Kotaku on Borderlands: "An exhilirating but oddly hollow experience."

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BioShockOwnz

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#1 BioShockOwnz
Member since 2006 • 52901 Posts

Image 12

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"But after all of the time spent in Borderlands, collecting weapons, finding upgrades, earning experience all of the way to level 17, I'm still undecided about whether I actually like the game.

One thing I do know: I keep coming back to it."

"The controls are fairly tight, allowing you to play this hybrid action-role-playing game as a first-person shooter. Aiming, sniping, movement are perfectly suited for quick pick-up and play for any fans of shooters."

"The damage modeling, too, is a big plus, allowing you pinpoint precision in how you take an enemy down. I was able to snipe off a bandits foot from across a map. Yes, that means there is plenty of gibs and gore. And for awhile I was satisfied running around shooting things, playing Borderlands essentially like a first-person shooter map packed with bots."

"But overtime that grew a little dull. The enemies aren't altogether that intelligent, and the spawn points can be, no matter how random the results, very predictable."

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"Don't get me wrong, I've been playing the hell out of it. Enough to finish every single available mission in the game and level up to 17, something I expect isn't typical of the relatively confined demo.

What keeps me intrigued, makes me want to come back again and again are all of those weapons. Those glorious weapons. There are, by some accounts, more than 3 million variations of weapons in the games. And some do some pretty amazing things. All of them have great, randomly generated names like my machine gun "Bone Shredder", my electrified-bullet shooting sniper rifle "LB20 Static Wrath" and my brutal six shooter "MAL31-B Blast Law".

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"What was beginning to feel routine and a bit monotonous suddenly had new life and I spent another few hours and gained another level playing around with my new weapon.

With another 3 million or so weapons to discover, I imagine Borderlands will, story or no story, manage to keep me engaged for quite awhile.

Here's hoping there's a bit more to the final game though to satisfy more than my bloodlust."

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Full Preview:

http://kotaku.com/5359683/borderlands-is-an-exhilirating-but-oddly-hollow-experience?skyline=true&s=x

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Sounds pretty darn good overall.

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deactivated-5e836a855beb2

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#2 deactivated-5e836a855beb2
Member since 2005 • 95573 Posts
i want to know if these people are playing single player or coop. AFAIK, I haven't read a single account of people playing with other people, which is the ONLY way I'll be playing...
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Nero_Paladin

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#3 Nero_Paladin
Member since 2007 • 1099 Posts

I think this is the type of game that will only be fun when playing with friends.

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Couth_

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#4 Couth_
Member since 2008 • 10369 Posts

I don't care for all the weapons. I just want the RPG elements, missions, and coop to be strong enough

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No_Quoter

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#5 No_Quoter
Member since 2008 • 281 Posts
This will be a great game more or less will end up like stalker the foundation is there but theres something strickingly "hmm" about the experience, I've only played 5 or so minutes of it with the beserker and it felt as though the games world is full of pre arranged ambushes dotted around the place and the rest of it is full of "have I been here before" moments.
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shutdown_202

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#6 shutdown_202
Member since 2005 • 5649 Posts

i want to know if these people are playing single player or coop. AFAIK, I haven't read a single account of people playing with other people, which is the ONLY way I'll be playing...Jandurin

Agreed, which is how i played PSO and how i planned to play DS untill i found out a few days ago that you need to do a few levels first. No biggie.

OT: Do you remember when i warned you that i was coming for you on DS? found out that its random matchmaking. One day.......

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Bigboi500

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#7 Bigboi500
Member since 2007 • 35550 Posts

I was afraid of that being the case after watching some preview vids. On paper it sounds great but I'll keep an optimistic eye on it none the less.

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Silent-Hal

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#8 Silent-Hal
Member since 2007 • 9795 Posts
I'm intrigued. I'm looking forward to this more than overhyped sequels like Uncharted 2. Could be this year's Fallout 3.
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deactivated-5e836a855beb2

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#9 deactivated-5e836a855beb2
Member since 2005 • 95573 Posts

found out that its random matchmaking

shutdown_202
lulz well, you can plan it out by being in the right place at the right time. but i certainly am not going to make it easy for you :lol:
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W1NGMAN-

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#10 W1NGMAN-
Member since 2008 • 10109 Posts

So basically the reviewer is indifferent towards the game? Well that helps :roll:

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Filthybastrd

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#11 Filthybastrd
Member since 2009 • 7124 Posts

An exhilirating but oddly hollow experience? That sounds like Falliut 3.

