Gears of War 2

Platform(s): Xbox 360
Genre: Action
Publisher: Microsoft
Developer: Epic Games
Release Date: Nov. 7, 2008

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'Gears of War 2' (X360) Goes Gold

by Rainier on Oct. 10, 2008 @ 1:20 a.m. PDT

Gears of War 2 is an epic saga of survival, loss, and retribution, continuing the story of Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad, locked in an increasingly desperate battle against the nightmarish Locust Horde for the survival of humanity.

Gears of War 2 picks up six months after the events of "Gears of War," and thrusts players back into a deep and harrowing story of humankind’s epic battle for survival against a nightmarish force of underground creatures known as the Locust Horde.

Players continue as Marcus Fenix, a reluctant war hero and leader of Delta Squad, six months after the events of “Gears of War.” The last cities on Sera are sinking, swallowed by a new Locust threat from below. A massive counterattack is humanity’s last hope for survival.

Gears of War 2 blends a best-in-class third-person shooter with unsurpassed high-definition visuals, all layered on top of an engaging story of survival, loss and retribution.

“After two years of pouring our heart and passion into ‘Gears of War 2,’ the team is immensely happy with what we’ve created,” said Epic Games Design Director Cliff Bleszinski. "This is Epic’s best work yet, and we can’t wait to see the response from fans and newcomers to the series alike.”

Until the worldwide launch on Nov. 7, fans can immerse themselves in the “Gears of War” universe through:

  1. This online experience reveals events that transpired in the six months between the end of “Gears of War” and the start of “Gears of War 2.” Portions of the site are unlocked over time through the discovery of physical COG tags hidden all around the world up through Nov. 7. 'Every tag tells a tale.'
  2. “Gears of War” Comic from DC/Wildstorm: The “Gears of War” ongoing comic book series, written by comic industry veteran and “Gears of War 2” scriptwriter Joshua Ortega, began its six story arc this week. The first story arc bridges the gap between the original game and “Gears of War 2,” plus introduces a new gear, Jace Stratton! The first issue is now available.
  3. “Gears of War: Aspho Fields” Novel from Random House/Del Rey: Written by New York Times best-selling author Karen Traviss, “Gears of War: Aspho Fields” goes back to the pivotal battle of the Pendulum Wars, where Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago helped turn the tide for the Coalition. Available Oct. 28.
  4. "Gears of War" Collectibles from NECA: The second series of “Gears of War” seven inch figures featuring the men of Delta Squad and new adversaries from the Locust Horde are available now.

Features:

  • Gears of War 2 takes the award-winning gameplay of the original and improves upon it in every way. The genre-defining cover system is further refined, making the “stop and pop” gameplay more intuitive. Dynamic cover is given new meaning as downed opponents can be picked up and used as shields. The intimate violence of the battlefield is heightened when combatants engage in chainsaw duels. Destructible environments and vicious new finishing moves add to the over-the-top experience.
  • Gears of War 2 continues to raise the graphics bar through its breathtaking visual effects, made possible through advances in Unreal Engine 3.
  • Gears of War 2 takes deep and immersive storytelling in video games to greater heights. Players connect with humanity’s battle for survival on a personal level as they move through a story that introduces new characters and sheds light on the histories of familiar ones.
  • Team up with a friend to fight through the harrowing story of Delta Squad in the enhanced campaign mode, now featuring drop-in/drop-out gameplay, as well as individual player difficulty options. Or recruit four friends to battle in the new game mode “Horde,” where you’ll fight together to fend off a seemingly endless onslaught of Locust forces to attain the highest score.
  • Gears of War 2” features eight distinct multiplayer modes,2 including the new Wingman, Guardian and Submission modes, where up to 10 players choose a side and pit their courage and battlefield mettle directly against others. In addition, multiplayer bots are available to sharpen your skills offline or to fill out your online private matches on Xbox LIVE.
  • New to “Gears of War 2” is a party system that allows players to form a full or partial team with friends and continue together from match to match without the need to reform after each game. “Gears of War 2” also supports a skill-based online matchmaking system, powered by TrueSkill, which groups players of similar skill level together in competitive multiplayer matches.

Gears of War 2 will be available in a Standard Edition ($59.99) or Limited Edition ($69.99) and is scheduled to launch November 7, 2008.


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