The original Borderlands was crafted by a simple idea — mix first person-shooter and role-playing elements. However, the original severed as more of a beta test — a successful beta test in fact — to home in a more creative idea.

Indeed, the sequel looks to write the wrongs of the original, something Gearbox vice president Steve Gibson wants to make evident. “We had no weapons in Borderlands 2 for about six months while we gutted the weapon system and replaced the whole thing,” says Gibson. “But we felt like we could do a lot better. We thought the AI system could be a lot better. We felt like the quest system could be a lot better. We felt like the vehicle system could be a lot better.”

However, the most noticeable change is in the use of textures — adding more interesting and unique environments. “This time around we’ve actually put the writer of Borderlands in the same room as the lead designer of Borderlands. We’re connecting the world and the story and your quests all together now. We’re trying to weave a much more intricate tale.”

But, we can’t forget the weapons, the piece de resistance in the Borderlands universe, in the sequel each weapon will carry a specific property, for instance, Tediore weapons will basically be junk weapons — they can still fire, but they aren’t meant to be reused. So, you’ll just pull another one off your belt. But, if you pick up a Bandit weapon, they’ll always have extended clips — but are also disposable.

There are promises of a wholesale overhaul to the way enemies behave in combat. “Enemies are actually going to work together, call plays, and take more advantage of the environment,” added Gibson. “At least, the smart ones will do that. The psychos, everyone’s favorite raving lunatics from the first game, still operate with a mantra that Gibson describes as, “Wow that’s a gun! I want my face in front of it.”

Another interesting change, the change in vehicular physics. Gibson promises a more dynamic, realistic and “geographically correct” experience when traveling around in the sequel — no longer will vehicles over react when you hit areas around the environment and pin-pointing areas will be much easier.

Confirming recent speculation, Gearbox Software confirmed the development of Borderlands 2, the sequel to the “extravasplosive” breakout sensation. Returning players to the planet of Pandora, Borderlands 2 is the “epic” sequel for the “ultimate” shooter loot fest.

According to Game Informer, the developer plans to introduce more diverse environments, with smarter and more powerful enemies and an improved mission system capable of delivering a better overall story in the sequel.

The developer of such games as Brothers in Arms and Borderlands, Gearbox recently filed for a quartet of “War Hero” trademarks. However, they have now confirmed to Shacknews that the new franchise is “something down the road.”

Explaining that the trademarks reveal “a bit about our interests in the development of another original intellectual property,” Gearbox Software president Randy Pitchford said that “we haven’t even talked to any potential partners” in regards to War Hero.

“So we’re certainly not ready to talk about it publicly at the moment,” he noted.

Pitchford further tells Shacknews that War Hero is not among the three mystery projects currently listed on Gearbox’s “games in development” page.

Pitchford added that the studio is currently “all gaga” over its October-due shooter-RPG Borderlands, with attentions “focused squarely on kicking ass.”

First announced way back in September of 2007, Gearbox Software has finally settled on a release for Borderlands – and it couldn’t of came at sooner time.

When speaking to Shacknews in a recent interview, developer Gearbox Software revealed that it’s targeting a October release for its post-apocalyptic shooter-RPG Borderlands.

“Borderlands represents an important evolutionary leap in game design and technology,” said Christoph Hartmann, President of 2K. “By utilizing revolutionary new technology to create thousands of unique, randomly generated missions, weapons and situations, Borderlands will raise the bar for next gen action games.”

In reports earlier today, it was reported that the open-world sci-fi title Borderlands had gone fully cel-shaded, which is what you’ve seen in  something like the Naruto video games, graphically. However, when Kotaku contacted Gearbox president Randy Pitchford on the matter he had this to say.

“No, Borderlands is not cel-shaded — it’s a gritty and serious world after all,” Pitchford told Kotaku via email. “But since the game was first unveiled we have made big advancements with the art direction and the technology to support the art and have produced some pretty impressive, even shocking results.”

He also confirmed that the game’s official website will “soon” be updated with new content showing off some of the ” big advancements with the art direction and the technology” he was taking about.

“Finally, there’s always E3 in a few months where attendees can see the game live,” said Pitchford. “I know some folks have figured out that we’ve done something big to Borderlands even if no one is quite sure what we’ve done yet and I know I’m still being a bit cryptic on that.”