Gears of War 2

[King3567]

Link (http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/03/gow-2-comes-with-flashback-maps-gold-hammerburst-code-at-spec/)

Wow, Joystiq confirmed what I said previously to be true! The best part is they gave me no credit, sweet!

Here's the details I said before in case you missed them:


-Cliffy B says, "There will be no Kryll or Berserkers in the game", claiming that he wants gamers to have a new experience and not just treading on familiar ground. But, he goes on to say that,"they might work there way back in in the future in some new interesting way."

-Brumaks are plentiful in the game and the article says that at some point late in the game, you will actually get to ride and take control of one.

-The butcher, a new locust enemy, is a creepy looking dude. He wields a large cleaver and can take alot of damage. The article doesn't state whether he is in the campaign mode, but he is at least confirmed for Horde.

-Another new enemy is the grinder. They kinda look like a Boomer took a Theron guard's armor and they wield the new Mulcher (more on that later) and yell "Griiiind!" before they strike.

-The Mauler is yet another new enemy that looks really badass. They are giant Melee fighters that wield a flail along with a giant shield. Once again, it is unclear if they are in the campaign, but they are confirmed for Horde.

-The Rockworms were revealed a while back in GameInformer and they are once again described as ,"living cover". I am not sure if they can hurt you in any way as it does not say so.

-The Kantus are the locust that you've probably heard about before. They can revive fallen allies and can somehow communicate with the Rockworms

-Apparently taking General RAAM's place is Skorge, the leader of the Kantus caste. He looks REALLY badass and looks kind of like a Predator. He wields a dual bladed chainsaw staff ()

-This Article reveals two new weapons one of which being the mulcher that I mentioned before. The Mulcher is a huge minigun that will most definitely slow down you movement, but once you pull the trigger your enemies WILL die. This gun can overheat so you have to time some presses of LB to prevent it from doing so.

-The other new weapon is the Mortar Launcher. Like the mulcher, this gun will significantly slow you down. The gun will also be placed in spots around the maps that will be "far away from the battle." You can fire it from the hip, but it will only kill you. The upside of this is, is that you can deploy it on the ground and launch attacks from a very long distance away and it is supposedly capable of killing two or three people at a time!

-You know the gold lancer everyone has been bitching about? Well, it says you can earn them without buying the special edition.

-Those attending midnight releases will also get something special; The Golden Hammerburst. Yes, you can earn this one too.

-Previously, it was thought that Gridlock and Subway would be the only gears 1 maps making a return. Well, Epic is doing something different. There will be release day DLC that will contain those two maps, Canals, Mansion, and Tyro Station. These five maps will be free of charge but the only way to get them is if you receive a voucher, which every NEW copy of the game will have. (Take that used game market?)

-CliffyB and team have only reached level 40 out of the 50 levels that are in the co-op survival horde mode.

-Horde mode can be played on every multiplayer map, even the Gears 1 remakes.

-CliffyB hints that there will be new environmental hazards to take the place of the Kryll. One such hazard is that on a new multiplayer map titled Avalanche, there will be...well an Avalanche that will, "wipe out players and uncover new weapons."

-In regards to the photo editor, it can be used by anyone who is either dead or in spectator mode. Epic claims that there will be monthly contests for best pictures and captions and such. However, the article says that the photo editor's features won't all be present on release day.

-In the campaign mode, you can "collect secret documents, internal memos, and other bits of refuse to piece together a bigger storyline. You'll collect and track all these items using the scrap-book War Journal, which will track your achievements."

-Cole WILL return in the game

-Tai and Dizzy, the two new members of Delta Squad, are separated from Marcus and Dom early in the game and are last seen in a stand off against Skorge.

-Cliffy claims that the game will have a much darker and serious storyline, but will still retain that Summer Blockbuster feeling.

-Underground sections only make up 30% of the campaign.

-The main underground section you will be in is called the Hollows, which is home to the Kantus and Rockworms.

That's it for now. Can't wait for this game!

[The Iron Weasel]

If this game were a women, I'd take her out for a nice meal, buy her flowers, a bottle of wine filled with roofies, and make sweet, sweet love to her. I cannot fucking wait for Nov 7. Do we know if the game is longer then Gears 1?

[King3567]

If this game were a women, I'd take her out for a nice meal, buy her flowers, a bottle of wine filled with roofies, and make sweet, sweet love to her. I cannot fucking wait for Nov 7. Do we know if the game is longer then Gears 1?

The campaign is supposed to be like...twice as long I think. November seventh needs to hurry the hell up! :D

Edit: By the way, Protest the Hero=win

[Telefrog]

Damn, this looks so good. I like the exclusive maps for first time buyers. That's very similar to what EA is doing with the next NBA Live. Gamestop can eat a dick.

[The Iron Weasel]

The campaign is supposed to be like...twice as long I think. November seventh needs to hurry the hell up! :D

Edit: By the way, Protest the Hero=win

Pure win, pure undiluted win. On both counts. I could take 20 hours of GoW for sure! I still listen to Fortress almost once a day.

[Iron Past]

If this game were a women, I'd take her out for a nice meal, buy her flowers, a bottle of wine filled with roofies, and make sweet, sweet love to her. I cannot fucking wait for Nov 7. Do we know if the game is longer then Gears 1?

Psh, you can still do that. But people might look at you funny. ;)

[rinichanraar]

Wait, did you post this elsewhere? I think I've seen it before on one of the forums.

Anyway, needless to say, I'm fucking excited. I went back and am playing through the campaign for Gears 1 again. :)

[pomeroy]

Damn, this looks so good. I like the exclusive maps for first time buyers. That's very similar to what EA is doing with the next NBA Live. Gamestop can eat a dick.

See, I sort of think it's lame. While the free maps thing is alright, game developers are the only ones who have the stones to bitch about the secondary market.

[Norse]

I need this game now

[King3567]

Wait, did you post this elsewhere? I think I've seen it before on one of the forums.

Anyway, needless to say, I'm fucking excited. I went back and am playing through the campaign for Gears 1 again. :)

I posted this on EvAv, but seeing as that site is pretty much dead and buried, I decided to rekindle the flame here.

[Ghostbear]

We had some awesome multiplayer games with the first Gears, I have no doubt it will continue for Gears 2. I can't wait :D

[Iron Past]

There's a preview-ish article at Team Xbox (http://previews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/2127/Gears-of-War-2/p1/). It seems they've already played and rated it, but MS has NDAs on almost everything. Some cool info and yummy screens.

[TheManEatingCow]

Getting very excited about this.

[King3567]

It's gold! Just under a month left...

[The Iron Weasel]

I'm so excited I could cry.

[crazyD]

I might pick this up when it goes bargain. The first was OK, but I never beat it. I did enjoy the multiplayer a bit, but now that I'm off Gold, it feels like I'd be buying a half a game. Might as well wait til it drops to half the price.

[King3567]

I might pick this up when it goes bargain. The first was OK, but I never beat it. I did enjoy the multiplayer a bit, but now that I'm off Gold, it feels like I'd be buying a half a game. Might as well wait til it drops to half the price.

Gears 1 gave me lots of bang for my buck. Countless times playing the campaign in Co-Op and over 200 hours of multiplayer for only $60, yes please. And that was just with having (basically) 1 gametype!

[The Iron Weasel]

I might pick this up when it goes bargain. The first was OK, but I never beat it. I did enjoy the multiplayer a bit, but now that I'm off Gold, it feels like I'd be buying a half a game. Might as well wait til it drops to half the price.

Really? I played the campain almost countless times. Different strokes I suppose. Maybe the second one will be more up your alley, the game is supposed to be way more varied and longer. Unless you just didn't dig the gameplay.

[crazyD]

Really? I played the campain almost countless times. Different strokes I suppose. Maybe the second one will be more up your alley, the game is supposed to be way more varied and longer. Unless you just didn't dig the gameplay.

The gameplay was OK, I got kinda bored by the fact that I had to start a new campaign to play co-op though. I played through the beginning part many times. Does this one have drop in split screen co-op? If not, I might not get it at all.

[rinichanraar]

The gameplay was OK, I got kinda bored by the fact that I had to start a new campaign to play co-op though. I played through the beginning part many times. Does this one have drop in split screen co-op? If not, I might not get it at all.

