Borderlands

[Hoax]

From what I've read it sets enemy levels based on your progress in the story?  Have you fucked w/ it at all to figure out how it sets levels?

[Shrike]

If you've done lots of sidequests, the Ned spawns will be lower level. I went in at 50 (not quite done with second playthrough) and most of the enemies were mid-40ish. On playthrough 2.5, then the zombies are 50-51 and things get a good deal more exciting. If you stick the to main storyline and don't do too much else, then they're about your level.

At this point, I"ve been through the game fully 3 times and generally play with a dedicated group. We all have 50s (some several). Our general group is one siren, two soldiers, and a berzerker (we'll have a hunter and maybe another siren soon). The loot that drops when you're 50 is both copious and some is quite...interesting. My siren scored a purple merc mod the other night with +23 to SMG ammo regen. That--to quote Roland--is awesome. Four player runs to Skag Gully, Earl's Scrapyard, or the Fastness are simply insane blasting fun. Getting Marley, Moe, and about 6-8 other superbad/asskicking skags to the face at once is an experience to be treasured. This is on the 360, of course.

The last patch also fixed a big issue on the 360 for us siren players. Silent Resolve actually works now and it's gameplay changing for sirens. Using phasewalk offensively (and living to tell of it) is now possible. Rocket regen still doesn't work on 'zerkers, but no one really gives a shit that I play with (no one likes 'zerkers, hence we'll probably have a second siren soon).

Dec. 29, eh? Yeah, I'm all over it. Especially with the Amex deal on points. Bring it. 

[Margalis]

Started playing this, not really feeling it but I'm playing it single player. It seems like all the trappings for a good game are there but there isn't much actual game. Basically no plot or characters, pretty much one set of level geometry, a couple different sets of enemies and endless "find 5 useless pieces of shit" quests. Don't think I'm going to continue.

[TheWalrus]

Definitely have to be grouping to enjoy it if you don't like the single player. One of those games where the frantic attempt to survive in the midst of shooting alot with friends is what makes it fun.

[Hawkbit]

Yeah, I still play from time to time, but not how I thought I would.

For BL2, I want to see an open world with dynamic, destructible environments. 
Remove cars as well. 
Cut out kill/fetch quests and make a better, longer, more epic story instead of the fanfic we have in BL1. 
Make the weapon attributes easier to understand.
Don't put hidden values on items (wee wee!).
AI needs work.

It still gets a solid 85% from me, but it really could have been so much more.

[Goreschach]

The one thing it would need more than anything would be a Battle.net type multiplayer service.

[Hoax]

Started playing this, not really feeling it but I'm playing it single player. It seems like all the trappings for a good game are there but there isn't much actual game. Basically no plot or characters, pretty much one set of level geometry, a couple different sets of enemies and endless "find 5 useless pieces of shit" quests. Don't think I'm going to continue.

Honestly the game is weak until the end, the only bright spots pre-Old Haven would be the plot missions in Dahl and Sledge's safehouse w/ 4 people so its nice and hard.  Outside of the final boss though from Old Haven on are much better.

[Kageh]

Started playing this, not really feeling it but I'm playing it single player. It seems like all the trappings for a good game are there but there isn't much actual game. Basically no plot or characters, pretty much one set of level geometry, a couple different sets of enemies and endless "find 5 useless pieces of shit" quests. Don't think I'm going to continue.

I would add "find 5 useless pieces of shit hidden in the most obnoxious, counter-productive and downright unfair places". 

I totally agree with you, I felt the same. For reviews, the already mentioned phrase "could have been so much more" is what says it best.

[Margalis]

The game was delayed a bunch, kind of makes you wonder what they were doing with that time.

[stray]

It's funny.. people are always dying for more co-op games.. now it's here, but it's not deep enough. 

Seriously though, that's why I stayed away from it. I knew I wouldn't get enough time for co-op'ing. I love action rpgs, but they're rarely fun in and of themselves.

[schild]

It's funny.. people are always dying for more co-op games.. now it's here, but it's not deep enough.

That is NOT the core problem with Coop here.

[stray]

No, no I just mean it's probably not a good idea expecting it to offer a deep single player experience. I'm sure it's great when you play with friends.

