12.11.2008

November 2006, Emergence Day: the emergence of what would be the XBox 360's flagship title caused a global stir with its slick presentation, simple gameplay and effective use of cover combined with some awesome shooting action and a rather macabre melee weapon in the form of the Lancer gun's chainsaw bayonet. Two years later we get the long-awaited sequel that continues in the same vein and keeps the overall feel of Gears, but improves on it, not just in the graphics department (thanks largely to the new Unreal 3 engine), but also by improving some annoyances that did plague the original game.One major improvement is that the AI of your cohorts in the campaign has been significantly improved.Whereas in Gears 1 they quite often put themselves in danger by doing something really stupid like running headlong into a baddie and getting downed, now they appear to have wised up and very rarely did I ever need to fight alone by comparison. What a relief that is!The campaign itself takes place some time after the events in the first game, and this time the Locust horde are back and badder than ever. Not only do they emerge from emergence holes, but also there seems to be a strange ability for them to create sinkholes that can, and have, swallowed entire cities. It's up to our friends Marcus Fenix, Dominic Santiago (who can also be controlled by a second player, either on- or offline) and a mix of familiar (Augustus Cole a.k.a. Cole Train and Baird) and new characters (a relative of Anthony Carmine from the first game is one of the first).As before, you have four weapon slots activated by the D-pad. You have one slot for grenades (either frag, smoke or ink -- the latter releases toxic ink); two for larger guns such as the Lancer, Gnasher (shotgun), Longshot (sniper rifle) and other big guns, some of which include a Burster (a more powerful version of the Hammerburst from the first game) and a Scorcher (a flame-thrower); and one slot for a pistol. You can switch between them at pretty much any time, and some even heavier weapons (such as a chain-gun and a mortar) can be carried around even if these four slots are already occupied, although with these ones you cannot run or even move quickly but the weapons themselves are very powerful. Grenades can be thrown as normal, but not only can you tag enemies as before, but now you can also place them on walls and they activate whenever an enemy gets too close to them as it passes by!Cover is done exactly as previously, via the A button and movements from the left-stick, and you can still blindfire, do SWAT turns and the other cover movements familiar to Gears players. This hasn't changed really, but then it was so good that it was a case of not fixing what wasn't broken, I guess.The curb stomp for downed-but-not-dead enemies has remained, but there is also not only the option to do two other types of stylish deaths (which differ depending on your currently-selected weapon), but also there is the option to pick up a downed enemy and hold them in front of you, using them as a meat-shield. You can only use your pistol while doing this but it's still a great tactical feature.Outside of the campaign there are some novel multiplayer modes including a variation of capture the flag in which the "flag" is actually a gun-toting character that you must down and pick up as a meat-shield and drag it back to your base before your opponent's team gets hold of him and tries to do the same. There is also a Horde mode where you and up to four other players (online; only one other person if offline) try and survive as many waves of Locust attacks as possible. This mode is almost like this game's answer to the Terrorist Hunts in the two "Rainbow Six Vegas" games, only this is probably much more intriguing.Another good element to help reduce cheap attacks is the inclusion of stopping power to the guns. Now, if you run towards someone who's raking you with gunfire it will slow down your advance as well as harm you (so no more just rolling in and shooting someone, I'm afraid you'll have to use cover more often, which is what Gears was supposed to be about anyway!). Also, if two people revving their chainsaw bayonets meet, the bayonets clash and it becomes a race for whoever can mash the B button faster, the loser being the one that gets sawn up!The game itself is better than I could have ever thought it would be. Everything great about the first game has been improved upon and the graphics, sound and overall atmosphere is just breathtaking. It's more epic, much bloodier and edgier than its predecessor, and plays like an absolute dream. If you loved Gears Of War, it's fair to say that you will absolutely adore this sequel.

