Borderlands

80%
Game Brain Score Based on 10,986 reviews
  • story
  • graphics
  • gameplay
Borderlands Game Cover
Borderlands is a Role Playing Shooter that despite its faults is fun and will keep you addicted long after it has ended.
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"Borderlands" is a Science Fiction Open World RPS that combines frantic first-person shooting action with accessible character progression. Up to four players can experience the maniacal multiplayer in co-op mode, or players can fly solo in single-player. With bazillions of unique guns, a radical art style, and a good story, "Borderlands" delivers a breakthrough, highly emotional, and replayable experience, despite being buggy.

  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Play​Station
  • Play​station 3
  • Xbox
  • Xbox 360
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

80%
Audience ScoreBased on 10,986 reviews
story801 positive mentions
grinding254 negative mentions
  • story2,872 mentions

    The story in Borderlands is often described as simplistic and lacking depth, primarily serving as a backdrop for the gameplay rather than a focal point. Players embark on a quest as vault hunters on the alien planet Pandora, seeking a mythical vault filled with treasure, but many find the narrative to be overshadowed by repetitive fetch quests and minimal character development. While the humor and quirky characters add some charm, the overall plot is considered weak compared to its sequels, with many reviewers suggesting that the game is more about the loot and shooting mechanics than a compelling story.

    • “The story is extremely engrossing, and the characters are very relatable in their actions and motivations.”
    • “The story while not grand as its sequel is still interesting and sets up a lot of the backstory for the second game, even some side quests have some lore despite the sheer quantity of them.”
    • “The story is funny, entertaining, and the mix of missions keeps it from going stale easily.”
    • “The story seemed lackluster and I don't recall a lot of genuinely funny moments (although there were a few, just not as much as in the second one).”
    • “A story-driven game (because it's an RPG) with barely any story (and the NPCs are barely voiced, but this game isn't old or low-budget enough for that to be justified) and deeply terrible game mechanics (including infinitely respawning enemies), this game is initially fun but gets old fast and just gets more boring the more you play.”
    • “The story is nothing to brag about; it's pretty simple but it takes a back seat most of the time throughout the game, but you can invest yourself with the story as best you can by always reading the mission briefs and listening to the echo logs.”
  • graphics1,116 mentions

    The graphics of Borderlands are characterized by a unique cel-shaded art style that has aged well, allowing the game to maintain its visual appeal even over a decade after its release. While some players find the graphics dated or unappealing, many appreciate the cartoonish aesthetic and how it complements the game's humor and gameplay. Overall, the visuals are seen as a defining feature of the game, contributing to its charm and distinctiveness in the looter-shooter genre.

    • “Borderlands is a looter-shooter FPS, best known for its iconic comic-like art style.”
    • “On the other hand, Borderlands' art style and the use of cell shading make it look great even 10+ years after its original release.”
    • “The graphics hold up well even after all these years, which makes me worried that Borderlands 3 will bring a jarring change.”
    • “The graphics are horrible and make the game less enjoyable.”
    • “The graphics did not age well; the story is just okay, and there's not as much weapon variety as the later games in the series.”
    • “The visuals in this game are so horrendous, it will make your eyes twitch, thinking, why would anyone make the game look this bad on purpose.”
  • gameplay1,075 mentions

    The gameplay of Borderlands is characterized by its addictive "shoot and loot" mechanics, blending first-person shooter (FPS) action with role-playing game (RPG) elements, allowing for extensive character customization and a vast array of weapons. While many players appreciate the humor and chaotic fun, some criticize the repetitive quest structure and dated mechanics compared to its sequels. Overall, the game offers a solid, engaging experience, especially in co-op mode, despite some players finding it can become monotonous over time.

    • “However, the diverse range of weapons and skill trees make for endless hours of gameplay, and the humor and wit that the franchise is known for shines through in this first installment.”
    • “This game basically invented the looter-shooter genre, and is still the blueprint for all games in the genre now, it introduces lots of unique features alongside millions of weapons to collect, the story isn't amazing, but that's not what you're here for, the gameplay is phenomenal even in 2022.”
    • “The gameplay is fantastic, challenging even at the higher levels.”
    • “The gameplay is hilariously repetitive.”
    • “The gameplay itself could get sometimes repetitive and even intense because even with really good weapons and headshots it took a lot to kill the enemy and if there was more of them, well, then it was not pleasant.”
    • “The gameplay gets old soon enough thanks to boring enemies and the fact that you only have one special skill, which isn't even that interesting.”
  • humor928 mentions

    The humor in Borderlands is a defining feature, characterized by its dark, irreverent, and often crude comedic style. While many players find the dialogue and character interactions, particularly those involving Claptrap, to be genuinely funny and engaging, some critiques highlight that the humor can feel dated or forced at times. Overall, the game successfully blends humor with action, creating a unique and entertaining experience that resonates well with fans of the franchise.

