***Official*** Borderlands 2 Thread (1 Viewer)

[Buckna]

Oh how I missed the Claptraps. It's more of the same so far which is not a bad thing. Have noticed a few small improvements such as not auto-picking up health when you don't need it which really annoyed me in the 1st game. I'm playing as Zero and it took me forever to find a halfway decent sniper rifle that played to his strengths. Now I'm, lighting some folks up.

A lot more pandemonium than I remember when you are co-oping with 4. I've never liked that when you share quests any in your group can turn in or start new ones. With 4 people going you can blow thru a lot of the dialogue and storyline so fast that you miss a lot of the funny quirks and potty humor in the game. Will probably try to play thru solo at some point to catch the things I missed.

Not sure how I like these new types of guns that run out of ammo and you throw them away and they explode. I can't tell for certain but I am pretty sure that splash damage is on in this game which caused a few deaths last night.

I'm shuked on Zero's special ability. I disappear and a decoy comes up, am I just supposed to run away so I don't get hurt, or is there some sort of assasination type move I can do once enabled?

 

[RGIII HTTR]

For the PS3 guys I will suggest that you reduce the sensitivity on the controller a couple of notches. I think it is set at 6 to start and I dialed it back to 4(could be wrong about the six but I did drop it 2 digits). I found that this gave me better aiming control.

I honestly didn't find this to be an issue. I wasn't having any problems sniping using the Assassin character. I tend to like higher control settings though due to playing a bit of multiplayer, where the ability to quickly turn around can be pretty important. Maybe it's just something I got used too.

You are not alone...I usually have it up to 8 or so on games (10 pt scale). My reasoning is exactly the same, multiplayer and faster reactions to take all the suckas out!!! Hahahaha...

 

[TxBuckeye]

Oh how I missed the Claptraps. It's more of the same so far which is not a bad thing. Have noticed a few small improvements such as not auto-picking up health when you don't need it which really annoyed me in the 1st game. I'm playing as Zero and it took me forever to find a halfway decent sniper rifle that played to his strengths. Now I'm, lighting some folks up.

Still using the one I started with. Have found a ton of weapons, but none of them sniper rifles. Mine is slow as all get out, but I am getting the job done with it. Still, would be nice to get ONE upgraded sniper rifle somewhere.

I'm shuked on Zero's special ability. I disappear and a decoy comes up, am I just supposed to run away so I don't get hurt, or is there some sort of assasination type move I can do once enabled?

I used it to sneak past enemies on the way out since they all respawned and I didn't want to fight them all again. But, you do more damage coming out of it, either in melee or by firing. The longer you stay in stealth, the more extra damage you do. Later, you can get some serious backstab bonuses and whatnot that will let you decimate dudes coming out of stealth.

 

[RGIII HTTR]

Page 2 Reminder to put in your preferred platform and screen name and I'll update in the first post.

PS3 - bizerker21

 

[SkyRattlers]

Something about the view feels too zoomed in on this. Played a couple hours tonight. Second verse, same as the first... and that's not a bad thing.

Strange, I had the same initial feeling. I notice it most when I'm standing near a gun or something, I have to look up to see the stats if I'm somewhat close to it; I don't remember having to do that for the first Borderlands.

Yep, same here. In fact, first couple of loot hauls, I didn't even notice that it showed an indicator above the item. I was just grabbing everything hoping it was something I needed/could use. But I got used to that pretty quick.Had about an hour and a half with it yesterday. Level 6 Assassin. Really need to figure out where I am going with a build before I waste any level ups. I do know one thing, the time flew by and I had a blast!

p.s. I wish I had about double the inventory slots. Left a lot of loot when I went and killed the thing riding the other thing. Bullymog?

Edit to add: I expected this thread to be about 6 pages by now with people posting their intial impressions. Guess it's to early?

You can't waste level ups in this game. You always have the option to pay a small fee to reset your assigned skill points. This is one of the great features of the game cause you can play your assassin class as a pure sniper and then for no reason at all just do a complete skill reset and switch everything to melee sneak attacks and basically turn him into a ninja.

 

[Drifter]

Something about the view feels too zoomed in on this. Played a couple hours tonight. Second verse, same as the first... and that's not a bad thing.

Strange, I had the same initial feeling. I notice it most when I'm standing near a gun or something, I have to look up to see the stats if I'm somewhat close to it; I don't remember having to do that for the first Borderlands.