9.11.2008

On November 17 2006, Epic Games released the cornerstone of third person shooters on the Xbox 360; Gears of War. Gamers were blown away by the realistic graphics, involving gameplay and riveting story that it is considered a milestone in gaming history and will be remembered in the history books as such.Now, on November 7 2008, a little under 2 years later, Epic Games reaches the shelves once again with the hotly anticipated sequel, Gears of War 2.Graphically, Gears 2 looks eerily photorealistic. Character animations look fluent and believable in both cut scenes and actual gameplay. There is also a significant improvement to the amount of colours used this time around. Not poking holes in the first,but Gears 1 used a lot of green. This time around there is a lot more variation and it really shows. Whether you're underground in a Locust hive or on the surface you will likely take a few seconds to stop pulling the trigger and observe how beautiful this world looks. Gun fire looks spectacular. They have included a smokey trail after the bullets from every gun and, although it's not important, it does look good. The graphics aren't perfect however. Like the first game, after a cutscene character textures take a few seconds to catch up and, in some cases, the same goes for the environment. It breaks the action and pulls you back to reality for a brief moment, but it's a small price to pay for almost no loading screens. The only appearance of the word "Loading" or any variant is when the game initially starts, before a multiplayer map or if you are going slightly too fast for the level to render.The story is far better than the first, adding a lot more emotion and giving you something you want to fight for. You will want these character to succeed, and you will find yourself giving the Locust everything you've got to drive them back into their holes, all for the characters. From the get-go, you'll be hooked and won't want to stop playing until you see the credits roll. There's betrayal, heartbreak, disappointment, loss, tragedy and love, all in a war game set on the fictional planet to Sera. What else could make such a good story?Gameplay is what you would expect of Gears of War. Duck and cover tactics are now more intelligent; no longer will you take a random dive out into the open in the middle of a fire-fight, nor will you latch onto the wrong side of a pillar facing the enemy. Much more cover can now be destroyed, not only crates, sofas and fences, but concrete pillars, for example, thin out as they take damage, exposing a side of your body (which I found out the hard way), which adds a tactical feel to each battle; you'll find yourself looking for secure walls, not pillars. You will also not just fight. You will have to deal with environmental hazards again, but this time they seem somewhat deeper and involving.Enemy AI is now tuned to a point where they seem to learn. If you shoot at an enemy for a while, they move behind better cover. They will flank you on both sides if they can and sometimes I have come across what looks to be rudimentary improvised formations - something that I have not seen in a game before. Boomers in front like tanks, Drones behind them and Grenadiers bringing up the rear. It's unbelievable how much thought went into this.Audio is as strong as ever. The sound effects have been changed for quite a few guns, especially the infamous Lancer, and new sound files added for the large array of new guns. John Di Maggio as Marcus, Carlos Ferro as Dom, Lester Speight as Cole and last, but not least, Fred Tatasciore as Baird all return for their signature parts. It's a good feeling to hear them put a little bit more emotion into their characters this time around.Multiplayer is what everyone expected and more. It has all the classic mode and a new one; my personal favourite, Horde. This puts you and other players up against 50 waves of increasingly difficult Locust. As long as 1 player survives, you make it to the next wave. This can take hours, but you'll be amazed at how fun this mode is, it's also a pleasant break from the deathmatch mode, or any of the others. Regardless of the mode, no two matches are the same.To sum up, you will not be disappointed. This is not a game to rent, because it will not leave your machine for a good few months. While the game is not perfect, it does a damn good job getting there. Numerous game sites have given this game around 95%. I agree.

