Borderlands Frequently Asked Questions
Developer: Gearbox Software
Publisher: 2K Games
Engine: Unreal Engine 3
Platform(s): PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows
Release Date: October 20, 2009
Genre(s): Role-Playing Shooter
Mode(s): Single-player, Multiplayer
Media: Blu-ray Disc, DVD
GENERAL
What is Borderlands?
Borderlands is an upcoming sci-fi RPS game with 4-player co-op. Borderlands boasts 87 bazillion guns (we stopped counting - it's in the millions). Players can choose from four character classes that grow throughout the game, each with their own skill trees. There is vehicle combat as well.
RPS?
Borderlands is a Role-Playing Shooter. The game has strong FPS-oriented gameplay that is complimented by character growth, development, and loot elements like an RPG
What platforms will Borderlands be available on?
PC, XBOX 360, and PS3
What are the PC system requirements?
The specific requirements have not yet been released.
Will there be a demo?
There will not be a pre-release demo available.
What is co-op like?
drop-in drop-out, 4-player online, 4-player PC LAN, 2-player splitscreen (or 4-player LAN) on 360/PS3. You can use any assortment of classes. Your character is persistent on- and off-line.
What is the release date?
The official North American ship date for Borderlands is October 20, 2009! The international ship date is Oct 23.
What will Borderlands be rated?
It will likely be rated 'M'
The Art Style!
That's not a question. But yes, Borderlands' art style underwent a large change during development. We call it Concept Art Style. You can call it what you want. The art style came from a desire to create the look of our very distinct concept art in the game itself, to add personality and style to the game.
Will there be DLC?
We haven't announced any solid DLC plans as of now, but we have said that we want to do DLC. We do want to wait, see what people want more of, and try to give them that in DLC.
GAMEPLAY
What are the classes?
Siren (Lilith): uses phasewalk and becomes invisible/invincible, moves fast
Berserker (Brick): loves to punch, huge and strong
Sniper (Mordecai): hangs back and lets high-caliber sniper rifles and pet bloodwing pick 'em off
Soldier (Roland): uses a turret and supports his fellows
Character customization? Skill Trees?
Each character class has three different skill trees that emphasize different playstyles within the class. Details regarding skill trees are not complete. We know Roland has a support tree that can create healing bullets, and that Brick has a tree that pumps up his melee damage. You'll be able to name your character as you choose, and customize visual appearance somewhat. You'll also be afforded a way to reinvest the points you've spent on talents.
FPS or RPG?
Both! Borderlands combines FPS combat with RPG character development and loot. The gameplay itself is FPS, not dice-rolls. The characters have skill points and can suit many playstyles, and loot comes out of everything. It's very satisfying. Some other games have begun to experiment combining these genres - Borderlands is the first to approach from an FPS vector and layer RPG on top.
Is the game linear or open?
Pandora is a big place with lots to do. You can follow the main story or go off on your own in search of the best gun, the toughest enemies, or the best place to drive. There are many side quests to complete, but in order to "finish" the game, you'll need to play the main questline someday.
How does the game scale? Does it?
Balance is currently undergoing iteration to find the perfect fit. Whether you are playing single-player or full-on 4-player co-op, you'll find the game rewarding and challenging - that's the intent. We do know that all of the world does not directly and strictly scale to your level - you'll be able to measure your growth by going back and kicking the ass of those skags that gave you so much trouble early on.
Is there a level cap?
Yes, there will be a level cap. The level cap is 50.
How many enemies?
Borderlands features lots of enemies. These enemies include quite a few base categories, and many many significant variations on those themes. There are estimated to be 150 kinds of enemies to fight.
What's a "badass?"
WoW has elites, Borderlands has badasses. These enemies will be tougher and will drop better loot than regular old enemies do.
What happens when I die?
When you die, you enter "Fight for your life!" You drop down and are unable to move, but are still able to fire shots for a time while your screen dims. If you deal a killing blow to an enemy in this state, you are returned to life with some of your shield and health restored. If you don't, you are returned to the last New-U station for a fee.
Does it Blend?
Well, yeah, I mean I guess it would. Probably.
LOOT N' VEHICLE
How many guns?!
Borderlands has more guns than any other game. We stopped counting a while ago. The number is in the millions, but the point is that there's always a better gun for you, one that fits your playstyle.
What are guns like?
There are many classes of weapons (such as shotguns, sniper rifles, etc). There are also many manufacturers that all impart different bonuses and features to the weapon. Some of these features include elemental damage. The weapons are generated procedurally, and are assigned rarity values and level restrictions.
