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(More customer reviews)I'm reviewing the collectors version (limited edition), so my review is based more on this, than the actual game.
I bought Gears of War Limited edition when it first came out (1), it was nice, came in a tin, and was really something special. With other collectors editions that have come out since, The original gears still fares pretty well in comparison.
Gears 2 (as with everything related to this game) is bigger, and better.
This has some of the coolest packaging I have seen thus far.
When you pick up this game, you will first be impressed by the sheer weight, this sucker is heavy. When you remove the slipcase your greeted to a box holding the items, when you take them out, you get the artbook (which comes with a picture --the picture you see in the game of doms wife--) and the game case.
Now, I have to say, I wasn't impressed with this artbook. I do some 3d work, and love Epic games more than anything. But this artbook is very weak. It was a big letdown for me. There is a book you can buy which features the art from 1, so beautifully, I treasure it and display it proudly on my desk. D'ARTISTE CHARACTER MODELING 2 If your a fan, and also enjoy making games, I highly recommend it. It is high priced, and not currently for sale here, but the printing and everything is very high quality.
The picture that is included is very low quality too. I guess it looks the same as it does in the game, but why bother?
On to the good stuff.
After you look at the artbook you see a nice shiny case housing your gears of war 2 dvds. This case is very similar to the halo 2 collectors edition case, and I love it. Even if this game (LE) had nothing else going for it, the case alone is worth the extra price for me. Rarely does a case give off such a cool and impressive vibe, as this one case does!
You also have a bonus disc inside, which has some interesting features on it (similar to the bonus disc from Gears 1)
You also get a golden lancer (not a big deal, its only a golden lancer).
All in all, considering the price is 10 dollars more than the standard. I highly recommend it.
This is a wonderful game. How the graphics can be improved so greatly is beyond me. Gears 1 is still a beautiful game, a game I love replaying. Gears 2 is much much better. Some of the gameplay is harder, the level designs are "epic", and the graphics and lighting, wow, the graphics and lighting, they take your breathe away.
I played the campaign all the way through twice now. And I can honestly say, its the best behind the back third person shooter of the year.
The online multiplayer is addictive, and very strategy based. You cant just run out and start blasting, if you do, you will die. COD this is not. This is more akin to counterstrike, because when you die, you are dead. You do not come back until the next round. The game also encourages you to stick with your teammates so that you can revive each other and stick around longer.
The AI is not cheap, your teammates are sometimes ignored in favor of the badguys going after you, but it is no where near as bad as Resistance 2 for the ps3. All in all this is a good game, and the Limited Edition only enhances that.
By far, the coolest mode for this game is horde mode. On this mode, you and some buddies can go crazy taking on "hordes" of baddies on a level by level basis. If you have played some fighting games before, its like a survival mode. You keep going as long as you can, you have to stick together, and play this very strategically. The multiplayer in this game will not get old. It is so good, and encourages you to replay the game countless times.
I must warn you. DO NOT BUY THIS GAME USED. If you buy gears used, you will not get access to the flashback maps, which are 5 maps redone using the new engine. You get these free when you buy the game new (and the codes are not used). So be careful and take notice.
This game is easily worth the price of admission, and if you look at the current price of gears 1, used or new, you will see that the price did not get much below 30 dollars on the used marketplace (standard version), the collectors edition still holds its value today. It is worth your investment to get it new, there is no need to hold off on buying it.
I encourage parents to NOT buy this game used, as your loved ones will be unable to experience the game to its fullest potential. And again, the Limited edition IS a worthwhile upgrade.
Also, if you have not yet, I recommend playing Gears 1 again, the achievements you unlock on 1, relate to what characters you can unlock on gears 2 for online play. Specifically, you want to beat the game on hardcore mode, so you can get RAAM on multiplayer. If not, at least play normal, and you can unlock everybody but RAAM.
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Gears of War 2The 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. In addition to innovative third-person tactical action gameplay and unsurpassed high-definition graphics, this Limited Edition version Gears of War 2 includes several collectible extras that make it a must-have game for the Xbox 360.
Sequel to the Blockbuster Original, With Collectible Extras Developed exclusively for the Xbox 360, 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.
This limited edition version features several extras, including a Collectible SteelBook DVD case, "Beneath the Surface: An Inside Look at Gears of War 2," a 48-page hardbound book with exclusive art and a foreword by Design Director Cliff Bleszinski, and a DVD with making-of-the-game footage as well as artwork and commentary. You also get an exclusive gold-plated Lancer Assault Rifle that you can use during online play.
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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