A wonderful mix between FPS combat and RPG loot/leveling makes this a real treat if you enjoy both genres.
Gameplay: 4/5
+ This game claims to be a mix between FPS and RPG and I can think of no better way of explaining it. The combat itself is completely FPS, where you run around shooting enemies. But beneath that there are so many RPG elements that really make the game sparkle. For example, you start off by choosing one of four classes (I chose Roland, the soldier). Then, you get to level up and spend skill points in a skill tree. There are tons of quests just like an RPG, too, and the loot system is extremely versatile and in-depth. The loot system is very similar to a Diablo style game where each weapon has its own level of rarity and then randomly generated stats. Combined with the fact that there are eight weapon categories, this creates a huge database of weapons that you will continually compare with loot that drops to see if your weapons can be upgraded. Now, like I said this game may not be for everyone since there are a lot of people who like FPSs and not RPGs or vice versa, but if you're someone like me who really thrives on both types of games then you will have a blast with this game. I've read that the single-player isn't as fun as co-op but I completed the whole game playing single-player and I had a lot of fun. I expect to keep playing and try a different class and most likely attempt co-op, but basically you can play either way and still get a lot of fun out of it.
Story/Presentationl: 4/5
+ The main story has its ups and downs. It's thrilling and mysterious at some points but dull and droning at others. After completing the final mission, however, I thought the story had a horribly disappointing conclusion that did a poor job resolving the plot. Still, I do think the developers did a wonderful job creating a new and unique world called Pandora with so much personality in it that it's hard not to like it.
Graphics: 4.5/5
+ Again, not everybody likes cel-shaded graphics but I find it a breath of fresh air from other FPSs and something a little different. Which is completely fitting because to me this game is a little different. Basically, the art style matches the cel-shading really well and now it's hard to imagine walking around Pandora without the cel-shaded graphics.
Value: 4.5/5
+ Borderlands really does offer a lot of value. If you just play through the campaign once you will clock around 20 hours, but if you enjoy the game you will most likely try it again with a different class, or play more games online doing co-op, or even buy the DLC to extend your gameplay. I am really satisfied with this purchase and I would definitely say it is worth picking up.