Borderlands is a first-person shooter with RPG progression systems set on Pandora, a barren frontier planet. You play as one of four mercenaries hunting for a mythical alien vault rumored to contain advanced technology. Combat centers on gun variety—the game generates weapons procedurally, mixing parts to create shotguns that launch rockets, revolvers that ignite targets, SMGs firing electric rounds, and thousands of other combinations. Each character class has a skill tree you unlock as you level up from kills and quest completion. You can play solo or team up with three others in drop-in co-op. Missions involve shooting through bandit camps and alien creatures across desert wastelands and industrial zones. Vehicular sections let you mount guns on buggies for convoy battles. The cel-shaded art style uses thick outlines and comic-book textures. If randomized loot and steady power gains appeal to you, this blends those hooks with constant gunfights.
