Borderlands 4 is officially here on PC and consoles as of today, September 12, and unless you're planning to tuck into the shiny looter shooter on Switch 2, you can jump into the new game right now. But with the arrival of the latest entry in the series, it's got me reflecting back on the all of the experiences Gearbox has delivered over the years (both as a developer and in its publishing arm).
Sure, Gearbox Software has had some misses in its history (cough, Duke Nukem Forever, cough), but it has made some gem, too. Outside of the Borderlands series, we've seen a helping of different action-packed adventures and even some alien-inspired journeys in the past alongside some of the best shooters of their day. There's a lot of fantastic experiences to explore - many of which can be played with pals.
And now that Borderlands 4 out in the wild, there's never been a better time to look back on the developer and publisher's history. So join me as I look back and revisit some of the best Gearbox games.
5. Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30
Release: 2005
Platforms: PC, Xbox, PS2, Nintendo Wii
While Borderlands may be Gearbox's most well-known and popular franchise, The Brothers in Arms games are also generally fantastic. In fact, I could have put multiple games from this series on this list, but Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30 holds a special place in my heart.
The World War 2 shooter follows the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment. As you make your way through enemy territory, you get to learn about the characters as you command troops in tactical plays. This game does a great job of making you feel like you're part of a unit instead of a one-man army. You care about your teammates and feel the weight of their deaths. War games are aplenty, but few manage to grip you with their storytelling like this one. There's a reason we almost gave it full marks in our Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30 review, after all.
4. Borderlands 2
Release: 2012
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Switch
Of course, a Borderlands game has to make an appearance on this list, and of course, the title that I'd pick in the series just so happens to be the top choice in our best Borderlands games list. In terms of goofy personality, with a surprising level of depth and gunplay improvements, Borderlands 2 is a sure fire winner, building on everything beloved about the original looter shooter to deliver a chaotic good time.
Although its side quests can feel a bit uneven and the story sometimes overstays its welcome, Borderlands 2 is still a joy to play. Customization has been taken up a notch; it's a blast to play with friends, and there is plenty to keep you busy. In our Borderlands 2 review, we said that the game was a "fulfilling experience", and that remains true even today.
3. Homeworld Remastered Collection
Release: 2015
Platforms: PC
One of the best sci-fi games to ever be released, the Homeworld Remastered Collection is really a must-play for any fans of space and real-time strategy titles. This collection includes modern makeovers for Homeworld and Homeworld 2, which, at the time, looked fantastic at launch. But the game's intergalactic visuals aren't the reason I've added this to my list. No, the story is what makes this such a good title, even by today's standards.
After your planet is destroyed by the Taiidan Empire, you play as Kushan exiles who embark on a quest to reclaim their ancient homeworld. Every level will have you building up your fleet in order to destroy enemy ships and get closer to your goal. You really do feel like you're part of a space epic here, and I can't recommend this game enough.
2. Risk of Rain 2
Release: 2020
Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch
Published by Gearbox Publishing and developed by Hopoo Games, Risk of Rain 2 is one of my favorite go-to games to play with friends, and it truly never gets old. The roguelike third-person shooter has a satisfying sense of progression, as you collect loot, unlock weapons, and blast alien enemies with a flurry of flashing laser beams. Allowing for up to four-player co-op, it's very easy to lose time as you engage in multiple runs with Risk of Rain 2.
Nothing beats the feeling of accomplishment as you pass a milestone that had previously been kicking your butt; making your way through more difficult enemy encounters over time. The thrill of unlocking new playable survivors, items, and more also scratches my goblin collector brain, and while some of its DLC is questionable, Risk of Rain 2 is an easy game to recommend to any kind of player.
1. Half-Life: Opposing Force
Release: 1999
Platforms: PC
Half-Life: Opposing Force is an expansion to one of the greatest games ever made, Half-Life. Instead of playing as Gordon Freeman, though, you're experiencing the events of Half-Life from the perspective of Adrian Shephard (a U.S. Marine) who was originally sent to neutralize the Black Mesa Research Facility after an alien invasion. But things go south for the soldiers, and Adrian is soon forced to focus on staying alive above all else.
Playing Half-Life again from this perspective is an absolute joy. The soldiers were posed as enemies in the original game, so being put in their shoes gives you a deeper appreciation for the plot as a whole. On top of that, there are new enemy types and weapons to play with. So yeah, if you are a Half-Life fan, this is a must-play.
For more recommendations, check out our list of the best games like Borderlands. Or look ahead with our pages on all the upcoming PS5 games and upcoming Xbox Series X games on the near horizon.
