The Vault is Real



The game's protagonists (left to right): Mordecai, Lilith, Brick, and Roland

Borderlands is a video game released by Gearbox. I'm a little reluctant to use it as a source for my project, but it does tie in quite decently. It can be seen as science fiction, as it is usually seen, but I can also see it as a Dystopian setting, although it takes place on a planet other than Earth, known as Pandora.

Pandora has basically gone to hell. Legends of a mystical location filled with unimaginable treasures known simply as the Vault pollute the air along with people's opinions of wether or not it's real. You as the player star as one of four characters, each with distinct personalities and abilities. Using your assets you travel Pandora, helping some of the citizens and defending yourself from the evil Bandits (who hold most of what you need to get to the vault).

I see it as Sci-Fi for the obvious: otherworldy planet, strange creatures (Rakks and Skags to name a couple), alien weapons, etc. However, the state that Pandora is in can easily be seen as a Dystopian Earth. The bandits have taken control of the planet in terms of sheer number, and have made life difficult for the common citizens. People are forced to carry guns and to ask mercenaries (such as yourself) for assistance with even the simplest of issues. The "government" in the game is called the Crimson Lance, and they generally like to throw a wrench into things as well. They're also looking for the vault, and it's pretty obvious they're in control, even above the bandits, as in just about every structure with a wall there is a poster adorned with the Lance's symbol, as a constant reminder to who's in charge. As you progress through the game and gain a reputation, the Lance begins to target you, and you're left to take out an entire army single-handedly (or with the help of up to three other players.)

Borderlands. Novato, CA: 2K Games, 2009. Computer software.