If you ever had any doubt about just how much of cultural icons both Borderlands GOTY and Enhanced have become, both in the gaming industry and outside, look no further than the big screen.
The popular video game announced a film adaptation featuring Kevin Hart. In the sci-fi adventure adaption of the popular video game, Hart is cast in the role of Roland, a soldier known for his tight physique and his adeptness with shotguns and combat rifles, as well as his signature Scorpio Turret and its impressive upgrades.
It’s unclear how closely the film adaption will explore character backstories. But, it’s perhaps safe to assume that Hart will be playing a character, who, like Roland in the Borderlands video games, has been discharged from Crimson Lance and faces danger– but quickly spins his own narrative and becomes one of the most successful looters.
And while there (for now) is only one film adaptation in the works, it turns out you have more choice– two versions– to select from for the latest Borderlands in 2021.
In this article, I’ll explain the main differences between Borderlands GOTY vs Borderlands GOTY Enhanced, whether or not either version is worth it, and what DLC and other features each version includes.
Main Differences Between Borderlands GOTY vs Enhanced
The Main Differences Between Borderlands GOTY vs Enhanced are:
- Borderlands GOTY costs $12.99 for most versions, whereas Enhanced costs $29.99.
- Borderland GOTY features revamped graphics, whereas Enhanced has all of the features of the GOTY version and adds all four DLC for the original Borderlands game.
What is Borderlands?
If you’re a fan of Overwatch or Fortnite, there’s a chance that the Borderlands series may also appeal to you as well, due to the fast action, slew of weapons, and plenty of loot to seek out. Borderlands has gained popularity mostly for its action-adventure aspect, but it does make itself distinct through its use of it’s iconic style, hand drawn textures, it’s RPG elements and a keen sense of humor.
In this game, you play as a trigger happy mercenary, you may wander round wielding a weapon such as rocket launching shotguns, enemy torching revolvers or any of the other powerful alien technology you’ll find on the lawless Desolate Planet Pandora.
First, I want to dive into exactly how Borderlands is classified: as an action-adventure, 1st person shoot role-playing game set in space, western-style science fiction fantasy backdrop.
Action Role Playing
Action role-playing games are fast-paced and require quick thinking. A combination of role-playing games and action-adventure games, action role-playing games focus mostly on combat, where you typically play one or a few characters. Health statistics, as well as statistics from skills and weapons. There’s a focus then, on acquiring weapons, building skills, and fending off enemies. These can be both single-player or massive multiplayer online games.
First Person Shooter Game
A first-person shooter game like Borderlands is one of the most popular specific genres and has you playing as though you are your character– that is, of course, the first-person point of view. These games involve exploring a world where you’ll have to be on guard at all times to shoot enemies. These games are popular in traditional form, but also massive multiplayer and free-to-play games like Fornite as well.
Loot Shooters
To be even more specific, the Borderlands series also falls under the category of loot shooting games. Loot shooters, as they are also called, are games where the main objective is to compile new weapons and resources to defeat enemies.
Loot can refer to weapons, other equipment, and armor. Some games have specific tasks, but all loot shooters, as is the case with the Borderlands series, are very much focused on accumulating power and taking down enemies. In addition to the Borderlands series, other games that fall into this category include Diablo and Destiny.
What is Borderlands gameplay like?
Borderlands gameplay, from the original Borderlands to Borderlands 3 is very much based on the action-adventure, first-person shoot looting style game, and was inspired by both Diablo and Doom. You select one character to play and work to improve your skills, signature abilities, and embark on quests, mostly intent on defeating enemies and collecting loot. You can also enjoy this game as a co op shooter looter and fully embrace the co op frenzy this original game provides
Is Borderlands an open world?
All Borderlands games operate on an open-world concept, which of course perfectly complements the fast-paced gameplay emblematic of first-person shooter games like it. The open-world is set on the lawless desolate planet Pandora, a planet that appears largely devoid of much aside from artifacts remaining from an extinct alien race. Some Borderlands games also involve Pandora’s moon and subsequent vaults.
What is the looting system like?
The looting system consists of collecting shotguns, assault rifles, sniper rifles, rocket launchers, shield generators, grenade modifications, and class modifications. As you’ll get most of your loot from enemies, part of the fun is battling it out to get your loot. This all is encompassed with skill trees containing unique RPG skills and health statistics, as well as special abilities.
In addition to your character having special abilities, your enemies will as well. This is made all the more immersive by the decision to use a procedural system, meaning more surprise progression in terms of enemies, attacks, and the loot you’ll be able to acquire.
