Really is just a plain fun shooter
A "role-playing shooter" as it's described. I say it's more shooter than role-playing because there aren't any real moral choices or dialogue to choose from, the missions are very straight forward. The gameplay is a mix between cod with the controls and HUD and halo with the shield and unrealism. You collect loot to spend on shields, guns, upgrades and class mods from vending machines. Gearbox have added a "fight for your life" component allowing you to stand back up and continue playing if you kill someone while on the ground, this adds another dimension to the game. Your character has their own unique ability and leveling branch system. The vehicle controls are very sensitive similar to Mass Effect. As for weapons, there are literally over 3 million with different stats but they look alike. The difficulty just depends on your current level and the mission you're attempting. And if you are playing with others you can do 1v1 anytime, anywhere.
The story is Borderlands weakest point; you are on the planet Pandora hunting for a treasure of legend. You choose from one of four playable characters. The planet is inhabited by other mercenaries and creatures. Borderlands second flaw is the use of the boring mission go find this and return it. Borderlands needed a lot more variety in mission objectives.
Story/Characters: 5
Not good
Graphics/Sound: 9
Unique
Gameplay/Replayability: 9
Fun fps action
The action is faster paced when you play with friends plus there is split screen co-op for 2. The ending is anticlimactic but that should be no deal breaker. Even though Borderlands isn't an astounding game it is still just plain fun with or without friends.