Borderlands Pre-Sequel Coming for PC

2K Games and Gearbox Software announced the upcoming launch of Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel. This game, slated for the PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 this fall, will take place between the events in the original Borderlands and the follow-up game Borderlands 2. The new game's setting: Pandora's moon, a first in this series.

"Borderlands is one of 2K's premiere franchises, and Borderlands 2 is the highest-selling title in the history of our company," said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. "Fans are clamoring for an all-new, triple-A Borderlands experience, and we will deliver just that with Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel."

For the first time in this series, gamers will play on the other side as four new playable characters contributing to the rise of Handsome Jack and the Hyperion Corporation. Because they're on the moon, gameplay will be a little wacky thanks to the near-zero gravity environment. However, players will have access to a whole new array of weapons as they fight alongside Handsome Jack.

Due to the moon base's environment, oxygen will be a huge commodity. As IGN explains it, oxygen is a resource that must be managed, but it's more than just making sure you don't run out of air outside the base. Oxygen powers a number of new mobility options such as double-jumps, "meteoric" ground pounds and air boosts.

Players will also have access to new moves. For instance, players can toss grenades at an enemy's feet, which will blow them off the surface and into space. Gamers will also have access to jetpacks, weapons with elemental effects, and laser and ice weapons that can shatter enemies into meaty pieces.

"Since Gearbox Software first created the Borderlands franchise, we never dreamed of this much love and support from gamers," added Randy Pitchford, president of Gearbox Software. "We are grateful that the incredible talent at 2K Australia has been able to jump in with Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel to help it live up to the high standards that Borderlands fans have come to expect."

The Pre-Sequel, which is based on the Borderlands 2 engine, is currently being co-developed by Gearbox Software and 2K Australia. Pitchford recently told CNET that this Borderlands installment should "fulfill some wishes and hopefully surprise people."

He also revealed the four playable characters: the robot Claptrap the Fragtrap, Athena the Gladiator (Borderlands 1 DLC), Wilhelm the Enforcer (a Borderlands 2 boss), and Nisha the Lawbringer (sheriff of Lynchwood in Borderlands 2).

Fans of the series are probably wondering why The Pre-Sequel is not coming to the new Xbox One and PlayStation 4. That's because the team wants to provide a next-generation experience for Borderlands 3 using a next-generation engine. As previously stated, The Pre-Sequel is using the Borderlands 2 engine.

Pitchford also noted that Borderlands 2 sold more units than the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 combined. Only a fraction of the Borderlands fans have the new consoles.

  • d_kuhn
    Love the Borderlands series... I generally wait for bargain bin Steam sale's for most games... I'll have this one on release day.
    Reply
  • Novuake
    There is a lot wrong with this series in my honest opinion. But saying its not fun would be a huge lie.

    Since fun is the point, I will take another helping of Borderlands anyday. :)
    Reply
  • I love the BL games, and the new weapon types and gravity mechanics sound interesting. The oxygen management, on the other hand, sounds kinda like heat management in those annoying Capcom shooters which I really despised. Interesting premise overall, but BL3 is what I'm REEEALLY looking forward to.
    Reply
  • sosofm
    I like Borderlands games. I liked the first most , because the weapons was more realistic.
    Reply
  • Novuake
    13074529 said:
    I like Borderlands games. I liked the first most , because the weapons was more realistic.

    Thats not the only reason why the first Borderlands was better.
    Reply
  • mrmez
    The pre-sequel, otherwise known as the prequel, in English.
    Reply
  • evang
    The pre-sequel, otherwise known as the prequel, in English.

    It could be that the prequel would refer to before the first BL while the pre-sequel refers to before BL2, but there is no point in arguing semantics.
    Reply
  • 13074713 said:
    The pre-sequel, otherwise known as the prequel, in English.

    BL2 is a sequel to BL1.This new game comes before the sequel, so it is pre-sequel. Still, "prequel" would be grammatically correct since it is indeed a prequel to the sequel, but I guess the game makers just wanted to avoid any confusion.:)
    Reply
  • Novuake
    13074805 said:
    13074713 said:
    The pre-sequel, otherwise known as the prequel, in English.

    BL2 is a sequel to BL1.This new game comes before the sequel, so it is pre-sequel. Still, "prequel" would be grammatically correct since it is indeed a prequel to the sequel, but I guess the game makers just wanted to avoid any confusion.:)

    Thank you. I was about to rage a little at him. :)
    Reply
  • 13075071 said:
    13074805 said:
    13074713 said:
    The pre-sequel, otherwise known as the prequel, in English.

    BL2 is a sequel to BL1.This new game comes before the sequel, so it is pre-sequel. Still, "prequel" would be grammatically correct since it is indeed a prequel to the sequel, but I guess the game makers just wanted to avoid any confusion.:)

    Thank you. I was about to rage a little at him. :)
    :)
    Reply