This year it seems Gearbox sees fit to give me quite the pleasant birthday gift. Borderlands is being released on October 20 and if you ask me that seems like something to peak my interest. Now, I haven't been exceptionally happy about a lot of the news coming out of Gearbox recently. I would be a lot happier if Alien: Colonial Marines actually had a release date. I would have been ecstatic if Brother's in Arms: Hell's Highway hadn't completed deviated from the formula that had made the prior installments so much fun. But in hindsight, Gearbox has come a long way.

Currently, I'm in love with Fallout 3. Bethesda has, as they have done in the past, proven that they know how to make a title that makes me feel like God has drunkenly kissed me. Borderlands, from all current appearances, seems to be borrowing all of the best shooter qualities from Fallout 3 and combining them with the RPG elements of the title. For instance, if you utilize a weapon the dice-roll of the shot seems to still occur, however it isn't as significant as Fallout 3 where it is virtually impossible to shoot from the hip below level 20. Granted it takes some practice in any title to anticipate the reaction of any weapon and where the shot will land, but more often than not, even at level 20 I'm still inclined to use VATS in Fallout 3. Furthermore, I've noticed from watching the gameplay that the shooting in Borderlands seems more welcoming, especially to players who may find this their first outing in the first-person-RPG-shooter. Additionally, the ability to expand outwards in whatever class the player chooses in a definite draw.

As in any role-playing game your character ultimately stands to level up significantly. Additionally though, through the utilization of weapons and technology, not only will the character proficiency increase with the said items, the items themselves will level up. The turret, which takes on various configurations, levels up overtime in the same way as the turret in Too Human. Granted, it isn't finest comparison, but the point is understood. Ultimately there is one thing that'll set this apart from the rest of the herd in my mind and that is the ability for co-op.

Co-op isn't just a feature or even a bullet point on the back of a video game's box anymore, to most gamers it has become an expectation and I'm pleased that this is no difference with Borderlands. Four player co-op will be implemented and there is no limit apparently on the character classes in-game. For instance, should four players all want to play as soldiers, they can. I think the potential there for a good time is ripe and the possibility of an exceptional title really is in the works that can be played in its entirety with up to three other people. I think this is worth at least a try, if not an entire playthrough.

After all, what's the worse thing that can happen? The controller bites my hand? Here's looking towards October 20th and a full summary following therein.

--Andrew
just keep shooting.