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When Borderlands debuted on previous-gen hardware it proved to be a competent first-person shooter, with a robust loot generator and a unique personality for the genre. It wasn't afraid to mix an RPG leveling system, branching skill trees and awesome weapons that would become obsolete as the player progressed, alongside a self-referential, irreverence to the non-stop killing spree that accompanied the vault hunter's journey.

Once Borderlands 2 released, Gearbox Software realized that it had created a fan-favorite franchise. The sequel upped the ante in every regard; there was an actual story this time, with memorable characters, diverse environments, an instantly recognizable cell-shaded style and a very aggressive DLC release schedule. Players loved it. It's no surprise that the publisher would continue the trend with Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel.

That next installment appeared when GearBox Software revealed the next piece of DLC at Pax East, Claptastic Voyage. During this journey, players will venture forth into the recesses of Claptrap's mind, the foul mouthed comic-relief of the franchise managed to become a playable character in The Pre-Sequel. Why would anyone want to do such a thing? Apparently, Handsome Jack requires a "powerful, mysterious item that's hidden within Claptrap's source code."

Gearbox went on to say that players who purchased the season pass for The Pre-Sequel will have access to Claptastic Voyage when it releases on March 24 on PS3 and Xbox 360. In addition, if you picked up the bundle, Borderlands: The Handsome Collection for PS4 or Xbox One it will be available for download at no extra charge – which is always a great price.

Another piece of news shared at Pax East is the release date for Episode 2 of TellTale's Tales from the Borderlands, titled Atlas Mugged (a play on the literary classic Atlas Shrugged). Fans have patiently awaited for the reveal of the next episode since concluding Zer0 Sum back in November. During the week of March 17, that patience will be rewarded as gamers can download the second installment on PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox One or Xbox 360.

Whereas The Pre-Sequel expands upon the mechanics, gunplay and history of Borderlands, Tales from the Borderlands focuses on the characters, personality and future of Pandora after the events of Borderlands 2. The cell-shaded aesthetic from previous games feels right at home within the Telltale engine and it's refreshing to see the studio stretch its legs and return to comedy instead of the more serious tone of its other releases, such as The Walking Dead or The Wolf Among Us.

Who is your favorite character in the Borderlands universe? Are you going to play Episode 2 of Tales from the Borderlands when it releases, or wait to play the entire season at once?

Source: Polygon