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RawDeal_basic

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#12 RawDeal_basic
Member since 2002 • 1959 Posts

Why is everyone so excited about Borderlands? Gearbox is a slightly above average developer.

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deactivated-5e836a855beb2

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#13 deactivated-5e836a855beb2
Member since 2005 • 95573 Posts

Why is everyone so excited about Borderlands? Gearbox is a slightly above average developer.

RawDeal_basic
slightly above average dev making a 4-player coop RPG shooter.
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nintendoboy16

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#14 nintendoboy16
Member since 2007 • 42201 Posts
I'll be sure to look for this on PC. I don't have a PS3 or 360 yet, so I guess PC is my only option for this game.
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Senor_Kami

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#15 Senor_Kami
Member since 2008 • 8529 Posts

His experience sounds like how I feel about Fallout 3. The game itself sounds like Fallout 3 with weaker stories/quests and better shooting for people who are good at FPS. "Exhilirating but oddly hollow" sounds like "I enjoyed this game alot but it didn't change my views of life and the world around me." Should be good for anyone who buys games to enjoy them rather than buying them expecting a personal pardigm shift to occur.

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BioShockOwnz

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#16 BioShockOwnz
Member since 2006 • 52901 Posts

So basically the reviewer is indifferent towards the game? Well that helps :roll:

W1NGMAN-

Some pros and cons. The pros sound like they're good enough to help me forget, or at the very least, overlook some of the cons. Not perfect, but it sounds like a good and solid experience overall. I dig how it's unique and seems to do stuff well enough, so it sounds worthy of attention.

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RedruM_I

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#17 RedruM_I
Member since 2009 • 3051 Posts
I've always have my doubts about this game. I'm gonna wait for reviews and if it's good then I'll wait for a price drop.
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Silent-Hal

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#18 Silent-Hal
Member since 2007 • 9795 Posts

[QUOTE="W1NGMAN-"]

So basically the reviewer is indifferent towards the game? Well that helps :roll:

BioShockOwnz

Some pros and cons. The pros sound like they're good enough to help me forget, or at the very least, overlook some of the cons. No perfect, but it sounds like a good and solid experience overall.

Which, as others have said, is pretty much what Fallout 3 was like. And I loved Fallout 3 :P.
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shutdown_202

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#19 shutdown_202
Member since 2005 • 5649 Posts

[QUOTE="shutdown_202"]

found out that its random matchmaking

Jandurin

lulz well, you can plan it out by being in the right place at the right time. but i certainly am not going to make it easy for you :lol:

Nice. If thats the case then il almost certainly will get you. You wont find anyone morededicated to a task than me. I didnt import the Asian version just so i can get on the US servers to deal with you (and im freaking EU).

Na, not really but that would be an amazing reason. Damnit, October cannot come any sooner!!

Sorry Bio, almost turned this into a DS thread. Anyway i wasnt getting this till i found out its got 4 player co-op and is an rpg. Its definately on my radar now. Just not sure if ive got money for it this year.

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RawDeal_basic

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#20 RawDeal_basic
Member since 2002 • 1959 Posts

[QUOTE="RawDeal_basic"]

Why is everyone so excited about Borderlands? Gearbox is a slightly above average developer.

Jandurin

slightly above average dev making a 4-player coop RPG shooter.

And? Just because they're making it doesn't mean it will be great.

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BioShockOwnz

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#21 BioShockOwnz
Member since 2006 • 52901 Posts

His experience sounds like how I feel about Fallout 3. The game itself sounds like Fallout 3 with weaker stories/quests and better shooting for people who are good at FPS. Senor_Kami

I hated FO3 mainly because of the shooting mechanics, so that's a win for me. Thank god for VATS, though. That helped remedy plenty of the issues I had. I hated the story and characters of FO3, tbh. And I believe what Gearbox and the PR people said about the story elements. Gamespot did a preview of the story stuff and compared it to past Black Isle titles, so I have confidence, plus the cast seems very likable and colorful.

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deactivated-5e836a855beb2

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#22 deactivated-5e836a855beb2
Member since 2005 • 95573 Posts

[QUOTE="Jandurin"][QUOTE="RawDeal_basic"]

Why is everyone so excited about Borderlands? Gearbox is a slightly above average developer.

