So I finally bought Gears 2 today, and sunk the last 3 hours into the multiplayer, and ended up feeling frustrated. Before I get started, I want you to know that I loved the first Gears -probably my favourite 360 game- and actually didn't get myself excited for the sequal, so it's not even like I set my expectations too high. I haven't started the single player, as I'm saving that for Saturday.
I have two issues with the multiplayer. The first being matchmaking. It works great for CoD4, but terrible for Gears 2. Not being able to choose which game to join, which map to play, or even which multiplayer mode to partake in is a nightmare. I don't understand why any would want their game to be essentially chosen for them, especially in a game like Gears where you either love or hate each maps and game modes, respectively. No more giant 18 round games, as you can't choose the amout of rounds either. The whole community feel of Gears has vanished.
This links in with my second issue, not being able to quit. Sure that sounds great, stops anyone leaving just because they're losing or what have you, but one of the great aspects of the first Gears was having the ability to freely join and leave any game of your choice. Now that is no more. It ruins the experience. Even before the game even starts, you can't quit! If you're added to a game and you don't like the game mode or map, even when you're only in the lobby before it's even started, you are stuck with that game until the X amount of rounds are completed. Sure you can turn your console off and on, but that's not practical and it's time consuming. Earlier today I was in a game where it was me against 5 other people before the game even began, and that's exactly the reason why you need to be able to quit.
That should do it, enough moaning from me. It's a great game -basing on the multiplayer alone- but it doesn't equal the first in any way online. It's a real shame. Horde is brilliant thoufh, and I'm sure the single player will be great, and hopefully the multiplayer will grow on me.
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