What about alien weapons?
Yep, they're in the game, and they're crazy.
Do guns break?
Nope, we're not going to break your favorite gun.
Rarity?
Rarity is represented by a color-coded system that many gamers are familiar with. Purples are currently the rarest of the rare, "epic" loot. You'll be able to tell how rare the item you got was from this system.
What else is there?
Guns are not the only items you'll find. There are also grenades and many mods for them, as well as other available items that have not been detailed yet.
Loot System?
We haven't currently announced details regarding party loot distribution options.
What Are Elemental Effects?
Guns can come with a chance to deal elemental damage to enemies - shock, corrosive, incendiary, and explosive are types that are known. Different types are advantageous in different situations - for instance, shock weapons deplete shields effectively.
Vehicles?
Borderlands has vehicles that you can use in combat and to get around from place to place. The standard runner has been shown, but few details have been discussed regarding customization as of now.
ONLINE/CO-OP
How many players can co-op?
Up to 4 can play simultaneously
Is there splitscreen?
The PS3 and 360 versions will feature local 2-player splitscreen.
LAN?
Consoles and PCs will be able to utilize LAN connections.
Drop-in, drop-out?
You'll be able to join friends or have them join you in online co-op games at any time with your persistent characters.
Four Mordecais?
You and your friends can play as any combination of character classes.
What if my friend is only level 5?
Players of any level will be able to join each other in games. We have not announced details about experience scaling for high-level characters fighting low-level enemies.
Loot Sharing?
We have not detailed any options for setting party loot parameters.
Does the game scale with more players?
Balance is still being worked out, but the challenge for any number of players will be made appropriate to the number of players.
Is there PvP?
Yes, to some extent. Players are able to challenge each other to duels anywhere in the world, and there are arenas for players to compete against each other.
Is there a tether?
Players are not tethered together if they have gone different ways.
How can I find people to play with?
You can find players right here on the BorderlandsHQ.com forums!
Is Borderlands Cross-platform?
No. You will only be able to play with people using the same platform as you.
---
Sources
http://gbxforums.gearboxsoftware.com/showthread.php?t=71937
http://gbxforums.gearboxsoftware.com/showthread.php?t=71937
http://gbxforums.gearboxsoftware.com/showthread.php?t=71935
http://gbxforums.gearboxsoftware.com/showthread.php?t=71936
What is Borderlands?
Borderlands is an upcoming sci-fi RPS game with 4-player co-op. Borderlands boasts 87 bazillion guns (we stopped counting - it's in the millions). Players can choose from four character classes that grow throughout the game, each with their own skill trees. There is vehicle combat as well.
RPS?
Borderlands is a Role-Playing Shooter. The game has strong FPS-oriented gameplay that is complimented by character growth, development, and loot elements like an RPG
What platforms will Borderlands be available on?
PC, XBOX 360, and PS3
What are the PC system requirements?
The specific requirements have not yet been released.
Will there be a demo?
There will not be a pre-release demo available.
What is co-op like?
drop-in drop-out, 4-player online, 4-player PC LAN, 2-player splitscreen (or 4-player LAN) on 360/PS3. You can use any assortment of classes. Your character is persistent on- and off-line.
What is the release date?
The official North American ship date for Borderlands is October 20, 2009! The international ship date is Oct 23.
What will Borderlands be rated?
It will likely be rated 'M'
The Art Style!
That's not a question. But yes, Borderlands' art style underwent a large change during development. We call it Concept Art Style. You can call it what you want. The art style came from a desire to create the look of our very distinct concept art in the game itself, to add personality and style to the game.
Will there be DLC?
We haven't announced any solid DLC plans as of now, but we have said that we want to do DLC. We do want to wait, see what people want more of, and try to give them that in DLC.
GAMEPLAY
What are the classes?
Siren (Lilith): uses phasewalk and becomes invisible/invincible, moves fast
Berserker (Brick): loves to punch, huge and strong
Sniper (Mordecai): hangs back and lets high-caliber sniper rifles and pet bloodwing pick 'em off
Soldier (Roland): uses a turret and supports his fellows
Character customization? Skill Trees?
Each character class has three different skill trees that emphasize different playstyles within the class. Details regarding skill trees are not complete. We know Roland has a support tree that can create healing bullets, and that Brick has a tree that pumps up his melee damage. You'll be able to name your character as you choose, and customize visual appearance somewhat. You'll also be afforded a way to reinvest the points you've spent on talents.
