Chapter 1: The Midnight Launch Experience

In 2009, I eagerly participated in a midnight launch for the first Borderlands game, a time when physical copies and late-night events still held a certain charm. My destination was the local GameStop, where I was known for my habit of buying and trading games, not necessarily for socializing with everyone who entered.

That night was particularly special as I encountered one of the game’s developers. Though I can’t recall his name, he was part of the design team, celebrating the launch by visiting his family in Oregon. He had brought along some promotional goodies to share at this random event, and by chance, I was there to receive one of the Borderlands mouse pads he was giving away. So, while I joke about being biased, I assure you that my opinions are entirely my own, and I’ve never had any discussions with Gearbox.

The success of Borderlands took everyone by surprise. It rapidly became a franchise phenomenon, despite its development initially resembling a sci-fi offshoot of Gearbox’s Brothers in Arms series, complete with a serious art style and an unusual focus on weapon aesthetics.

Chapter 2: Evolution of Art and Gameplay

Surprisingly, I was one of the few who appreciated the original art design. I was already invested in the game before its dramatic stylistic shift. Having enjoyed Gearbox’s previous titles, I was curious about their take on a Diablo-style experience. Back in 2009, the term "looter shooter" didn’t exist yet, but it felt like an inevitable progression in game design. While Hellgate: London attempted something similar a year earlier, it ultimately faltered due to technical issues.

The striking change in art style, which occurred late in development, propelled Borderlands to legendary status. In the months before its release, the realistic graphics were replaced with the bold, cartoonish style that has become synonymous with the series. This shift felt like a last-minute rewrite of the narrative, which was somewhat lacking, relying more on visuals than a compelling story. The humor and character depth that later installments are known for were almost non-existent in the first game.

Only a few quirky characters, like the infamous Claptrap, hinted at the deeper narrative that would come later. In fact, Claptrap’s role was minimal, primarily serving as a tutorial guide and appearing sporadically as a collectible in dungeons. Much of the game's story was conveyed through mundane text, which players could easily skip, serving merely as a vehicle for the engaging gameplay.

Chapter 3: The Gameplay Loop That Defined a Genre

Despite the last-minute artistic overhaul, the foundational game design of Borderlands was evidently the result of extensive development and testing. The gameplay loop remains as engaging today as it was at launch. The shooting mechanics and movement, while lacking some modern features, are still precise and satisfying. The joy of hitting enemies and watching damage numbers pop from their cartoonish forms is just as thrilling, and the direct link between loot and gameplay is groundbreaking.

The randomized, loot-driven first-person shooter mechanics are arguably Borderlands’ greatest design achievement, helping to establish a new genre. Unlike many loot-centric action RPGs that are viewed from an isometric perspective, the first-person viewpoint immerses players in the action, allowing them to directly experience the impact of each weapon. Every new gun feels unique, thanks to various parts, attachments, and firing styles, making each choice meaningful and enhancing the overall gameplay experience.

While some might view the simplicity of the original game as a drawback, I believe it has aged gracefully. The expansive world offers a linear quest progression that avoids overwhelming players with excessive open-world clutter. Character skill trees are straightforward, with clear benefits, and the secondary weapon proficiency system rewards players for their preferred playstyles. The later introductions of meta progression systems were interesting but often felt disconnected from actual gameplay.

The sequels leaned heavily into humor that may not resonate with everyone. While I appreciate the stories from later games, the original Borderlands feels more cohesive, relying on its visual style and gameplay to captivate players without the need for constant comedic interruptions. There’s still enough of the series’ trademark humor to establish its identity, particularly in the DLC, but it allows players to immerse themselves without feeling overwhelmed.

Chapter 4: Modern Accessibility and Remastered Versions

Fortunately, Gearbox has continued to support Borderlands, ensuring it remains accessible on modern platforms. The “Game of the Year” edition introduced new assets, quality-of-life improvements, and minor gameplay adjustments. The updated graphics enhance the original's art style while retaining the charm of the initial release.

In my opinion, the game is best experienced on the Nintendo Switch, which strikes a balance between the high-resolution remasters and the original Xbox 360 visuals. Many effects, such as cel-shading and particle effects, were designed for lower resolutions, making them less visually appealing on more powerful systems.

The Switch version also features impressive gyro aiming, offering precision comparable to mouse control. If you’ve seen the praise online, it’s entirely justified; it’s a fantastic addition. While primarily used for fine-tuning after using the right stick, this aiming method adds another layer of control that enhances the overall experience.

Chapter 5: A New Benchmark

In light of the disappointing launch of Redfall, a friend and I created a humorous review scale dubbed “Is it Better than Redfall?” — evaluating everything in relation to that game. Borderlands, which began its development nearly two decades ago on outdated hardware, outshines Redfall in every conceivable way: gameplay, visuals, sound, content, and cohesive world-building. It embodies everything that Redfall aspired to be but ultimately missed the mark.

For those who haven’t experienced this cornerstone of the looter shooter genre, you’re in for a treat. If the over-the-top style of later installments turned you away, you might be surprised by the understated charm of the original. It serves as an excellent choice for anyone looking for a game to enjoy while waiting for Diablo IV.

With the Borderlands series now filled with numerous spin-offs and sequels, there’s speculation about a potential remake of the original. While I’m sure they’ll incorporate more Claptrap for some reason, I’ll still be there on day one, ready to dive back into the world of Borderlands, even if it means missing out on a free mouse pad from a developer I won’t remember.