Gears of War

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Ever since the first mention of Microsoft’s Xbox 360, we’ve been seeing tech demos of Epic Games’ masterpiece, Gears of War. Now that the game has hit...
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X360

9.4

excellent

CRITICS SCORE

9.4

(110 ratings)

GAMER SCORE

9.3

(44064 ratings)

Game Overview

Ever since the first mention of Microsoft’s Xbox 360, we’ve been seeing tech demos of Epic Games’ masterpiece, Gears of War. Now that the game has hit store shelves, it’s obvious that the hype couldn’t exceed the brilliance that is the Unreal Engine 3.0. In Gears of War, you play as Marcus Fenix, a former war hero wrongly imprisoned by the government and now, the world’s lone hope. Combat the Locust Horde on the dilapidated streets of the planet Sera using a variety of machine guns, pistols, and grenades. Take the fight online in one of five unique multiplayer modes, and tackle the main campaign with a friend using online or split-screen coop.

Game Screenshots

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Expert Reviews

96/100

score

A wicked game of hide-and-seek with high-powered future guns, which delivers one of the most heart-pounding and graphically thrilling experiences of the year. If its exciting campaign doesn't rope you in, chances are the team-based multiplayer will--eithe

95/100

score

Gears of War has easy to grasp gameplay with solid controls and tons of action. Plus, the weapons are great (you just can't beat the chainsaw attached to a gun).

94/100

score

There is a healthy learning curve to the cover system, but those who master it will find Epic's twisting and turning and rolling an exciting change-up in the shooter genre, a blend of fast-arcade action and basic, tactical maneuvering. The Insane difficul

Character Profiles

Marcus Fenix
The main character of Epic Games' 2006 hit Gears of War, Marcus Fenix managed to give gamers around the world exactly what they were looking for: A brutal, gritty adventure. Armed with the general issue equipment of the Coalition of Ordered Governments, it's up to Fenix to make sure that the Locust forces are kept at bay.

Game Features

Engaging, cinematic story: In this epic tale that plays out like a Hollywood blockbuster, lead Marcus Fenix as he pits advanced human technology against the overwhelming Locust Horde.

Fire team co-op: A.I. teammates are indiscernible from human players. Voice recognition and real-time lip synching heighten the immersive experience.

Unprecedented visuals: Unreal Engine 3 technology brings out the smallest details in the largest battle. Experience a rich, dynamic world where characters come to life.

Intense, hyper-realistic combat: The battlefield is a lethal place. To survive, suppress your enemy with blindfire, take cover in interactive environments, or use weapons and teammates to outwit your foes.

Xbox Live action: With the next-generation of Xbox Live, experience individualized matchmaking, view player statistics, earn player achievements, customize games, and build and personalize gamer profiles.

Experience "Good Morning Revival" With Good Charlotte on Xbox Live Punk-pop rockers chosen as February's Xbox Live Artist of the Month.

Game Specs

Audio/Video
HDTV 1080i, HDTV 480p, HDTV 720p

Console Link
System Link 1-8

Memory
1 MB

Modes
Campaign, Co-op 2, Deathmatch, Full Mission Co-Op, Full Mission Single-Player, Online Co-op, Online Deathmatch, Online Team Battle, Simultaneous, Story, Versus

Online Features
Content Download, Leaderboards, Online Multiplayer, Voice

Controller Functions

GAMEPLAY CONTROLS

Directional Pad
Switch Weapons

Left Thumbstick
Move

Right Thumbstick
Look

Click Right Thumbstick
Zoom

A Button
With Left Thumbstick Evade. Enter/Exit Cover. Climb. Cover Slip. Swat Turn. Roadie Run (Hold).

B Button
Melee. Activate Chainsaw Bayonet (Press and Hold). Stick Grenade In Enemy.

X Button
Use. Interact. Pick Up/Swap Weapon. Pick Up Ammo. Man Turret. Kick Open Door. Press Button. Engage Valve. Climb. Revive Fallen Squadmate. Curb Stomp (When Near Enemy In Multiplayer Games).

Y Button
Display Points of Interest.

Left Bumper
Objectives. Squad Status. Orders (Single-Player Mode Only).

Right Bumper
Reload. Quick Reload (Double-Tap).

Left Trigger
Aim

Start Button
Pause

Right Trigger
Shoot. Throw Grenade.

Back Button
Multiplayer Scoreboard

ESRB Game Ratings

This game is Rated: Mature
Content is most suitable for persons ages 17 and up. This game is likely to contain violence and blood, suggestive themes, or strong language.

Content Descriptors:

Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language

Game Info

Platform:	Microsoft Xbox 360
Release Date:	11/7/2006
Publisher:	Microsoft
Developer:	Epic Games
Genre:	Shooter
ESRB Rating:	M
Gamesite:	--

Game Quality Ratings

Overall

9.5

Gameplay

Graphics

9.5

Sound

Concept

9.5

Difficulty: Hard

OVERALL

9.5/10

Recent Customer Reviews

Gears of War

The game has a long story and it is still going on, get the first and join the world in an amazing... story.
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Published 597 days ago by bongo2010

Things that make you go BOOM - Gears of War

There's no reason not to have played this by now, rent it or buy it cheap. Either way, it's... a win-win situation here.
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Published 1284 days ago by Rock_On

Gears of War: A Must Have For Any Proud 360 Owner

Bottom Line: Go get this game now. I've had it for over a year and I still play it today. Minor... flaws in an overall great package
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Published 1318 days ago by ksalavarri

violence and gore take a disk fourm

it is a good game but it is violent gory and mature
Published 1418 days ago by rshepard95