It is too early to complete a review therefore I will provide some impressions. As expected the game is very polished from a visual prospective. Totally stunning. The shadowing, lighting, reflections, textures, are all excellent. The Unreal 3 engine is truly a powerful next generation engine. The level of detail is staggering to say the least.

The game play is VERY different. This NOT Halo or Rainbow or Unreal or COD. This game is Gears of War. The game is very unique as you must think about the situation you are in and act appropriately. Like in the REAL WORLD, the use of cover is necessary. Using cover in the game is easy as it is only bound to one button, A. You can get behind just about anything. Being accurate is very important in this game. Aiming for the head is nearly a must to quickly kill your foes, and then still takes many well places shots. Try the run and gun, and you will DIE, real QUICK. After settling in with the game play, it is awesome and also HARD. I am playing on Hardcore, the other option is Casual. Once you beat Hardcore you unlock Insane mode. Overall, this game is a unique experience for anyone with an open mind. If you are purely a Halo/COD kind of person, you may find this game frustrating.

Multi-player is pure FUN. I have only played Warzone mode but it is a blast. You must work as a team and the same mechanics from single player are available in multi-player including the chainsaw and the ability to revive your fallen teammate. I like the mode a lot already (which is why I am writing this at 6:10am)..

More impressions later..


Update 11/08/2006 8:47 PM - Co-op impressions

Co-op play is GEARS is SICK.. This game was built for LIVE co-op and it becomes very evident once you play. Even with two players on the hardcore setting the game is a big challenge. The ability to work together, formulate strategies, revive each is absolutely unparalleled. Many times during the game today, my co-op partner and I used the chainsaw on the same dude at the exact same time. It was totally AWESOME to say the least. "It is good to play to together" as the XBOX slogan goes.

Update 11/13/2006 8:52 AM - Finished game on Hardcore setting

On Saturday I finished the game on Hardcore and now I am sad as the game is awesome. Co-op will help to keep the game fresh as it is a blast to play with friend. Spent about 20+ hours on the hardcore settting. I have now started on the insane setting. I will post the review of the game in the next day or two. I feel it is important to finish some games prior to review (not all games) and GEARS is one of them.

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"True adaptability involves changing ones self to meet ones environment, not changing ones environment to meet ones needs" - Species8472

AMASING IMPRESSIONS! The first time you run into a beserker I want to know how awsome it was. (Beserkers are tall, scary, hairy Locust) Im a Halo/COD kind of guy but I am also a SPlinter Cell kindof guy (which means i have ALOT of patenice and accuracy) And as i see it, Gears is the intenseness of Halo/ COD with the percision of SC mixed with breath taking graphics and super cover system and cool baddies. (Thats my impressions from watching hours of videos)

Actually I am right at my first Beserker.. It is crazy or insane I should.. It crashes thru everything...

Late..

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"True adaptability involves changing ones self to meet ones environment, not changing ones environment to meet ones needs" - Species8472

Yea, one of my friends was telling me about his first time. He said it would crash through doors and stuff. It sounds sooooo amasing.

got my gears today and i must say this is one amazing game. Graphics are the best i have seen yet on the 360, been playing for hours..time just fly by when playing this game

I think im the only person on my friends list that doesnt have Gears. (Well my friend doesnt also but he getting it for his birthday)

The co-op in Gears is amazing from a technical, visual, and gameplay perspective. It runs so well it makes you wonder why there aren't already more games like this. I can't wait to beat Hardcore and start tackling Insane with a friend. =)

I wish I had it. But sadly years ago my wife made me stop buying stuff starting the 1st of Nov. due to the fact that when Christmas came every year I already had everything I wanted as I was just buying everything I wanted.

So here's hoping it shows up under the Christmas tree, if now...then I'll have it day after Christmas.

Thats also why i cant buy Gears and im trying to win it.

So how'd your Christmas wish turn out? I'm still waiting for a 360 price drop (which may be a while due to the 65nm delay). I'm sure it will be pretty cheap by then.