Gears of War 2 includes a total of 10 new multiplayer maps, plus a code to download five remastered maps from the original game. The new maps take inspiration from the locations in the campaign, whereas new environmental effects change some of the maps as you're playing. For example, Hail features razor-sharp rain that gradually kills anyone out in the open. Furthermore, Day One has a huge emergence hole in which a beast can take swipes at any surrounding players. Finally, Avalanche is completely transformed when a snowstorm hits, turning it from a multitiered level into one flat plane. These environmental effects don't feature in every map and game mode, but they definitely liven up standard deathmatch-style multiplayer game types such as Warzone.
The original Gears of War was a spectacular-looking game, and the sequel maintains this high technical and artistic quality. Instead of pushing for increased visual fidelity, the graphics engine adds a couple of other dimensions to the presentation, with walls that crumble under gunfire and dozens of enemies onscreen at once. These new features don't necessarily affect the gameplay, but they look good and help add to the dramatic scale that the designers have chosen. The new organic capabilities of the Unreal Engine make for one particularly memorable level in which you literally have to kill a giant enemy from the inside. Gears of War 2 also has impeccable sound design, with terrific voice acting, meatier weapon effects, and another beautiful cinematic score.
Gears of War 2 has a lot in common with its predecessor, but the new environments, darker storyline, and epic scale certainly have a lot to offer fans. The new weapons, melee attacks, and co-op options make for a campaign that you'll want to complete a number of times, and the new multiplayer modes give the game variety and longevity. Simply put, Gears of War 2 is a superior shooter that no action fan will want to miss out on.
Gamespot Full Review - Gears of War 2 for Xbox 360 Review - Xbox 360 Gears of War 2 Review
IGN 9/10
IGN Summary -
If you haven't figured it out by now, Gears of War 2 is what's going to sell Xbox 360s this holiday season. It has non-stop action, fresh gameplay, varied environments, an engrossing storyline, multiplayer that will have people busy for years to come, and some of the nastiest and coolest kills I've seen in a videogame. It has its flaws when it comes to the technical side of multiplayer and the last act of the campaign and the voice acting might turn some off. Still, none of that comes close to holding back Gears of War 2 from its destiny: being one of the best games available on the Xbox 360.
I don't know what's the big deal about this game. It's so anticipated. I played it myself and it's alright. Nothing amazing about it. I mean, I played the single player so far and it's not exciting. It's the same concept as the first Gears of War. The only thing I like about this game is the fact they add bigger map so you can explore around. The graphics are the same but I don't really care about it. At least the story is much detailed. Anyways, I would put a 7.5/10 at the moment. Maybe I will enjoy it when I'll get online.
Edit: Yeah, the multiplayer mode is definitely the juice of this game. Horde is especially the funest mode I've played. This can't be finish without a good team & communication.
______________________
Last edited by Marvin Wong; 11-09-2008 at 08:30 PM.
I don't know what's the big deal about this game. It's so anticipated. I played it myself and it's alright. Nothing amazing about it. I mean, I played the single player so far and it's not exciting. It's the same concept as the first Gears of War. The only thing I like about this game is the fact they add bigger map so you can explore around. The graphics are the same but I don't really care about it. At least the story is much detailed. Anyways, I would put a 7.5/10 at the moment. Maybe I will enjoy it when I'll get online.
I doubt its as much fun when you play a hacked version before everyone else gets it. Plus you probably havent even played Horde mode yet. The best part of the game many say.
I can't say I'm going to get it at midnight. I'll play someone else's before I even buy it. Gears 1 was just too repetitive for me; it was essentially the same 10 minutes of gameplay repeated for hours with little variation outside of the environment. Gears 2 doesn't look much different. They've added some things, but I doubt they will by anything more than novelties (like meat shields). It will probably be a good game, but just don't think it will have the gameplay to keep me entertained for very long.
I went out and got my copy of the limited edition at midnight... and just like Libertine, I recieved a gold plated lancer and hammerburst. Not to mention, inside of the limited edition packaging, there was a code for 5 additional multiplayer maps.
I love this game so far. Only about half way through it and as my sig says, I haven't found a team that can help me past level 26 on Horde. Random teams created by the server always seem to have one or two people who quit because they don't feel like waiting or don't think somebody can pull off the impossible. I would love to make it the full 50 waves. I just can't find a team good enough or patient enough.
______________________
5' 10" 191lbs
Bench Press: 325lb MAX (02/01/10) No chest bounce. Competition rules.
I have to wait another week (or two?) to get my next paycheck. I've been playing on my friend's xbox because he has the subscription and I'm waiting to get the money to get mine. I will do that though dude. I would love to play with an old clan mate.
______________________
5' 10" 191lbs
Bench Press: 325lb MAX (02/01/10) No chest bounce. Competition rules.