Yep, same here. In fact, first couple of loot hauls, I didn't even notice that it showed an indicator above the item. I was just grabbing everything hoping it was something I needed/could use. But I got used to that pretty quick.Had about an hour and a half with it yesterday. Level 6 Assassin. Really need to figure out where I am going with a build before I waste any level ups. I do know one thing, the time flew by and I had a blast!

p.s. I wish I had about double the inventory slots. Left a lot of loot when I went and killed the thing riding the other thing. Bullymog?

Edit to add: I expected this thread to be about 6 pages by now with people posting their intial impressions. Guess it's to early?

You can't waste level ups in this game. You always have the option to pay a small fee to reset your assigned skill points. This is one of the great features of the game cause you can play your assassin class as a pure sniper and then for no reason at all just do a complete skill reset and switch everything to melee sneak attacks and basically turn him into a ninja.

Not for no reason. For solo play a sniper is more useful. For co-op the melee and close range assassination is more useful

 

[Drifter]

Is Awesomnees on PS3 Dr Awesome? Can't remember. He was on playing last night.

 

[TxBuckeye]

You can't waste level ups in this game. You always have the option to pay a small fee to reset your assigned skill points. This is one of the great features of the game cause you can play your assassin class as a pure sniper and then for no reason at all just do a complete skill reset and switch everything to melee sneak attacks and basically turn him into a ninja.

I was thinking it was a huge fee in the first one, like 5k? Maybe I'm remembering wrong? Right now, I'm lucky to have a couple hundred on me. But I am going to use a good 25 points on the sniper tree for my solo assassin. But man, he seems kind of wussified when he gets cornered. Guess I need to try and actually use a shotty when it gets in close. So far it's been 1) SMG for level 1 and 2, 2) Sniper rifle, and 3) either some rifle I found that seems to spew fireball ammo (but eats threw it) or this pistol I found that seems to be almost like a homing pistol that leaves little green marks everywhere (corrosive?). The rifle does awesome on bullymogs or whatever, and the pistol does great on flesh. But at level 6, I am still looking for my first upgraded sniper rifle. You would think with it being my main weapon, I'd get one in a drop sooner or later.

 

[Drifter]

Forgot to redeem my pre-order code for the premier club. Do I need to start over or will it give it to my existing character?

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Skill Tree Practice

 

[Mad Cow]

Up to level 7. They have seriously increased the difficulty from the first to this one. I do not remember dying this much in the first one at all.

 

[Drifter]

Up to level 7. They have seriously increased the difficulty from the first to this one. I do not remember dying this much in the first one at all.

I haven't died yet but I've had to do a few second chance kills and run away a couple times and hide.

 

[TxBuckeye]

Up to level 7. They have seriously increased the difficulty from the first to this one. I do not remember dying this much in the first one at all.

Oh, I meant to mention that. I am about halfway through level 6 and just finished the mission where you have to kill the little dude riding the Bullymog or whatever. The mission had something about Symbiotic in the title. Anyways, when I first entered the area, there are several battles with groups of Bullymogs. I got cornered after sniping one, which attracted like, oh, 17 more! That was the first and only time I have died. I think it is because I am sniping, so I avoid close in pitched battles. But it made me wonder if I was just doing well, if you don't die much early, or what. I just assumed the early levels are "training wheel" levels and it will ratchet up quickly. Then again, that mission was labeled TOUGH when I took it. Would be interested to hear how others are doing in these early levels as far as death and dismemberment go.

 

[Sundays Rule]

Picking up the game later this week 360 gamertag is Nodnarb518

 

[Time Kibitzer]

Up to level 7. They have seriously increased the difficulty from the first to this one. I do not remember dying this much in the first one at all.

The start is definitely a lot harder in Borderlands 2. I don't know if the health on the mobs is a lot larger or the starting guns are weaker, but it takes a lot more bullets to take down a mob, and thus run out of ammo pretty quick.

 

[Drifter]

Are you guys looking down the sights? That seems to make a big difference in scoring criticals as well as just hitting the target.

 

[acapella]

Up to level 7. They have seriously increased the difficulty from the first to this one. I do not remember dying this much in the first one at all.

