"Borderlands," by 2K Games, for PS3 and Xbox 360, rated "M" for Mature; reviewer's rating: 7 (out of 10)

"Borderlands" is one of the slickest-looking titles to come down the game pipeline this fall.

This violent, gun-oriented game, which looks different than the platoon of other gun games, makes no apologies for what it is. If you will pardon the combat phrase, this game lives and dies with gunplay.

Players pick one of four mercenaries, all featured in a clever cinematic opening. Players also choose the game-type they prefer (including a female character) and type of weapons they most want to use.

Each player features unique attack or defense mechanisms, and as the game goes on, abilities can be refined and tweaked, allowing for personalization.

Set on a frontier planet that looks and feels like post-apocolyptic Earth, the feeling of an strange new world never develops.

In fact, players who have experienced role-playing titles such as "Fallout 3," will find the setting and character interaction flat and predictable. But as a pure shooter, the game is solid, and in co-op mode and online, the experience improves dramatically.

In fact, some of the mechanics of the single-player campaign are disappointing, and only playing with or against others can these be camouflaged.

Non-player characters are painfully robotic, and the experience of in-game time and walking distances are clumsy. As a result, the experience doesn't stand up to discerning players and the game would fail if that is all there was.

The pure mechanics of pointing and shooting are pretty satisfying, however, and the fun is multiplied when other players are added to the mix.

It seems sniper-oriented players have a real advantage, but there are lots of weapon choices and fantasy firearm approaches with doses of vehicular combat, player proficiencies and armor options that all contribute to thrilling combat.

Graphics: The highly stylized art design of the game is spectacular, and the look exceeds the setting. The visuals are great and show off the PS3 and Xbox 360 systems.

Audio: Everything sounds good but nothing stands out as especially creative. The non-player characters repeat the same trite phrases over and over.

Parent's take: This game is not intended and should not be played by children. It features blood and gore, intense violence, mature humor and strong language.

Final word: Don't buy this game and play it alone. If you have a playing partner or the ability to play in online, and you love shooters, the action here is hot and thrilling.

e-mail: lc@desnews.com