News
Borderlands Gets Cel-Shaded
UPDATED: Release Date Still Unknown
by Coop
UPDATE: Check bottom of article for a quote from one of the developers, who is saying the game is, in reality, NOT cel-shaded.
In a strange turn, Gearbox's Borderlands has changed from a traditional graphics engine to the cartoon styled cel-shading featured in games like The Wind Waker and Prince of Persia. Late last year, a beta-tester for the title mentioned on microblogging network Twitter that the game reminded him of Crackdown, which also featured the stylized graphics, and the recent confirmation definitely adds some explanation for his words.
While a cel-shaded look might seem ill-fitting for the type of game Gearbox is developing, the creators explained the news a bit more on their website, giving more insight into the decision.
"Ennui: Though there's always the chance some people could be turned off by the style, it was decided that, overall, it fits the game and creates a more visually interesting experience. Our concept art had this incredible, distinctive style and feel that fit so perfectly - the game has not become less detailed or washed out at all.
Rather, it retains the detail and style that's often lost when we move from concept art to 3D. It stands out, and makes the gray-and-brown bleak landscapes, while still bleak and inhospitable, memorable and recognizable. The entire world has life to it, from the creatures to the very rocks and dirty walls."
When I saw the game at E3 it didn't really look like it was in need of any sort of overhaul, but I'll remain optimistic until I'm actually able to get a look at the new visuals. Then again, looking at the images below (from before the adaptation to cel-shading), it doesn't look like too large of a departure.
Gearbox has yet to let me down, so I trust in their ability to make the game work, no matter what style they decide on. We'll be looking forward to hearing more about Borderlands soon, and hope to see it in playable form (please?) at this year's E3 convention.
UPDATE: "No, Borderlands is not cel-shaded — it's a gritty and serious world after all," says Gearbox president Randy Pitchford to Kotaku. We'll see soon.
[Source]
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Comments
I don't know about the cell shading on this title. It was originally going to be raw, hardcore, graphics that are realistic enough to think that it's an epic story. What happened to that idea?
I can understand for story elements (God of War style) but for the gameplay, too? I take Valkyria Chronicles seriously enough because I know it's got that anime feel to it. I don't think that Borderlands would make a good (realistic) game without real-world graphics.
I don't know why people feel this is going to soften the game or remove its grittiness. From the look of those shots everything still looks pretty bad ass, it just has a less generic feel to it.
I applaud their decision to modify the games style.