I'm pretty sure it does. I think Cliffy mentioned that it does in an interview I saw, but I can't find it.

[crazyD]

I'm pretty sure it does. I think Cliffy mentioned that it does in an interview I saw, but I can't find it.

I know I heard it had drop in co-op, but I'm not sure if it is for online only, or split screen. I don't roll with my 360 online.

[rinichanraar]

I know I heard it had drop in co-op, but I'm not sure if it is for online only, or split screen. I don't roll with my 360 online.

Well, in the interview, Cliffy was talking about how drop-in/drop-out'll allow Gears 2 to be more accessible to girlfriends, so I'd assume it should be available for online and split-screen. Unless he really thinks a bunch of casual-gaming girlfriends are going to have their own 360s and be playing with their boyfriends online.

In the same interview, he also said that Anya's not going to have ridiculously huge tits (paraphrasing), and I actually really, really respect that decision. I'll try to find the interview later.

[Wedge]

That was quick.
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f279/Faenhakkeda/494x_p10100132qz3_01.jpg
From kotaku. (http://kotaku.com/5062160/gaffers-gears-2-leak-pics-include-free-surprize) Lack of box could indicate review copy, or leak from the printer. The guy apparently put up a bunch of pics here. (http://picasaweb.google.com/nintendork/GearsOfWar2#)

Anyways, some fucker that is not me is enjoying Gears 2. Him + fire = die in a fire.

edit: Oh, and I love the look of the war journal in those pics. I'm gonna have a ton of fun filling that one out.

[rinichanraar]

That was quick.

From kotaku. (http://kotaku.com/5062160/gaffers-gears-2-leak-pics-include-free-surprize) Lack of box could indicate review copy, or leak from the printer. The guy apparently put up a bunch of pics here. (http://picasaweb.google.com/nintendork/GearsOfWar2#)

Anyways, some fucker that is not me is enjoying Gears 2. Him + fire = die in a fire.

edit: Oh, and I love the look of the war journal in those pics. I'm gonna have a ton of fun filling that one out.

Goddamn, I'm jealous. Except of that cowboy hat. I'm not jealous of that.

[Wedge]

Goddamn, I'm jealous. Except of that cowboy hat. I'm not jealous of that.

Also: check out the other tab in the guy's browser.

[King3567]

Damnit! Why isn't it November 9th now?! I hope that lucky bastard burns in hell for having an early enjoyment of Gears

[pomeroy]

Also: check out the other tab in the guy's browser.

Oh my.

LOLOLOLOL.

[fishinBULL]

I can't wait till November 9th!

[IncredibleScott]

I've just started playing Gears of War again. I'm up to Act 4. The new game looks phenomenal and some of the screens are jaw-dropping.

Although I've never been a big fan of the story (futuristic space marines versus evil alien species, how original...), the execution of the game is flawless and is always fun to play, especially with friends around.

[rinichanraar]

I've just started playing Gears of War again. I'm up to Act 4. The new game looks phenomenal and some of the screens are jaw-dropping.

Although I've never been a big fan of the story (futuristic space marines versus evil alien species, how original...), the execution of the game is flawless and is always fun to play, especially with friends around.

I replayed the campaign a couple of weeks ago, too. What ended up happening is that I got really, really excited for Gears 2, and now I still have to wait a little under a month to play it. I should've timed it so I'd be done right before the new game comes out.

[Sandman]

Also: check out the other tab in the guy's browser.

I must say I am quite surprised.

[Food Nipple]

Also: check out the other tab in the guy's browser.

It's a running gag at NeoGAF.

[King3567]

So, anyone else getting the remote controlled tank at Best Buy?

[MalReynolds]

I wants now

[King3567]

Can someone give me a link to the achievements? I seem to have forgotten all of them (except Seriously 2.0. I mean...100,000 kills?! Seriousy...?)

[King3567]

Bumping this for the oncoming storm of Gears 2 threads. Let's just use this as the hub of all this, k?

Stole this from JayVe

comparison screen shots (http://news.vgchartz.com/news.php?id=2325)

I'm kinda mad that they changed the look on those levels. I loved the lighting and effects from the first one so much. The only one that looks a helluva lot better is Canals. I love me some snow and winter levels.

[Iron Past]

Can someone give me a link to the achievements? I seem to have forgotten all of them (except Seriously 2.0. I mean...100,000 kills?! Seriousy...?)

Right here. (http://www.xbox360achievements.org/game/gears-of-war-2/achievements/)

[King3567]

"Does this look infected to you?"

Hmm...cliff hanger ending imminent?

[MalReynolds]

100 000 kills?

[SPBTooL]

Splitscreen for horde mode confirmed (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/usermovies/278610.html). Even better is that now you can choose you starting main weapon between the lancer and the hammerburst.

[Uno Ill Nino]

Yeah I'm all over this game. I can't wait to get into horde Mode. I'm already imagining it on the "Mansion" level. I picture setting up shop in the 2nd floor and just watching the stairs and the front door. I hope all the weapons are in the same places. That sniper by the couches will be perfect for clearing out the front door. You could almost just put one guy in charge of it with that rifle.

Fucking sweet. I cannot wait for this game.

[Telefrog]

Splitscreen for horde mode confirmed (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/usermovies/278610.html). Even better is that now you can choose you starting main weapon between the lancer and the hammerburst.

Oh, Hell yes.

Seriously, Horde Mode looks fucking fantastic.

[King3567]

Yeah I'm all over this game. I can't wait to get into horde Mode. I'm already imagining it on the "Mansion" level. I picture setting up shop in the 2nd floor and just watching the stairs and the front door. I hope all the weapons are in the same places. That sniper by the couches will be perfect for clearing out the front door. You could almost just put one guy in charge of it with that rifle.

Fucking sweet. I cannot wait for this game.

I've been doing this too (imagining playing Horde on the Gears 1 levels). I think that Mansion and Canals would work well.

[SPBTooL]

I'm not sure that the flashback maps will work in horde mode. I know that all the maps on the disc work in all modes but I can not find anything to conferm that the flashback maps do.

[King3567]

I'm not sure that the flashback maps will work in horde mode. I know that all the maps on the disc work in all modes but I can not find anything to conferm that the flashback maps do.

CliffyB said that horde can work on any map, even on the flashback maps.

[Wedge]

*Sigh*

It has been leaked online.

Legit, eager to pay and play? Wait 19 days.

And what is going on? These people are playing online! What happened to getting banned if you played a pirated game online?

[Schnoogs]

Stoaked for this one

[King3567]

*Sigh*

It has been leaked online.

Legit, eager to pay and play? Wait 19 days.

And what is going on? These people are playing online! What happened to getting banned if you played a pirated game online?

Agreed, this is ridiculous. These people could've at least unplugged their LIVE connection while playing it. Damn pirates...

[AgtFox]

Sad thing is there are reviewers out there that have the final game I believe, so the pirates are probably guessing they might get away with it because Microsoft would have to weed out who is who.

[Sandman]

The 360 is one console where IMO it's not worth it to mod it....the benefits of Live are just too great.

[crazyD]

The 360 is one console where IMO it's not worth it to mod it....the benefits of Live are just too great.

I still don't see what's so great about Live. It is like if Steam was covered with external ads and you had to pay to use it. Also, you miss out of many of the benefits of Steam, like purchasing full games, being able to play without a disk in the drive, and clan support. I always hear people talking about how great it is, but I really see nothing special.

[SPBTooL]

I still don't see what's so great about Live. It is like if Steam was covered with external ads and you had to pay to use it. Also, you miss out of many of the benefits of Steam, like purchasing full games, being able to play without a disk in the drive, and clan support. I always hear people talking about how great it is, but I really see nothing special.Loosing Live for hacking the 360 would be like if Steam blocked your access if it detected warez on your PC.

[Squidbot]

Yeah I'm all over this game. I can't wait to get into horde Mode. I'm already imagining it on the "Mansion" level. I picture setting up shop in the 2nd floor and just watching the stairs and the front door. I hope all the weapons are in the same places. That sniper by the couches will be perfect for clearing out the front door. You could almost just put one guy in charge of it with that rifle.

Fucking sweet. I cannot wait for this game.

Yeah, you know what? I was semi meh about Gears 2, but this post just made me realise just how much fun Horde mode could be with some friends. Also, you have a Kelly Brook avatar and now I must marry you.

