Giant Bomb Video Game News

Video Game News, Stories and Updates for the PS3, XBOX 360, PC, PSP, Wii, and DS


Added by Jeff on Oct. 6, 2008 33 comments
Troika!
Last week Microsoft held an event devoted to letting people play through Gears of War 2. This was one of the first times that people were allowed to play through the game's campaign mode.

In short--because I'm leaving for the airport to head to Tokyo in a few minutes--Gears of War 2's campaign is largely what you'd expect, from a gameplay perspective. The new stuff, like additional weapons or additional maneuvers, is sprinkled throughout, but yes, you're still armed with a lancer at the outset. Yes, the game opens with an optional tutorial. And yes, it's quality stuff.

The game opens with one of the Carmine brothers joining Delta Squad. He's an absolute rookie, so this is how the game handles its tutorial--it's you as Marcus walking around with Dom and taking the rookie through a few basic moves, which is obviously designed to get you back up to speed, as well. From there, the Locust forces launch an assault on the hospital that your forces currently call home. It's here you meet one of the game's new characters, a spiritual, tattooed guy named Tai. From there, you know, you fight the Locust. The main difference I noticed is the one that Epic and Microsoft have been showing off all along--the game takes place on a larger scale than the original did. You might have to go back and play the original game to appreciate the game's differences right off the bat.

That also goes for the game's graphics. Sure, look at screenshots of Gears of War 2, and you might sort of shrug and make some derogatory "Gears 1.5" sort of comment. But when you compare the two games, it's easy to see that Gears 2 is, at times, a dramatic improvement over the original. Along with the size of the areas you're moving through, there has also been a very nice bump in detail all around. The improvements might seem subtle if you haven't touched the original Gears in a while.

Oh, and later in the game? You'll totally get to fly a Reaver. The context is something we're not allowed to talk about, but since the details surrounding it probably qualify as spoilers for the game's story, it's not something I'd want to get into anyway. It's a fun, great-looking sequence.

Then there's the multiplayer... but we can't talk about that until later in the month. Take a look at these new screenshots while I go stuff toiletry items into a bag and run off to Tokyo. We'll definitely have more in the weeks ahead.
Filed under : Gears of War 2, Xbox 360

33 Comments

TrueEnglishGent
on Oct. 6, 2008
sounds good! definatly picking this up! not for the Multiplayer though. Still didn't see what was so great about the online play.

Looks great too!

Bennyishere
on Oct. 6, 2008
Jeff manages to stir emotions of love and excitement inside me yet again.

TheWorstPlayerEver
on Oct. 6, 2008
@ TrueEnglishGent

I agree. I love Gears of War and I am stoked about this one but the multiplayer just isn't fun anymore. It was fun when the game initially came out but after people started farming for achievements and exploited glitches it just wasn't fun anymore

Foil_Charizard
on Oct. 6, 2008
Can't wait for multiplayer impressions. Have fun at TGS Jeff.

dudacles
on Oct. 6, 2008
Awesome.

halfameatball
on Oct. 6, 2008
I want this game so bad. Hopefully we will here more from Jeff soon.

MasterSplinter
on Oct. 6, 2008
@TheWorstPlayerEver

They fixed the glitches, adjusted the achievements, and nerfed the shotgun a bit for Gears 2. I think they tried really hard to make the multiplayer more enjoyable and I'm looking forward to seeing it as well.

Media_Master
on Oct. 6, 2008
hmm....sounds like a worthy sequel

tmontana1004
on Oct. 6, 2008
Flying reaver = instant win. Shooter of the year am confirmed!

giyanks22
on Oct. 6, 2008
Don't forget to pack a tooth brush...can't wait for this...

RHCPfan24
on Oct. 6, 2008
Wow, this is making me anxious to play this more.  I envy you Jeff.

krazy_kyle
on Oct. 6, 2008
PHWAR! love this game, too bad i sold my xbox for a pc but if this is released on pc, im frigggin buyin it

Godzilla_Sushi
on Oct. 6, 2008
So you become a locust to infiltrate the Queen's lair? Come on! We all know it!

