Making a sequel to a massive hit is a difficult task if you want to produce a second generation game that is on par with the original. The folks over at Gearbox Software have taken their time, spending almost three years, in developing Borderlands 2. That time was well worth wait because the new installment is the must have game of the year. A look into the game will explain why this is the best new gaming experience of the year.

Blending the Best of RPG and Adventure/Shooter Gaming

Pandora is a beautiful and complex world that is as lovely as it is dangerous. While the graphic are out of this world, it is something that is a little different that makes this game so endearing. Gearbox has accomplished something that many other software teams have attempted but never achieved. They have successfully combined all of the elements of a true RPG with all the elements found in an Adventure/Shooter game. The result is a game that is a stand alone unit, and that is pleasing to both camps of gamers. In terms of game reviews this game receives five stars!

The Good Guys

The lead characters are steeped in original character, arrogance, and talent, playing off the tough, smart-ass characters we all know from action games. Salvador is a duel weapon fiend, Axton is new to “Borderlands” and is the character to choose if you want to be the commando and renegade of the squad. The sole female hunter, Maya, has mystical powers to equate her to that of a siren. The last hunter, Zero, is the assassin and his special power is invisibility. What is great about this game is that you can play it with three buddies and utilize all four characters.

To a certain degree, these characters come off a little cliché when it comes to action games. Gun-toting tough guys shooting up bad guys is about as far as a game like Borderlands 2 needs to go, and these characters do it well. Deep enough to fit in with the environment and tough enough to keep the game fun.

The Joy of Loot

The world is full of danger, but that is most of the fun. The extensive amount of side quests make it pure joy to pillage, raid, and loot every square inch of Pandora. The goal is always to find LOOT, which may include the next great weapon, ammo, or health. Wrapped around the search for loot is the complex dialogue that is rich in humor and insults. Banter is tossed back and forth like live grenades, and the reaction is about the same.

The hunt for the next great weapon is a driving factor in the game. All four characters are capable of wielding any of the weapons which is a plus. Each of the characters develops along its chosen skill catalog without being hampered by weapon choice. That is a pitfall in many RPG games and becomes a huge bonus in Borderlands 2.

Dangerous Enemies – The Perfect Challenge

The field of enemies is also richly developed, and ranges from acid squirting insects, deadly robots, thugs, mercenaries, bandits, and of course the arch fiend himself, Handsome Jack. Playtime is awesome and addicting. The action packed humor laden adventure is sure to be a hot topic on most game reviews. This is clearly the highest benchmark that we have seen in the gaming world for quite some time. The very successful combination of RPG and Adventure/Shooter is amazing. This is how games should be developed. There are lessons here to be learned by other software developers. The dynamics of this game is beyond next generation they are the new standard that will change the gaming industry.

If you’ve got a Mac, Borderlands 2 may be coming to Steam for Mac, so stayed tune!