FPS or RPG?
Both! Borderlands combines FPS combat with RPG character development and loot. The gameplay itself is FPS, not dice-rolls. The characters have skill points and can suit many playstyles, and loot comes out of everything. It's very satisfying. Some other games have begun to experiment combining these genres - Borderlands is the first to approach from an FPS vector and layer RPG on top.
Is the game linear or open?
Pandora is a big place with lots to do. You can follow the main story or go off on your own in search of the best gun, the toughest enemies, or the best place to drive. There are many side quests to complete, but in order to "finish" the game, you'll need to play the main questline someday.
How does the game scale? Does it?
Balance is currently undergoing iteration to find the perfect fit. Whether you are playing single-player or full-on 4-player co-op, you'll find the game rewarding and challenging - that's the intent. We do know that all of the world does not directly and strictly scale to your level - you'll be able to measure your growth by going back and kicking the ass of those skags that gave you so much trouble early on.
Is there a level cap?
Yes, there will be a level cap. The level cap is 50.
How many enemies?
Borderlands features lots of enemies. These enemies include quite a few base categories, and many many significant variations on those themes. There are estimated to be 150 kinds of enemies to fight.
What's a "badass?"
WoW has elites, Borderlands has badasses. These enemies will be tougher and will drop better loot than regular old enemies do.
What happens when I die?
When you die, you enter "Fight for your life!" You drop down and are unable to move, but are still able to fire shots for a time while your screen dims. If you deal a killing blow to an enemy in this state, you are returned to life with some of your shield and health restored. If you don't, you are returned to the last New-U station for a fee.
Does it Blend?
Well, yeah, I mean I guess it would. Probably.
LOOT N' VEHICLE
How many guns?!
Borderlands has more guns than any other game. We stopped counting a while ago. The number is in the millions, but the point is that there's always a better gun for you, one that fits your playstyle.
What are guns like?
There are many classes of weapons (such as shotguns, sniper rifles, etc). There are also many manufacturers that all impart different bonuses and features to the weapon. Some of these features include elemental damage. The weapons are generated procedurally, and are assigned rarity values and level restrictions.
What about alien weapons?
Yep, they're in the game, and they're crazy.
Do guns break?
Nope, we're not going to break your favorite gun.
Rarity?
Rarity is represented by a color-coded system that many gamers are familiar with. Purples are currently the rarest of the rare, "epic" loot. You'll be able to tell how rare the item you got was from this system.
What else is there?
Guns are not the only items you'll find. There are also grenades and many mods for them, as well as other available items that have not been detailed yet.
Loot System?
We haven't currently announced details regarding party loot distribution options.
What Are Elemental Effects?
Guns can come with a chance to deal elemental damage to enemies - shock, corrosive, incendiary, and explosive are types that are known. Different types are advantageous in different situations - for instance, shock weapons deplete shields effectively.
Vehicles?
Borderlands has vehicles that you can use in combat and to get around from place to place. The standard runner has been shown, but few details have been discussed regarding customization as of now.
ONLINE/CO-OP
How many players can co-op?
Up to 4 can play simultaneously
Is there splitscreen?
The PS3 and 360 versions will feature local 2-player splitscreen.
LAN?
Consoles and PCs will be able to utilize LAN connections.
Drop-in, drop-out?
You'll be able to join friends or have them join you in online co-op games at any time with your persistent characters.
Four Mordecais?
You and your friends can play as any combination of character classes.
What if my friend is only level 5?
Players of any level will be able to join each other in games. We have not announced details about experience scaling for high-level characters fighting low-level enemies.
Loot Sharing?
We have not detailed any options for setting party loot parameters.
Does the game scale with more players?
Balance is still being worked out, but the challenge for any number of players will be made appropriate to the number of players.
Is there PvP?
Yes, to some extent. Players are able to challenge each other to duels anywhere in the world, and there are arenas for players to compete against each other.
Is there a tether?
Players are not tethered together if they have gone different ways.
How can I find people to play with?
You can find players right here on the BorderlandsHQ.com forums!
Is Borderlands Cross-platform?
No. You will only be able to play with people using the same platform as you.
---
Sources
http://gbxforums.gearboxsoftware.com/showthread.php?t=71937
http://gbxforums.gearboxsoftware.com/showthread.php?t=71937
http://gbxforums.gearboxsoftware.com/showthread.php?t=71935
http://gbxforums.gearboxsoftware.com/showthread.php?t=71936
