when I realized Gearbox Software really did manage to combine the first person shooter and RPG without quite nearly the compromise we've seen in other developers' efforts. With the spin and rattle of a revolver's chamber, with the satisfying clicks of dropping new shells into a shotgun, and with the...

On the hostile, bandit-ridden planet of Pandora, there is one thing that draws off-world attention: The Vault. This mysterious alien structure is rumored to hold treasures of fantastic power and wealth, and so it attracts fortune-seeking corporations and individuals alike.

Satisfying gunplay; Tons of weapons; shields; and helpful items; Four unique and equally fun-to-play characters; Distinct; appealing artistic style; Great system of rewards

Lonelier; slower-paced for a solo player; Massively unsatisfying "climax" Lackluster loot sharing system

I'm going to get right to the point I know most of our readers want to know about: Is Borderlands a solid co-operative experience? And, how does the single-player hold up? Well, to be honest as a multiplayer online (and local) co-op affair, Borderlands is near flawless in what it delivers.

There was a point a few days ago where after a few hours' game play I was on the verge of not ever wanting to play Borderlands again, never mind reviewing it. In fact, I was very close to furiously putting the game back in its case and selling it on out of sheer boredom and frustration.

The development of Borderlands is a sordid affair, full of initial promise, complete rehauls, and delays a plenty. The final push towards release started last year with its reset in art style and adjustment in direction, then at E3 we got to catch up with the developers who genuinely seemed to think...

Finally, a videogame with the balls to depict the generic post-apocalyptic wasteland as it really will be: utterly boring and lifeless. Borderlands takes place on Pandora, an Arizona-like planet where the bleakness is offset by its cel-shaded-esque appearance.

If you can get past all the problems that plague the PC version, you'll discover an extremely fun and addicting FPS that sprinkles in some RPG elements, and a "bazillion" guns, to create a unique experience unlike anything else.

(continued from previous page) ...You'll split experience points and money, but loot is left open as a free-for-all. You can duel your friends anywhere, but there are specific arenas built for multiplayer dual battles.

The co-op experience is one of the best on the market; The countless loot scattered through the world; The striking; artistic visual quality

The repetitive quests; The lack of a strong storyline; Glitches that got us stuck in awkward situations

A Wild West inspired shooter taking place on another planet? Count me in!

Fast paced shooting action; lots of loot to gather; tight controls; fun special moves

Very little set loot; respawning enemies are a pain

Borderlands was rather hastily compared to everything from Fallout 3 to Diablo 2 in the months before its release, but the recent slew of trailers featuring foul-mouthed robots and psychotic bandits, along with the colourful and controversial cover art, suggested a wicked sense of humour more akin...

Fun and addictive; Very entertaining co-op; Fantastic weapons

AI almost non-existent; Lack of variety; Buggy