Gearbox Software-developed "role-playing shooter" launches October 20 in North America

Experience, cash rewards, and ammunition are automatically shared among the players in the group regardless of contribution, though currently, there's no loot system beyond a first-come-first-served dash for weapon drops. This free-for-all mentality also extends to rare weapon drops, so you'll want to be in the thick of the action (and close to the corpse) when the fighting stops to ensure you get your fair shot at the spoils. There's also currently no option to inspect the gear of other players in your party to help distribute the gear. We can see potential for dispute, especially when matchmaking online with strangers, but Gearbox assured us it's all part of the plan to help foster the intended value of the game's items and keep players coming back for one more boss.

We can see potential for dispute, especially when matchmaking online with strangers, but Gearbox assured us it's all part of the plan to help foster the intended value of the game's items and keep players coming back for one more boss.

Borderlandsâ„¢ sends up to four co-op players to the harsh frontier planet Pandora in search of a mysterious Alien Vault legend.

What are the classes?
Siren (Lilith): uses phasewalk and becomes invisible/invincible, moves fast
Berserker (Brick): loves to punch, huge and strong
Sniper (Mordecai): hangs back and lets high-caliber sniper rifles and pet bloodwing pick 'em off
Soldier (Roland): uses a turret and supports his fellows

Character customization? Skill Trees?
Each character class has three different skill trees that emphasize different playstyles within the class. Details regarding skill trees are not complete. We know Roland has a support tree that can create healing bullets, and that Brick has a tree that pumps up his melee damage. You'll be able to name your character as you choose, and customize visual appearance somewhat. You'll also be afforded a way to reinvest the points you've spent on talents.

Is there a level cap?
Yes, there will be a level cap. The level cap is 50.

What's a "badass?"
WoW has elites, Borderlands has badasses. These enemies will be tougher and will drop better loot than regular old enemies do.

What happens when I die?
When you die, you enter "Fight for your life!" You drop down and are unable to move, but are still able to fire shots for a time while your screen dims. If you deal a killing blow to an enemy in this state, you are returned to life with some of your shield and health restored. If you don't, you are returned to the last New-U station for a fee.

Does it Blend?
Well, yeah, I mean I guess it would. Probably.

As one example, he spoke about the potential genius of healing bullets. Neumann said that one of the most rewarding moments he's experienced while playing the game was scoring a critical headshot on one of his ailing teammates from a lengthy distance using a sniper rifle loaded with the medicinal ordnance.