The release of Borderlands 2 is just over a week away, and already the game is set to break some records. The sequel adds tons of new features to the successful formula established in the first game, and refines some of the original gameplay mechanics. In order to make sure the game doesn’t end up being just more of the same, Gearbox added two new character classes, the Gunzerker and the Assassin, and made some changes to both the Soldier and the Siren. Each character plays entirely different from one another with unique skills and multiple skill trees for an incredible amount of customization.
Anyone who is looking to get a jump on building their character and exploring the many different skill trees can now do so on the Borderlands 2 official website. Gearbox has uploaded interactive skill trees to allow players to plan out the way they want to play early, and it is available for every class. The Borderlands 2 level cap is set at 50, and based on the online skill-builder, it can be hard to max out particular trees without focusing strictly on that style of play. Luckily, there is something for everyone. You can be a master of ranged combat with sniper rifles, gaining huge bonuses with each critical hit you score. Players who enjoy up-close-and-personal combat can focus on upgrading their health and shield regeneration, and then start earning melee combat bonuses for quick kills. Regardless of how you choose to play, everybody’s character will be different. The multiple trees for each character will also allow for better online play, because two players can use the same class while still supporting each other in different ways.
The new skills and multiple skill trees are only some of the new additions for Borderlands 2, and players who like to have multiple characters will be happy to know that you can also level up as a player. Gearbox has included a player-specific leveling system that allows for upgrades for max health, damage, critical damage and so on that carries across to all characters. Combined with the random gun generator and the ability to trade item between characters via Claptrap robots, Borderlands 2 is perfect for character-building addicts. Look for Borderlands 2 on September 18, available for PS3, Xbox 360, and PC.