26.1.2009

I was one of the many who loved the first Gears of War ..... and this is a great follow up, but there's just something about it that strikes it quite underwhelming compared to it's predecessor, which is understandable with such a huge reputation to maintain.Both single player and multi player once again shine very well ....although there are a few downers , but we'll get to those later ...Campaign mode has become more dramatic, cinematic and even more emotional .... with many more vehicle scenes which will make more playing the story more varied.Funnily enough, even though the new approach to story telling and music, I couldn't help but feel underwhelmed in comparison to the first.Some of the story stuff included in the sequel seemed quite predictable / Cliched.Online Multi player is has changed quite a bit, some changes have improved it while a lot of others have somewhat ruined the game further in my opinion.5 vs 5 is a great addition to online multi player, as are the extra modes that are variations of common shooter multi player game types like capture the flag, VIP / Protect the leader ,doubles/partners and king of the hill.Weapons balancing however is another matter , there's lots of good news and bad news.Personally, I could have done without the inclusion of things like the mortar in Multiplayer , as I think stuff like that ruins the balance and nature of the game.Some old weapons have been rebalanced , now the shotgun no longer dominates in a lot of situations. The Assault rifle is much more useful since it's bullets will cause moving forward , to be pushed back slightly as they are advancing , to stop people just rushing in. This change has made taking cover much more valuable , as was the original intention in the first game.Chainsawing people however has become much more easier , which can get quite annoying.But the worst addition by far has to be smoke grenades now have the ability to knock people of their feet, setting up for almost certain death , as your opponent has more than enough time to run up to you and finish you off.It seems like such a lame tactic that is available to everyone since everyone spawns with a smoke grenade .... apparently smoke grenades aren't used for smoke anymore ... what a joke that is ... all it is now is a set up for an easy kill and not a tactical vision obstruction tool like it should be.Also planting grenades seems like a good idea at first .... but just seems such a lame effortless kill, especially if people are just planting them at spawning points.Includes weapons like the motor and smoke grenades throwing people of their feet has really played against the cover system in my opinion.So multi player has been heavily tainted.Gears of War 2 does have a better matchmaking system than it's predecessor though , if you ask me .It has random match making now and vetoing. Although the system does take a long time to find match though, despite the high number of people playing. It was much worse last year though before it was patched.Co-op is still there too , but also is a brand type of Co-op gametype that has got to be the best thing about Gears of War 2 and my personal favourite part of the game. Co-op Survival !The Horde mode is a survival mode which pits you against groups of enemies of increasing difficulty and quantity over many rounds.Basically it's Gears of War's own Survival mode and it is extremely fun.It can be played by yourself , but is much more fun when played with friends. ( Up to 4 Players )This mode encourages great team work as you fight against the hordes of enemies and is quite possibly the most exciting mode of GOW2.I could play horde mode all day and I doubt I'd get bored.It's such a great thing to play to blow off a little steam after a hard days work.Seeing how far you can fight against the oncoming armies of Locusts without a story to get in the way.so Horde mode might provide enough merit alone to warrant a purchase, but you will enjoy theWhat they have done with multi player is subjective , I feel it has overall improved ( Although I don't get the same rush as the first one for some reason ) , but some poor decisions in the implement of of new ideas.But overall , still a great play and most would say an essential purchase for Xbox or at least Shooter fans !

14.8.2009

I passed on the first Gears of War, I saw the ads everywhere, but they annoyed be so much I just said, "forget it." And only played the game for literally a few minutes at a friend's place. Looked good, the color palette could use more variety, but it seemed like a solid game.Here's my impression of GoW2 based on a rental. The story is some sort of grunged up, alternate Halo 3 type story. Essentially, you're a "space marine" type and-wouldn't you know- aliens have the human race on the run. Its up to you and a scrappy platoon of colorful characters with frightening guns and course language to save the planet.Gameplay itself is pretty quick to pick up. Many of the controls are similar to those seen in other FPS games.The one thing that consistently messed me up is the "A button" that allows you to dive/take cover. Its context sensitive, which is awesome because you can dart and move and hide with ease. But sometimes, when I would think I was going to smoothly roll around a corner, I would accidentally just dive right out into the open.The weapons are a good, if rather standard array. Again, it seems like GoW2 is merely a slight variation on the shooter theme, rather than anything that is truly unique (aside from the graphics).And boy aren't those pictures pretty! This is one of the better looking games on the XBox 360. The one complaint I have is that, despite all the high detail and excellent artwork, the color pallette hides a lot of what looks so amazing. The variety of enemies is impressive and their designs are so diabolical, but they are all just grey and brown. Even broad daylight in the GoW world is drab. I guess they had to stick to a "mood" or something.As for multiplayer, I found it to be satisfactory so far. I haven't experienced any glitches so far, and matchmaking the multiplayer games i played (a few rounds of Horde) were suitable for a game following its launch. Its going to take a little longer just because there are so many people online. Once the game started, it ran like butter. There are the usual map varieties and objective games. The one unique gametype in multiplayer is called Horde, a game in which you simply must survive wave after wave of ever increasing aliens. As the levels go on teamwork becomes more of an assett. The enemy AI in these levels is pretty impressive. It is a great change of pace from capture the flag.I give it four stars for two reasons: 1) this game just looks amazing. on top of that the action is well paced and the game flat out plays well. 2) a solidly executed multiplayer system. Maybe not as good as CoD or Halo, but better than many.If I may place an emphatic warning to parents of younger gamers here: this is an extremely violent game. Buckets of blood, exploding heads, excecution moves, some of the most frighteningly realistic burning animations I've seen. And to top it off, the characters are dropping F-bombs in the cutscenes. For older gamers, this is all good fun but hopefully parents won't get suckered into thinking this is "just like Halo 3". Yes you can turn the "gore" off and the cursing, but I don't think that's really going to stop anyone from noticing when you stomp someone's head off.