[MalReynolds]

i just watched a bunch of the vids i love this i wanna play now

[SPBTooL]

An as yet unannounced enemy type in gears 2?
At 36sec. bottom screen.
D003po78UNc

It looks like a locust infected by the Flood.

[Squidbot]

It really did a number on him too.

[Haemorrhage]

An as yet unannounced enemy type in gears 2?
At 36sec. bottom screen.

It looks like a locust infected by the Flood.

I am assuming this was split screen horde mode. That looked pretty crazy intense. I can see myself sinking A LOT frustrating hours in Horde mode.

If the leaderboards are well done, Horde mode will be the next Geometry Wars 2.

[Orca]

Sad thing is there are reviewers out there that have the final game I believe, so the pirates are probably guessing they might get away with it because Microsoft would have to weed out who is who.

That makes me sad because it won't be here for about a week :mad:

[CptTripps]

Very excited indeed. I'm going for co-op playthrough from start to finish on release day (Friday!!!).

[SPBTooL]

I am assuming this was split screen horde mode. That looked pretty crazy intense. I can see myself sinking A LOT frustrating hours in Horde mode.Have you seen this one?
5pCMYPs8j1Q

I will be all over Horde mode too.

[SPBTooL]

New Vs multiplayer vid up on youtube. I'm loving the new weapon sounds. Other things I noticed: although some may only be my imagination since I have not played Gears in so long.

Some nice animations for transitions from cover to cover.
Bullets are more visible.
when behind cover you are more hidden.
confirmation that you get to choose your starting weapon in Vs modes too.
The new Hammerburst looks like it is even accurate shooting from the hip.
Lancer seems to have a bigger clip.
Faster turning while running.
damage taken last a little longer before going away.
More reactive talking from the in-game modles

B7pJTq5sWLo
qlKXqL_r2ac
LOL at 8:01

[DeathtollWRX]

Console game of the year?
Most impressive title to date?
Will this be as big as Gears 1?

I think the answer is yes!

[SPBTooL]

A quick look at Meat Flag with bots.
This Submission mode looks like it could get intense and the bots seem hard. And/Or he sucks.
itCOwn4SH8A

[King3567]

Just 23 more days...Just 23 more days...Just 23 more days...

[The Iron Weasel]

20 more days baby, 20 more days!

[King3567]

23 more days. It comes out on a Friday ;)

[Sandman]

Um I count 16 more days. November 7th.

[King3567]

Um I count 16 more days. November 7th.

Never mind, the Sandman speaks the truth. I've been anticipating this so much, I've lost track of time.

[Haemorrhage]

Link (http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showthread.php?t=1549) for fellow Canadians looking for a cheap pre-order (http://accessories.dell.com/sna/products/Xbox_360/productdetail.aspx?c=ca&l=en&s=dhs&cs=cadhs1&sku=A2049593) for Gears 2.

[Wedge]

Thank Jesus Dead Space is good. It helps the days go by faster. So will Fallout 3, I hope.

[aVaKus]

Gears of War 2: Last Day trailer here (http://videogames.yahoo.com/events/gears-of-war-2/gears-of-war-2-videos/1254704)

It's along the lines of the Mad World trailer for Gears 1.

[SPBTooL]

Gears of War 2: Last Day trailer here (http://videogames.yahoo.com/events/gears-of-war-2/gears-of-war-2-videos/1254704)

It's along the lines of the Mad World trailer for Gears 1.
Here is an embedded version. I like the visuals but not the music. Doesn't have the same impact as the Mad World one did when it was release.
EDIT: added the Youtube version that rinichanraar found
jn3gftUy0_k

[RandoM51]

Console game of the year?
Most impressive title to date?
Will this be as big as Gears 1?

I think the answer is yes!

No.
No.
Hopefully.

I'm really looking forward to it and have accumulated a couple free gold months in anticipation. :D

[DeathtollWRX]

No.
No.
Hopefully.

I'm really looking forward to it and have accumulated a couple free gold months in anticipation. :D


Random, what do you think Console game of the year will be?

[rinichanraar]

Gears of War 2: Last Day trailer here (http://videogames.yahoo.com/events/gears-of-war-2/gears-of-war-2-videos/1254704)

It's along the lines of the Mad World trailer for Gears 1.

Ah, goddamnit. I missed your post here, so I just posted it in a new thread (http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showthread.php?t=1640). Embedded from YouTube!

[Wedge]

Console game of the year?
It might be game of the year for me, regardless of platform. If, and I say if, they have optimized the network-code to an acceptable level.

Most impressive title to date?
You mean like best game ever? Doubt it.

Will this be as big as Gears 1?

Most likely bigger. More Xboxen in circulation now. I would not be surprised if this sold more than GTA4 or CoD4 (and becoming the 2nd most sold Xbox 360 game).

[aVaKus]

Ah, goddamnit. I missed your post here, so I just posted it in a new thread (http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showthread.php?t=1640). Embedded from YouTube!

No worries Rini. This vid is good enough to have it's own thread anyway, I was just feeling lazy. :)

[King3567]

This will probably be my game of the year, but it will not be the best game ever. I agree on new ad, not as good as Mad World, but it's still pretty good.

[RandoM51]

Random, what do you think Console game of the year will be?

From what I've already seen and what I know of what will be released the rest of this year I think LBP will probably get game of the year from more sites than any other title. If most of the major sites stick by the scores they gave GTA IV it could be #1 too. I don't think that will happen, though.

I think a few sites might give the nod to Burnout:Paradise, mostly due to Criterion's outstanding ongoing support and DLC for the game.

No shortage of great games this year which makes me think they'll be looking for the innovative titles---like LBP---when picking GOTY instead of the titles that just build upon a previous version---like Gears of War II.

[SPBTooL]

OXM article about the new weapons and the changes to the old ones (http://www.oxm.co.uk/article.php?id=6648).
They list the Hammerburst after the default weapons but you can choose to start with it instead of the Lancer in multiplayer. I liked the Hammerburst in the first game and am looking forward to trying the changes. I hope it hasn't lost it's feel loosing the burst. Why still call it that now that it doesn't burst?

[DeathtollWRX]

From what I've already seen and what I know of what will be released the rest of this year I think LBP will probably get game of the year from more sites than any other title. If most of the major sites stick by the scores they gave GTA IV it could be #1 too. I don't think that will happen, though.

I think a few sites might give the nod to Burnout:Paradise, mostly due to Criterion's outstanding ongoing support and DLC for the game.

No shortage of great games this year which makes me think they'll be looking for the innovative titles---like LBP---when picking GOTY instead of the titles that just build upon a previous version---like Gears of War II.


I partially agree with you but I don't being a sequel should mean that you can't be in the running for GOTY.

From what I have seen from LPB it looks like a contender..

I haven't played Fallout 3 or Gears 2 yet... for that matter LBP..

At the very moment it's Fable 2 for me... If Crysis came out this year it would have been that.

[Telefrog]

I think Random has a good prediction except the part about Burnout: Paradise. The content updates were really nice, but the core game just didn't jazz enough people to make the cut as GotY. I could definitely see it nominated for a few "Racing Game of the Year" awards.

I do expect to see LBP nominated, along with the other heavy hitters this year like Fable II, Fallout 3, and Gears 2. I also expect to see BioShock for PS3 tossed a couple nods just so gaming sites can look intelligent.

[Variable Gear]

I hope Dead Space gets some nominations. GTA IV better get none. That game is garbage.

[Telefrog]

I hope Dead Space gets some nominations. GTA IV better get none. That game is garbage.

Despite the internerd backlash, I think it will get a few nods anyway. ;)

You can always tell yourself that the various sites are just trying to justify their own inflated scores from the initial playthrough.

[SPBTooL]

I know this video is of crappy quality but check out the top screen player starting at 3:06. The player is a Grub starting with the Hammerburst and he gets a pop-up that looks to explain a new feature of the Hammerburst. It looks like it says that while aiming with the left trigger clicking the stick will give some extra zoom. The player tries it and it does. Most of the vid up to that point is just missing with the settings so skip ahead.
pbkzy-lBX_4

EDIT: At 5:35 we see that 10 lancer shots to the head is a down.
and then at 5:52 we see the first recorded necrophilia in Gears 2. Well, I guess technical he wasn't dead yet.

