Comprehensive Borderlands The PreSequel Review: Engaging Gameplay, Story, and Features

Overview of Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel

Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel is a unique entry in the Borderlands series, developed by 2K Australia and released in October 2014. Set between the events of Borderlands and Borderlands 2, this action role-playing first-person shooter allows players to explore the chaotic universe of Pandora’s moon, Elpis. The game introduces new mechanics, characters, and a deeper backstory, enriching the franchise’s lore while maintaining its trademark humor and stylized graphics.

New Characters and Classes

Players can choose from four new playable characters, each bringing unique abilities:

• Athena: A former gladiator with a powerful shield that can absorb projectiles.
• Wilhelm: A cybernetic bounty hunter who can deploy drones to aid in combat.
• Nisha: A lawbringer with skills that enhance her gunplay, making her a formidable foe.
• Claptrap: A quirky robot with a randomized skill tree, offering unpredictable gameplay styles.

Gameplay Mechanics

This installment introduces innovative gameplay mechanics such as low-gravity environments and oxygen usage. Players must manage their oxygen levels while navigating the moon’s surface, adding an extra layer of strategy to combat and exploration. The game also incorporates the series’ signature loot system, allowing players to find an array of weapons, mods, and gear to customize their characters.

Storyline and Setting

The narrative follows the rise of Handsome Jack, the infamous villain from Borderlands 2, as players witness his transformation from a corporate man to a ruthless tyrant. Set against the backdrop of Elpis, the story unfolds through engaging missions and side quests that delve into the characters’ backgrounds, the ongoing conflict, and the moral dilemmas faced in their pursuit of power.

Visual Style and Soundtrack

With its distinct cel-shaded art style, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel continues the tradition of visually stunning environments filled with humor and charm. The game’s soundtrack complements the action, featuring a mix of diverse tunes that enhance the overall experience. Characters and dialogue maintain the series’ renowned wit, making it a delightful experience for fans and newcomers alike.

Overall, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel stands out as a compelling chapter in the Borderlands saga, blending engaging gameplay with a rich storyline and memorable characters. Its unique setting and mechanics not only enhance the series but also provide players with an exhilarating adventure that keeps them coming back for more.

Gameplay Mechanics: What Sets The Pre-Sequel Apart

The Pre-Sequel introduces several innovative gameplay mechanics that differentiate it from both its predecessors and many other titles in the action RPG genre. Set on the moon of Pandora, players must adapt to unique environmental conditions that change the dynamics of combat and exploration. The low gravity enhances mobility, allowing for higher jumps and more fluid movement, essential for both offensive strategies and dodging enemy attacks.

Low Gravity and Movement

One of the standout features is the low-gravity environment. This not only influences character mobility but also affects how players approach combat. Players can experience:

• Boosted jumps: Reach elevated positions to gain a strategic advantage or escape threats.
• Slide mechanics: Perform quick slides to evade incoming attacks or reposition during encounters.
• Enhanced vaulting: Navigate obstacles with ease, adding an extra layer to exploration.

New Oxygen System

The introduction of an oxygen system further sets The Pre-Sequel apart. Players must manage their oxygen levels while navigating the moon’s atmosphere, adding a survival element to the gameplay. Key aspects include:

• Oxygen upgrades: Players can find and equip items to enhance their oxygen supply.
• Oxygen depletion: Engaging in combat and performing actions consumes oxygen, necessitating strategic resource management.
• Oxygen as a gameplay mechanic: Certain skills or abilities may be enhanced when oxygen levels are high, pushing players to strategize their combat actions.

New Character Abilities and Skill Trees

Each of the new characters also introduces unique abilities that reflect the gameplay innovations. With focused skill trees, players can customize their skills for enhanced combat efficiency. Noteworthy aspects include:

• Unique character abilities: Each character brings distinct powers that cater to diverse playstyles.
• Skill tree flexibility: Players can mix and match skills for a customized gameplay experience.
• Synergies between characters: Teamwork is essential, with character abilities often complementing each other for cooperative strategies.

