Since it comes at the end of my somewhat lengthy review, and it's the question I've gotten most from readers, I wanted to clarify just how long it took me to play through "Borderlands" with a single character. Keep in mind that this doesn't include New Game Plus, which allows you to replay the game with new enemy types and better loot. This is just the first time through, from the start of the game to the credits.
My finishing time with my Hunter class was 17 hours and 36 minutes, with a completion level of 36. I was generally pretty thorough when it came to completing quests, but I probably skipped about 6 quests due to them being a much lower level than I was. Given that a quest takes around 15 to 20 minutes to complete, there was probably an extra hour of gameplay I could've slogged through. Instead I chose to start my New Game Plus and take on those quests when I reach them the second time around.
I can't give you a time from level 1 to level 50, unfortunately, as I haven't reached that pinacle yet. I have noticed that leveling does slow down some in the later stages of the game, but 100 hours (a stat that the developers mentioned when describing the length of time from 1 to 50) is probably somewhat inflated. Figure it takes you 20 hours to get to level 40, it seems unlikely that the final 10 levels would take you four times as long. If I were to make an educated guess I'd say level 50 is attainable in around 40 hours, but I'll be happy to eat my words if that proves to be false.
Don't get me wrong, though, I'm not besmirching the length of the game. I've already got another character up to level 20 (a Siren), so there is plenty of value to be found in experiencing the other classes. I just thought you might like to know what sort of time investment you were getting into.
Originally posted by: JoPh
I made a list of all the gamertags so far saying they are playing the game. I am going to try and pick the game up today. so add me to the list
GAMERTAG LIST
Queasy1
Rage187
bl4ckfl4g
GORcorps
Boberfett
Shamrock013
phobic99
I punch furries
Joph
v0mitg0d
Originally posted by: JoPh
I made a list of all the gamertags so far saying they are playing the game. I am going to try and pick the game up today. so add me to the list
GAMERTAG LIST
Queasy1
Rage187
bl4ckfl4g
GORcorps
Boberfett
Shamrock013
phobic99
I punch furries
Joph
v0mitg0d
Originally posted by: Queasy
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Heh, you can go ahead and take me off the list. As much as I'd like to try this game out I've realized I don't have the time or the money for gaming at the moment. I'm even likely going to skip out on getting Forza 3 for a while which should tell you something since I've been participating in Forza 2 game night for a long ass time.
Originally posted by: brblx
so has anyone actually played this yet? i'd like to see some actual player impressions.
i've watched/read a few reviews and am still underwhelmed. it seems like the whole concept is 'what if diablo was a generic shooter,' and my response to this is basically 'why would i care?'
Originally posted by: Phobic9
I got to level 11 as a siren (interesting character) last night and after a slow start the game is picking up. I'm definitely liking it a lot but I haven't jumped into MP yet. I did see a few of you guys partied up last night though.
Originally posted by: FeathersMcGraw
Is there a separation between the single and multiplayer games? Can you level your character solo and then jump into a multiplayer game (or invite people into yours)? Also, is there local split-screen multiplayer? I'll probably wind up picking this up at some point, but if it supports gameplay for my XBox-less neighbor/drinking buddy, it'll be sooner rather than later.
Originally posted by: FeathersMcGraw
Is there a separation between the single and multiplayer games? Can you level your character solo and then jump into a multiplayer game (or invite people into yours)? Also, is there local split-screen multiplayer? I'll probably wind up picking this up at some point, but if it supports gameplay for my XBox-less neighbor/drinking buddy, it'll be sooner rather than later.
Originally posted by: FeathersMcGraw
Is there a separation between the single and multiplayer games? Can you level your character solo and then jump into a multiplayer game (or invite people into yours)? Also, is there local split-screen multiplayer? I'll probably wind up picking this up at some point, but if it supports gameplay for my XBox-less neighbor/drinking buddy, it'll be sooner rather than later.