In fact, Borderlands has countless different weapons combinations and unique guns you can collect, perhaps adding to a sense of replayability. These weapons can also be sold at vending machines within the game.
In addition, the looting system changes as you level up and progress through the game. The good news is that loot becomes more substantial as you play– but on the flip side of the coin, enemies also increase and become more daunting. The loot system– and Borderlands as a whole– allows for cooperative multiplayer modes, for up to four players on your side.
What system requirements are required for Borderlands?
To play Borderlands GOTY, the minimum suggested requirements are a 2.4 GHz processor or better for Windows, along with 16GB of RAM, GB hard drive-free storage, and a video graphics card of 256MB or better. It’s also available for Xbox One.
If you go below these requirements, you may experience lag or other issues that will interfere with your gameplay. While not as demanding as some games, you should have a decent laptop, preferably a gaming laptop, to run it.
What’s the difference between Borderlands GOTY vs Enhanced?
If Borderlands sounds like a game right up your alley, you still have another decision to make: Borderlands Game of the Year, or Borderlands Enhanced. There’s some confusion as to the main differences between these two versions of the game, so here’s what you need to know in order to make an informed decision.
The truth is, the biggest difference between the two versions has nothing to do with the graphics or base gameplay–it’s the additional content you get with the Enhanced version. In other words, Borderlands GOTY Enhanced includes everything you’ll get with Borderlands GOTY, just with additional DLC add ons.
For that reason, I’ll start by addressing what features you’ll get with Borderlands GOTY and then explore the additional content that comes with the Enhanced Edition.
Borderlands GOTY
Borderlands Game of the Year referred to as GOTY, is a revamped version of Borderlands, with new graphics and some of the same core features as Borderlands, but additional content. Offered on Steam for Windows platforms, as well as through GameStop for Xbox One, it’s a fresh face on what has become a classic first-player shooter game, with plenty of replay value and features to explore.
This game improves the framerate cap compared to the original release, along with improved character models, a refined FOV slider and other visual upgrades. However, the destructive adventure and the overall gameplay that complements this story remains.
Essentially, Borderlands GOTY is the enhanced experience of the first Borderlands– keep in mind that it does not include any content from Borderlands 2 or Borderlands 3.
Main Gameplay Features
Borderlands GOTY includes the classic gameplay features of Borderlands original, with fast-faced, first-shooter action. The role-playing shooter allows you to play in a first-person perspective mode, with the character of your choice. But to add to that dimension, there’s also character progression in adherence to the procedural gameplay system. This means that your character will change and progress, as well working their way through skill trees.
There are weapons galore, with countless combinations, to continuously liven up your gameplay. You’ll also have the ability to enjoy combat from a vehicle and fully control a variety of vehicles, all the while exploring an immersive open-world with updated graphics.
Multiplayer Mode
Multiplayer mode is a big draw to the GOTY edition, with the ability to play with up to four other players in co op looter shooter. This multiplayer experience adds a dramatic dynamic to gameplay and makes it a great game to enjoy from your gaming chair and with other players you know.
Price and Availability
Borderlands GOTY retails for under $15, with a price list of $12.99 for Xbox One. It’s also available on Steam for Windows. You can likely find Xbox versions through third-party sellers, but it may be more difficult to find the GOTY version.
Borderlands GOTY Enhanced
The enhanced version of Borderlands GOTY essentially has every feature that Borderlands GOTY has, but adds on several DLC for your enjoyment. The main difference, then, is both the additional DLC content and the price– which is roughly double.
Here’s what you get in addition to everything else you’ll already get with the base Borderland GOTY version. Do note that the Enhanced version includes all the DLC for Borderlands, the original, but does not include any of the DLC for Borderlands 2 or Borderlands 3.
E Zombie Island
This new location is a small town that may be seemingly innocuous at first. But, it’s teeming with zombies and includes both new explorable areas, as well as missions with dangerous new enemies. For anyone who’s a fan of zombie games like 7 Days to Die, you may not get quite as immersive of an experience, but it’s a great addition to the gameplay.
Claptrap’s New Robot Revolution
This new mission adds enemies in the form of claptraps, deadly robots that have a mind of their own and are determined to attack you and your friends. Robot-themed combat ups the level of tension adds to the sci-fi futuristic feel and shakes up combat.