Elemental Effects and Environmental Interaction

Another significant addition is the diversity of elemental effects and environmental interactions. Players can exploit these mechanics to create dynamic combat scenarios. Highlights include:

• Ice, fire, and shock effects: Utilize elemental attacks that can freeze, ignite, or zap enemies, affecting their behavior in combat.
• Interactive environment: Players can use the terrain to their advantage, manipulating the battlefield to turn the tide in their favor.
• Environmental hazards: Players must navigate around and utilize hazards, adding a layer of strategy to encounters.

Overall, the gameplay mechanics in The Pre-Sequel not only enhance the combat experience but also create a more immersive and strategic gameplay landscape. Each innovation encourages players to think creatively while adapting to the challenges posed by the moon’s unique environment, making it a standout title in the series.

Character Classes: A Deep Dive into New Heroes

As gaming continues to evolve, character classes play a pivotal role in how players engage with new heroes. Each class offers unique abilities and distinct playstyles, enhancing the overall gaming experience. This deep dive will explore various character classes that have emerged with the latest heroes, detailing their characteristics, strengths, and potential strategies.

1. The Warrior Class

The Warrior class is often depicted as the backbone of any hero roster, providing high durability and melee damage potential. Warriors typically excel in close combat, making them effective front-line fighters. Players who choose this class will benefit from:

• High Health Pools: Warriors can absorb considerable damage during gameplay.
• Engagement Capabilities: Many warriors possess skills that allow them to initiate combat or protect allies.
• Measurable Damage Output: They deliver consistent damage with their melee attacks, making them reliable in battle.

2. The Mage Class

The Mage class, in contrast, thrives on the use of powerful magic spells and ranged attacks. Mages support their team from a distance while dealing massive area damage to enemies. Choosing a Mage opens up a wide array of tactical options, including:

• Elemental Mastery: Mages often have access to various elemental spells, enabling versatile combat strategies.
• Area Control: Their abilities can control crowds or deter enemy movement effectively.
• High Burst Damage: Mages can unleash devastating spells that can turn the tide of battles quickly.

3. The Rogue Class

Stealth and agility define the Rogue class, attracting players who enjoy a tactical and deceptive approach to combat. Rogues often specialize in sneaky tactics and rapid strikes, which can include:

• High Mobility: Rogues can maneuver around opponents swiftly, making them elusive targets.
• Critical Damage: Their skills often rely on landing critical hits, punishing unprepared foes.
• Stealth Mechanics: Many Rogues can become invisible or otherwise undetectable, allowing them to ambush unaware enemies.

4. The Support Class

Support classes are essential for team synergy, providing healing, buffs, and various utility skills to enhance the performance of allies. New heroes in the support role have added exciting layers to gameplay, as they often feature:

• Healing Abilities: Support heroes can restore health, keeping their team in the fight.
• Buffing Skills: They can enhance the capabilities of others, increasing damage output or defense.
• Tactical Control: Many support characters possess crowd-control abilities that can disrupt enemy formations or provide cover.

As new heroes continue to emerge, understanding the nuances of each character class enables players to strategize better and adapt their playstyle. Whether you prefer the brute strength of a Warrior, the spell-weaving capabilities of a Mage, the cunning tactics of a Rogue, or the fundamental support of a supportive healer, each class brings something unique to the battlefield, fostering a diverse and dynamic gaming experience.

Graphics and Visuals: How The Pre-Sequel Stands Up

The graphical presentation and visual aesthetics of Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel play a significant role in defining the overall gaming experience. Released in a format that builds upon the unique art style of previous entries in the series, this title maintains the signature cel-shaded graphics that have become synonymous with the franchise. This stylistic choice not only enhances the game’s appeal but also contributes to its distinct identity within the crowded market of first-person shooters.

Distinctive Cel-Shaded Art Style

The cel-shaded art style utilized in The Pre-Sequel stands out in an era of hyper-realistic graphics. This technique allows for vibrant colors and exaggerated character designs, creating a comic-book-like visual experience that resonates with players. The results are not just aesthetically pleasing; they also contribute to the immersive storytelling that the Borderlands series is known for. The visuals help encapsulate the quirky humor and eccentric nature of the game’s world.

