Format: PlayStation Vita
Release Date: 5/6/14, 5/13/14
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developer: Iron Galaxy Studios, Gearbox Software
Price: $199.99, $39.99
ESRB Rating: M
Note: This is an updated summary of my Borderlands 2 Vita impressions blog
Borderlands
2 has finally come to the PlayStation Vita thanks to Iron Galaxy Studios. At
first, it seemed impossible to bring such a large game like Borderlands 2 to a
handheld system; especially a handheld that is not as powerful as an Xbox 360,
PlayStation 3, or a PC. Now the game is here and it has exceeded any doubts or
little expectations I have had about this difficult port.
Let's talk
about the visuals. Since there is so much landscape and detail to the areas,
the textures have been lowered to compensate the system's lack of power to show
off these details. Features on every character are noticeably different; there
are lower textures on the faces and bodies. The game is supposed to run at a
consistent 30 frames per second. While the frame rate will dip when there is a
lot of action on the screen, it does not affect the experience too greatly.
Aside from a slight slowdown due to the heavy combat, the frame rate is usually
strong and the game runs well. The game looks strong, even on a less vibrant
LCD screen on the PS Vita slim. Iron Galaxy Studios may have been forced to
tone textures and details down, but the game still runs and looks great on the
PlayStation Vita.
The gameplay
and story have not been changed, though the controls can hurt combat. Players
can customize the controls, but the controls will feel uncomfortable at first.
The least important commands seem to fit best on the rear touch pad. Switching
weapons can be annoying, too. I have my left rear touch pad set to switching
weapons. While you can simply press the d-pad to switch, I find it more
efficient to swipe the rear touch pad. When an enemy dies, it is different from the
console and PC versions; when you kill an enemy, they explode and instantly
vanish as opposed to lying on the ground. Iron Galaxy Studios did this so the
game would run smoother and less memory is taken up. This decision is
beneficial because it allows the player to quickly get through areas. An enemy
disappearing instantly causes the combat to flow smoothly and efficiently. The
game is still refreshing and intense. The story is still strong with hilarious
writing.
The game
comes with a plethora of content available right as the player starts the
experience. I was fortunate enough to pick up the limited edition PlayStation
Vita slim bundle. The bundle includes the PlayStation Vita slim model, which is
new to North America, a voucher for the game, and an 8GB memory stick, which
holds everything the voucher brings. The physical game and voucher includes
both downloadable characters, the Mechromancer and the Psycho. Also included is
a number of DLC packs, including the first two add-on campaigns, Captain
Scarlet and her Pirate's Booty and Mr. Torque's Campaign of Carnage. The PlayStation
Vita slim bundle was been released one week before the physical copy of
Borderlands 2 on the Vita for $199.99. The PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 3
versions also support cross-save, which is huge for anyone who may have put a
lot of time into Borderlands 2 in the past.
Iron Galaxy Studios
deserves to be applauded for their difficult work porting such a massive game
to a handheld system. Borderlands 2 plays well, looks strong, and is an awesome
game in the PlayStation Vita's library. Playing one of my favorite games on the
Xbox 360/PS3/PC on the go is a blessing. Any role-playing, shooter, or
Borderlands fan should pick up Borderlands 2 on the PlayStation Vita if they
want to continue playing when they are not home.
Pros:
+A strong port of an excellent game
+Packed with content
Overall Score:
8/10
Cons:
-Lowered textures
-Clunky controls