Oh, I meant to mention that. I am about halfway through level 6 and just finished the mission where you have to kill the little dude riding the Bullymog or whatever. The mission had something about Symbiotic in the title. Anyways, when I first entered the area, there are several battles with groups of Bullymogs. I got cornered after sniping one, which attracted like, oh, 17 more! That was the first and only time I have died. I think it is because I am sniping, so I avoid close in pitched battles. But it made me wonder if I was just doing well, if you don't die much early, or what. I just assumed the early levels are "training wheel" levels and it will ratchet up quickly. Then again, that mission was labeled TOUGH when I took it. Would be interested to hear how others are doing in these early levels as far as death and dismemberment go.

I have died several times trying to kill this bull-riding midget. Other bad guys keep showing up while I'm trying to kill the boss. [MINI-SPOILER]Finally made it into a room up top with a few handy vending machines, so I plan to use that as a safe zone and operate from there when I log back on tonight.[spoiler-OFF]

 

[TxBuckeye]

Are you guys looking down the sights? That seems to make a big difference in scoring criticals as well as just hitting the target.

All of my main weapons have one common trait, a scope. Can't hit crap without one, can't miss with one.

 

[TxBuckeye]

I have died several times trying to kill this bull-riding midget. Other bad guys keep showing up while I'm trying to kill the boss. [MINI-SPOILER]Finally made it into a room up top with a few handy vending machines, so I plan to use that as a safe zone and operate from there when I log back on tonight.[spoiler-OFF]

Spoiler

That's where you found him, right? In my battle, I fought my way up there, then he came bursting out of the vending machine room. I lost track of him. Here he was all the way down below now on the ground level. Not sure if that was what was supposed to happen, or just a glitch. So yea, I stayed in the room, killed all his minions as they tried to file through the door, refilling ammo as necessary from the vending machine, then stayed up there and just shot the riding guy while he was stuck down below. There was no way for him to reach him me, other than a respawning of the minions on occassion, he wasn't much of an issue. Getting through everything to get to him was tough. But the battle itself, not bad.

 

[Mad Cow]

Most of the time, yes, I do aim down the sights. Almost all of my few deaths came vs the midget on the bullymog and all the minions. Get killed, respawn and all of a sudden, all the mobs have respawned. Worked up to the room he enters from, killed the badasses and loaded up on ammo FTW.

 

[SlaX]

Most of the time, yes, I do aim down the sights. Almost all of my few deaths came vs the midget on the bullymog and all the minions. Get killed, respawn and all of a sudden, all the mobs have respawned. Worked up to the room he enters from, killed the badasses and loaded up on ammo FTW.

Sorry. I would have helped if I wasn't playing one handed. When I played that one last night on my own, the midget on the bullymog got stuck on one of the balconies and I just killed him by taking pot shots from afar and dodging him throwing stuff at me. But then I was killed when I walked back into the vending room and two badass somethingorothers jumped me.

 

[Mad Cow]

Most of the time, yes, I do aim down the sights. Almost all of my few deaths came vs the midget on the bullymog and all the minions. Get killed, respawn and all of a sudden, all the mobs have respawned. Worked up to the room he enters from, killed the badasses and loaded up on ammo FTW.

Sorry. I would have helped if I wasn't playing one handed. When I played that one last night on my own, the midget on the bullymog got stuck on one of the balconies and I just killed him by taking pot shots from afar and dodging him throwing stuff at me. But then I was killed when I walked back into the vending room and two badass somethingorothers jumped me.

No problem. It's a game. Dying might not be much of a livin', but in a video game, it is part of life.

 

[Drifter]

Skill Tree Practice

Think I identified an Assassin build that is kind of a generalist but once all the poitns are accumulated can be switched over to a silent assasin type Generalist: (LOTS of damage with enough melee to help when things get hairy)

Deception

---------

Head Shot x5

Killer x2 / Precision x3

Bore

Kill Confirmed X2

--------

Counter Strike x5

Fearless x5

Rising shot x5

---------

Iron hand x5

Grim X5

Follow Through X5

Resurgence X2

Invisible Assassin (Would probably just go from one kill to the next, rarely leaving Deception mode).

Deception

Entire Bloodshed tree except Killing Blow and Be Like Water

Counter Strike x5

Ambush x5

Rising Shot X2

Death Mark X1

 

[Drifter]

Been through all the archetypes. Specialization in one particular skill tree only really makes sense for co-op. Solo play requires more generalization.