    • “The unique art style and humor that the franchise is known for is on full display in this first installment, and it's easy to see why it got everyone addicted.”
    • “The humor is amazing and I love the characters and soundtrack.”
    • “The writing is funny most of the time and hilarious some of the time.”
    • “The humor ranges from cringey to chuckle-inducing.”
    • “It's a boring, cringy, forced-joke, tedious, unfunny chore.”
    • “The entire game is loaded with cringe-inducingly unfunny 'humor.' Battles take too long since enemies are all bullet sponges.”
  • grinding263 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it tedious and repetitive, particularly in the later stages and during certain DLCs. While some enjoy the loot farming and leveling mechanics, others feel that the constant backtracking and similar enemy encounters lead to burnout and a lack of engagement. Overall, the game appeals to those who appreciate grinding for loot, but it may frustrate players who prefer a more streamlined experience.

    • “Very well done, humor, guns, and a fantastic campaign that isn't too grindy.”
    • “The humor in these games is absolutely fantastic, basically infinite guns, amazing story, missions that don't get repetitive very easily (some will, mostly side missions) not very grindy, loads of content, great end game (Borderlands 2).”
    • “The game is enjoyable and the art is great, but it has a heavy reliance on grinding to give it the hours of gameplay it's rated at having.”
    • “The bottom line is that Borderlands makes the whole process of finding better guns and becoming stronger a tedious pain in the ass.”
    • “The quest structure leads to burnout as well, and makes the game feel too grindy; more cutscenes or dialogue would have gone a long way in my opinion.”
  • replayability250 mentions

    The game's replayability is highly praised, with many players noting the extensive variety of characters, each with unique abilities and skill trees, which encourages multiple playthroughs. The combination of random loot generation, engaging co-op gameplay, and numerous DLCs further enhances its replay value, making it a game that players can enjoy repeatedly without losing interest. However, some critiques mention that the main story's linearity and lack of dynamic elements may limit replayability for certain players.

    • “The game's combination of first-person shooter and RPG elements makes for a unique and exciting experience, and the replayability is off the charts.”
    • “You can choose to play one of four characters, and when you finish the game, you can play it again with the same character or choose a new one, but you will be faced with stronger enemies and better loot, so there is a great value of replayability to this game.”
    • “This game has so much replay value that you will never get bored of it!”
    • “Much like the original version of 'Borderlands', it is a difficult video game to enjoy for those seeking uniqueness coupled with replayability (especially a decade later).”
    • “While it has replay value, the story isn't dynamic enough to make subsequent playthroughs very interesting, and the search for legendary weapons and raid bosses isn't great either.”
    • “Once beaten, there is not much replayability so I can't recommend it.”
  • music216 mentions

    The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with many praising the soundtrack for its ability to enhance the atmosphere and immersion, particularly during combat. However, some players find the music repetitive and lacking in variety, describing it as forgettable or ambient rather than engaging. Overall, while the soundtrack is appreciated for its thematic fit and occasional standout tracks, it may not leave a lasting impression for all players.

    • “Easily one of the best video game soundtracks of all time.”
    • “The music is breathtaking, and it has a lonesomeness that perfectly captures just how tired everyone is.”
    • “The soundtrack fits perfectly with the theme, the gameplay is fun and challenging, the characters aren't too bland.”
    • “The music is somewhat lacking in novelty; most tracks sound the same, but they still do a good job of fitting the world.”
    • “The soundtrack didn’t help tie the action together, which resulted in a limited experience.”
    • “The music in this game is boring and forgettable, mainly providing you with the occasional banjo string while fighting an onslaught of enemies.”
  • atmosphere124 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its unique blend of post-apocalyptic charm, immersive soundtracks, and distinctive art style, creating a captivating world that players enjoy exploring. While some reviews note a sense of emptiness or repetitiveness in the environments, many highlight the game's ability to evoke strong feelings of nostalgia and engagement, particularly in its humor and environmental storytelling. Overall, the atmosphere is considered a standout feature, often regarded as superior to that of its sequels.

    • “The atmosphere in this game is simply unmatched.”
    • “The music, the atmosphere, the twisted humor, the loot, the shooting, the shooting.”
    • “The atmosphere is done beyond perfect.”
    • “The atmosphere is dull and gritty, giving it a more mature and serious vibe.”
    • “My only complaints are a somewhat barren and repetitive atmosphere, and a lack of cinematics and story, both of which have been improved upon in later installments.”
    • “In some places, there's a kind of depressive atmosphere because nobody is around you, like you are totally alone, no NPCs, etc.”
  • stability83 mentions

    The game's stability is a mixed bag, with many users reporting a significant number of bugs and glitches, particularly in the enhanced remaster version, which can lead to game-breaking issues like freezing and quest failures. While some players find the original version to be less buggy and more enjoyable, others note that both versions still suffer from various mechanical errors and inconsistencies. Overall, while the game can be fun and engaging, its stability issues detract from the experience for many players.