RawDeal_basic

slightly above average dev making a 4-player coop RPG shooter.

And? Just because they're making it doesn't mean it will be great.

all i require is above average
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heretrix

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#23 heretrix
Member since 2004 • 37881 Posts

i want to know if these people are playing single player or coop. AFAIK, I haven't read a single account of people playing with other people, which is the ONLY way I'll be playing...Jandurin
Exactly. This game is strictly coop for me.

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KungfuKitten

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#24 KungfuKitten
Member since 2006 • 27389 Posts

The best thing about Borderlands is that the developers are closely working together with the interested public on their site. So they get a lot of feedback and they do a lot with it.
So if You have a big complaint about the way they are doing things, be sure to tell them.

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RawDeal_basic

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#25 RawDeal_basic
Member since 2002 • 1959 Posts

[QUOTE="RawDeal_basic"]

[QUOTE="Jandurin"] slightly above average dev making a 4-player coop RPG shooter.Jandurin

And? Just because they're making it doesn't mean it will be great.

all i require is above average

I'm optimistic because I don't want to be disappointed. If it gets at least AA, it's a day one buy for me.

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deactivated-5e836a855beb2

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#26 deactivated-5e836a855beb2
Member since 2005 • 95573 Posts

[QUOTE="Jandurin"][QUOTE="RawDeal_basic"]

And? Just because they're making it doesn't mean it will be great.

RawDeal_basic

all i require is above average

I'm optimistic because I don't want to be disappointed. If it gets at least AA, it's a day one buy for me.

Exactly my feeling. Though it's already a day 1 buy for me :P got it and beatles on BOGO 50% off pre-order so each game is roughly 47.00 new. Pretty good deal, I think.
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h575309

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#27 h575309
Member since 2005 • 8551 Posts
i want to know if these people are playing single player or coop. AFAIK, I haven't read a single account of people playing with other people, which is the ONLY way I'll be playing...Jandurin
Ditto, this sounds great if its with a bunch of friends. The mechanics sound solid which is what matters to me at the moment.
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deactivated-5e836a855beb2

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#28 deactivated-5e836a855beb2
Member since 2005 • 95573 Posts
[QUOTE="Jandurin"]i want to know if these people are playing single player or coop. AFAIK, I haven't read a single account of people playing with other people, which is the ONLY way I'll be playing...h575309
Ditto, this sounds great if its with a bunch of friends. The mechanics sound solid which is what matters to me at the moment.

your name is close to that 867-5309 song, but it's not. What is with your name? :P
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masterpinky2000

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#29 masterpinky2000
Member since 2004 • 1955 Posts
I'm skeptical. The idea of repetitive gameplay and grinding that's inherent in the MMORPG model and seems to have transferred to some extent to this game makes me really worried. But that's purely personal preference.
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ironcreed

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#30 ironcreed
Member since 2005 • 14195 Posts

I am not quite as hyped as I once was for this one, but I still think it will be solid overall. Probably not a day one for me, but a sho'nuff eventual purchase.

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njean777

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#31 njean777
Member since 2007 • 3807 Posts

still want day one

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Thunderdrone

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#32 Thunderdrone
Member since 2009 • 7154 Posts
The reviewer doesnt know if he's having fun? lol
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xionvalkyrie

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#33 xionvalkyrie
Member since 2008 • 3444 Posts

Isn't this exactly how Diablo 2 was? So basically he's saying it's as good as Diablo 2, which pretty much means its going to rock.

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Vandalvideo

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#34 Vandalvideo
Member since 2003 • 39655 Posts

Isn't this exactly how Diablo 2 was? So basically he's saying it's as good as Diablo 2, which pretty much means its going to rock.

xionvalkyrie
Diablo 2 isn't what I would call hollow by any stretch of the imagination.
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#35 BioShockOwnz
Member since 2006 • 52901 Posts

Isn't this exactly how Diablo 2 was? So basically he's saying it's as good as Diablo 2, which pretty much means its going to rock.

xionvalkyrie

Basically. This is pretty much how all loot whore games are. That's why I saw it as pretty positive overall.

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deactivated-5e836a855beb2

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#36 deactivated-5e836a855beb2
Member since 2005 • 95573 Posts
[QUOTE="xionvalkyrie"]

Isn't this exactly how Diablo 2 was? So basically he's saying it's as good as Diablo 2, which pretty much means its going to rock.

Vandalvideo
Diablo 2 isn't what I would call hollow by any stretch of the imagination.