[King3567]

Thanks for all the vids SPBTool :)

As for Game of the Year schtuff, I say we need to slow things down. Wait till you actually play games to make decisions on them. I mean, people don't talk about movies being the movie of the year until after they see them, so why can't we wait till we play them? My game of the year so far is probably either Rock Band 2 or Devil May Cry 4 (notice how people rarely mention games that came out early in the year for GoTY...) because I played both a helluva lot and were/are extremely fun.

[Wedge]

I mean, people don't talk about movies being the movie of the year until after they see them, so why can't we wait till we play them?

Because game sequels are better than their prequels 9 times out of 10? With movies it is the other way around.

[King3567]

Because game sequels are better than their prequels 9 times out of 10? With movies it is the other way around.

True, but the internet has been laden with GoTY talk since the summer when none of the games people shout are even out or have a demo. I can't wait for the day when no sites tout exclusive reviews and when gamers are levelheaded (though, most of us on CoG are).

Less than two weeks!

[King3567]

I haven't seen it but there's a leaked boss battle on Kotaku. Watch at your own risk as there are probably spoilers.

[SPBTooL]

I haven't seen it but there's a leaked boss battle on Kotaku. Watch at your own risk as there are probably spoilers.Yea. I have deliberately avoided the single player videos posted and have chosen to not tempt anyone else by posting them here.

[MalReynolds]

you guys have to see the guy complaining about 5 v 5 Multiplayer

[King3567]

you guys have to see the guy complaining about 5 v 5 Multiplayer

5 v 5 multiplayer is awesome, though I don't want them to go any higher than this.

[SPBTooL]

36057
Nothing special. Just a decent and old multiplayer video w/ no spoilers. I like the new weapon sounds. The new Lancer sound is very mechanical.

EDIT: Changed it to the original higher res version that also has some more in it. I liked when the meat flag did a ground pound on the guy.

[RandoM51]

I've been saving my 360 just for this.

[Variable Gear]

I've been saving my 360 just for this.
Did you get Age of Booty yet?

[King3567]

Did you get Age of Booty yet?

How is that? It looks fairly interesting to me.

[Variable Gear]

How is that? It looks fairly interesting to me.
It's pretty good, as long as you're playing multiplayer with people you know. It's pretty simplified for a strategy game, but you'll still need to make liberal use of teamwork to get things done efficiently. I don't like the single-player game much, but others seem to enjoy it for what it is. Check out the demo if you're interested, because then you can see if you enjoy the multiplayer enough to pay for it.

[RandoM51]

Did you get Age of Booty yet?

i've got a code for a free month of live, won't be using it till have my hands on gears 2. until then I'm silver with no 360 online multi.

[Food Nipple]

New launch trailer, I think after seeing this I'll be staying away from any further media.

22328

[SPBTooL]

New launch trailer, I think after seeing this I'll be staying away from any further media.Wow.
Yea. That is why I have only been watching the multiplayer videos.

[rinichanraar]

New launch trailer, I think after seeing this I'll be staying away from any further media.

I tried not to watch it, but I did anyway.

... Did Dom always sound like that? I remember his voice being a bit different in the first game.

[King3567]

Just wanted to let everyone know that if you get this at Circuit City, you get 1600 MS points free.

[Veregon]

Sweet, thanks King.

[quidmonkey]

... Did Dom always sound like that? I remember his voice being a bit different in the first game.

He use to sound like a pansy; now he just sounds bitchy.

5 bucks says the story is gonna suck...again.

[Telefrog]

He use to sound like a pansy; now he just sounds bitchy.

5 bucks says the story is gonna suck...again.

That's a pretty safe bet. Epic's games have never had a very compelling singleplayer story.

And yes, I am counting the original Unreal. Awesome game, but the actual story was pretty lame.

[Squidbot]

He use to sound like a pansy; now he just sounds bitchy.

5 bucks says the story is gonna suck...again.

There are Locust. Big men in big armour with big guns and big craggy faces must kill Locust.

I should work for Epic.

[rinichanraar]

He use to sound like a pansy; now he just sounds bitchy.

5 bucks says the story is gonna suck...again.

Yeah, I looked it up, and it's the same voice actor, but I think he just sounded different (lamer, even).

That's a pretty safe bet. Epic's games have never had a very compelling singleplayer story.

And yes, I am counting the original Unreal. Awesome game, but the actual story was pretty lame.
There are Locust. Big men in big armour with big guns and big craggy faces must kill Locust.

I should work for Epic.

I'm sure you're right. But I think they're at least trying to make you care about it a little bit this time, which is nice, but probably doesn't mean anything.

[King3567]

Well, with Circuit City possibly going under, it's looking doubtful that we will all get our 1600 MS points...

[Purple Santa]

Just wanted to let everyone know that if you get this at Circuit City, you get 1600 MS points free.
Crud. I pre-ordered off of Amazon because of the ungodly pre-order goody :D. I think that's with Amazon only though...sigh...I want those 1600 points!

Well, with Circuit City possibly going under, it's looking doubtful that we will all get our 1600 MS points...
They won't go under yet. They have 6 months to be delisted from NYSE. I'm not sure if bankruptcy will occur before then but they aren't going under soon soon.

[Food Nipple]

Crud. I pre-ordered off of Amazon because of the ungodly pre-order goody :D. I think that's with Amazon only though...sigh...I want those 1600 points!


They won't go under yet. They have 6 months to be delisted from NYSE. I'm not sure if bankruptcy will occur before then but they aren't going under soon soon.

That still doesn't mean that anyone's going to be cashing in on this 1600 pt deal. They've done this promotion before, and 90% of the people walk away empty handed because they had so few in stock in the first place.

[SPBTooL]

I've preordered at gamestop so I can get the gold hammerburst.

[King3567]

I've preordered at gamestop so I can get the gold hammerburst.

The gold hammerburst is not exclusive to Gamestop. You can get it at any place having a midnight release and also Cliffy B said you can get it normally in the game.

[Sandman]

Why isn't it Friday yet?

[yeti]

only 116 hours till I can get this, 107 if EB do a midnight opening. At least there's one advantage to living in NZ, I live in the future!

[King3567]

only 116 hours till I can get this, 107 if EB do a midnight opening. At least there's one advantage to living in NZ, I live in the future!

I hate to say this but...Wal-Mart ftw! Seriously, they are open 24/7 and are fucking everywhere.

[Sandman]

Amazon release day delivery better come through this time damnit.

[squirrelTactics]

you guys have to see the guy complaining about 5 v 5 Multiplayer

You posted that, and it wasn't funny.

[yeti]

I hate to say this but...Wal-Mart ftw! Seriously, they are open 24/7 and are fucking everywhere.

Wal-Mart is the devil, but sometimes you gotta deal with him;)

I'd love a Wal-mart over here, especially for their awesome selection of Transformers toys.
Edited for seriously bad grammer.

[Sandman]

Wal-Mart is the devil, but sometimes you gotta deal with him;)

I'd love a Wal-mart over here, especially for their awesome selection of Transformers toys.
Edited for seriously bad grammer.

Just remember where the heart of the beast is in case you ever have to destroy it.

[King3567]

Wal-Mart is the devil, but sometimes you gotta deal with him;)

I'd love a Wal-mart over here, especially for their awesome selection of Transformers toys.
Edited for seriously bad grammer.

It helps my conscience when I steal some (56 cent) donuts from them ;)

[Disgustipated]

Who's going to co-op with me on release? Co-op is the best way to play the story.

[Sandman]

93nrihnwBjE

[SPBTooL]

The gold hammerburst is not exclusive to Gamestop. You can get it at any place having a midnight release and also Cliffy B said you can get it normally in the game.Bestbuy's website states that they only have the codes for stores doing the midnight release and the Idaho stores are not on that list. My local Play-n-trade is doing a midnight release but they are not getting the codes. Got a link for Clif saying that? I have not heard that before.

[pomeroy]

Who's going to co-op with me on release? Co-op is the best way to play the story.

FUCK YES. We will pound those damn Locust in their freakholes.

[Telefrog]

Bestbuy's website states that they only have the codes for stores doing the midnight release and the Idaho stores are not on that list. My local Play-n-trade is doing a midnight release but they are not getting the codes. Got a link for Clif saying that? I have not heard that before.