    • “The best Borderlands game hands down, it is unique, interesting, quirky, and relatively bug-free.”
    • “It runs great on my Windows 7 64-bit and didn't require any extra steps to install; it worked straight from the box, so to speak.”
    • “As for differences between this and the console versions, smoother gameplay, better graphics, absolutely no glitches.”
    • “The 'Borderlands Game of the Year Enhanced' edition is a buggy mess with audio issues, framerate issues, non-existent enemies popping in and out, and worst of all, shooting and aiming will stop working occasionally.”
    • “Unfortunately, you can see the low budget of this game all around, especially on how buggy it is and the low variety of main content.”
    • “Incredibly buggy: NPC speech cutting out randomly, cars flipping over randomly, getting stuck in geometry meaning I have to start back from the beginning of whatever area I entered, and quest markers not updating sometimes.”
  • optimization64 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues such as frame rate drops, stuttering, and poor controller support, particularly on PC. While some users with older systems found it playable, others criticized it for being poorly optimized for modern hardware, leading to a frustrating experience. Overall, the game's performance varies widely, with some enjoying smooth gameplay while others struggle with technical problems.

    • “I have a low-end PC (i5-3570k running at stock, 4GB of system RAM, and a GTX 650 Ti Boost) and this game is so well optimized I play it with everything cranked up at 1080p and it runs at a locked frame rate (62 fps according to Fraps) never budging down a single frame.”
    • “The game runs smoothly, with very minimal lag for even the crappiest computers.”
    • “Apart from that, the game is very well optimized and stable, and runs perfectly on my old 2008 computer, so a must-have if you have not tried it yet.”
    • “Given that there are two sequels out on Steam, this is an older game and much less optimized than the other ones.”
    • “Optimization of this game for later hardware or software isn't good enough and this game always uses the integrated graphics card although I have set it to the dedicated GPU.”
    • “Terribly optimized piece of shit, with all the cartoonish graphics you'd think it could run even on a raw potato but no, the frame rate drops below 20 on my PC which runs smoothly with most of the games that came out after 2015 like Division and Witcher 3, so yeah I blame the game.”
  • character development24 mentions

    Character development in the game is generally viewed as limited, with many reviewers noting a lack of depth in both personal and NPC growth, though some appreciate the uniqueness of character designs and playstyles. While the gameplay allows for some progression through class mods and elemental artifacts, it often prioritizes action and fun over narrative depth. Overall, the character development is described as hit or miss, appealing primarily to those who enjoy a blend of fast-paced shooting and RPG elements.

    • “Character development in this game is brilliant, if not a little overwhelming at first.”
    • “The character development is fun, and all of the characters really have a uniqueness to them in design and playstyle.”
    • “Borderlands is a great mix of FPS and RPG, allowing for both fast-paced shooting and character development, with four classes to choose from, each of which plays quite differently from one another.”
    • “Character development is pretty absent with a few exceptions.”
    • “The story introduces you to the world of Pandora and the major themes, but there isn't really any character development.”
    • “Though the game lacks in in-depth story and true character development, the play style and the world itself give this game a tremendous level of enjoyment.”
  • emotional15 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is polarizing, with some players feeling deeply affected by its existential themes and moments of introspection, while others criticize it for forced emotional beats and a lack of genuine connection to characters. Many reviewers express feelings of misery or disappointment, citing clunky mechanics and a boring narrative that detracts from any potential emotional impact. Overall, while there are glimpses of emotional depth, they are often overshadowed by gameplay issues and a lack of engaging storytelling.

    • “The quirky, full-tilt drama that unfolds as you bounce between one crap city and another is an intriguing one, touching on existential themes like the meaning of life and humanizing those on the other side of war.”
    • “7/10 would cry again.”
    • “I don't remember why, but I cried because of this game. I think there was some psychological metaphor that made me realize I am just a pawn in society and that in 80 years no one will remember me.”
    • “This game has many problems: clunky movements, a terrible HUD, and mechanics that are neither friendly nor efficient. You have to manually pick up money, health, and ammo from the ground and confirm every time you want to buy anything, including ammo. The aim system is terrible, and the story is very boring, filled with uninteresting characters, quests, and upgrades.”
    • “It's got repetitive gameplay and a boring story. It's loaded with bugs and glitches. While there are some good moments, they are not enough to save it.”
  • monetization9 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game is generally viewed positively, as it lacks intrusive microtransactions and does not employ aggressive advertising tactics within the gameplay. While some users express frustration over the presence of ads for new games in older titles, the absence of microtransactions is highlighted as a significant advantage, making it a more enjoyable experience compared to other games in the genre. Overall, players appreciate the straightforward approach to monetization, contrasting it with the practices of other publishers.

    • “Microtransactions = false.”
    • “Borderlands 2 still exists, thankfully.”
    • “Shoves advertising for new games into old games, scum business tactic.”
    • “If you want a game full of microtransactions and want to be threatened to be sued if you attempt to make any mods for it, a game owned by Take-Two Interactive is perfect for you.”
    • “To end my review, I would like to state to those of you who hate DLC and say it is just a cash grab.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

81% average critic score

Buy Borderlands

Play time

35hMedian play time
67hAverage play time
22hMain story
63hCompletionist
10-82hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 55 analyzed playthroughs

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