First Impressions: Borderlands 2

Hi everyone! Well, as you obviously know, Borderlands 2 came out at 12:01 AM today, and already the internet is abuzz with positivity about the game. In time I'll put up a official review, but for now, I'll give you my first impressions.

Starting off are the characters. For my first, I decided to go for Salvador the Gunzerker (like the Berserker from Borderlands 1, but focuses on ranged attacks). He really suits the overkill style of play when you charge right in, and blast everything in sight without regard for one's self. The first thing I saw that separated him (and the other 3 classes) from the original characters is that there's 11 skills per skill tree instead of 7. This definitely changes things, as now there's more variability in structuring how you want to play the class. For me, I'm definitely focusing on the Gunzerking ability, and also maxing out reload speeds and ammo capacity.

Secondly, the guns in Borderlands 2 have been given more character & depth. In the original game, only paint jobs & slight changes to the gun's body separated them as far as looks were concerned. Now, each of the gun manufacturers have visually separate looks & feels, while at the same time keeping the core abilities from the original game. Some manufacturers have changed their focus since the last game, as all guns from the Torgue company now fire rockets, and Tediore guns are thrown away when emptied instead of reloaded (after they're thrown away, they explode, making them only partially useless).

Graphically, Borderlands 2 is definitely superior to the original game. While the first game wasn't ugly by any means, it seemed like there was more potential under the service. With this game, things seem more smooth, and everything just seems to move faster than in Borderlands 1.

The story is also superior to the original game. There's a bigger scope of things going on, resulting in a larger world to explore, and interacting with a larger group of NPCs that you'll actually care for. What also makes this game's story better is the fact that the main villain has more of a presence this time around, as his handiwork can be seen just about everywhere, and he'll taunt you when the opportunity present's itself.

There's a bunch of other things about Borderlands 2 that have been improved since the last time, but that'll have to wait until the review. Now, it's back to playing!!

I'll see you later this week, when I'll give you my first impressions for Torchlight 2. Until then, stay Otaku!