doh, I can't argue then if you don't see the massive disparity between those games.

Well they are not the same game, but the similaraties are numerous and fundemental aspects of both games. Saying that they aren't very similar and share many of the same core gameplay principles is crazy. 

I'm not saying they aren't similar.

Yes you did "Borderlands is NOT diablo in any shape or form"

I apologize for the emphasis then. Borderlands is so different from diablo despite very similar (who am i kidding) ripped off gameplay aspects, that calling it fps diablo is grossly innacurate. It is like saying that command and conquer is like starcraft.

Your own statements using evidence such as "the gameplay, setting, and humour are all totally different." when saying how different bl is from fallout, can be applied directly to diablo and BL. Completely different tone, completely different setting, completely different gameplay. The only similarity is randomized item drops and teamplay. Similarities for fallout and BL are protagonist wandering a mad-maxian styled wasteland finding vaults and treasure points amid roaming bands and hideaway gangs of raiders in an rpg fps.

DIablo's tone is grimdark, fighting demons by spamming abilities and upgrading your items.

At the time of borderlands development, some of the most popular games were diablo 2 (still), fallout, halo. While we both disagree with which game holds more similarities, it's safe enough to say that the devs looked at popular games and put them in a blender.

Unlike so many other huge shooting series (ahem COD) these sales are very well deserved. Great game that's not just a boring mindless shoot fest.

Borderlands is still more like Diablo than Fallout. The core of Fallout 3 is the same as TES, which is exploring a new world with complete player agency, is a side component of the gameplay and the FPS element can be completely ignored thanks to the VATs system and is very much a solitary experiance. The similarities between Fallout 3 and Borderlands is very shallow and skin deep. And the claims of them taking fallout 3 and sticking it into the blender with Diablo, is kinda an odd claim when Borderlands' Diablo meets Mad Max style was reveiled a full year before Fallout 3 was released and the game was in development for 2 years before that. Back when it looked like this

Where as the foundation of the gameplay of Diablo (Randomised loot, multiple playthroughs, co-op, classes with multiple skill trees with skills that modify others, etc etc) is very much the foundation of Borderlands as well (tho somewhat simplified in some aspects, ecpecially skills but also with added components in others). The same aspects of Diablo's mechanics is the same thing that makes Borderlands popular, almost everything else is just set dressing. 

Which considering this discussion started by you using Borderlands as an example of gamers going for style over substance, is kinda ironic that you lept to the cosmetic similaraties with Fallout 3. 

Which was actually a bloody fantastic idea.  You don't see people complaining about Reese's Peanutbutter Cups being just a combination of chocolate and peanutbutter.

I really like the Borderland's IP.  It's witty and filled to the brim with dark humor, it scratches my loot collecting itch, and the gameplay is simply a lot of fun.  It might be a combination of other things, but in a landscape of FPS games that are basically the same thing, it manages to be one of the most unique.

It has a quest-line that's basically a re-creation of Yojimbo, for cat's sake, and some of the best characters to ever grace videogames.  I would marry both Tanis and Handsome Jack if I could.

sure, you have an excellent point. I was wrong. Borderlands has much more in common with diablo than randomized loot. Things like a three line skill tree and team based play are obviously directly related to diablo at first glance, and are reasons why the game is popular.

Hey I don't need no patronising