Aug 16 2007
Yes, Gearbox - of Brothers in Arms fame - is working on an "all-new sci-fi action franchise" according to an announcement by its ready-and-waiting publisher, 2K Games. The first in the series, Borderlands, will launch in 2008.

"Borderlands combines the best elements of Gearbox Software's famed first-person action titles with player customization and vehicular combat to create an unprecedented gaming experience," the statement boasts. If we had a pint for every time we heard that, we'd never be sober again.

Still, since the game promises "near-endless variety in missions, environments, enemies, weapons, item drops and character customization" thanks to some crafty coding, and with Gearbox's proven skills at the head of the project, it could be a little early for cynicism. Even if Diablo II managed such things around six years ago.

Let's press on, though, shall we? "Borderlands represents an important evolutionary leap in game design and technology," bellows 2K president Christoph Hartmann, adding that "Borderlands will raise the bar for next gen action games". Blimey, them's big old words.

Wait, though, because beneath the snoozeworthy PR belchings there's an exciting tidbit of info. Borderlands will feature a specially tailored co-op system, enabling players to drop in and out of co-op games throughout the singleplayer campaingn. Halo 3 can't even make that boast.