50% Shooter, 50% RPG, 100% fun.
GAMEPLAY - Gameplay in Borderlands is very addictive and well implimented. The basic model is typical of most first person shooters, and includes ranged combat in typical FPS gunplay fashion, as well as grenades, vehicle driving and turrent mounting portions, and even some basic jumping and exploration. For the mostpart it feels like many other shooters, though the rpg elements will give the game's combat much more depth than regular shooters allow. The gameworld itself is very impressive, large, and generally open-ended, though you will have certain obstacles and tasks to perform to open up new areas as you progress. You'll also gain access to special upgrades as you develop your character, which is done in typical RPG fashion, as you gain experience from your kills and use points to choose how your character develops in his/her skilltree. There are four characters from which to choose, each with a unique style and special ability. Roland, the soldier, can deploy a defence turret. Lilith, the Siren, who can use an ability to phase-walk. Brick, the melee specialist, who can use a berserk skill to pund enemies with his fists. And finally, Mordecai, the deadly sniper, who can call his pet vulture bloodwing to attack enemies. Each character is fun and interesting to use, and each possesses a unique skill tree that offers upgrades that will change how you fight.
The game is non-linear in that you can take on quests and missions as you see fit, and do them in whatever order you choose, though there is a general story that keeps the game progressing. Areas include everything from wide open fields, caves and hideouts, and even a battle arena and a racetrack. Its basically a mixture of FPS gameplay, with an RPG type method of questing and exploration, and it quickly becomes very fun, and most addicting. The game can be played either offline or online, but it is the online that truly shines, as it allows for you to host a group game for your friends, or just instantly join someone else's game for some quick action. Gameplay wise, there isn't anything you haven't seen before, but everything is smooth and functional, and does a great job of supporting the things that truly matter about Borderlands; collecting guns and laying waste to hoards of enemies.
GRAPHICS / ARTSTYLE - This is one of the other areas in which Borderlands truly shines. The game has a sort of cell shaded motif, though it also opts for a hand-drawn look, which produces an almost comic book like visual style that is both refreshing and wholely entertaining. Sound and voicework is well above average, and the special effects for the various attacks and skills are well done. There are a few little oddities, such as how you don't make any splashes or ripples when running or driving through water, but overall, the art style of Borderlands definitely becomes a huge part of its charm.
STORY - This is by far the weakspot of the game, as the story just doesn't quite manage to match the standards of the artstyle or gameplay. There is still alot to like about the story, as it does have a few surprises and entertaining moments, and is full of witty dialogue and downright amusing content. That said, the story overall, isn't the highpoint of the game. The main story isn't overly original or unique, and for the mostpart serves as merely a backdrop for you to be doing what Borderlands was made for....which is quite simply shooting alot of things. And then shooting them again. Most of the various quests and missions really just tend to be of a fetch-quest variety, though you won't necessarily care. There is enough there to entertain you and give a reason to progress, even if the story isn't exactly a masterpiece upon itself. Essentially, the story is merely there to get you to the action, as opposed to being the driving force behind the game.
ONLINE - Though the game can be played single player and still remain enjoyable, it is the online multiplayer that truly shines. Players can join your game and help you complete your quests at any time, and the game does a decent job of balancing the difficulty depending upon whether you're solo or with a party. There is an arena to battle in, though you can also play out a one-on-one fight at any time by challenging a friendly player to a "duel". Up to four players can ride along together, and doing so is actually a benefit, as the game coughs up better and rarer drops when you're in a large party. Borderlands is still enjoyable enough that a solo play is worthwhile, though you'll find the game is at its best when you've got some friends along with you.
Overall, while Borderlands boasts a unique visual asthetic, its story and gameplay isn't overly unique. That said, the game has enough charm and intrigue that it somehow rises above the sum of its parts to be an enjoyable experience. If you hop online with some friends, that experience will be one of the better online multiplayers you've seen this generation.