Gearbox Software became famous for its epic Borderlands series, having its origins in 2009. With around 200,000 active players right now, it is destined to succeed. And here’s why we can enjoy Borderlands GOTY and GOTY Enhanced versions.
They seem like one video game, but believe us – there are differences. Borderlands GOTY and GOTY Enhanced are an improved version of the first part of the series, coming at two prices and with different content. But it’s still the same hilarious action game for hours of crazy fun! So what to choose? And how do these two editions of Borderlands Game Of The Year differ? Let’s see in this ultimate Borderlands GOTY vs Enhanced comparison!
| Feature | Borderlands GOTY EDITION | Borderlands Goty Enhanced |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics | Improved textures and surroundings for 4K | Enhanced details and better graphics |
| DLCs Included | No | Yes The Zombie Island of Doctor Ned Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot The Secret Armory of General Knoxx Claptrap’s New Robot Revolution |
| Gameplay Style | Remastered with visual improvements | All features of GOTY + all DLCs |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Content | Platforms, traps, various terrains, teleportation option (easy mode), autosave, special mode with rising lava | Approximately 5 hours of gameplay, philosophical commentary by the creator, 3D models in 2D |
| Challenges | Visual improvements, map design based on Borderlands 2 Faster stuff collecting, face customization, new weapons | All GOTY gameplay improvements + all DLCs |
Gameplay
All parts of the Borderlands series are post-apocalyptic first person looter shooters combined with RPG and action game mechanics. They are also supplied with a massive dose of humour and cartoon-like graphics. The last two features may appeal to fans of games like Overwatch or Fortnite – also famous for hilarious gameplay and exceptionally colourful graphics.
Borderlands GOTY and GOTY Enhanced offer exciting solo or co-op multiplayer for up to four players (with the competitive mode in the third installation). The goal is simple – you choose one of the available characters and explore the open world to collect loot, complete quests, and fight.
The action takes place on a faraway planet Pandora, and the gameplay vibe is very similar to the Mad Max movie series. During your adventure, you will significantly develop your skills, acquire better equipment, and battle small mobs as well as more powerful bosses. The rewards are enormous, making Borderlands similar to games like Diablo or Destiny. Choosing a hero is one of the most fun features, allowing you to personalize your character and use their unique skills in combat or while exploring the vast map.
New features
Before we compare the differences between this edition and Borderlands Enhanced, let’s investigate what the Borderlands Game of The Year Edition really is.
Released in 2010, Borderlands GOTY is a re-release of the game that came out a year earlier, which was recognized as the ‘Xbox 360 Game of the Year’ by RPG Land.
Borderlands GOTY includes several new features. Certainly, the first one worth mentioning is the “complete and comprehensive map” of all areas from Borderlands and its expansions. These expansions are also included in this edition in the form of keys that allow for free download.
Moreover, the boxed version of the game included two discs – one containing the base game and the other with the DLCs. An interesting fact is that the game also came with a pass for a Duke Nukem Forever demo.
In 2019, Borderlands GOTY received a graphically and technologically enhanced Remastered edition for next-generation consoles – PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and in 2020, the game was also released on Nintendo Switch.
What’s new?
Borderlands GOTY and Enhanced are the same content, but the GOTY Enhanced Edition, released in 2019 for PC, PS4 and XOne, provides, among others, better graphics, face customization, new weapons, and, of course, all the features of the classic GOTY Edition. So if you want full content and everything this game has to offer, but with major improvements – GOTY Enhanced will be a perfect choice.
And what will you find among the DLCs already mentioned in the previous paragraph?
- The Zombie Island of Doctor Ned – You’ll love this expansion if you’re a fan of games like 7 Days to Die. Venture to Jakobs Cove and discover the details of the mysterious experiment that led to a zombie outbreak!
- Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot – Enter three new arenas and fight to become the best. Thirsty for new weapons and more experience? It is the perfect way to become unbeatable and wealthy like never before.
- The Secret Armory of General Knoxx – Play over 40 missions in an incredible new adventure. Become part of an unpredictable intrigue, drive new vehicles, use previously unavailable weapons, and explore forgotten locations to fight the improved AI of powerful enemies.
- Claptrap’s New Robot Revolution – Become friends with your mortal enemy and confront an even deadlier threat. It’s time for the robot revolution! With brand-new loot, weapons, quests, and more to make you enjoy this risky adventure like never before.
Visual Upgrades: Graphics and Performance
Borderlands GOTY Enhanced is a thoroughly remastered version of the 2009 game and its 2010’ full edition.
The developers have significantly improved the visuals, enhancing the details of textures and surroundings for 4K resolution and higher frame rates. You will discover a map based on the design from Borderlands 2 and enjoy many details like faster stuff collecting.
Moreover, this edition allows you to import your already mastered characters from Borderlands (2009) into the new game. The only requirement is owning either a PC or consoles from the same family – so if you played on PS3, you can import to PS4; if you played on Xbox 360, you can import characters to Xbox One.
Content Additions: What’s New?
In addition to all the aforementioned new features, the Enhanced edition has been enriched with a minimap that replaced the compass used in the original release (and the classic GOTY). This makes navigating the map and finding objective waypoints easier.
Furthermore, a plethora of new objects have been added to the game, such as trees, rocks, and even lootable containers, which were not present in the previous versions. Weapons fans will also find something for themselves as GOTY Enhanced introduces six legendary weapons and even more valuable loot.
From now on, you can also customize your character’s face. But everything else is the same — you can expect your favourite gameplay faithfully recreated — but in a shiny new edition.
Borderlands GOTY vs Enhanced – which is better?
The Borderlands GOTY Enhanced Edition is much better. Let’s examine some numbers – this Steam PC version is just $29.99 with all the DLCs, goodies, and enhanced graphics.
Borderlands GOTY, on the other hand, costs $12.99, which may seem like a regular price, but it takes away a lot of fun. Especially since it’s pretty much the same game as the 2009 version, without all new features, such as mini map, new legendary guns or character customisation.
So if you want the complete Borderlands experience or are planning to play for the first time – try Borderlands GOTY Enhanced and have it all for yourself! It is the most reasonable choice, especially since the DLCs content can make you fall in love with the game even more.
References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borderlands_(video_game)
- https://store.steampowered.com/app/729040/Borderlands_Game_of_the_Year_Enhanced/.
- https://store.steampowered.com/app/8980/Borderlands_Game_of_the_Year//