Yeah... I'm not sure where King is getting his info. According to comments on the official Epic forum (http://forums.epicgames.com/showthread.php?t=629838), they are not unlockable through regular play.

Regarding the Gold Lancer:
It's not unlockable. It's DLC that is only available via a code in the LE version of the game.

Regarding the Gold Hammerburst:
Gold Hammerburst will only be unlocked with Midnight Madness codes and no plans are to offer this for DLC. So if you want gold weapons it's the LE for the Lancer and MM codes for Hammerburst (both versions work - LE and standard) with the MM codes.

[Food Nipple]

Yeah... I'm not sure where King is getting his info. According to comments on the official Epic forum (http://forums.epicgames.com/showthread.php?t=629838), they are not unlockable through regular play.


If it's coming out of Joe Graf's mouth, I don't believe it. This is the same guy who told everyone that Gears 1 didn't have a party system because it was against Microsoft's rules (http://gearsforums.epicgames.com/showthread.php?t=552792), and that dedicated servers weren't allowed on 360 either (http://gearsforums.epicgames.com/showpost.php?p=24635424&postcount=30). Maybe he's right this time, but the guy rarely seems to know what's going on with his own game, so I wouldn't take his word on it.

[Iron Past]

I'd like to hear how long it takes to finish the campaign from someone who is a) not a reviewer and b) not getting this from Gamefly. I read one that said he was done in ten hours, but everyone says it's longer than the first, which took me at least a couple hours longer than that. Then again, I usually play through games rather slowly.

[quidmonkey]

The reviews (http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/xbox360/gearsofwar2) are in.

[quidmonkey]

I'd like to hear how long it takes to finish the campaign from someone who is a) not a reviewer and b) not getting this from Gamefly. I read one that said he was done in ten hours, but everyone says it's longer than the first, which took me at least a couple hours longer than that. Then again, I usually play through games rather slowly.

I've played several hours worth of campaign now, and while I don't know how much longer it goes on, I can tell you that the game is much easier than the first. Hardcore GoW2 is comparable to Normal GoW.

[Telefrog]

If it's coming out of Joe Graf's mouth, I don't believe it. This is the same guy who told everyone that Gears 1 didn't have a party system because it was against Microsoft's rules (http://gearsforums.epicgames.com/showthread.php?t=552792), and that dedicated servers weren't allowed on 360 either (http://gearsforums.epicgames.com/showpost.php?p=24635424&postcount=30). Maybe he's right this time, but the guy rarely seems to know what's going on with his own game, so I wouldn't take his word on it.

Check the links in the posted thread. It's not just Joe Graf saying it.

I'm going to say that it's pretty accurate.

[Druxk]

I'd like to hear how long it takes to finish the campaign from someone who is a) not a reviewer and b) not getting this from Gamefly. I read one that said he was done in ten hours, but everyone says it's longer than the first, which took me at least a couple hours longer than that. Then again, I usually play through games rather slowly.

From everything I've heard and read, it is about the same in length. Which is sorta disappointing.

[quidmonkey]

From everything I've heard and read, it is about the same in length. Which is sorta disappointing.

I'm guessing the campaign is longer, but easier, so you die much less, which results in a similar completion time.

[Johan]

This will be the first full-price retail game I buy since CoD4. I'll be getting it on Friday. Can't wait.

[Sandman]

Why isn't it Friday yet?

[Food Nipple]

There's 3 locked multiplayer characters whose unlocks are tied to achievements in Gears 1. Everyone here already probably has them, but in case you don't you might want to get them before Friday.

The three achievements you need are awarded for completing act 1, killing the final boss on hardcore, and collecting 10 COG tags.

[Telefrog]

There's 3 locked multiplayer characters whose unlocks are tied to achievements in Gears 1. Everyone here already probably has them, but in case you don't you might want to get them before Friday.

The three achievements you need are awarded for completing act 1, killing the final boss on hardcore, and collecting 10 COG tags.

Actually, you can get the final boss skin unlock (http://www.shacknews.com/featuredarticle.x?id=1025&page=3) for defeating the game on any difficulty.

[Food Nipple]

Actually, you can get the final boss skin unlock (http://www.shacknews.com/featuredarticle.x?id=1025&page=3) for defeating the game on any difficulty.

The Shacknews story you linked doesn't mention anything either way, but the MTV Mulitplayer (http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2008/11/03/how-to-prep-for-gears-of-war-2/#more-12711) article says it has to be hardcore. Well, to be specific they say it's unlocked if you have the "A Dish Best Served Cold" achievement, which isn't unlocked if you play through on casual.

[National Kato]

I've never completed the game due to RAAM and have sold my copy. Ultimately, I don't give one goddamn about skins.

[quidmonkey]

I've never completed the game due to RAAM and have sold my copy. Ultimately, I don't give one goddamn about skins.

:eek: - You don't like to play Barbie??!?

[Johan]

Ultimately, I don't give one goddamn about skins.

How about two? ;)

[quidmonkey]

How about two? ;)

So that's why you have so many damn kids.

[Sandman]

I don't care about MP skins....I would like to beat Gears 1 soonish though.

[Telefrog]

The Shacknews story you linked doesn't mention anything either way, but the MTV Mulitplayer (http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2008/11/03/how-to-prep-for-gears-of-war-2/#more-12711) article says it has to be hardcore. Well, to be specific they say it's unlocked if you have the "A Dish Best Served Cold" achievement, which isn't unlocked if you play through on casual.

It seems you're right. The official Epic forums back this up as well.

Good thing I don't care about the RAAM skin. :D There's no way I'll ever beat that game on Hardcore.

[Iron Past]

Hey, what the hell? I just checked my achievements for Gears of War, and I have "Soldier" (Complete all acts on Hardcore Difficulty) and the one for finishing Act 5 on Hardcore as well, but not "A Dish Best Served Cold." How is that even possible?

[rinichanraar]

Hey, what the hell? I just checked my achievements for Gears of War, and I have "Soldier" (Complete all acts on Hardcore Difficulty) and the one for finishing Act 5 on Hardcore as well, but not "A Dish Best Served Cold." How is that even possible?

I think something like that happened to me with Halo 3. I can't remember for sure, but I think I've had a similar problem. I don't know what causes it.

[King3567]

Well, reviews are looking good. But then again, I'd be surprised if I saw anything under a 9/10 or A with the way the industry rates things...

[Sandman]

Gah why isn't it Friday?

[King3567]

Gah why isn't it Friday?

At least we got the election to entertain us for a day or two :p

[GigaFuzz]

Annoyingly, apart from a small window on Friday afternoon, I won't be able to play this until Sunday night at the earliest. :(

A LAN party with the Left 4 Dead demo should make up for it though.

[Wedge]

Hey, what the hell? I just checked my achievements for Gears of War, and I have "Soldier" (Complete all acts on Hardcore Difficulty) and the one for finishing Act 5 on Hardcore as well, but not "A Dish Best Served Cold." How is that even possible?

Did you beat RAAM in co-op? Maybe only the player who deals the killing blow gets the achievement? I don't know, just a thought.

[Food Nipple]

Did you beat RAAM in co-op? Maybe only the player who deals the killing blow gets the achievement? I don't know, just a thought.

According to achieve360points, both players should get the achievement when you beat RAAM in co-op.

[King3567]

Hey, what the hell? I just checked my achievements for Gears of War, and I have "Soldier" (Complete all acts on Hardcore Difficulty) and the one for finishing Act 5 on Hardcore as well, but not "A Dish Best Served Cold." How is that even possible?

Try just killing him again. I think this happened to me too. Just try, try, try again!

[Iron Past]

Try just killing him again. I think this happened to me too. Just try, try, try again!

Eh, I never played it co-op, so it just didn't activate, and I traded Gears a month or two ago in anticipation of Gears 2 coming out (to avoid the rush and therefore lower trade price). Not a big deal, really, but why wouldn't they tie it to any of the other two or three achievements you get for beating the game on Hardcore?

Anyway, it's not the first time they didn't activate when they're supposed to, Too Human has some buggy ones and Oblivion was really bad about it my first play through.

[Orca]

Finished the campaign on Monday and I have to say that it impressed me a lot more than I expected it to. They fixed all the issues I had with the first game - repetitive gameplay, lack of a coherent storyline, etc... I like the way they continually shift the gameplay from one type to another so you don't get that 'burnout' feeling, and the game has a solid ending that still leaves questions unanswered and sets up a third game pretty nicely.