[Azazel]

The game was delayed a bunch, kind of makes you wonder what they were doing with that time.

They redid the graphic style completely. I was hoping for a deeper experience - something more akin to Fallout 3 with multiplayer, while the actual game is more like a FPS Diablo. But hey, it's still fun.

The second DLC release smacks of super lazy content, though. With a rather questionable design choice - you can play for a 45min session, or a 4-hour session. Not sure if you have to restart from scratch after a wipe. Oh, but it includes they make you pay for DLC bankspace, which is becoming more common. EQ1 did it years ago with the froglok expansion, bit it's becoming more common with DA, LOTRO, etc.

http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2009/12/30/borderlands-dlc-review-mad-moxxis-underdome-riot/

I think I may have to skip that one.

[bhodi]

Yep, that one broke me. I'm done with this game. The latest blatant moneygrab is just too much, especially with the disdain they have shown to all PC users.

[Hawkbit]

I love the 'hardcore' jabs in that preview.  Because sitting for 4 hours in one spot is hardcore. 

I didn't buy the first DLC because of the DRM and I'm not buying that one because it sounds full retard.  Not to mention that it will most certainly have DRM jacked into it even through Steam. 

Did they mention if the bank is sharable between characters on my account?  I didn't see that mentioned, but that would be an awesome update. 

[Azazel]

I haven't heard anything about it being sharable. If it were, it'd be good (easy to swap shit around) and also bad (40 slots FULL STOP THE END).

Playing it on the 360, DRM's not an issue, and I'd really probably buy it if it wasn't such a combination of lazy and retarded with a side of moneygrab.

[BitWarrior]

Starting to get interested in this game, largely because I think my wife will like it. From time to time I've caught comments on this thread regarding the various versions, some getting screwed, etc. I assume getting this for the PC is the best choice still? Also, we would still largely recommend this title?

[Samwise]

There are a few people on here who would recommend Borderlands, but I think they're a pretty small minority of humanity.  Of the handful of people I know in real life who played it, I think I was the only one to even make it through the storyline, and that was out of sheer stubbornness.

Rating: Avoid.

[schild]

Yar, I wouldn't recommend it, but I'd recommend looking up Scooter's line on Youtube, assuming they're there.

[Hoax]

Starting to get interested in this game, largely because I think my wife will like it. From time to time I've caught comments on this thread regarding the various versions, some getting screwed, etc. I assume getting this for the PC is the best choice still? Also, we would still largely recommend this title?

I would only recommend on pc if you have patience and willingness to fix shit yourself and your not playing single player.  That is a ton of "ifs" but sadly they really fucked up the PC port and aiming with a console is so lame (watch any console borderlands video, lulz).  I got my $50 barely by playing with a bunch of IRL friends.

[BitWarrior]

Oh, that's a shame - last time I was paying attention to this thread people were really excited about it.

When you say you have to "fix shit", I guess the game isn't very optimized or something? And it's a bad port? Aiming is fucked up? Its weird because I thought this was kinda like DA:O, in that it's a PC game first, console version second.

Alright, well is it bearable on the PS3? My wife isn't a huge fan of FPS with a controller, but it might work...is that any better or is the game as a whole fairly lackluster?

[Samwise]

Out of curiosity, what about this game do you think is likely to appeal to her?

[BitWarrior]

Out of curiosity, what about this game do you think is likely to appeal to her?

Heh, excellent question. My wife and I actually met in WoW, so she's a gamer by nature, but we stopped because cocaine is bad. Anyhow, I figured Borderlands might work because its a combination of a couple genre's she finds appealing. Her likes are fairly...inconsistent:

- WoW
- Left 4 Dead
- The entire Zelda franchise
- Dragon Age: Origins

She's currently constantly playing Left 4 Dead, she's a huge fan of it. She doesn't list most FPS games though, even TF2, because she doesn't like it when "they can shoot you back". Left 4 Dead offered a nice way to meet people, while not under the pressure of having the other team snipe you out from afar. She's playing a bit of Guild Wars right now to fill the time, although she says its "passible, just barely more interesting than watching TV", which isn't saying much.

Anyhow, I thought Borderlands would offer her a nice co-op like Left 4 Dead, while having the RPG and item elements from WoW and DA:O.