Environmental Design and Variability

The diverse environments in The Pre-Sequel showcase the developers’ commitment to world-building. Players traverse various locations on the moon Pandora, each designed with unique characteristics:

• Low Gravity Zones: These areas allow players to experience altered physics, influencing movement and combat.
• Space Environments: The game features beautiful celestial backdrops enriched by the shimmering beauty of the cosmos.
• Desolate Landscapes: The representation of barren moonscapes serves to enhance the theme of isolation and exploration.

Each environment not only looks fantastic but also affects gameplay in numerous ways, enriching the overall player engagement and providing a visually pleasing backdrop for the unfolding story.

Character Models and Animation

The character models in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel exhibit intricate detail, from the humorous facial expressions to the animated quirks that each character brings to the narrative. The game’s animations have been refined since its predecessors, resulting in smoother transitions and movements, making interactions feel more organic. This level of detail is vital as it enhances emotional connections between players and characters, further immersing the player in the gameplay experience.

Visual Effects and Combat Dynamics

The Pre-Sequel also excels in visual effects, particularly during combat. The game’s weapons are not only diverse but also come with unique visual signatures that make each shootout a spectacle. Explosive effects, elemental damage visuals, and dynamic lighting contribute to a visually thrilling experience. The elaborate visual effects during boss fights and key narrative moments create memorable scenes that stick with the player long after the game is finished.

Storyline and Setting: Exploring the Moon’s Unique Environment

The Moon, Earth’s only natural satellite, has long captured the imagination of humanity with its haunting beauty and mystery. In crafting a compelling storyline set against this backdrop, writers often delve into the Moon’s unique environmental features. The lunar landscape, characterized by vast plains, craters, and mountains, serves not only as a stunning stage but also as a catalyst for engaging narratives.

The Surface: A Barren Wilderness

The Moon’s surface is a desolate terrain, marked by harsh conditions that challenge any potential explorer. With an average temperature fluctuating between -173°C at night and 127°C during the day, survival scenarios are compelling plot drivers. Craters, some millions of years old, add a sense of ancient history to the terrain, sparking tales of long-gone civilizations or lost artifacts. The Moon’s regolith— a fine dust that covers the surface— provides unique challenges and opportunities for characters who must navigate this unfamiliar environment.

Low Gravity: A Game Changer

The lunar environment introduces a significant element: low gravity, which is just one-sixth that of Earth. This feature reframes actions, making everyday tasks, such as walking or leaping, a thrilling experience. Characters might display seemingly superhuman abilities, leading to innovative plot twists. Additionally, this unique characteristic can present obstacles; for instance, the potential for equipment malfunction or structural failures in habitats adds suspense and urgency.

The Skies Above: An Endless Canvas

In the absence of an atmosphere, the Moon offers an unobstructed view of the cosmos. Characters might find themselves gazing up at the stars, leading to philosophical reflections on existence, solitude, and humanity’s place in the universe. This stark contrast can be used to heighten emotional stakes, portraying the Moon as both an isolating and profoundly beautiful environment. The absence of air also means the absence of sound, creating a sense of eerie silence that can amplify tension in a storyline.

Exploration and Discovery: A Catalyst for Conflict

The Moon serves as a perfect setting for stories of exploration and discovery. The potential for encountering alien life, hidden resources, or even remnants of ancient technology can drive the narrative forward. Themes of colonization, corporate greed, or government conspiracy can emerge as characters grapple with the implications of their adventures. The competition among nations or private entities to claim lunar territories adds layers of conflict, making the Moon not just a setting but a battlefield for ideas and ideologies.

Weathering the Elements: Challenges of Lunar Living

• Radiation: Without a protective atmosphere, characters must contend with high levels of cosmic radiation, making habitation and exploration perilous.
• Temperature Extremes: The stark contrast in temperatures presents challenges for survival, equipment, and agriculture.
• Micrometeorites: The threat of micrometeorite impacts serves to heighten tension, as characters must protect themselves and their technology.