Touched Horde mode a little today, but spent most of the day with Smackdown vs Raw (which I was sadly anticipating even more than Gears 2) so that's on tap for tomorrow.

[rinichanraar]

Finished the campaign on Monday and I have to say that it impressed me a lot more than I expected it to. They fixed all the issues I had with the first game - repetitive gameplay, lack of a coherent storyline, etc... I like the way they continually shift the gameplay from one type to another so you don't get that 'burnout' feeling, and the game has a solid ending that still leaves questions unanswered and sets up a third game pretty nicely.

Great news! It's good to hear they made the improvements that you (and many others) were hoping for. I'm even more excited about this now!

[King3567]

Finished the campaign on Monday and I have to say that it impressed me a lot more than I expected it to. They fixed all the issues I had with the first game - repetitive gameplay, lack of a coherent storyline, etc... I like the way they continually shift the gameplay from one type to another so you don't get that 'burnout' feeling, and the game has a solid ending that still leaves questions unanswered and sets up a third game pretty nicely.

Touched Horde mode a little today, but spent most of the day with Smackdown vs Raw (which I was sadly anticipating even more than Gears 2) so that's on tap for tomorrow.

How'd you get it already!?

[Wasson_]

wow 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 90, 90, 90, 90, 90...

...what a joke.

[Telefrog]

wow 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 90, 90, 90, 90, 90...

...what a joke.

Why is it a joke? The last game was awesome and for my money, if Epic kept up the quality, they deserve the high scores.

[King3567]

wow 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 90, 90, 90, 90, 90...

...what a joke.

You forgot the 95's ;)

I enjoy Gears a ton and I feel that (at least the first one) deserved it as I put 200+ hours into it

[Wedge]

How'd you get it already!?

Yarrr?

Also, many stores have it already, and there has been some "legit" leaks.

[Orca]

How'd you get it already!?

I work at a newspaper. I had it a week ago or so, but couldn't really get to it until Friday.

[King3567]

I work at a newspaper. I had it a week ago or so, but couldn't really get to it until Friday.

Nice. You're one lucky bastard ;)

[Orca]

Nice. You're one lucky bastard ;)

I noticed the strangest thing though. Playing Gears of War 2 online 10 days before launch and I get the odd "hey where'd you get the game? Is it cool?" message.

Play Smackdown versus Raw eight days before it releases and it's a flood of friend invites and 'what are the achievements?' 'Is it cool?' 'Can you do [random obscure thing] with [random wrestler]?' messages.

Wrestling fans are HARDCORE.

[King3567]

I noticed the strangest thing though. Playing Gears of War 2 online 10 days before launch and I get the odd "hey where'd you get the game? Is it cool?" message.

Play Smackdown versus Raw eight days before it releases and it's a flood of friend invites and 'what are the achievements?' 'Is it cool?' 'Can you do [random obscure thing] with [random wrestler]?' messages.

Wrestling fans are HARDCORE.

I lol'd. :p

[MalReynolds]

i cant wait for thursday Midnight Aka friday morning : )

[KamaItachi]

Eh, I never played it co-op, so it just didn't activate, and I traded Gears a month or two ago in anticipation of Gears 2 coming out (to avoid the rush and therefore lower trade price). Not a big deal, really, but why wouldn't they tie it to any of the other two or three achievements you get for beating the game on Hardcore?

Anyway, it's not the first time they didn't activate when they're supposed to, Too Human has some buggy ones and Oblivion was really bad about it my first play through.

I remember a few people having an issue with that achievement just after the release of the original. Not sure what people did to get around it. Once on Hardcore is enough for anyone. cheap bastard.

[SilentScreams]

Damn...just as I was planning to never activate XBL again, I watch a few MP videos of this. I wasn't a fan of the original, but this looks half decent.

[Iron Past]

Damn...just as I was planning to never activate XBL again, I watch a few MP videos of this. I wasn't a fan of the original, but this looks half decent.

Psh, just play with bots. That's what I'm doing, but I don't have Live where I live so...

[Narradisall]

Can't wait for this to come Friday. I forsee much co-op campaign in the weekend.

[MalReynolds]

Anyone wanna play friday Coop ? PM me / add me to Live

[SPBTooL]

Here is a Gears 2 weapon test video. No spoilers.
sIzxT0WmI-E
Was it possible to headshot with the torquebow in the first game?

Here is a blind fire test. It looks more accurate.
HSZoLX-Y-DA

[Haemorrhage]

vids

Thank god. Stopping power FTW. This should really help balance shotgun rushing and host advantage.

[SPBTooL]

Thank god. Stopping power FTW. This should really help balance shotgun rushing and host advantage.It seems that the shoty now also shoots at a lower angle when shooting from the hip. With lag this can make it seem as if it is shooting at your feet.
E_UalZTTJZM

[Froghourt]

Thats gonna be hard to adjust to.

[GigaFuzz]

Gears of War in dodgy shotgun netcode shocker!

[Haemorrhage]

It seems that the shoty now also shoots at a lower angle when shooting from the hip. With lag this can make it seem as if it is shooting at your feet.

I wonder if that was intention to try and gimp the shotgun and discourage rushing. That's too bad, I used to be pretty good shooting from the hip with the shotgun. I guess I will have to find a new favorite weapon.

[quidmonkey]

Gears of War in dodgy shotgun netcode shocker!

Now without Halo no-scoping action!

[SPBTooL]

I wonder if that was intention to try and gimp the shotgun and discourage rushing. That's too bad, I used to be pretty good shooting from the hip with the shotgun. I guess I will have to find a new favorite weapon.I think it was done to force aiming at anything other than point blank range. The issue only happens while walking and not when blind firing from cover. It also looks like it may be only the first shot, or a shot after a delay when the model lowers the barrel. At the beginning of the video the first shot is low and then the others are a bit higher.

I wonder is any of the other weapons do this or if they are even consistent for where they all shoot.

[Primus]

I wonder if that was intention to try and gimp the shotgun and discourage rushing. That's too bad, I used to be pretty good shooting from the hip with the shotgun. I guess I will have to find a new favorite weapon.

That's what I hear. If what I read is correct they also made it so when you are running and get shot you are slowed down.

This is music to my ears, as I stopped playing GoW because of how people used the shotgun. It ruined what the game was supposed to be about; stop and pop.

It was just so annoying to have the entire opposing team charging you with their shotguns. The whole cover mechanic became useless.

[Sandman]

http://www.penny-arcade.com/uploads/2008/11/05/gears2.jpg

Hypothetical situation.
Let's say you were to ask the people at 7 Eleven if they "sell videogames." They may answer in the affirmative, and then hand you a stack of games, from which you may choose what you like. They might sell this game to you even if there is a sticker on it that expressly tells them not to do so.
I didn't get the wizard at 7 Eleven, oh no. The wizard is from my private collection.
(CW)TB


I hate Gabe and Tycho right now.

[Haemorrhage]

http://www.penny-arcade.com/uploads/2008/11/05/gears2.jpg

I hate Gabe and Tycho right now.

And they also use the Astro Gaming A40 Headphones. Smart and resourceful.

[rinichanraar]

I hate Gabe and Tycho right now.

Aghhh, me, too. Especially since I think my copy's going to show up late because I preordered from Amazon and didn't get release day delivery. The couple of days everyone has Gears 2 that I don't are going to be torture.

[Sandman]

Aghhh, me, too. Especially since I think my copy's going to show up late because I preordered from Amazon and didn't get release day delivery. The couple of days everyone has Gears 2 that I don't are going to be torture.

Last I checked they still have that as an option.

[rinichanraar]

Last I checked they still have that as an option.

I rarely pre-order games from Amazon... do you have to have Amazon Prime in order to do it?

[Mdot]

Best Buy, Friday during lunch for me. Doubt they'll be sold out.

[Sandman]

I rarely pre-order games from Amazon... do you have to have Amazon Prime in order to do it?

Nope, and it only runs $5 or so for release day delivery.

[SPBTooL]

At 3:03 there is a chainsaw battle that ends in a draw twice. The ink grenades seem to work well too. Plus there is a good reason to learn the proper use of the mortar.
q2PWRuKRpEo&fmt=18

[King3567]

So close...yet so far! Two days!

