Disclaimer: I do like Borderlands (first one best). 1. Destiny has the better soundtrack (Borderlands doesn't have the variety or such memorable themes - do like Jesper Kyd's work though). 2. Destiny has better graphic design (it's hardly fair to argue better graphics, and I do like the Borderlands style, but Destiny simply has more great art in it). 3. In Destiny you invest in your gear - getting it, upgrading it, working with its idiosyncrasies, mastering it. In Borderlands everything is disposable - until late in the game you'll have a better gun every few minutes. Being one with your weapon is a better fit for an FPS. 4. Less loot and simpler character upgrading means less time in menus and micromanaging (I get that it's Borderlands' RPG roots showing, and it's all personal preference, but just feel like skewing the balance of play time in favor of shooting things is a better fit for these FPS/RPG hybrids). 5. Animation and physics are much better in Destiny (this isn't just eye candy - it makes the shooting mechanic much more satisfying). That said, I'm sure I could come up with 5 good reasons why Borderlands is better too - and I will be playing both.