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Unleashing the Pandora's Box: 10 Fascinating Facts about the Game Borderlands
The Genesis of Borderlands
Borderlands is an action-packed, first-person shooter video game series developed by Gearbox Software and published by 2K Games. The first game in the series was released in 2009, and it quickly gained a cult following due to its unique blend of RPG elements, fast-paced combat, and distinct cel-shaded graphics. The game is set on the hostile planet of Pandora, filled with dangerous creatures and greedy corporations in search of a legendary vault filled with unimaginable riches.
Fact #1: The Cel-Shaded Revolution
One of the most defining characteristics of Borderlands is its unique cel-shaded art style. This was not always the plan, however. The original design of the game featured more realistic graphics. The drastic shift in art style occurred midway through the game's development, resulting in a more comic-book like appearance that fans have come to love.
Fact #2: The Infinite Arsenal
No two guns are alike in Borderlands. The game uses a random generation system to create a wide array of weapons, resulting in over a billion possible guns that players can find during their journey on Pandora. This feature adds a fun element of unpredictability to the gameplay.
Fact #3: The Hidden Developer Room
There is a secret room in Borderlands 2 that can only be accessed by performing a series of complex maneuvers. This hidden room contains a tribute to a developer's late friend and is filled with high-level loot.
Fact #4: Claptrap's Real-World Inspiration
The quirky and beloved robot Claptrap was inspired by the real-world Mars rovers. The developers wanted to create a character that embodied the spirit of exploration and discovery, and the Mars rovers served as the perfect inspiration.
Fact #5: The Literary References
Borderlands is rife with literary references, from quest names to character dialogue. The game pulls from a wide range of sources, including Shakespeare, George Orwell, and H.P. Lovecraft, adding a layer of sophistication to the game's humor.
Fact #6: The Bandit Language
The bandits in Borderlands speak in a unique language that players can actually decipher. The language is a simple substitution cipher where each letter is replaced by a symbol. This small detail adds a layer of depth to the game's world-building.
Fact #7: The Soundtrack's Eclectic Mix
Borderlands' soundtrack is a diverse mix of genres, from electronic to country. This eclectic mix reflects the game's blend of futuristic sci-fi and gritty western themes.
Fact #8: The Vault Symbol
The Vault symbol, a key icon in the Borderlands series, was actually designed on a napkin during a lunch meeting. It has since become one of the most recognizable symbols in gaming.
Fact #9: The DLC Success
The success of the Borderlands series is not just limited to the main games. The downloadable content (DLC) released for the games has been praised for its high quality and has significantly extended the life of the series.
Fact #10: The Famous Voice Cast
The Borderlands series boasts an impressive cast of voice actors, including industry veterans like Nolan North and celebrity guests like Ice-T. This star-studded cast brings the colorful characters of Pandora to life.
In Conclusion
From its unique art style to its infinite arsenal and hidden developer room, Borderlands is a game that continues to surprise and delight players with its depth and attention to detail. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series, there's always something new to discover in the world of Pandora. So strap on your boots, grab the nearest randomly generated gun, and start exploring!