Thus, the Moon’s unique environment allows storytelling to flourish by intertwining character development with environmental challenges. The interplay between survival and exploration drives narratives that resonate with audiences, tapping into innate curiosities about what lies beyond our home planet.

Co-op Multiplayer: Enhancing the Borderlands Experience

The Borderlands series has always been synonymous with cooperative gameplay, and this aspect elevates the overall gaming experience to new heights. The chaotic blend of shooter mechanics, RPG elements, and vibrant art style creates an exhilarating environment for players to team up and explore the expansive world of Pandora and beyond. In co-op multiplayer, players can join forces, strategizing and tackling challenges together, leading to a more engaging and rewarding gaming experience.

The Synergy of Characters

One of the most exciting features of Borderlands co-op play is the synergy created between different character classes. Each character comes with unique abilities and skill trees that can complement one another. For instance, a Sirens ability to crowd control enemies pairs perfectly with the Soldier’s combat skills, enhancing team efficiency. This synergy encourages players to experiment with various class combinations, leading to diverse playstyles and strategies. Teaming up allows players to effectively cover each other’s weaknesses, creating a well-rounded squad ready for any challenge.

Dynamic Gameplay and Shared Loot

When playing in co-op mode, gameplay becomes dynamic and unpredictable. Engaging in borderland missions with friends can lead to unexpected scenarios that test teamwork and communication. Moreover, the shared loot system ensures that every player has the opportunity to gain weapons, equipment, and experience points. Although there is an option for loot instancing, many players appreciate the traditional loot-sharing method as it promotes discussion and negotiation among teammates, fostering camaraderie.

Heightened Challenge Levels

Co-op multiplayer naturally increases the challenge level of the game. As more players join in, enemies adapt, bolstering their strength and numbers to match the squad’s capability. This elevation in difficulty not only keeps gameplay exciting but also presents players with new tactical opportunities. Coordinating strategies and executing well-timed attacks against tougher foes becomes a thrilling ride, proving that teamwork truly makes the dream work.

Customizable Experiences

Borderlands co-op multiplayer allows players to customize their gaming experience to fit their preferences. Whether it’s setting the difficulty level or selecting specific missions, players can tailor the game to their liking. In addition, players can utilize voice chat and in-game communication tools to coordinate maneuvers and share their unique playstyles. This flexibility encourages engagement and keeps the gameplay feeling fresh and personalized every session.

The Social Aspect of Gaming

Beyond the mechanics, co-op multiplayer enhances the Borderlands experience by seizing the social aspect of gaming. Players can share hilarious moments, epic victories, and even frustrating defeats, creating lasting memories within their gaming communities. Chatting and strategizing together not only makes the gameplay enjoyable but also strengthens friendships and builds communities around the game. Ultimately, Borderlands transforms from a solitary adventure into a shared journey, where every loot drop and victory feels monumental when celebrated together.

Weapons and Loot: The Heart of The Pre-Sequel

In Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, weapons and loot play a crucial role in the gameplay experience, serving as the driving force behind players’ adventures on the moon of Pandora. The game introduces a unique combination of weapon types and loot mechanics that enhance the core first-person shooter (FPS) gameplay while adding depth, variety, and replayability. From simple sidearms to powerful legendary weapons, the loot system is designed to keep players engaged and excited about their next find.

Variety of Weapon Types

The Pre-Sequel features a broad spectrum of weapon types, including:

• Hyperion: Known for its accuracy and effective shielding capabilities.
• Tediore: Unique for its throw-away mechanic, allowing players to toss their weapons for explosive effects.
• Jakobs: Emphasizing high damage and critical hit potential, perfect for players favoring precision shots.
• Maliwan: Specializes in elemental damage, perfect for dealing with various enemy types.

This variety allows players to tailor their weapons to their personal playstyle, ensuring that each encounter feels fresh and challenging.