Secret Armory of General Knoxx
This add-on not only features additional weapons and others but adds more backstory to the world of Borderlands. Also, it’s a great way to expand the original in a vague way. The backstory may not play a central role in a game like Borderlands, but it’s a way to make the open-world feel more immersive and vivid.
Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot
This add-on adds a new competitive arena with hundreds of new enemies– making for some intense gameplay. This ups the stakes and intensity of combat in Borderlands and is great for anyone who is a fan of fast-paced action. I also like how it complements the updated graphics.
Price and Availability
You can find the enhanced version on Steam for Windows for $29.99 and for the same price for Xbox One through Gamestop. Compared to a price of $12.99, on average, for GOTY, and you’re looking at over double the cost– but you the addition of all four DLC for Borderlands. Originally pricing for each DLC is about $10 each.
Alternatives
If you like the general concept of Borderlands, but aren’t entirely sold on it yet– or just want more games like it, the good news is that there are some great alternatives.
Outriders
This 2021 action role-playing game has won acclaim for its exciting cooperative gameplay, beautifully designed characters, and nuanced story. Third-person shooting action includes a detailed skill tree and plenty of unique weapons and monsters to combat.
It also has a strong role-playing element, with pop-up dialogue, for a unique blend of shooting, action, and role-playing not found in all games. It’s available for Windows, Xbox platforms, and Playstation platforms. Download on Steam.
Cyberpunk 2077
This 2020 game is popular for a reason. The latest iteration in the first-person shooter series is set in the immersive open world of Night City, with unique character types, a black market for specialized weapons, and full day and night cycles with a world full of explosive actions, quests, engaging character interactions, and mini-games, like boxing and martial arts. Cyberpunk 2077 is available for Windows, PlayStation platforms, and Xbox platforms. Download Here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Is Borderlands Game of the Year Edition worth it?
Answer: Borderlands Game of the Year edition supplies updated graphics and is essentially a remaster of the original Borderlands. Borderlands 2 and 3 are also available, but the asking price for Borderlands Game of the Year is pretty reasonable and gives you classic gameplay for both Xbox One and for Windows.
I
t really depends on your matter of personal preference, but I think that the Game of the Year Edition is certainly worth it for new players. If you already own Borderlands (the original) it may not be worth it if you are happy with the graphics and how your game runs.
If you’ve been playing Borderlands 2 and 3 but never had a chance to try Borderlands, consider giving the Game of the Year Edition a try– just make sure you have a suitable video game graphics card to run it properly and take advantage of the graphics.
Question: Can I run Borderlands Game of the Year enhanced?
Answer: In order to run Borderlands Game of the Year, you should ensure that you meet basic system requirements. For Windows, that’ll mean 16GB of RAM, and at least 8GB free for storage, with a processing speed of 2.4 GHz. It also should run just fine on Xbox One. If you notice any lag, check to make sure you meet these requirements and clear out any memory you aren’t using.
Question: Do I need to play Borderlands 1 before 2?
Answer: The good news is that you can start on any Borderlands game that you like. Each Borderlands game is linked to each other, but these aren’t story-heavy games and so you can easily start with whatever Borderlands version of the game. There are returning characters, and in this way, the Borderlands games are connected– but the subtle storylines are not dependent on one another, so you can feel free to play the game of your choice.
Question: How long does it take to finish Borderlands?
Answer: It’s hard to say exactly how many hours of gameplay you’ll get out of any of the Borderlands games, but on average, gamers can expect to play 20 hours for the main campaign, but about double that with other features considered. If you add on DLC or buy the Enhanced version, you’re adding on even more gameplay. With the procedural gameplay, Borderlands are also games that you can revisit again and are arguably good for more than one playthrough.
Question: How many levels are there in Borderlands 1?
Answer: The first Borderlands game consists of an impressive 126 missions, though this does not include any DLC add ons, which all come with the Enhanced version of Borderlands. Even with those base missions, it’ll take you some time to play through.
Final Decision: Give the Borderlands Enhanced a Try
When it comes to the differences between Borderlands GOTY vs Enhanced, Enhanced is simply a better overall value. Consider that each DLC retails alone for around ten dollars– you’re getting more bang for your buck, while greatly expanding the gameplay and features, plus adding new areas to explore and more loot to accumulate.
Of course, if you aren’t interested at all in the DLC add ons, that isn’t to say that Borderlands GOTY is a bad value– it’s just that the Enhanced is a great deal.
Interested in buying Enhanced? Buy on Steam for Windows Here, or from Microsoft for Xbox One Here.
