Microsoft exec touts Fenix as hero of Gears of War "trilogy"

Corporate VP of Global Marketing Jeff Bell has spit out some new evidence that suggests Microsoft is banking on Marcus Fenix to be the next Master Chief. Speaking on the much-circulated Gears of War ad, Bell told GameDaily, "The goal of this ad is to establish Marcus Fenix as the hero of the Gears of War trilogy."

Given Gears' open ending, the sequel is a near-guarantee. After that, turning the franchise into a trilogy is simple. Just chop the sequel in half and save the leftovers for Xbox's third incarnation.

So is there room enough in the 'Box for both the Master and Mr. Fenix? Think we'll ever see the franchises cross paths? Heck, they did a Battletoads & Double Dragon -- anything could happen.