Showcasing new mechanics, weapon types and action skills, 2K Australia and Gearbox have put up some narrated gameplay footage for all to enjoy on Youtube. As the game takes place in between the first and second Borderlands (hence the title), the game will set about developing the backstories of many of the characters that have previously appeared. In the footage shown, the camera is seen from Athena's perspective, which is a returning character from the Secret Armory of General Knoxx DLC for the first Borderlands, and her co-op partner is Wilhelm, the first major boss of Borderlands 2. Other playable characters include Claptrap, returning from his as the Interplanetary Ninja Assassin in the first game, and Nisha, the significant other of Handsome Jack.

As far as new mechanics are concerned, the first and most obvious is the low gravity found on many moons, and the lack of atmosphere. Since you can jump higher, in addition to having an oxygen reserve inside your suit, this allows players to jump to great heights, only to come crashing down, causing damage on impact. This also means that enemies cannot be set on fire so easily, either, as there's no air for them to burn in the vacuum of space. However, you are able to destroy their oxygen helmet, triggering a damage over time effect, or also setting up small oxygen generators, and burning regardless. Also, Athena's class ability allows her to absorb incoming projectiles on a shield, and then send it out, returning all damage received to enemies.

With the setting itself slowly turning into the frozen and low-gravity wastes of Australia (as quoted by the developers), the next entry in the Borderlands series looks set to release on last generation consoles, and PCs as well. Though there's no release date in sight, and considering the game was a surprise announcement at PAX East this year, we may have to wait a while before sending bandits into the outer reaches of Pandora's local space.