6.11.2008

As my Xbox Amazon Clan friend's can confirm I got a copy this truly amazing game last night and I don't think there will be many people on the fence about this game as it is arguably the biggest exclusive game of year ....unless little Sack boy takes the world by storm that is?. Anyway .......I don't think there are any Xbox owners out there that have not played the brilliant Gears of War (1) it was the one of the best 3rd person action games I have ever played! BUT it did have its flaws a far too short single player experience and an almost non existent story! If this really effected anyone's enjoyment of Gears 1 then you will be glad to know they are the main areas EPIC games have improved this time around.Gears 2 has been promised to have a good 2 hours on the game length of Gears 1 and a far more fleshed out story and having playing just an hour of the single player, I can confirm that EPIC have certainly seemed to have made good on the latter.These promises are not the only improvements on Gears 2 the rest are very subtle to begin with...... the game opens with a narration by locust Queen bragging that the lightmass bomb from the end of Gears 1 had done nothing more than kill a few of them and well "annoy " the rest.. So the locusts are just as strong as ever and are still attacking! The first act see's Marcus, Dom and the gang in a hospital that is under attack by locusts.... Now from this opening level you could be forgiven to thinking that this was exactly the same as Gears 1 and hold no new surprises. BUT- After this short epilogue and GEARS OF WAR 2 logo is displayed on the screen, you start the next act and the real sequel emerges!The start of the next act shows why this is not Gears 1.5 its Gears x 10 ...... the scale of this game is amazing as are the set pieces, the graphics are just stunning and so colourful, they make Gears1 look dull!The main game play has really took the idea of "What saint broke don't fix it" yes you wont need and training levels here (although there is a chance to train a rookie if you wish). This game uses al the strengths from Gears 1 and builds on it, there is slightly wider range of weaponry, and the guns (including the brilliant lancer) seem more accurate and sound a lot meatier, even the locust's weaponry is better (makes u not mind picking them up when ur COG ammo is dry, like I said the changes are subtle but make the whole experience even more enjoyable.Yes this is the single player experience that will shut the mouths of any Gears critics out there, also as you all know this excellent campaign can also be enjoyed with a mate in co-op! (edited)Multiplayer- I have not tried this yet, but as the pre release review below has stated, all your favourite game modes are there along with the new Locust horde mode ...... This looks awesome up to 5 Players have to fight off wave after wave of Locusts' ...... brilliant!I just right this as my first impression of Gears 2 so apologise if its not too detailed, but I'm sure you all want to find out about the actually game first hand, I will just say to anyone that loved Gears 1 you aint seen nothing yet!Gentleman start your chainsaws!