Essentially, you need one character for solo and one for co-op.

 

[orcinus]

Sent my wife to the midnight launch to pick up my copy; however, have yet to get an opportunity to crack the seal.

XBOX - orcinus_kc

 

[SoCalBroncoFan]

So I am breaking this out tonight to play with my sons. I am looking forward to all three of us being able to play. Have any of you played local co-op? Can you have more than 1 of each of the characters or are you limited to just 1 of each at a time?

 

[TxBuckeye]

Boy, one thing I am realizing, missions can be long! I had a little over an hour to play so loaded up my guy. I had saved right after leaving the Southern Shelf or whatever it is called. Knocked out the collect the fur mission quickly and turned it and Symbiotic in. Got a much nicer sniper rifle as a reward. Then went on to take on Flynt. Holy crap. I played that mission over an hour. Took out Boom Bewm and think I am through almost all the camp. But I finally had to stop just outside what I hope is his lair. I'm a bit low on health and ammo, so I could be in a bad spot, I'm not sure. But I was disappointed to play that long and not even knock out one good sized mission! And, worse yet, that whole hour of play only resulted in going from level six to level seven. I know level ups get harder as you advance, but dang.

 

[SkyRattlers]

So I am breaking this out tonight to play with my sons. I am looking forward to all three of us being able to play. Have any of you played local co-op? Can you have more than 1 of each of the characters or are you limited to just 1 of each at a time?

You can all play the same class if you want. However, you may want to check on the availability of local co-op. Especially if are hoping to play with more than 2 people.

 

[Mad Cow]

I've adjusted my gameplay and am flying along just fine now. Took out Flynt and am heading to Sanctuary for ladies, dudes, booze, streamers and something else.

 

[TxBuckeye]

Think I identified an Assassin build that is kind of a generalist but once all the poitns are accumulated can be switched over to a silent assasin type Generalist: (LOTS of damage with enough melee to help when things get hairy)Deception---------Head Shot x5Killer x2 / Precision x3BoreKill Confirmed X2

This doesn't work. According to the skill tree on the site, you can't pick Kill Confirmed with the point allocation you have above it.

 

[Drifter]

Think I identified an Assassin build that is kind of a generalist but once all the poitns are accumulated can be switched over to a silent assasin type Generalist: (LOTS of damage with enough melee to help when things get hairy)Deception---------Head Shot x5Killer x2 / Precision x3BoreKill Confirmed X2

This doesn't work. According to the skill tree on the site, you can't pick Kill Confirmed with the point allocation you have above it.

You're right. I didn't allocate - just had 2 left. Probably put them on Velocity instead

 

[TxBuckeye]

PS3 players, quick question on saves. As I mentioned above, I spent about an hour getting to the point where I was right outside of Flynt's lair. There was one of those save points there, the little robotic eye looking thing. I got the save icon thing (the blue inverted V) and then exited, making sure I even "Save and Quit" though I had just auto saved. I reloaded the game, expecting to be right outside of Flynt's Lair and, lo and behold, I'm back in the freaking camp with Mr. One Arm! Did I mess something up? All the enemies had respawned, even Boom Bewm! Thank god I am an assassin. I was able to just keep going in to stealth and running past the enemies. Otherwise, I may have ended up putting this game back on the shelf awhile. I had no desire to start that whole level over from scratch!

My question, did I do something wrong with my save method? If the auto save points don't save your progress, W T F is the point of them? I mean, other than saving my stats, that save point appears to have done absolutely nothing for me! Given the length of some of these missions, this save system could be a huge disappointment for me. Do you basically have to finish any mission you start before you exit the game??

 

[SlaX]

PS3 players, quick question on saves. As I mentioned above, I spent about an hour getting to the point where I was right outside of Flynt's lair. There was one of those save points there, the little robotic eye looking thing. I got the save icon thing (the blue inverted V) and then exited, making sure I even "Save and Quit" though I had just auto saved. I reloaded the game, expecting to be right outside of Flynt's Lair and, lo and behold, I'm back in the freaking camp with Mr. One Arm! Did I mess something up? All the enemies had respawned, even Boom Bewm! Thank god I am an assassin. I was able to just keep going in to stealth and running past the enemies. Otherwise, I may have ended up putting this game back on the shelf awhile. I had no desire to start that whole level over from scratch!My question, did I do something wrong with my save method? If the auto save points don't save your progress, W T F is the point of them? I mean, other than saving my stats, that save point appears to have done absolutely nothing for me! Given the length of some of these missions, this save system could be a huge disappointment for me. Do you basically have to finish any mission you start before you exit the game??

