ever played. It's fun on so many levels, and does so many things well that it's a difficult game experience to describe. What matters is that the gameplay is rewarding, challenging and fun as hell.
  16. PerryC
    Oct 21, 2009
    10
    This game is great. Anyone can pick it up and have fun, pro or newbie. The graphics are great, the animations are perfect, and the game play is smooth. I'd say it will be looked back on as revolutionary in retrospect. My only gripe is the inability to trade ammo and non-scaling menus, but those are pretty easily forgivable. Ammo is plentiful enough for it to not be a very big gripe, This game is great. Anyone can pick it up and have fun, pro or newbie. The graphics are great, the animations are perfect, and the game play is smooth. I'd say it will be looked back on as revolutionary in retrospect. My only gripe is the inability to trade ammo and non-scaling menus, but those are pretty easily forgivable. Ammo is plentiful enough for it to not be a very big gripe, and you can scroll the menus pretty easily. Go pick up a copy!… Expand
  17. DustinW
    Oct 22, 2009
    10
    I hesitated to purhase this title, but after playing, I am glad I did. In a market that is full of great, but very short, games - this one delivers where others fail. Some glitches prompted me to give it a 9, but after careful conideration I think this one deserves a 10. I greatly enjoyed Fallout 3, but wanted more of a "shooter" - I am glad I found this game.
  18. JonathonT.
    Oct 20, 2009
    10
    Absolutely amazing this is like fallout 3 with co-op. It is literally a dream type of game that gives adventurers the chance to be the ultimate gunslinging wasteland survivor. It doesn't take itself seriously graphically. Even so, the environments are welldone and open enough to give roaming and grinding a sense of relaxation; and to give battles a sense of epic brilliance when won.
  19. ALL242
    Oct 22, 2009
    10
    This is definitely one of the best online, co-op games you can buy. The art direction, role playing elements, tons of weapons, constant flow, and ability to play a role playing game online is phenomenal. This is a great game, and it's worth every penny.
  20. JJJ
    Oct 23, 2009
    10
    I'm not sure what drugs the "professional" reviewers were on, but this thing rocks. As someone who HATES RPG's, I am actually having a blast at the grinding, AND the missions. The humor helps too - from death spasms to the creatures expressions, to your co-op buddy saying " I'm just too good at this" after a good kill. An "84" rating does not do this game justice.
  21. JesseH
    Oct 23, 2009
    10
    This game is simply brilliant. It's like Fallout 3 turned comic, with some great humor and awesome, fast-paced action wrapped up with absolutely fantastic co-op play with no limitations like spread distance between players. This game is a must-buy.
  22. JakC
    Oct 23, 2009
    10
    So this is what I had to wait an extra year for ?? Well, that was a year well spent imho. Its pretty funny now remembering all the "Its just going to be a Fallout clone" talk. Because with all due respect to Fallout which was an outstanding game too, after about 10 minutes it was completely obvious to me that I'll never go back to Fallout again. This game is obviously the culmination So this is what I had to wait an extra year for ?? Well, that was a year well spent imho. Its pretty funny now remembering all the "Its just going to be a Fallout clone" talk. Because with all due respect to Fallout which was an outstanding game too, after about 10 minutes it was completely obvious to me that I'll never go back to Fallout again. This game is obviously the culmination of many games, over many years, to take so many good ideas of what worked in so many different games, and take each of those ideas to perfection like they have done here, is just almost to much to have asked for, but that is whats been done in this game. Everything thing works to perfection. From the gunplay, with the endlessly awesome supply of guns, that ALL feel different and act different, to all the enemy types, Starting with the skags, with their bloodthirsty roar, and crazy flying leaps from every angle, to the funky personalities of the human characters, to the very well done vehicular combat, to the fallout like class building and menu system. At every turn this game does what it does better. And did I mention the voice work, how totally well the whole cell shading thing works here, and just how perfectly the musical score fits the mood at every turn. I just don't know how this game could have been any better, and quite honestly I don't believe this game should have scored any lower then a 10. Its completely original and easily the best game I've EVER played !!… Expand
  23. killswitch1968
    Oct 24, 2009
    10
    I'd give this a steaming hot 9.9 This game is simply fantastic. I wont be trading this game in - Its a keeper!
