Day 35, Game 35 - Borderlands

There are a few game franchises that I've always wanted to get into and play, but never have for one reason or another. Whether it be bad timing as to when the game is released, a lack of funds to buy the game when I am interested, or the fear of the unknown, there are plenty of excuses for plenty of games and franchises.

Usually, when I don't pull the trigger on the first game, it's hard for me to justify springing for the next game in the series without visiting the first one, first. This was the case for Bioshock, as I was incredibly interested in it when the second game came out, but couldn't do it without playing the original one first. Because of this delima, it took me another year or so to venture into Rapture. I was so glad I finally took the plunge, but looking back, I wish I had done it a lot sooner.

When Borderlands 2 came out a few months ago, the first thing I thought of was my experience with the Bioshock series. Borderlands 2 looked so good, so fun ... but because I hadn't played the first one yet, I was stuck between a rock and a hard place. Instead of just going on a whim, like I should have done with Bioshock, I resisted temptation to just jump right in. Oddly enough, when the second one was released, the wonderful and amazing service that is PS Plus decided to give all subscribers the original Borderlands - FOR FREE! Unfortunately, due to timing (and lack thereof), I never got around to playing it. So alas, Borderlands 2 is still waiting for me to pick it up.

One of the biggest problems and fear that I have with Borderlands is that I won't like it. I have heard so many people rant and rave about it, yet I still remain cautious. I love the art style, which is quite similar to XIII with the cell shading effects and all, so that's not my issue. I enjoy FPS, as evident with my instant love for Far Cry 3. So what's my problem with it? Well, the fact that everyone I talk to praises the game for being such an awesome multiplayer co-op experience.

Ughhh... multiplayer co-op? We all know how I feel about that. Is Borderlands a game that a guy who hates playing with others is still enjoyable when played alone? I wanted to find out, tonight.

I enjoy the leveling up, I enjoy the universe it takes place in (very Water World minus the water feel to it), I enjoy the characters so-far, and I enjoy the game play mechanics. The shooting seems stiff at times, and the fact that soooooooooo many random monsters and bad guys spawn continuously from the same spots is a little frustrating. But my main complaint is that there just isn't anything that is grabbing me by the shirt and yelling, "YOU MUST LOVE THIS GAME!"

It's just OK. Nothing special, yet. It's a little frustrating, especially when doing the main missions feels like grinding. Maybe I just need to spend more time with it. Maybe I need to play with others. One thing is for sure, though. I don't think I will be playing Borderlands 2 anytime soon. Not until I'm given a reason to.

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