Today, Gearbox just announced that their critically acclaimed shooter, Borderlands 2, is getting the virtual reality treatment, and is set to release this year for PlayStation VR. VR editions of popular AAA games isn’t anything new for the industry, so this doesn’t come as a surprise. Luckily, Gearbox promises that this is a complete rework of the game developed in-house by them.
The biggest mechanic that exists in Borderlands 2 VR is the Badass Mega Fun Time, appropriately titled, BAMF Time. This new addition will allow players to slow down time to pull off those trick shots, or to get out of sticky situations. Additionally, the game will introducing Teleport, which makes it easier to traverse across the game’s world seamlessly. Other new features include driving in first-person, which can be steered using an actual controller.
Since this is introducing new mechanics, the game will implement new skills into the game that incorporate BAMF. One skill we know about is Maya’s new Empathy skill, which causes Phaselock to deplete half her current health, damaging enemies based on how much health she lost, while also doubling healing during BAMF Time. Empathy is set to replace Maya’s Res skill. Yes, you read that right, let me explain. One thing to keep in mind is that game will only be single-player, which may sadden some fans as Borderlands is, at it’s core, a game best played in co-op. I’m sure Gearbox may put out some info as to why it wasn’t possible, so we shall wait and see. Another disappointing aspect is that it will only include the core Borderlands 2 game, which concludes that the game’s DLC expansions and characters won’t be included. So if anyone was hoping to swing their virtual ax as Kreig may be severely disappointed (probably for the better, I would end up breaking some lamps).
Gearbox states that Borderlands 2 VR is scheduled to release on December 14, and is currently available for pre-order. The game is currently set at $50. Pre-ordering the game will give PlayStation owners a new dynamic theme that showcases the four main Vault Hunters.
