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| Gears of War 2 | 
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| From: Microsoft
Category: Video Games
List Price: $59.99
Buy New: $49.44
You Save: $10.55 (18%)
Buy New/Used from $45.99
Avg. Customer Rating:  (76 reviews)
Sales Rank: 14
Platform: Xbox 360
ESRB: Mature
Media: Video Game
Edition: Standard
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Batteries Included: No
Age: 17 - 20 years
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2
Dimensions (in): 0.1 x 0.1 x 0
MPN: C3U-00001
Model: C3U-00001
UPC: 882224691635
EAN: 0882224691635
ASIN: B000ZK9QD2
Release Date: November 7, 2008 (New: Last 30 Days)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | Award-winning sequel picks up six months after the events of the blockbuster original | | • | Innovative third-person tactical action gameplay; Xbox LIVE delivers online multiplayer (up to 10 simultaneous players) and cooperative action | | • | Unreal Engine 3 delivers jaw-dropping graphics; new effects include ambient occlusion, dynamic shadows, advanced destructible environments, and more | | • | Winner of several awards at E3 2008, including Overall Best Shooting Game, Overall Best Graphics Technology, and Best Action Game | | • | Original cast of characters returns, including Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago, as well as several newcomers |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
The gears of war continue to turn as Marcus Fenix and his squad of Cogs go back into action. Gears of War 2 continues the story of Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad, locked in an increasingly desperate battle against the nightmarish Locust Horde for the survival of humanity. It is an epic saga of survival, loss, and retribution. Gears of War 2 raises the bar with the amazing technological advances of Unreal Engine 3, delivering a bigger, badder, and more intense experience.
Party system and skill-based online matchmaking - form a full or partial team with friends and continue together from match to match without the need to reform after each game. A skill-based online matchmaking system groups players of similar skill level together in competitive multiplayer matches
Amazon.com Product Description
The wait is over, Gears of War 2 has arrived. Ever since the original was released, fans have clamored for this sequel. Developed exclusively for the Xbox 360 by Epic Games, Gears of War 2, which has already garnered several awards, picks up six months after the events of the blockbuster original Gears of War. Players are thrown back into the role of Marcus Fenix, leading the battle for humankind's survival against the Locust Horde. With innovative third-person tactical action gameplay and unsurpassed high-definition graphics, Gears of War 2 is a must-have game for the Xbox 360.  | Gears of War 2
Players:
Offline: 1-4
Online: 10
Gameplay Modes:
Single player, competitive multiplayer, cooperative multiplayer, system link multiplayer, online multiplayer with voice support.
Format:
16:9 Widescreen on HDTV 480p, 720p, and 1080i. |  | | 
Gears of War 2 offers stunningly realistic, vast environments to play in. View larger. | 
The enemies in Gear of War 2 are huge and downright nasty. View larger. | Huge Environments, Bigger Gameplay
For those who loved Gears of War, Gears of War 2 builds upon it in every way, but with several major enhancements. There are more weapons, bigger vehicles, and more action. The enemies are more dangerous, and the total experiences is more immersive than ever. And with a revolutionary tactical combat system, the game will require not just fast reaction times and shooting skill, it will also challenge you to devise a strategy that will work against the enemies who exhibit smart AI. Jaw-Dropping, Realistic Graphics
Just as Gears of War did the first time around, Gears of War 2 ups the ante for graphical prowess. Combined with the sweeping vistas and evocative locales of Sera, where the story takes place, Gears of War 2 offers jaw-dropping graphics that are made possible through advances in Unreal Engine 3. New visual effects include ambient occlusion, dynamic shadows, improved character lighting, the ability to render hundreds of on-screen characters simultaneously, improved water physics, additional blood and bullet decals, advanced destructible environments, new weather effects, and the introduction of fluid objects. Immersive, Gripping Story
Taking place six months after the end of the first game, Gears of War 2 returns the cast of characters of the original, including Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago, as well as several newcomers. Novelist and comic book writer Joshua Ortega, who assisted with the writing, has created a story that is big on character development and personality. With a new in-game conversational camera system and multiple story arcs, the story is presented in a gripping cinematic style where characters gain an emotional depth that matches their realistic graphical representation. More Characters, Upgraded Vehicles, Badder Weapons
Those who were impressed by the original Gears of War will be in for a real treat. New characters such as Tai Kaliso, weapons like the burst pistol, and huge vehicles like the COG Centaur tank will give players a whole new dimension and scope of gameplay in both single-player and multi-player modes.
  
Multiplayer Action with Xbox LIVE!
Gears of War 2 features a multiplayer mode that allows up to 10 simultaneous players for outstanding multiplayer fun. Taking full advantage of the Xbox LIVE service, which boasts 10 million gamers, Gears of War 2 features both competitive and cooperative multiplayer gameplay. Setting up games is simple with LIVE, and you have the ability to drop in and out of co-operative campaigns at any time. Everything you loved about multiplayer in the original is back, including the classic death matches, but with this sequel there is an added emphasis on teamwork. New multiplayer game modes will require better coordination in order to win. The game also features voice support, so you can communicate with other players around the world -- whether you're on the same team or trash talking! Gears of War 2 won several awards at E3 2008, where it was first presented, including Overall Best Shooting Game and Overall Best Graphics Technology of E3 2008 from IGN, as well as Best Action Game of E3 2008 from the Game Critics Awards.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 71 more reviews...
