Borderlands vs Bulletstorm
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Borderlands blends first‑person shooting with deep RPG progression, set in a sprawling sci‑fi wasteland. Players explore an open world, collect billions of procedurally generated weapons, and team up in co‑op or split‑screen modes. The game’s distinctive cel‑shaded art style and dark humor create a memorable experience, while its skill‑tree system lets each character class develop a unique playstyle. Released in 2009, it remains a benchmark for loot‑driven shooters across multiple platforms.
Bulletstorm is a fast‑paced first‑person shooter that blends over‑the‑top action with a darkly comedic sci‑fi storyline. Players assume the role of Grayson Hunt, a former soldier seeking revenge across alien worlds, using a vast arsenal and the signature "skillshot" system to earn points for stylish kills. The game offers both a single‑player campaign and multiplayer modes, delivering high‑octane combat and replayability. Released in 2011, Bulletstorm remains a cult classic praised for its inventive mechanics and unapologetic humor.
- Massive variety of weapons keeps combat fresh
- Deep character customization through skill trees
- Robust co‑op and split‑screen support
- Humorous writing and distinctive art style
- Innovative skillshot mechanic
- Extensive weapon variety
- Humorous sci‑fi narrative
- Strong multiplayer options
- Occasional performance drops on older consoles
- Random weapon stats can feel unbalanced
- Limited end‑game content beyond DLC
- Occasional performance issues on older PCs
- Limited map variety in multiplayer
- Narrative may not appeal to all tastes
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Alternatives to Borderlands
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Alternatives to Bulletstorm
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A gritty, open‑world shooter that drags you into the underbelly of Shanghai’s criminal chaos.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBorderlands is the safer default for long-term value, offering a lower price and extensive co-op options, while Bulletstorm delivers a higher-rated, skill-based campaign at a much steeper price. The main trade-off is between procedural loot-hunting in an open world versus a structured, combat-rewarding skillshot system.
Key differences
- •Price: Borderlands costs $19.99 while Bulletstorm is priced at $59.99.
- •Co-op Support: Borderlands supports up to four players in local split-screen or online co-op, whereas Bulletstorm supports two-player co-op campaign.
- •Combat Mechanics: Borderlands features over 4 million unique procedurally generated guns, while Bulletstorm rewards players for creative kills via its Skillshot system.
- •Critic Score: Bulletstorm holds an 87/100 critic score compared to Borderlands' 80/100 critic score.
Gameplay & fun factor
Bulletstorm features an innovative Skillshot system that rewards creative kills, edging out Borderlands' loot-driven combat.
Platform availability
Borderlands is supported by Gearbox and Feral Interactive; Bulletstorm includes PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC support.
Price & value
At an MSRP of $19.99, Borderlands provides much better financial value than Bulletstorm's $59.99 price tag.
Multiplayer / co-op
Borderlands supports up to four players with local split-screen and online co-op, beating Bulletstorm's two-player limit.
Content & replayability
Borderlands offers a vast open desert world with side quests and 4 million unique procedural guns, despite limited end-game DLC.
Difficulty & accessibility
Borderlands includes dynamic difficulty scaling that adjusts enemy toughness based on the number of players for a fair challenge.
Graphics & performance
Both games share performance notes on older hardware, with Borderlands noting drops on older consoles and Bulletstorm on PCs.
Choose Borderlands if…
Shooter fans wanting budget-friendly, open-world loot hunting with up to four-player co-op support.
Choose Bulletstorm if…
Action enthusiasts seeking a tightly focused sci-fi campaign centered on creative skillshot combat.
Common questions
Which game is cheaper?
Borderlands is cheaper with an MSRP of $19.99, compared to Bulletstorm's $59.99 MSRP.
Do both games support local split-screen co-op?
Borderlands supports local split-screen and online co-op for up to four players, while Bulletstorm's co-op is not specified as split-screen.
Which game has a higher critic score?
Bulletstorm has a higher critic score of 87/100, while Borderlands holds a critic score of 80/100.