Loot Mechanics

The loot mechanics in The Pre-Sequel encourage exploration and experimentation. Players can uncover an assortment of items, ranging from weapons to mods, shields, and grenade types. This extensive loot pool includes:

• Legendary weapons: Rare items boasting unique effects and high damage.
• Class Mods: Enhancements that provide special bonuses to a character’s abilities.
• Shields: Essential for protecting against enemy fire, with various elemental resistances.
• Relics: Offering passive benefits that can alter gameplay dynamics.

Each piece of loot can significantly impact the player’s build and strategy, making loot acquisition a core element of the game’s appeal.

Legendary Loot and Its Impact

One of the standout features of The Pre-Sequel is the pursuit of legendary loot. These weapons and items not only have higher base stats but also come with unique attributes that can change the game’s dynamics. For example, players may stumble upon a:

• Conference Call: A shotgun that sends out additional projectiles.
• Grog Nozzle: A unique firearm that provides health regeneration upon hitting enemies.

These legendary items elevate the gameplay experience by introducing unpredictable and powerful mechanics, encouraging players to test their limits and experiment with different setups.

Looting Strategies

To maximize loot potential in The Pre-Sequel, players often adopt various looting strategies, such as:

• Farming: Repeatedly defeating specific bosses known to drop rare loot.
• Exploration: Thoroughly searching each area to discover hidden chests and equipment.
• Multiplayer Cooperation: Teaming up with friends to tackle challenges that yield better loot outcomes.

These strategies not only enhance the thrill of gameplay but also foster a community-driven experience where players share tips and loot finds.

Customization and Modifications

Further enriching the loot experience, players can customize their weapons and gear through various modifications. This allows players to tweak the performance of their firearms and gear, leading to personalized builds tailored to their preferred style of play. Modifications can include:

• Sights: Improve accuracy and range.
• Barrels: Alter damage output and firing rates.
• Elements: Choose between shock, fire, or corrosive damage to exploit enemy weaknesses.

This customization feature adds complexity and encourages players to engage with the loot system beyond mere acquisition, fostering creativity in character builds and combat strategies.

Final Verdict: Is Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel Worth Playing?

Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel has often been the underdog in the beloved Borderlands franchise. Set between the events of Borderlands and Borderlands 2, this title takes players on a unique adventure through the moon of Pandora, featuring zero-gravity mechanics and an array of new characters. But is it worth your time? Here’s a breakdown of key aspects to consider.

Engaging Storyline

The narrative of Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel offers an engaging twist with its storyline, delving deeper into the lore of the franchise. Players experience the rise of Handsome Jack and the chaotic events leading to the second installment. The game’s plot is loaded with dark humor, quirky dialogue, and rich character backstories, which fans of the franchise will appreciate.

Gameplay Mechanics

One of the standout features is the game’s zero-gravity mechanics. Players can exploit low-gravity areas to perform mid-air maneuvers and utilize new abilities unique to each character. This adds a fresh layer to the gameplay, making combat both challenging and entertaining. However, some players may find the new mechanics less intuitive if they are accustomed to the traditional gameplay of previous Borderlands titles.

Character Diversity

Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel introduces a host of new characters, each with their own skill trees and playstyles. Whether you enjoy playing as the technologically savvy Aurelia or the brute force of Wilhelm, there is something for every type of player. The diversity in character selection enriches multiplayer experiences, allowing different styles of play to complement each other effectively.

Art Style and Graphics

Staying true to the franchise, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel maintains its iconic cel-shaded art style. The vibrant graphics and unique design of the environments create an immersive experience that captures the chaotic essence of the series. While it may not boast the cutting-edge graphics of some newer titles, the game’s artistic approach resonates well with fans.

Replay Value

• Multiple character options enhance replayability.
• DLC packs expand the storyline and provide additional challenges.
• Co-op gameplay encourages friends to join, creating a dynamic multiplayer experience.

In summary, while Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel may not hold the same iconic status as some of its predecessors, it certainly delivers a worthy addition to the franchise. The combination of a compelling storyline, unique gameplay mechanics, and an engaging art style offers a distinct experience that fans and newcomers alike can enjoy. The replayability factor further assures that players will find value in returning to this colorful world time and time again.