The Borderlands series combined the mechanics of first-person shooters with the character-building skills of role-playing games. The second game had a huge success with both communities. The latest version, "Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel," was a similar system. While the creators haven't released sales numbers yet, critics responded positively to the game.
The game had a large presence at Penny Arcade Expo South (shortened to PAX South) last weekend. Most notably, Borderlands' development team hosted a series of panels talking about the latest game and where the team hoped to take it.
When asked about why the games were so inclusive, character concept artist Amanda Christensen said, "I don't think it's just about representing a wide range of people. It's just good design....We want to create worlds that feel real and authentic, and that means having people of all different body types, gender, sexuality, ethnicity - and it's way more fun to design people in a huge spectrum than the same, generic bro and hot chick over and over again," according to Gamespot.com.
Borderlands creator and franchise director Matthew Armstrong immediately added, "We don't actually have an agenda.....we're just doing what's cool."
This philosophy was reinforced by the additional reveals at PAX South, according to a different Gamespot piece. The Borderlands team released a preview video for the newest addition to the Borderlands character team: Lady Hammerlock, sister to in-game hunter and character Lord Hammerlock. Among her many skills, Lady Hammerlock uses ice powers to take down enemies and turns players into "manservants." Lady Hammerlock will be available for players to download on Tuesday, Jan. 27 for $10. Season Pass holders will have instant access to her.
The team also announced an upcoming DLC, where players will enter into the mind of Claptrap, the main robot character and mascot from the game.
The next Borderlands game to be released will be Borderlands: the Handsome Collection, which will be released on March 17.
