Borderlands 2 details emerge

The first details on Borderlands 2 – which was made official last week – have been made available in the latest issue of Game Informer.

Just like its predecessor, the sequel will support four-player co-op – only the four protagonists from the first game will be NPCs this time around. Taking their place are four new heroes, the first of which has been revealed as Salvador, the Gunzerker. As a Gunzerker, the stocky bearded fellow is able to dual-wield any weapon in the game – an attractive skill indeed.

Borderlands 2 will welcome all new weapons; all of the guns from the first game have been scrapped. Each gun manufacturer will have its own distinct theme; unique styling, colours, custom decals and enhancements. The magazine makes no reference to gun-crafting.

Vehicles will of course be making a return, too, and with more variety than before. One vehicle shown in the magazine is called the “Bandit Technical”, while another, unnamed vehicle was shown with four seats.

A new element called Eridium can be used to improve the stats of guns and vehicles. It can also be used as a form of currency.

The sequel will take advantage of ‘dynamic story missions’, where the narrative is shaped around your approach to an objective.

NPCs have also been improved, and will move about the game world and converse with the player in a much more interactive manner. The AI of enemies is also reported to be greatly improved.

The three-branch skill tree from the first game is also due to return.

Fans of the first game will be pleased to learn that happy-robot-chappy Claptrap is back, too, although what kind of role he’ll play in the sequel wasn’t revealed.

Borderlands 2 is currently pencilled in for 2K’s FY2013.

Via Gematsu