 A refined, honed Gears of War experience November 22, 2008
0 out of 3 found this review helpful
Quick overview: Gears of War 2 is, obviously, the second in a series of third person cover based shooters. The events in Gears of War take place in the future when an apparent maligned race of underground dwellers are trying to wipe out humanity and dominate Earth. Your character, a rather salty and grizzled war veteran, works with a small group of other similar characters to tear up the battlefield and ultimately save humanity. The setting is dark, gory, and action packed. Gears of War 2 seems to take place immediately after the events of Gears of War and while not knowing the context of the story won't really be a disadvantage, I would recommend starting with the original so you know the time line and can experience the story as it was intended to be told. Gears of War may be a shooter, but it does have an epic back story that is enjoyable.
For fans of the genre, Gears of War 2 definitely delivers. This time around there is a bit more variety in the levels in regards to vehicles and gunride missions. There are even a few parts that are almost platformy -- dodge this, run here, tag this place in time, etc. The dialog is just as bad as the first one, but it is so bad it is entertaining -- like a campy B rated horror movie. There is even a very out of place sorta-ish Love subplot... although it is rather painful to endure.
While they've added a bit wider of a variety of level play styles, I'll say the standard combat scenarios we've come to welcome in Gear of War have gotten even better. They've really opened up the battlefield making use of the 360 degree style of combat the game is known for. Flanking, alternative elevations, dynamic battlefields, and destroyable cover are some of the new factors now evident in the game. Where Gears of War felt like a corridor with obstacles in a lot of cases, Gears of War 2 really does open the battlefield up a majority of the time. The addition of new weapons just brings the maelstrom to a crescendo -- tweaks/adjustments on the existing weapons, the addition of new weapons, the addition of new "heavy" style weapons, and even a shield that you can plant as mobile cover. Sometimes it is hard to decide what to pick up because all of them are so fun. Speaking of mobile cover: using a downed enemy as a meat shield is something no Gears of War fan should ever miss out on.
Being able to crawl away while wounded is another entertaining addition to combat -- nothing like being peeled by something and frantically wailing on the A button while you watch your broken character bleed his way to cover in hopes of being revived. The cover entrance and exit dynamics feel different and definitely work smoother. Weapons have stopping power which really makes a difference when an enemy is charging you, as well as it makes it more difficult for you to barrel into fire headlong.
The co-op play is fantastic and I highly recommend experiencing the game like that. It adds another fantastic dimension to the game to play with a live partner as you work together to tear up the Locust. There is a deep satisfaction in watching your partner, on the other side of the battlefield, hop over cover and run, chainsaw first, at some unsuspecting Locust Drone -- only to see the Drone get chainsawed, groin up, from behind, in a mesmerizing spatter of intestinal gore.
I haven't had a chance to spend much time in the multi-player arena. I buy GoW games for the single player and co-op stuff. What I have played of the MP stuff seems vastly improved, but it is too early to tell, for me at least, if it will degenerate into a roadie-run and melee-smash/shotgun-blast fast like the first one did. You get the opportunity to play against bots to check out the various game modes and for me that was a bonus. That feature gives you a chance to get familiar with the game styles before you head out into the "real world" and get your face handed to you. Lastly, there is an additional game mode, "Horde" which pits you (and your friends, if you'd like) against ever increasing waves of baddies. I would recommend anyone who can try this mode out with their friends at least once. It is a blast.
Ultimately, the creators of Gears of War 2 did right by the game and the series. They've refined, smoothed out, and honed the Gears of War experience. Gears of War 2 is what, at least I think, everyone who played Gears of War was hoping the original would be.
 Ban This Game! November 22, 2008
5 out of 15 found this review helpful
"Gears of War 2" is yet another disgusting entry in the sick world of gory video gaming. Some M games, like Call of Duty 4 and the SOCOM series, are violent because they portray war realistically. Others, such as this game, Call of Duty 5, and Left 4 Dead are extremely graphic and for no good reason! It's one thing to play a realistic war game in which you fight as a soldier in a real conflict, but it's quite another to play as some future warrior against monsters! Game like this disgust me! It's sick to see how many young children play M games and their parents look on! Sickening!
 Same Old Game. Not Much New Here November 22, 2008
3 out of 5 found this review helpful
To tell you the truth I feel bad for buying this game. I put it in and wasn't "Feelin' It". It's the same mechanics with different (albiet better looking) graphics and boards. I guess I'm just not that into it. It can't be the post apocalyptic stuff because Fallout 3 is awesome and much more interesting... yeah, I know it's not the same genre... but if you want to get a holiday game go for Fallout 3.
I should have waited for the game to be $30. $30 dollars for Gears okay... $60... too much. Bleh. There are so many better things to do with my time. I'd rather read a book than play this sameoldsameold.
