Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel vs Half Life 2: Episode One
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel is supposed to be the Borderlands game that occurs in between Borderlands 1 and 2 as it details Handsome Jack's rise to power and wealth. The game features a pretty similar frantic gameplay to Borderlands 2 with a few major changes - Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel is set in space and on a planet with low gravity and limited oxygen supply. These factors do bump up the difficult of the game by a notch and it is incredibly fun to enjoy the virtually-designed low gravity effect in first person.Like Borderlands 2, this game brings along with it a brand new cast of anti-heroes, each with their own set of special abilities. Interestingly, you get to play the annoyingly amusing (or is it "amusingly annoying"?) little robot - Claptrap - in this pre-sequel too! Of course, being space, you'll get a new line of vehicles to wreak havoc in.
If you're here for the story, then you'll won't find Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel disappointing, but when it comes to its gameplay, it does feel a bit lackluster at times. All in all though, the game bridges the story perfectly and is pretty much a must-buy for fans of the series, but if you're new to the series, it might be best to start with either Borderlands 1 or 2.
Half Life 2: Episode One
Half Life 2: Episode One is the first standalone game in Valve's spin-off trilogy for its game series, Half Life. Featuring a gameplay that closely resembles Half Life 2, its namesake, this game provides loyal fans of the game a nice continuation (somewhat) in the series' storyline. Similar to Half Life 2, this game has a lot more scripted scenes as well as puzzles and strategic combat rather than simply adding in more aliens for you to fight and weapons for you to fight with.Despite its rather short game duration, Half Life 2: Episode One gives its hardcore fans something to chew on as they wait - endlessly - for a Half Life 3. And naturally, being released in 2006, the game has a more polished look. To be honest, it's a great alternative game to Half Life 2.