Suggestions are more than welcome!

[Samwise]

Borderlands MIGHT make a good LAN co-op game for the two of you to play together if you've got two PCs.  But I wouldn't count on any L4D-style internet multiplayer. 

The multiplayer matchmaking is shitty shitty shitty shitty shit. 

Like from a butt.

[Hawkbit]

Life's had me too busy lately; I just finished the story today.  Bullshit ending, almost wish I never would have picked it up. 

[Hoax]

I think if your computers can run it and you're willing to make the fixes and get it all working ahead of time might be well worth the purchase.

But you need to be willing to slog through some threads here and possibly on gearbox/steam forums to get it all playing nice, otherwise don't even bother.  Its a bad port that you can fix almost everything easily with some text file edits unless you are unlucky.

[AcidCat]

I have the game for 360 and I highly recommend it, it's kept me and my son entertained for many, many hours playing splitscreen and we're still having fun. I'm fairly picky about what FPS games I'll play on console, and Borderlands feels perfectly fine with a controller.

[Lantyssa]

Borderlands MIGHT make a good LAN co-op game for the two of you to play together if you've got two PCs.  But I wouldn't count on any L4D-style internet multiplayer. 

LAN co-op is a blast.  Ignore the haters.  They got burned by over-hyping themselves by thinking of it as Diablo with Guns.

[Sky]

LAN co-op is a blast.  Ignore the haters.  They got burned by over-hyping themselves by thinking of it as Diablo with Guns.

Or burned by online co-op.

[Samwise]

LAN co-op is a blast.  Ignore the haters.  They got burned by over-hyping themselves by thinking of it as Diablo with Guns.

Or burned by online co-op.

From a butt.

[Sky]

LAN co-op is a blast.  Ignore the haters.  They got burned by over-hyping themselves by thinking of it as Diablo with Guns.

Or burned by online co-op.

From a butt.

Online po-op.

[Jimbo]

Got this as an early b-day present from my son (yeah I know I gave him the money, then had to buy it since it was rated mature, but hey its the thought that counts), and it has worked great on the xbox 360 for co-op (split screen with me and him) or xbox live. 

[Azazel]

Starting to get interested in this game, largely because I think my wife will like it. From time to time I've caught comments on this thread regarding the various versions, some getting screwed, etc. I assume getting this for the PC is the best choice still? Also, we would still largely recommend this title?

If you have 2 PCs (or 360s or PS3s) then I'd recommend it.

Even console split-screen is quite playable if you have a large TV.

No, it's not like L4D. As others have said, it got over-hyped here and the expectations weren't met/people finished it and the shiney wore off, it was a lazy console port to PC (though still very playable, it's mostly UI stuff) and is still damned fun. Quests are pretty much like ones from WoW. Still recommended.

Playing it with my wife, and also a second game with 2 friends. All local co-op.

[BitWarrior]

Starting to get interested in this game, largely because I think my wife will like it. From time to time I've caught comments on this thread regarding the various versions, some getting screwed, etc. I assume getting this for the PC is the best choice still? Also, we would still largely recommend this title?

If you have 2 PCs (or 360s or PS3s) then I'd recommend it.

Even console split-screen is quite playable if you have a large TV.

No, it's not like L4D. As others have said, it got over-hyped here and the expectations weren't met/people finished it and the shiney wore off, it was a lazy console port to PC (though still very playable, it's mostly UI stuff) and is still damned fun. Quests are pretty much like ones from WoW. Still recommended.

Playing it with my wife, and also a second game with 2 friends. All local co-op.

Many thanks for the perspective. We do have 2 very gaming capable PC's, and I do have a single PS3 on a very nice 47" LCD, still seems like a toss up. PC obviously has mouse controls, separate screens, but the PS3 has apparently a better version, plus the Trophies which I do try to collect, though it'd technically be a smaller view. for each of us I guess. Damn toss ups.

No, it's not like L4D. As others have said, it got over-hyped here and the expectations weren't met/people finished it and the shiney wore off,

Heh, I always find we overhype here! As a matter of fact...

[Nightblade]

Funny, except that graph can be applied to nearly everyone.