Seriously looks like fun. More of the same? Works for me....

My biggest complaint was always the broken multiplayer. Fix that, and you fix most of the game.

majnuker
on Oct. 6, 2008
grrr...want for PC...NAO!!

on a lighter note, i will spending significant time at my friends' houses.

joslop500
on Oct. 6, 2008
Cant wait, Gears 2 FTW!!

Hulk
on Oct. 6, 2008
Hulk want this game NOW.

TomboDemon
on Oct. 6, 2008
I can haz sera burger?

Pibo47
on Oct. 6, 2008
I really want this game....bad......mad crazy bad...

Torb
on Oct. 6, 2008
Glad it's stacking up to be another great game! Hope it matches up to and beyond the first!

KhaldunTrigger
on Oct. 6, 2008
Man I watched the reaver part over at ign and it looks absolutely insane. It's like the speed of the train from Gears 1 except you're flying over and around trees. Hurrah for new technology!



Popular News
Salute: 1UP Acquired By UGO, Downsized; EGM Shuttered
The early days of 2009 are dark ones for Ziff Davis' erstwhile Game Group. Giant Bomb salutes the departed staffers.
Sony Issues Handy Chart, Giant Bomb Issues Handier Chart
Sony makes the case for the PS3's current price by comparing it to the other guys. We say "why stop there?"
Pre-Release Killzone 2 Demo Only For Pre-Orders in US
Yeah, good. Restrict access to the thing that helps you sell games to people who have already purchased it. Great idea.
LittleBigRoll
I don't care if this Internet meme has worn itself out already. I just really like that song.
Sonic the Hedgehog Finally Makes Sense
It's just not for us. I get it now.
Metal Gears of War?
Do the makers of Metal Gear Solid need to shake things up to compete with Western games?
Warning! Caution! Overload! Planned Downtime Tonight!
We're cutting over to some new servers, you might not be able to read this message later tonight.
Ninja Blade Demo: We Cut Some Guys, Watch
When your demo is more QTE than cutting fools, you've got a problem on your hands.
Sony Issues Handy Chart, Giant Bomb Issues Handier Chart
Sony makes the case for the PS3's current price by comparing it to the other guys. We say "why stop there?"
Salute: 1UP Acquired By UGO, Downsized; EGM Shuttered
The early days of 2009 are dark ones for Ziff Davis' erstwhile Game Group. Giant Bomb salutes the departed staffers.
Sonic the Hedgehog Finally Makes Sense
It's just not for us. I get it now.
Pre-Release Killzone 2 Demo Only For Pre-Orders in US
Yeah, good. Restrict access to the thing that helps you sell games to people who have already purchased it. Great idea.
Ninja Blade Demo: We Cut Some Guys, Watch
When your demo is more QTE than cutting fools, you've got a problem on your hands.
1.5M Xbox Live Users Online, Bogging Us Down
Microsoft's online service has hit a new record for concurrent on line users. Is that everything's been so darn slow?
Metal Gears of War?
Do the makers of Metal Gear Solid need to shake things up to compete with Western games?
LittleBigRoll
I don't care if this Internet meme has worn itself out already. I just really like that song.

User Blogs
hush404
The Long Halloween & some Anime
Dalai
The Giant Bomb community living image?
lvl10Wizard
USP: Life Experience Vol: 1
jediskilz173
For reals this time
EightBitWarrior
Update (stuff sold, what i'm playing)
radion_null
HOME team, learn from EA !? ...I surprise myself saying this.
coonce
DEVELOPER DIARY: Small Forum Feature
Pibo47
Ill just list the games of '09 that i want.
c1337us
Has horror survived?
Shini4444
My First Blog Post Has Arrived in Mediocre Fashion!!!