Borderlands -> Borderlands 2

If you measure it by its sequels and popularity, Borderlands was a massive success. However, in my eyes it was a total flop. The world of Pandora was vast, filled with rifle riches and ammo caches, with many different enemy types to shoot and destroy. You have freedom with mission choice and are able to level up as you progress, the challenges the game throws at you growing with each step you take. Video game humor kept the subject of death light within the wasteland and characters were sculpted with perfection. However, Borderlands fell short of that special something that makes the game play fun. Without that special something, Borderlands felt lacking.

In my case, I had purchased both Borderlands and Borderlands 2 as a set because I wanted to see what the buzz was about. While gameplay was dreary, I had heard that I would receive a reward in the sequel for completing the first. With total hard work, I completed the game only to receive a skin and a disappointing ending.

Borderlands 2 lifted its predecessor off of its face and reestablished itself. Every gameplay aspect mentioned previously was quantified as a masterpiece. That special something was definitely there and everything fell into place. Perhaps that's the true treasure of Pandora?