[drobvice]

They had this in stock at the Target by me today. Anyone else see it?

[Mdot]

I got it! woooooooo

[Sl1pstream]

Amazon shipped my copy today. With some luck, I'll have it this Friday.

[King3567]

You people are lucky. Stores around me NEVER sell stuff early! Damn you, loyal employees!

[Mdot]

I got mine at 7-11

[Mdot]

Ok, I figured I'd post some quick impressions this morning of what I played last night (played co-op via Live with my cousin the whole time). First thing that struck me was how much brighter and colorful Gears 2 is compared to the original. Don't get me wrong, it's not Banjo and Kazooie, but there's definitely a more vibrant and diverse color palette in this one, and IMO, it's a welcome change.

The story and pacing seem much tighter this time around. You constantly know what you're trying to do, story-wise, and the dialogue keeps you immersed in the plot. The new characters fit really well and even in the time I've spent with it (I stopped at the beginning of Chapter 3), you get a good feel for who they are and they stand out on their own.

Gameplay-wise, it's more of the same, but one of the things I personally noticed to be improved was the cover system, in terms of recognized when and where you want to enter it. The SWAT turn also seemed to be a little tweaked, with a greater distance being covered. One thing I wanted to mention too was the variety in gameplay. Objectives, scenarios, and environments change so often that it really feels fresh most of the time.

For the negatives, I still notice a little texture pop in during scene loads and a stutter here and there, but nothing that really effected gameplay at all.

A welcome addition is the "What's Up" menu, which is basically your friends list, but allows you to form parties, send invites, etc. Done before obviously, but still well implemented.

Didn't get to try out any multiplayer yet, but I ran through a few rounds of Horde and I'm looking forward to getting into that more tonight. Seems like it will be alot of fun with 4 other friends.

[SilentScreams]

I'm officially getting this and an XBL subscription for my birthday next week.
This makes me happy.

[SPBTooL]

Tonight is the night! But I may not have the money to get it.
To any that have the game:
What kind of XBL trieal cam in the box? 48 hours or 1 month?
What is the execution for the Hammerburst? I can't find any videos for it.
Can a melee attack interrupt a chainsaw attempt?
Is the blind fire of the hammerburst more accurate than the lancer?
Is the secondary/zoomed aim on the hammerburst comfortable to use?
How many shots after a melee attack with the pistol and hammerburst does it take to down an opponent?
Are two melee attacks still a down?
will a boomshot take out a person with a shield if it lands behind them?
Is the active reload on the hamerburst just more damage?
Does the stopping power have an effect if not running directly at the shooter?
How accurate are the weapons when shooting, especial the hammerburst, from the hip? Do they all shoot the same? There are videos that show that the shoty now shoots low.

[Mdot]

I'll answer what I can, but I only played campaign and alot of your questions seem multiplayer specific (answers in bold):


What kind of XBL trieal cam in the box? 48 hours or 1 month?
I think it was 48 hours, with a code to DL the 5 free maps

What is the execution for the Hammerburst? I can't find any videos for it.
I didn't figure out till I read the manual that there were two kinds, one with B and one with Y, so all I tried was B. Just a simple smash with the gun

Can a melee attack interrupt a chainsaw attempt?
Didn't purposefully do so, but I think it worked by accident

Is the blind fire of the hammerburst more accurate than the lancer?
From what I noticed, yes

[jacob.armitage]

i am quite excited to head to work today, as i shoud be getting this from my distributer today. I can't play it online until the 19th, but still, the single player should be a blast.

[SPBTooL]

I'll answer what I can, but I only played campaign and alot of your questions seem multiplayer specific (answers in bold):Thanks.
I just saw in this video (http://xboxmovies.teamxbox.com/xbox-360-hires/8222/Gridlock-Flashback-Warzone-HD/) that the aiming of the torquebow can be screwed up by getting hit. I hope the same happens for the sniper. The thing I always wanted the hammerburst to be was a kind of sniper harassment weapon. But in the first gears it lost too much of it's damage at lone range and needed a tad more accuracy in it's blind fire. The changes to it in Gears 2 look like it may now be that weapon.

You guys go ahead. I'll cover you.

[Uno Ill Nino]

MoofPack will be all over this thing this weekend. Some of us are doing the midnight thing tonight, but myself and Nick won't be on until tomorrow (Friday). We got ours at Best Buy and are skipping the midnight thing in favor of our free RC Centaur Tank.

Friday night though, we'll be on all night. Saturday, all day. I may break off at some point Saturday night for dinner just to take a break for a couple hours, but the idea is to play for something like 12 hours on Saturday. Hit us up if you're looking for people to play with!

[SPBTooL]

MoofPack will be all over this thing this weekend. Some of us are doing the midnight thing tonight, but myself and Nick won't be on until tomorrow (Friday). We got ours at Best Buy and are skipping the midnight thing in favor of our free RC Centaur Tank.

Friday night though, we'll be on all night. Saturday, all day. I may break off at some point Saturday night for dinner just to take a break for a couple hours, but the idea is to play for something like 12 hours on Saturday. Hit us up if you're looking for people to play with!Some of the Best Buys are still doing the midnight thing and will be giving away the codes for the gold hammerburst. I don't see why you couldn't do the midnight thing and still get the RC tank.

[quidmonkey]

Is the secondary/zoomed aim on the hammerburst comfortable to use?

I've completed the first four acts of co-op campaign, and from my experience, the Hammerburst reminds me of a BR from Halo. The zooms are comparable. It has a fairly small clip as compared to the Lancer, but hits much harder.

[bapenguin]

I've completed the first four acts of co-op campaign, and from my experience, the Hammerburst reminds me of a BR from Halo. The zooms are comparable. It has a fairly small clip as compared to the Lancer, but hits much harder.

You up for some Horde mode tonight? I'm going to be broadcasting it on UStream around 8 Eastern.

[National Kato]

My good friend in Atlanta called me on election night to mandate that we'll be playing co-op campaign Friday night. How could I resist? :D

[quidmonkey]

You up for some Horde mode tonight? I'm going to be broadcasting it on UStream around 8 Eastern.

I'm interested, but I won't be around until later. :(

If for some reason I'm on, though, shoot me an invite.

[Froghourt]

So I got Gears of War 2 earlier than expected.

It's awesome.

I would say more but I don't want to spoil anything. I will say that it does deliver on what was promised, a bigger, better Gears of War. I am at the end of act 3 now and the story is a lot better than in the first game.

I haven't tried mutiplayer yet, though I will get on that tomorrow.

[aVaKus]

I'd be up for some late night/early morning horde and multiplayer. Couldn't find it early so I'll have to wait til midnight. If anyone is interested PM me or my GamerTag is in the sig.

[King3567]

To anyone who has beaten the game, without spoiling it, does it have a lame Halo 2 style ending?

7 hours left!

[MalReynolds]

only 4 1/2 left

[Orca]

To anyone who has beaten the game, without spoiling it, does it have a lame Halo 2 style ending?

7 hours left!

No cliffhanger here. It wraps up the storyline, but leaves some questions for an inevitable sequel.

[Iron Past]

I have yet to see the most important question answered: Does Cole Train 'sing' in the credits again?

[Orca]

That's something nobody wants spoiled.

[rinichanraar]

I have yet to see the most important question answered: Does Cole Train 'sing' in the credits again?

Oh god, do I hope so!

Please, no spoilers about the lyrics though. I don't know if anything can top, "Woo! Bring it on sucka'. This is my kind of shit." ;)

[SPBTooL]

After watching this video (http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/hdvideos/34621/XPlay_Web_Exclusive_Gears_of_War_2__VoiceOver_Sess ions.html) I think it might be Damon Baird this time.

[rinichanraar]

After watching this video (http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/hdvideos/34621/XPlay_Web_Exclusive_Gears_of_War_2__VoiceOver_Sess ions.html) I think it might be Damon Baird this time.

Baird?! Nooo! I hate Baird. And he's totally not cool enough to rap. He will never be as cool as Cole Train. :(

[King3567]

I had a very big smile on my face the first time I heard the cole train rap.

[GigaFuzz]

Ok, for anyone else who has this:
I'm stuck at the beginning of Chapter 3, on the Rigs. I'll spoiler tag it but it's not a big thing.