  24. DM
    Oct 25, 2009
    10
    This is what happens when you mix gun porn and WoW together! I have to say this game is beyond outstanding. It is very addictive as well. In one sitting I made it all the way to Level 15. Everyone keeps referencing Fallout 3...I honestly don't see any correlation. The games graphics are pretty amazing. I was surprised at how much they could do with cell shading and how awesome it This is what happens when you mix gun porn and WoW together! I have to say this game is beyond outstanding. It is very addictive as well. In one sitting I made it all the way to Level 15. Everyone keeps referencing Fallout 3...I honestly don't see any correlation. The games graphics are pretty amazing. I was surprised at how much they could do with cell shading and how awesome it looks. The controls also make sense and are very easy to fall right in to.… Expand
  25. SiNwYrM
    Oct 25, 2009
    10
    A great blend of many genres this game is both visually stunning and fun. Whether solo or with friends you can never quite put it down because you always want to run just one more mission or find that one better gun. This game will appeal to RPG aficionados, action fans and all walks of gamers in between. A must have for this holiday season and beyond!
  26. JustinE
    Oct 26, 2009
    10
    This game is will one day be a classic! Excellent game play, intuitive gun play and a great mix of types of quests. The variety of weapons and statistical attributes is outstanding and will keep you playing the game well past the first play through. I admit when I first heard they were switching the art style mid development to cell shading I was rather scared. I don't really care This game is will one day be a classic! Excellent game play, intuitive gun play and a great mix of types of quests. The variety of weapons and statistical attributes is outstanding and will keep you playing the game well past the first play through. I admit when I first heard they were switching the art style mid development to cell shading I was rather scared. I don't really care for cell shading and doing something that major to a game right in the middle of development can and usually does spell disaster for the game because from that point on they focus too much on the artistic side and not enough on the gameplay and story. However, the cell shading looks wonderful and really helps place a unique atmosphere to the game to separate it the game graphically from other games that may be comparative to Borderlands. While the storyline is not the best I have ever seen it still delivers a solid experience although I do wish they would have added more voice acting instead of text based mission description. That would have helped the story immersion a bit more. The only other complaint I have with the game is its frame rate at times during the intense combat this game delivers. However those minor complaints aside I believe the game comes very close to perfection. Unfortunately there is not a 9.5 rating available for reviews by players so I will give it a 10. Had the story line been a bit more deeper and if they would have added voice acting and vocal descriptions to the missions rather than text I believe this game would have been a perfect 10!… Expand
  27. 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.
  28. Vanimal
    Nov 25, 2009
    10
    I don't give 10s lightly. I actually grade it 9.5, rounding up to 10. This game strips everything down to the basic core of gaming. All the quests are built the same, yes. But really, all game quests are just fetch quests disguised as something else. This game just doesn't try to fool you. This game is light on a fully immersive story, yes. So what. Since when have stories made I don't give 10s lightly. I actually grade it 9.5, rounding up to 10. This game strips everything down to the basic core of gaming. All the quests are built the same, yes. But really, all game quests are just fetch quests disguised as something else. This game just doesn't try to fool you. This game is light on a fully immersive story, yes. So what. Since when have stories made a game fun? A story adds to the total package, but can never change the gameplay underneath. This game is just a reason to go shoot and collect stuff while completing humorous simple quests. This game at it's core is absolutely fun and addicting. The controls are on par with COD (minus crawl), and it takes the best parts of an rpg and combines them well. I have been wondering why this game hadn't come out 10 years ago. If you want a boring, linear, scripted, and uncustomizable game, play the Halo or COD campaign. If you want to play the same multiplayer maps over and over and over again, play those same games. If you want to play a campaign or multilayer game with rewards around every corner and an unlimited amount of guns and a humorous tone with none of the unneeded crap, play this game.… Expand
  29. GuyG
    Oct 21, 2009
    10
    This game is amazing!!! I have been looking for a game like this all my life. Co-op and split screen in the same game is something that is never done anymore. I would recommend this game to anyone who has a pulse. I am going to go play more right now.
  30. PatrickR
    Oct 23, 2009
    10
    I'm really surprised that this game is getting high marks from so many people, i see a lot of people getting this game thinking its like fallout, or even just another FPS. I Absolutely love this game. I disagree that this is like fallout at all really, other than the fact that they are both first person RPGs and both feature guns. Really this is best described as Halo (shields) + COD I'm really surprised that this game is getting high marks from so many people, i see a lot of people getting this game thinking its like fallout, or even just another FPS. I Absolutely love this game. I disagree that this is like fallout at all really, other than the fact that they are both first person RPGs and both feature guns. Really this is best described as Halo (shields) + COD (more tactical shooting) + WOW (from graphics, grinding, quest layouts/objectives to randomized weapon attributes). Honestly this is the game i've always wanted to see tried, but never thought it'd be done so well. You will spend hours simply finding the gun that fits your play style best, and loving every second of it, if that's what you are in to.… 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 »