A couple of days before the game released, one article I read had a list of things to know about Borderlands 2. One of them was that the main story missions can be long. Make sure you have at least an hour or more to dedicate when starting one because you'll have to restart if you leave in the middle.

 

[SkyRattlers]

PS3 players, quick question on saves. As I mentioned above, I spent about an hour getting to the point where I was right outside of Flynt's lair. There was one of those save points there, the little robotic eye looking thing. I got the save icon thing (the blue inverted V) and then exited, making sure I even "Save and Quit" though I had just auto saved. I reloaded the game, expecting to be right outside of Flynt's Lair and, lo and behold, I'm back in the freaking camp with Mr. One Arm! Did I mess something up? All the enemies had respawned, even Boom Bewm! Thank god I am an assassin. I was able to just keep going in to stealth and running past the enemies. Otherwise, I may have ended up putting this game back on the shelf awhile. I had no desire to start that whole level over from scratch!My question, did I do something wrong with my save method? If the auto save points don't save your progress, W T F is the point of them? I mean, other than saving my stats, that save point appears to have done absolutely nothing for me! Given the length of some of these missions, this save system could be a huge disappointment for me. Do you basically have to finish any mission you start before you exit the game??

There are many save points like you found but there are fewer "load" spots. ie. major junctions in the game where you could load into the game. The smaller save points are good only for ensuring that you don't have to go all the way back to the start of a quest when you die. As for the enemies respawning when you rejoined the game again. Yeah get used to that. If you leave the game you can always expect every single enemy in the game to be back alive. No creature dies permanently.

 

[SlaX]

PS3 players, quick question on saves. As I mentioned above, I spent about an hour getting to the point where I was right outside of Flynt's lair. There was one of those save points there, the little robotic eye looking thing. I got the save icon thing (the blue inverted V) and then exited, making sure I even "Save and Quit" though I had just auto saved. I reloaded the game, expecting to be right outside of Flynt's Lair and, lo and behold, I'm back in the freaking camp with Mr. One Arm! Did I mess something up? All the enemies had respawned, even Boom Bewm! Thank god I am an assassin. I was able to just keep going in to stealth and running past the enemies. Otherwise, I may have ended up putting this game back on the shelf awhile. I had no desire to start that whole level over from scratch!My question, did I do something wrong with my save method? If the auto save points don't save your progress, W T F is the point of them? I mean, other than saving my stats, that save point appears to have done absolutely nothing for me! Given the length of some of these missions, this save system could be a huge disappointment for me. Do you basically have to finish any mission you start before you exit the game??

There are many save points like you found but there are fewer "load" spots. ie. major junctions in the game where you could load into the game. The smaller save points are good only for ensuring that you don't have to go all the way back to the start of a quest when you die. As for the enemies respawning when you rejoined the game again. Yeah get used to that. If you leave the game you can always expect every single enemy in the game to be back alive. No creature dies permanently.

Enemies will also respawn if you leave the area for a short time. You don't have to necessarily leave the game for it to happen. Just give it a few minutes and they will be back. The first game was the same way, I believe.

 

[TxBuckeye]

A couple of days before the game released, one article I read had a list of things to know about Borderlands 2. One of them was that the main story missions can be long. Make sure you have at least an hour or more to dedicate when starting one because you'll have to restart if you leave in the middle.

Wow, duly noted! I sort of remember one area that I felt was like that in the first game. But even that one didn't seem as long as this. I did realize I was down to the main storyline as I had no side quests remaining. But I just wasn't expecting that. Lesson learned. As I said, glad I was able to just run past everyone rather than have to go through that all again. Not sure I would have been up to it.

 

[Mad Cow]

I noticed Foos has it for PC, as well. Didn't see him checked in here yet.

 

[madshot31]

Been through all the archetypes. Specialization in one particular skill tree only really makes sense for co-op. Solo play requires more generalization.Essentially, you need one character for solo and one for co-op.

You can respec at any time for a small cash amount.

 

[madshot31]

Been through all the archetypes. Specialization in one particular skill tree only really makes sense for co-op. Solo play requires more generalization.Essentially, you need one character for solo and one for co-op.

