Gearbox Software's Battleborn is going to take ideas from the amazing Borderlands franchise to a whole new level of massive multiplayer online battle arena gameplay. A special update from the developer details the modes and features that is sure to make Battleborn one of the biggest first-person shooter releases of this era.

While the focus is on an expansive multiplayer experience like most games in the genres, Battleborn will still offer a story mode that can be played alone or cooperatively with friends.  The story revolves around saving the very last star in the universe from destruction, and is designed to be a single player experience with the multiplayer component coming in both online and offline (splitscreen) flavors.

When it comes to playable characters, Battleborn is looking to match the range and diversity of a fighting game as the final game will offer a roster of 25 heroes to choose from. Each of these characters have their own unique personality and abilities/weapons, and the Helix Skill Tree System will allow players to level up these characters. The leveling system is from 1 to 10 with the progression being persistent, as experience points can be gained from single player missions or competitive matches.

The competitive multiplayer modes isn't short on variety, the modes announced so far include Incursion, Devastation and Meltdown. The modes are outlined below.

  • Incursion: Teams of heroes defend their base from waves of AI-controlled minions while working together, alongside their own minions, to destroy their opponents’ base;
  • Devastation: Teams of heroes face off in a fast-paced death match and must capture and hold objectives on the map to win;
  • Meltdown: Teams of heroes protect their minions as they march to their death at the center of the map. Points are scored for minions who throw themselves into the incinerator, and the team with the most points wins.

Battleborn is looking to offer a deep first-person shooting experience that will encourage both single player and multiplayer engagement, and a RPG style leveling system to complement its huge cast of characters.

Check out all the action in the new trailer below (featuring alt-J's "Fitzpleasure"):