What does hollow even mean?
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h575309

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#37 h575309
Member since 2005 • 8551 Posts
[QUOTE="h575309"][QUOTE="Jandurin"]i want to know if these people are playing single player or coop. AFAIK, I haven't read a single account of people playing with other people, which is the ONLY way I'll be playing...Jandurin
Ditto, this sounds great if its with a bunch of friends. The mechanics sound solid which is what matters to me at the moment.

your name is close to that 867-5309 song, but it's not. What is with your name? :P

Its a descendant from that song actually. Had it since HS.
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Vandalvideo

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#38 Vandalvideo
Member since 2003 • 39655 Posts
[QUOTE="Jandurin"] What does hollow even mean?

I assume it is being used as a synonym for shallow.
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deactivated-5e836a855beb2

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#39 deactivated-5e836a855beb2
Member since 2005 • 95573 Posts
[QUOTE="Vandalvideo"][QUOTE="Jandurin"] What does hollow even mean?

I assume it is being used as a synonym for shallow.

you don't think diablo 2 is shallow? i assume it means shallow story wise
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rogerjak

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#40 rogerjak
Member since 2004 • 14950 Posts

Still want.

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Vandalvideo

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#41 Vandalvideo
Member since 2003 • 39655 Posts
[QUOTE="Jandurin"] you don't think diablo 2 is shallow? i assume it means shallow story wise

Given the cube, PVP, different builds, hardcore mode, etc no I don't consider Diablo 2 shallow all things considered. You could be right about your interpretation on the story part.
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BioShockOwnz

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#42 BioShockOwnz
Member since 2006 • 52901 Posts

IGN Preview:

http://ps3.ign.com/articles/102/1024764p1.html

Sounds sooo good. Can't wait to sink my teeth into this one!

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metroidfood

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#43 metroidfood
Member since 2007 • 11175 Posts

This is what I was afraid of.

Awesome RPG growth and huge library of interesting weapons, but dull gameplay.

Guess I'll be sitting this one out.

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deactivated-5e836a855beb2

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#44 deactivated-5e836a855beb2
Member since 2005 • 95573 Posts

IGN Preview:

http://ps3.ign.com/articles/102/1024764p1.html

Sounds sooo good. Can't wait to sink my teeth into this one!

BioShockOwnz
*drool* "but you'll also need to play attention to a weapon proficiency gauge for each type. The more you use pistols, for instance, the higher its proficiency will go, which can alter damage, reload, speed, and accuracy of all pistols equipped afterward." do want Edit: Gamespot, kotaku, whoever else, take note. IGN does the preview right :x "For anyone who hates to play co-operatively, the game still feels like it works well for solo play." Who hates coop play? :(
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skrat_01

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#45 skrat_01
Member since 2007 • 33767 Posts
Good preview. I had a inlking the design might boil down to this - rinse and repeat. However in instances its not exactly a bad thing. How well this will work for a shooter, that is essentially mimicing the design of a hack and slash RPG? I'll have to wait and see, but this is a good indication of the negatives. One thing is for sure. It will be much more enjoyable with friends.
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#46 deactivated-5e836a855beb2
Member since 2005 • 95573 Posts
It will be much more enjoyable with friends.skrat_01
Yeah. I've got at least 4 friends (which is 1 too many) buying this game right off the bat. I have to hope someone fails to buy it so that I can play through all the way with one group and then move on to the next :P I do love me 4 player coop games.
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#47 whatisazerg
Member since 2009 • 2371 Posts

I like a good FPS.... I love hunting for Loot and leveling up.... and I absolutely love the art style.... there would have to be some serious problems with this game to stop me from getting it.

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h575309

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#48 h575309
Member since 2005 • 8551 Posts

gamespot demo from last night looked really good. wish the gamespot editors were playing though so we gotan idea how the controls were. but it looked alot of fun from the demo.

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deactivated-5e836a855beb2

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#49 deactivated-5e836a855beb2
Member since 2005 • 95573 Posts

gamespot demo from last night looked really good. wish the gamespot editors were playing though so we gotan idea how the controls were. but it looked alot of fun from the demo.

h575309
They did something more than they had yesterday? :o *goes to look*
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SquatsAreAwesom

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#50 SquatsAreAwesom
Member since 2009 • 1678 Posts
An RPG with no story... is not going to do well. I'm afriaid for this game.