You can respec at any time for a small cash amount.

 

[Mad Cow]

I play games like this so deliberately, it probably takes me longer to complete missions. Scope it out, snipe as many mobs as possible, clean up with assault rifle, then clean out all loot. Rinse repeat.

 

[rascal]

Playing as salvador on xbox....broncojack61

currently level 7

 

[scottybo]

Getting this for 360 tomorrow. Can't remember my gamertag, will post later.

 

[Mad Cow]

PC version is far superior to console versions

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

BIG WARNING

Be real careful about the chests you open in Sanctuary. I was running around opening everything and accidentally unlocked the golden key chest. There was no warning, it did not look THAT different and I got two lousy grenades that were just slightly better than what I was currently using.

edit.. Current level 9.

 

[TxBuckeye]

BIG WARNINGBe real careful about the chests you open in Sanctuary. I was running around opening everything and accidentally unlocked the golden key chest. There was no warning, it did not look THAT different and I got two lousy grenades that were just slightly better than what I was currently using. edit.. Current level 9.

We got a key with the preorder correct? Then I signed up for that gearbox thing and that told me I got a gold key for that. So I guess I have two gold keys? Are there two chests in Sanctuary?Another question. How hard is it to get to the chest? Thinking if it is just in an easy to get to spot, save right before you open it, open it, and see if you like what you got. If not, exit without saving, load up again, then trek back and try again.

 

[SlaX]

BIG WARNINGBe real careful about the chests you open in Sanctuary. I was running around opening everything and accidentally unlocked the golden key chest. There was no warning, it did not look THAT different and I got two lousy grenades that were just slightly better than what I was currently using. edit.. Current level 9.

We got a key with the preorder correct? Then I signed up for that gearbox thing and that told me I got a gold key for that. So I guess I have two gold keys? Are there two chests in Sanctuary?Another question. How hard is it to get to the chest? Thinking if it is just in an easy to get to spot, save right before you open it, open it, and see if you like what you got. If not, exit without saving, load up again, then trek back and try again.

The chest is in the room in the Sanctuary where the fast travel is located. You'll see it a lot.

 

[Mad Cow]

BIG WARNINGBe real careful about the chests you open in Sanctuary. I was running around opening everything and accidentally unlocked the golden key chest. There was no warning, it did not look THAT different and I got two lousy grenades that were just slightly better than what I was currently using. edit.. Current level 9.

We got a key with the preorder correct? Then I signed up for that gearbox thing and that told me I got a gold key for that. So I guess I have two gold keys? Are there two chests in Sanctuary?Another question. How hard is it to get to the chest? Thinking if it is just in an easy to get to spot, save right before you open it, open it, and see if you like what you got. If not, exit without saving, load up again, then trek back and try again.

Pretty sure once you use it, it will be saved and recorded. No way to spin the wheel again and again.

 

[SlaX]

BIG WARNINGBe real careful about the chests you open in Sanctuary. I was running around opening everything and accidentally unlocked the golden key chest. There was no warning, it did not look THAT different and I got two lousy grenades that were just slightly better than what I was currently using. edit.. Current level 9.

We got a key with the preorder correct? Then I signed up for that gearbox thing and that told me I got a gold key for that. So I guess I have two gold keys? Are there two chests in Sanctuary?Another question. How hard is it to get to the chest? Thinking if it is just in an easy to get to spot, save right before you open it, open it, and see if you like what you got. If not, exit without saving, load up again, then trek back and try again.

Pretty sure once you use it, it will be saved and recorded. No way to spin the wheel again and again.

 

[TxBuckeye]

Pretty sure once you use it, it will be saved and recorded. No way to spin the wheel again and again.

Are you PS3? And how sure is pretty sure? Not here, serious question. Just want to know if it is worth the bother of even trying my save and reload idea.Also, still looking for the answer to the second key question. Anyone?

 

[Mad Cow]

Pretty sure once you use it, it will be saved and recorded. No way to spin the wheel again and again.

Are you PS3? And how sure is pretty sure? Not here, serious question. Just want to know if it is worth the bother of even trying my save and reload idea.Also, still looking for the answer to the second key question. Anyone?

PC. If they give you a key that is single use, I'd be willing to bet they have it secured fairly well to not use until you like what you got. I also got the 2nd key for signing up for Shift.