The rumors are true!! 2K announced today on their blog that Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel is currently being co-developed by Gearbox Software and 2K Australia. The new game’s storyline will fall between Borderlands and Borderlands 2 (Borderlands 1.5?) and include four new character classes. The story takes place on Pandora’s moon and will follow the rise of Handsome Jack and his transformation into the ruthless tyrant he is in Borderlands 2. Gameplay is enhanced with new features like low-gravity and oxygen-powered jetpack combat, a new elemental damage type called Cryo, the deadly laser weapon class, and new vehicles made especially for the lunar landscape.
The four Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel character classes are:
Athena, the Gladiator: Uses her Kinetic Aspis, which is a shield that can absorb incoming damage, then convert it back into energy to use against enemies. Athena made her debut in The Secret Armory of General Knoxx DLC for the first Borderlands game.
Wilhelm, the Enforcer: Wilhelm was previously seen in Borderlands 2 as one of the first deadly bosses in the game.
Nisha, the Lawbringer: The sheriff of Lynchwood from Borderlands 2, Nisha will be dealing out her own brand of justice, which we’ll discuss further in the coming months.
Claptrap, the Fragtrap: Wait – Claptrap? The goofy robot companion from Borderlands 2, now playable for the first time? Fragtrap is his character class? Well, you can play him too!
I will always have a soft spot in my heart for Claptrap because I worked with the voice actor for the character, who also happens to be the VP of business development for Gearbox Software, on a licensing deal at my old company. That being said, I feel like as a Texas gal, Nisha will be my go-to character. I’m the type that finds a class and sticks to it. Just ask my level 203 Bishop on MapleStory.
In addition to the new character classes, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel offers new gameplay features. Due to the setting on Hyperion’s moon, there is lower gravity and people bouncing and flying with jetpacks. Characters will also be able to “ground pound” — reminiscent of the old Super Mario days– by crouching after a high jump and pounding the enemies below.
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel graphics are in the same cel-shaded illustration style that we’ve come to know and love. My husband makes fun of me because I still play Borderlands 2 more than any other game, despite having already completed the storyline several times over and reaching the level cap (+8 overpower levels), but it’s because I haven’t found another title with the ability to make me forget that I live in the real world instead of Pandora. Sanctuary is as relaxing to me as my own bedroom. I’ve invested so much time and emotion into the game. (I’m not ashamed to say that I cried during Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep when they paid tribute to Roland)
I was discouraged in thinking I would have to wait until the next-gen title came out before I could get a new Borderlands fix. I still wish this game would be available for PS4. Going from playing Borderlands on the PS3 and Call of Duty on the PS4 is such an improvement in terms of controller-comfort and graphics. But, as long as it means that I get to spend more time in the Borderlands universe with new characters, weapons, and adventures… I am so down!
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel will be available on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC later this fall.
