this is my first review of a game, but I just feel like getting my thoughts out on what I have just experienced

First, the gameplay

This game feels like early halo titles, like ALOT. I'm actually a little surprised I hadn't heard this comment before being a huge Halo fan (though I knew very little about borderlands going in so I guess that's why). whether it's the oddly similar vehicle controls/ animations, or the strangely distinct shield-breaking sound, it just feels very reminiscent. I could have sworn I even heard a grunt wail after killing a midget psycho. not that this is a critique but something of note.

This game was exactly as I expected in terms of gameplay though, that being a looter shooter format in an honestly quite cool universe. the weapons could have done with more variety, since every weapon in a particular class felt more or less the same. However, the elemental tech weapons were a neat addition that made things very interesting - and quite OP. The corrosive weapons were a particular favourite for me, and oh my were they strong, absolutely melting the late game humans that were sorry enough to cross my path.

the enemy variety was okay, but in my opinion could've been better. the rakk were a real pain that can go xxxx themselves (I very much hope they do not return in the sequels). there were some really cool bosses and side bosses that I really enjoyed mauling :3, like the Mothrakk or the Vagina thing at the end. for me I would have liked more diverse fauna besides one bird, a few bugs and a few dog adjacent animals.

**Now, THE LORE **

This was actually surprisingly solid for me. I expected very little but I was quite invested in the story especially Tannis in particular (I can fix her - DON'T JUDGE ME). I will get to it for the ending but that is the only gripe I have with the game storytelling wise. Also, I actually really enjoyed the journal collecting side missions and thought the narrative of those was great.

The Ending SPOILERS

Holy shit that was awful. now I am aware that it gets resolved in Borderlands 2 but as a standalone title Borderlands has the worst ending of any game in recent memory. You're telling me I spent TWENTY FIVE hours grinding through this game getting invested in the lore, getting excited for the vault, only to get finessed right at the end. why is there a massive Vagina called the Destroyer inside the vault. WHERE'S MY AWESOME LOOT. Buffoonery.

that's not enough to ruin the game for me, but it left a sour taste at the end of a phenomenal game.

To sum it all up I'd give it a 8/10, would've been a 10 with a good finale - I am quite excited to play the other instalments in the new year

P.S. I paid £1.50 for this game, absolute bargain