8.2.2011

Gears of War 2 is a thrilling game, far superior to the first one, but is it good science fiction? The question matters, I think, because of the growing sophistication of games and gamers, and the importance of clever, original, stories in good games.The science fiction (SF) writer Philip K. Dick described good SF as having a `big idea'. By this he meant a fresh, thought provoking perspective on humanity and society, its present and future. Dick would have regarded the empty alien mummery in Star Wars with disdain. On the basis of this it cannot be said that the original Gears of War is particularly good SF. The origins of the Locust Horde are unexplained and they act only as monstrous targets to shoot at.Nor is much attention given to the human society of Sera. It is tempting to say that such limitations are inherent in video games: Gardner Dozois, in his valuable annual introduction to the Year's Best SF, apparently thinks them so simplistic and crass as to ignore them completely, despite the fact that, for better or worse, this is how many young males are introduced to the genre.Thankfully, Gears 2 offers more sophisticated SF than its predecessor, principally seen in an intriguing episode in which Marcus and Dom discover the `Sires' in an abandoned research facility run by a deranged AI. Here we are given uncomfortable hints that the Locust Horde and the COG's war on them has a murky secretive prehistory. It may indeed be that humanity bred the Locust Horde and that Adam Fenix, Marcus's father, had some involvement in it. The disconcertingly human-like Locust Queen refers familiarly to Adam, and laments in a mysterious fashion that Marcus followed a `different path'. If humanity did not create the Locust themselves, then they may instead have been responsible for the Lambent mutants first encountered in Gears 2. There are arguably echoes here of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein which explores and in fact initiated one of the hoariest themes in SF, that of scientific transgression. It may be a well-worn idea but it is still far ahead of other more mindless action SF games.If Gears 2 has a sturdy if hackneyed SF heritage, the influence of the fantasy genre on at least some of its imagery is apparent when Marcus and his squad move into the Locust's underground domain. Some of the architecture they find would not appear out of place in the mines of Moria in Peter Jackson's film version of The Fellowship of the Ring. Comfortable too in such a milieu would be some of the `boomers' in Gears 2 who appear wielding a mace and shield. And of course the idea of descending underground to battle hideous monsters occurs in Beowulf, itself a decided influence on JRR Tolkien when he came to write his great trilogy. It is intriguing to think that, apart from its glossy visuals and riveting gun-battles, Gears of War may owe its success to its refashioning of the central theme of Beowulf and of much ancient art and literature, that of Man against Monsters.I suspect and hope that Gears of War 3 will resolve some of the mysteries hinted at in Gears 2 mentioned here now; it should prove to be fascinating, and I personally can't wait.

27.8.2009

Since the original release back in 2006, Gears of War set the standard high from both a gameplay and technical viewpoint. The cover based gameplay requires both patience and skill, waiting for the right moment to flank your enemy and reap the rewards of your carnage. This sequel barely improves on the formula of the original. Instead, it reuses it to great effect.The campaign story is everything a hollywood video game should be. It has twists and turns, massive boss fights and surprisingly moving moments that shows even big muscly men have a tear to shed.If you're lucky enough to own a HDTV over 26 inches, you're in for a treat. The game looks stunning in all environments and really showcases the potential of this generation of gaming.The story mode, with or without a friend via co-op can take you anything from 8-12 hours. It's by no means a long feat, but its enough to keep you satisfied right until the end, with varying levels of difficulty for you to conquer.While the game is now nearing it's first birthday, online play has changed alot since the game was released back in November 2008. We've seen the removal of the old rank system and instead, a new level based one taking its place. This gives both hardcore players and casuals alike a chance to progress whilst playing against equal skilled players. Three map packs have been released (not including the bundled flashback pack) and can be all bought at once for 1600 Microsoft Points. Not all players have these, and you are under no obligation to fork out what is essentially £10 for a few extra levels. You'll easily find matches with players with or without them.Gameplay online is usually fun, although host advantage rears its ugly head just like in the original. This gives the player hosting the match an unfair advantage over others, as he sees events unfold (movement, shot timing etc) instantly rather than having a slight delay. Horde, a mode that pits you up against 50 waves of locust, is a blast with friends but not so exciting if paired with strangers who never speak. You'll meet the occasional nice player, but the unfortunate Xbox Live crowd pretty much guarantees you'll almost always be grouped up with loud, nasty people who throw insults at you for no reason.Gears of War 2 deserves all the praise it gets, though it is not without it's difficulties. The cover system is still somewhat unforgiving, and will cause new players to the series to throw their controller in despair as Marcus runs to the wrong side of the wall more often than is desired. Some multiplayer matches equip players with no weapons at all, making you a sitting duck whilst you await your fate. AI in the campaign is questionable; I was down but not out, lying next to Dom (who was covering) and he didn't even realise I was there until I was dead. Thanks, Dom!If you're looking for a great looking, well designed game that is awesome fun with friends, you should definately purchase this. Bugs aside, it plays well for the most part and you'll enjoy every second of the story. Online play extends the enjoyment further, just make sure you play with people you know.

13.1.2009

I'll thoroughly admit, although I liked Gears of War a lot, there's no way I could deny that it had it's flaws. AI stank, multiplayer although decent, wasn't that well balanced, although having beautiful graphics, it didn't show it's full potential because of the bland environments it was set in, oh and the plot was mostly forgetful. Thankfully Gears 2 fixes all these issues, keeps everything decent about the original in it and adds so much more to make this most probably the best game of the year. Firstly, Gears 2 has a much improved storyline to it. There's a much more welcome darker tone to it this time. Some very serious topics pop up now and then, mostly about torture and it's all portrayed very disturbingly.

