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.
