I'm going to run a slightly biased comparison series based on the wholesome cock-blowing experience that is Borderlands. It's rare that I ever run late for class/work playing a console game but I haven't been able to stop playing. This game is the shit but how does it hold up against a possible competitor? The big boss at Gearbox commented that Fallout 3 wasn't fun because it didn't have a robust shooting component -- was he right? How does this newcomer hold up against the mighty fallout Franchise? Is this ip the beginning of a new AAA franchise?

What follows is a comprehensive index of ordinal values ranked between 1 (low) to 10 (high) on several key components:

B = Borderlands
F = Fallout 3

Graphics
B: 10
F: 9

Comment: Borderlands' questionable graphical makeover is far from disappointed. However, it's hard to make a comparison because the formats are not equal. Fallout boosts more realistic vistas with stunning geographical accuracy whereas Borderlands touts a more comic book feel. The characters in Fallout 3 felt slightly dated in look.

Sound:
B: 10
F: 9

Comment: I was actually disappointed in the soundtrack of Fallout 3 given the top-notch atmosphere in Fallout 2. However, Borderlands has absolutely captured the mood of the wasteland. It's truly immersible.

Gameplay:
B: 10
F : 8

Comment: the Vats system did significantly slow things down in Fallout, and the regular FPS mode was far from accurate or mind blowing. The action in Borderlands is the best I've seen in a hybrid.

Story:
B: 8
F: 10

Comments: Fallout rides on a fully pre-created universe set in motion by its predecessor whereas Borderlands had to start from scratch. You're searching for some Utopian vault, nothing profound but nothing that detracts from one's overall enjoyment.

Characterization
B: 10
F: 10

Comments: The robots are hilarious and the other characters are well done in Borderlands. Fallout's characters also feel alive even if there is some considerable repetition.

Role Playing:
B: 10
F: 10

Comments:It's a true joy to level up in Borderlands and it's what makes it so addicting besides the rewarding loot-system. Fallout had the same feeling with all the optional perks. Both feel like robust role playing games in their own styles. Customization is slightly more expansive in Fallout 3.

Replayability and value
B: 10
F: 10

Comments: Both worlds are open-ended and vast. There is considerable time to be spent in both and more after the initial run. Both games reward gamers with achievements for reaching the highest levels.

Achievements:
B: 10
F: 10

Comments: both sets of achievements are fun and rewarding. Nothing that isn't attainable

Overall average:

B: 9.6
F: 9.5

Conclusion: Borderlands is with no doubt a great game which feels slightly, and overall, better than Fallout 3. The difference is marginal but it has definitely set the bar for how action should be integrated into RPGs. It's obviously influenced heavily by Diablo and it seems to be a flawless translation from the fantasy setting of Diablo to the FPS-sci fi setting. Play this game people!
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