19.11.2008

Gears of war 2 is a must have for all xbox 360 owners, if you've played the first game and loved it then u wont be dissipointed in the 2nd, the story to begin with is full of more story thet the first one lacked, while still keeping the if it moves kill it theme gears 2 adds alot more to the characters we get to know why their fighting, what drives them and some of the questions left by the first game like what's the deal with Marcus' dad are answered in the second(though still abit vague).The multiplayer like the first gears is where this game shines the brightest, not only do we the gamers still have the infamous modes of warzone, execution and ofcourse annex but gears 2 delivers 4 new game modes.

28.3.2009

More of a movie than a computer game, Gears of War 2 is a high-octane, visceral journey to save mankind from the locust horde. The action very rarely lets up and it really feels as though you are part of a Hollywood movie. I got a similar impression from playing Halo 3, but this has a more raw feeling to it.I recently completed this game on the Normal setting and I am not overly concerned with multiplayer. I have played videogames for a number of years, but would never claim to be an expert and tend to go for the default Normal setting on most games. Easy I figure will be just that, but also I don't have the time to get frustrated at the harder settings. Saying this,

30.12.2008

When Cliffy B said he wanted to make the sequel to one of the most acclaimed 360 games released few people had doubts that Epics studio could pull it off; a studio with such drive to create great games that many consider them a leading example to other developers up there with Valve and Bungie. Gears 2 is here and it is bigger, badder and quite frankly bloodier than its preddessor.With a pro comic writer on board for the sequel the story has defiently become more engaging and absorbing than the last game though the masochist aftertaste is still there. The game has become more intriging in terms of story rather than the indiffernce that the prequel gave in spades.

13.12.2008

Without doubt the finest single player game I have played for the 360. It has a great immersive storyline with numerous intertwined subplots and regular breathtaking cutscenes that had me hooked. There is more variety in gameplay compared to GOW 1 with alot more vehicle scenes and challenges which are a welcome break from just duck and cover shooting. The game is also reasonably challenging and requires some patience on higher difficulties. There have been a number of new innovations building on the first game including more vehicle action and the introduction of mortars and shields and a constant flow of objectives other than just shooting everything in sight and some interesting new bosses which are all highly challenging and different.

16.11.2008

The first Gears Of War was a fantastic game, but despite innovative gameplay mechanics - most notably the active cover system - it never really felt as momentous as experience as playing a Halo game. For this reason, I was expecting GOW2 to be great, but never imagined it would be this great.For a start, everything has been improved and maxed up as much as possible. There are many more weapons, Locust variants, giant creatures, and ways to play both single player and multiplayer than before. But most importantly, it's the first game I have played that truly lives up to its claim of a "cinematic experience". It really is like playing through a blockbuster action movie, and the characters of Marcus,

20.1.2009

The first Gears of War was a landmark game for the Xbox 360. It had some of the greatest graphics seen on a console, solid gameplay and remarkable characters. The multiplayer kept fans playing for months, if not years, and the co-operative mode was even better. Okay, the plot was a bit messy (or you could say incoherent) in places and it was far too short, but generally a great game.So Gears 2 has a lot to live up to. The two biggest problems have been addressed to an extent. Epic have fleshed out the story a bit and the addition of collectibles which give you background on the human/locust war are welcome. It's still guilty of throwing events at you with little or no explanation,

24.4.2012

Now the story of Gears becomes more contrast.In the first adventure you fight the implacable enemy, but the background was not so clear.This changes a lot. You get in deeper contact, see where they live and get an idea, that you do not knoweverything you should know.The missions are very entertaining, filled with awesome landscapes, caves and the game-play is flexible likein a good James Bond movie. You not going around, reloading and shooting until the enemy is dead. You participate in an adventure.You walk, you drive (car and boat), you fly, even crawl around in a beast to kill it from inside.Yeah, it is not for children. That much is clear. But the game is not living based on the brutality,

Gears of War 2 (Xbox 360) - Reviews

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