Once you've taken out the incoming mortars, and have to get rid of the Reaver on the left, I keep dying. I can take out the two guys on the Reaver, but it continues to slam into the side of the rig. Am I missing something? The minigun seems almost useless, overheating too quickly to kill the Reaver...

[yeti]

Just shoot the reaver/guys on it that's all.

I've been playing this all morning and it is incredible, a real, honest to goodness, cinematic experience that is only beaten by one other thing...

Horde mode on GoW2. Most fun I have had online for month's working out a strategy and sticking to it are two diferent things!

Oh, and Baird is the shit! Funniest guy in the game closely followed the the Cole Train.

[GigaFuzz]

Just shoot the reaver/guys on it that's all.

Yeah, I was speaking to BAP while playing some Horde mode, and he said it just comes down to shooting it enough, and that it can take a few tries. I'll give it a try tomorrow.

Edit: As for Horde mode, it's good fun, although our party never got past Wave 6. Maybe we should use teamwork next time.

[yeti]

Any body else finding achievements even more addictive with Epics new reward system? I know I am, I love and hate achievements. Love because when I get a particulariky good one I get a buzz, hate when they make me play a game the way I normally wouldn't.

Anyway, I think Epic have hit upon a stirling idea with this new idea.

[Orca]

Any body else finding achievements even more addictive with Epics new reward system? I know I am, I love and hate achievements. Love because when I get a particulariky good one I get a buzz, hate when they make me play a game the way I normally wouldn't.

Anyway, I think Epic have hit upon a stirling idea with this new idea.

Which new idea - the updates? Valve did it with The Orange Box.

[pomeroy]

Loving it so far. I've been playing co-op with my friend over Live.

Can't wait to play with you freaks.

[yeti]

Which new idea - the updates? Valve did it with The Orange Box.

Never played Orange Box since TF2 never interested me and I've already played all the Half Life 2 I want to on PC. Portal was great tho.

But yeah, the updates, really keeps that ADD hook in :)

[RandoM51]

I picked it up at the midnight sale at best buy in nyc. Tons of swag, got a baseball cap, a watch cap, a t-shirt, a poster, and the gold weapon code. I didn't bother waiting in line to get it signed. It was Cliffy I would have, if only to ask him why he stopped frosting his hair, but it wasn't.

Most people would have went home to play it, I hit my favorite pub instead. I'll be online late this afternoon playing it. :p

[rinichanraar]

I picked it up at the midnight sale at best buy in nyc. Tons of swag, got a baseball cap, a watch cap, a t-shirt, a poster, and the gold weapon code. I didn't bother waiting in line to get it signed. It was Cliffy I would have, if only to ask him why he stopped frosting his hair, but it wasn't.

Most people would have went home to play it, I hit my favorite pub instead. I'll be online late this afternoon playing it. :p

I ended up with an RC tank, the gold Hammerburst, a hat, and a shirt that's three sizes too big.

I played for a few hours but didn't get too far. I should probably be asleep now.

[Virtual Machine]

Got in a bit of Online last night with the old local crew i used to play the first one with before the mechanics and sameness of the gameplay drove me away from the game (shotgun rush's, over and over and over). So far this one seems much less reliant on shotty, and much more Lancer dependent, which i'm all over! Also, Avalanche and that level with the crazy hailstorm are AWESOME.

I was a little let down with the first two single player levels - they had moments of coolness, but overall felt a little meh. The third level on the other hand was pretty damned excellent.

[Norse]

I played a few hours yesterday and the game is as awesome as I thought it would be. I've seen a few posts saying it's Gears 1.5, but it's no more 1.5 than any other sequel out there. The game feels improved in every way IMHO. I love it when the Reavers land just in front of you and starts attacking. EPIC.

[Virtual Machine]

I played a few hours yesterday and the game is as awesome as I thought it would be. I've seen a few posts saying it's Gears 1.5, but it's no more 1.5 than any other sequel out there. The game feels improved in every way IMHO. I love it when the Reavers land just in front of you and starts attacking. EPIC.

I can't see how anyone who's seen the riftworm level could call this Gears 1.5 - Holy. Crap!

[Squidbot]

Wooo! It's on baby! Add Squidbot and come stomp my head :D

[Commissar Rob]

Best Buy has shipped my game...it's on its way. But my nifty collector's edition tank is backordered.

I'm a sad panda. :(

[Squidbot]

Oh man, Cole's arrival is hilarious.

[Mdot]

I love this game even more than yesterday. Stopped at the beginning of Chapter 4. Chapter 3 is so awesome, especially the ending. Played some Horde too. That shit is tough. Just me and my cousin playing on Hardcore. Got to level 10. Ready for more tonight. Hit up the gamertag.

[Karak]

I can't see how anyone who's seen the riftworm level could call this Gears 1.5 - Holy. Crap!

Agreed.
That was a holy shit moment.

[SPBTooL]

I wasn't able to make it to the midnight release so no gold hammerburst for me. :(
I didn't figure out till I read the manual that there were two kinds, one with B and one with Y, so all I tried was B. Just a simple smash with the gunWhat is the attack like. the reason I ask is because some, like the snipers big overhead chop, take the camera away for a second. But I have noticed that the shoty's golf swing is quicker and leaves you in control of the camera.

Hopefully I will find out tonight.

[Mdot]

Agreed.
That was a holy shit moment.

Double agreed. One of my favorite parts so far.

I uploaded some multiplayer pics too.

http://gearsofwar.xbox.com/photogallery/mygallery.htm

[Mdot]

I wasn't able to make it to the midnight release so no gold hammerburst for me. :(
What is the attack like. the reason I ask is because some, like the snipers big overhead chop, take the camera away for a second. But I have noticed that the shoty's golf swing is quicker and leaves you in control of the camera.

Hopefully I will find out tonight.

It's pretty quick if I remember correctly.

And that gold hammerburst is tacky as hell anyway :D I hate seeing that thing in multiplayer.

[SPBTooL]

Fixed that for ya (http://gearsofwar.xbox.com/photogallery/usergallery.htm?ViewType=3&Gamertag=Mdot+twenty3&GTSScope=1)
And that gold hammerburst is tacky as hell anyway :D I hate seeing that thing in multiplayer.Yeah. I started to think that the more videos I've seen.

[Mdot]

Ahh, thanks for fixing the link SPBTool

[EternalGamer]

So is this game released TONIGHT at midnight or was it released yesterday at midnight? I'm wondering if my local Circuit City will have it today. I'm waiting to pick it up there to get the $20 point card.

[Iron Past]

So is this game released TONIGHT at midnight or was it released yesterday at midnight? I'm wondering if my local Circuit City will have it today. I'm waiting to pick it up there to get the $20 point card.

Technically, this morning at midnight. ;)

I'm off to Toys R Us to pick a copy.

EDIT: Well, crap, I was hoping they would have the LE, but they don't. All I really wanted was that bad ass tin case, but maybe I'll win one somewhere.

[SilentScreams]

I was going to try and justify buying this with money I can't really afford to be spending, but I think for once the responsible adult in me will have to come out on top.
Looks like I'm waiting until payday on the 16th for it. Unless I can convince somebody to get it for my birthday on the 13th :)

[Mdot]

Throw your common sense and responsibilities out the window and make it an early birthday present to yourself.

[Sl1pstream]

Anyone playing multiplayer tonight (or in about 1 hour)?

[Squidbot]

The bit on the boat was fricking awesome, right until the crappy boss fight bit.

[diablopath]

Jesus fuck I want this game.

I spent money I didn't have on Resistance 2.
And Fallout 3.
And Fable 2.
And Dead Space.

...Then COD5 is coming.
Then L4D.
Then Prince of Persia.

And I still need to get LBP.

FUCK.
I don't know what to do.

[Purple Santa]

Anyone get the special edition with the chain-saw gun? Mine just arrived...holy shit this thing is sweeeet!

[National Kato]

FUCK.
I don't know what to do.

Sperm. Plasma. You do what you have to! :p

[Sl1pstream]

Horde mode is awesome. Really, really awesome.

[Haemorrhage]

Horde mode is awesome. Really, really awesome.

I second this statement. Those were some intense fire fights.

[Wolvie]

Guess what Gamefly dent me yesterday? That's right, I'll be playing GoW2 maybe as early as Saturday! Hurray!!! :D