Same Old Mistakes + more November 21, 2008
9 out of 16 found this review helpful
I would like to start off by saying Gears of War is by far one of my favorite multiplayer games of all time. That being said it has always been plagued by unforgivable bugs that cause me great pain when i think of all the fun that could have been had with this game.
Multiplayer...
Number ONE:
Matchmaking issues that should have been fixed were exacerbated by the inclusion of teams of 5 players and a ranking system. This game by far has one of the worst matchmaking systems i have ever used. Why should you have to wait for 5 minutes while a full game is created? Well because for some odd reason you are unable to join a match in progress. If they would have just copied the normal matchmaking style where you continuously fight with the same people until they get tired of it or you get tired of it, and rounds just keep rotating through, the jump in jump out model of matchmaking would have worked perfectly. Really all the problems that plague matchmaking in Gears has to do with the fact that you can't jump into a match that is already in progress: unfair teams (3 v 5), long waits to play, having to wait after every match, etc.
Number TWO:
Superweapons (boomshot, torque, hammer, and mortar) cause matches to be repetitive and one-sided. I understand that this will always happen in all mutliplayer games with pickups. The battles tend to focus on the uberweapons and then when one group gets the weapon the match is pretty much over unless the other team has some great players. For maps with a boomshot it is always the same thing over and over again, go for the boomshot and win the match. The other weapons don't affect the tide of battle as much but still cause the battle to center around them which gets very repetitive.
Number THREE:
The problems with the chainsaw are not new but some things were fixed while new problems arose. The biggest issue which really... really needs to be fixed is that there is no timer on revving your chainsaw after you get hit. You can just run through a shotgun blast and then latch on to your target with the chainsaw. It doesn't even stagger them to get hit with a bullet, so if you have any other gun out but the lancer your screwed... seeing as how it is the only automatic weapon.
...fix these three issues and I will be happy. Number 2 would require the addition of a new game mode or a choice for players before the match starts for no special pickups, just ammo.
Singleplayer...
Number ONE:
I have gotten stuck 3 times already: once in multiplayer and twice in singleplayer. It only bothered me in singleplayer because I was of the way through a boss battle when it happened the second time and had to start all over. And what puzzled me about where I got stuck was that it was on flat ground.
Number TWO:
Tank and rail portions of the game. It is great that they want to break up the monotony of the game by adding a tank level and a few rail shooting parts but come on. The tank level was the hardest part of the game... and not hard in a "My strategy needs a little fine tuning hard"... it was hard in the way where you throw your controller and turn off the game. This is due to bad design. It is never ok to cause the player to go up against something that is a one shot kill and can't be predicted. This gets even worse because if you make one mistake you die and have to start back further than where you died (ICE anyone?). Something like the tank and rail portions of the game should only serve as light interludes to the normal Gears gameplay not nuisances that remove the fun and replace it with frustration.
Note:
Most of these negatives are inexcusable because this is a sequel that uses the exact same engine. They added a few features; but other than that it is the same game. It is hard to believe that any good designer could have labeled these flaws as acceptable or that any tester worth his weight would let them go unnoticed. It is equally as hard to believe that it took 2 years to make this game with the pittance of new features and the minuscule length of the story.
Positives...
Great story.
Great gameplay.
Solid multiplayer (once you get passed the gatekeeper).
 Striving to make part 2 "cinematic" killed the game's flow. Better to rent than buy--zero "replayability" November 20, 2008
7 out of 11 found this review helpful
Gears of War 2 is a tremendous letdown. What made the original such a landmark game was the "flow" of the gaming experience. You battled your way through multiple battlefields, always feeling fully immersed in the battle at hand. Part 2 loses almost all of this flow, sacrificing it for what the developers tout as a "cinematic experience." Yeah, it's cinematic all right--it's almost nothing but cutscene after flipping cutscene. And the flow of the game has been slain. It's dead. Gone. In Gears 2 you spend a great amount of time trapped in constrained environments--whether on a gunboat or trapped atop a large land vehicle. This takes almost all the freedom and fun out of the gaming experience. You even have to spend a whole level steering a tank! Haven't game developers learned by now that vehicles in first-person shooters are ALWAYS BORING?!! In the end Part 2 might be more "cinematic," but the result is that it also has virtually zero "replayability." This means you'd be better off renting the game than buying it. One of the most awesome things about Part 1 was how many times you could play it without it getting old. My wife and I have beaten Part 1 many, many times. We will never play Part 2 a second time. If they wanted it to be a movie, they should have made a computer-generated movie instead--because they totally forgot to make a game. Developers' attempts to make Part 2 more "story driven" resulted in a game that is too bogged down by subplots. The resolution of Dom's quest for his wife is truly sad, but getting their is a big distraction from gameplay. Sadly, the only part of Gears 2 that even begins to hold a candle to the frenzied and fun gameplay of the original is the last level of the game! On a sidenote: little Dom and Marcus venturing into the Hive by themselves reminded me a little too much of Frodo and Sam trekking into Mordor.
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