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10-year anniversary Xbox 360 bundle found on Amazon France
"But wait," you might be thinking. "The original Xbox launched on November 15, 2001. The tenth anniversary was last year, why come out with a 10-year anniversary bundle now? What's the deal? Oh my God, can you hear this? Quit listening to my thoughts! Get out of my head!!"Whoa, chill dude! The American launch was in 2001, but the console's European debut didn't happen until three months later in 2002, hence the 10-year anniversary bundle showing up on Amazon France in 2012. The €280.00 ($375.50) package comes with a 250-gb Xbox 360, two wireless controllers, a boxed copy of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, digital versions of Halo: Reach, Gears of War 2 and Fable 3, as well as a 3-month Xbox Live Gold membership card.The bundle is set to ship on March 9, and while we appreciate the sentiment and everything, we can't help but feel like a 360 reproduction of this might have been a more touching tribute. Make it happen, Microsoft. We'll give you money.
Video: Meet Gears of War 2's Snowblind Map Pack
Here's a first look preview of the chilly Gears of War 2 Snowblind Map Pack DLC, which is set for release this Tuesday, March 31 on Xbox Live Marketplace for 800.Embedded above is over six minutes of Snowblind footage that's guaranteed to satisfy even the hungriest Gears 2 appetite and quench the thirstiest DLC thirst. So, bundle up, grab a cup of hot cocoa and press the play button ... you're about to get Snowblind-ed.%Gallery-48582%
Video: Gears of War 2's new ranking system
With the recent release of Gears of War 2's third title update and the complete overhaul of the game's ranking system, we figured we'd put together a helpful video explaining all the changes. Embedded above is a short (and super sweet) video showcasing the new Gears 2 ranking system, including an explanation of those new pop-up "toast" messages. After giving the footage a watch, roadie-run over to the official Gears of War 2 forums to get informed about what enhancements, bug fixes and improvements title update three has brought us.%Gallery-48480%
NYCC 09: Gears has 'ten-year plan', prequel possible
This weekend, during a NYCC held panel on Gears of War, Gears 2 lead writer Joshua Ortega let slip information on plans to extend the Gears franchise ten years, which may result in an Emergence Day prequel."You will not be disappointed in the next ten years," revealed Ortega when answering a panel question that asked about a future Gears project being a prequel. "It's a ten-year plan. Gears is long-term. The lancer is the new lightsaber." You know, just replace the glow of the saber with a chainsaw and a few bullets, and you have one accurate analogy.While Ortega didn't flat out confirm a Marcus Fenix prequel, his talk of a ten year life cycle makes it all too possible that Gears' storyline would (eventually) have to go into prequel territory. And is it just us, or lately, has talking up ten year life cycles been all the rage?[Via GamePro]
Epic looks to overhaul Gears 2 ranking system with third title update
With the third Gears of War 2 title update in development, Epic's Rod Fergusson just informed us that they're looking to overhaul the game's online ranking system. Instead of showing ranks based on the broken complex TrueSkill system, they want to implement a ranking structure based on cumulative experience. One that rewards players points for every game played."What if, instead of skill rank, we instead showed your experience level," proposes Fergusson. "You would gain experience through your individual performance" adding, that the "higher your score at the end, the more experience you acquire." A system that sounds similar to Call of Duty 4 or even Halo 3. Mr. Fergusson mentions that the max level cap would hover around 99 and achievements could be added to reward ranking progression.Be sure to know that this third title update has no firm release date, nor are the changes Fergusson mentions guaranteed to be included. But if Epic knows what's good for them - and we're sure they do - a new ranking system will be implemented. We support change![Via NeoGAF]
Meet the Gears of War 2 crew at NY Comic Con
For those attending New York Comic Con, which takes place February 6-8th, know that the event will not be without a significant Gears of War 2 presence -- Cliff Bleszinski not included.Dom Santiago voice actor Carlos Ferro, writer Joshua Ortega, writer/consultant Eric Nylund and DC/Wildstorm's Ben Abernathy will all be on hand throughout the weekend, signing autographs, schmoozing it up and hosting a special Saturday Gears 2 panel. If you're all about collectibles, NECA will be showing off the third Gears action figure series, including the too-cool 12" Marcus Fenix light-up figure. Feel free to dress up as your favorite COG / Locust character and be sure to take plenty of pictures with the celebrity Gears crew. We're almost positive they'd love to see your enthusiasm expressed through a homemade costume.
Third Gears 2 title update already being discussed
If the first or even the second Gears of War 2 title updates weren't enough to satisfy your need to patch the Gears experience, then know that a third patch is already in the planning stages. OrtanaIV of the official Epic Games forums put together a comprehensive list of quotes by Epic members who've been discussing features they're working on for the third Gears 2 patch. Among what's being discussed is toning down of the ever popular "two-piece", re-tweaking of smoke grenades, looking into the lag situation and more. Make the jump to read up on what the third title update may offer, but know that the Epic crew has yet to officially confirm a release date or even its existence.[Thanks, Faiz R.]
Gears of War 2: Players' gaming habits get statistical
Gamasutra with data compiled from GamerDNA's 150,000 Xbox Live members have focused their analytical powers on Gears of War 2, gamers' playing habits and how much DLC affects gameplay. Their analysis of the gaming data shows that more gamers (74%) tried the original Gears after the first two months post launch than Gears 2 (43.4%) during the same period. We also learn that DLC has what they call a "diminishing return", meaning that the spike in player activity after DLC releases slowly trickles back to normal levels. Make the jump to view even more Gears 2 stats and figures (including a pie chart!) all while pondering whether or not the recent title update will get you back into the mix or if you've permanently shelved Gears.
Video: Cliff explains the Gears of War 2 update
Last night, G4TV's X-Play had a change to sit down with Epic's Cliff Bleszinski (via satellite, if it matters) to discuss the recent Gears of War 2 title update, the changes it has brought and where Gears 2 is headed. During the interview, Cliff talks about what sources they use to gather feedback about the game, what balancing issues they're addressing and even discusses the Gears 2 movie. Video after the break and know that it's a must watch for Cliff Gears 2 enthusiasts.
New Gears 2 achievements appear on Xbox.com
Probably in preparation for the soon to be released Gears of War 2 title update, Xbox.com has posted an additional seven Gears 2 achievements. The new achievements - which aren't unlockable until the patch releases - add an extra 175 Gamerscore to Gears 2's total and all are targeted toward achievements made in multiplayer on the Flashback and Combustible DLC. Thanks for the achievements Epic, but would it be too much to ask to drop Seriously 2.0's killing requirements to, say ... 10,000? Please? Skeletons in your Closet (20G) - Complete waves 1 through 10 on all Flashback Map Pack maps in Horde (any difficulty) More Mystery, Less History (15G) - Win a multiplayer match on each of the 5 Flashback Map Pack maps (any mode except Wingman) Bound by a Shared Past (15G) - Win a Wingman match on each of the 5 Flashback Map Pack maps Trial by, and on, Fire (20G) - Survive first 10 Horde waves on Combustible Map Pack maps as a team The Roof! The Roof! The Roof... (15G) - Win a multiplayer match on each of the 3 Combustible Map Pack maps (any mode except Wingman) Forged in the Fire (15G) - Win a Wingman match on each of the 3 Combustible Map Pack maps Annex: Now With Execution Rules (75G) - Win an Annex match on each Flashback and Combustible Map Pack map (public matches only) [Thanks, surinder]
Gears of War 2 serves 4 million in two months
Gears of War 2 continues to sell well, so well that Gears 2 global product manager Guy Welch has given us another sales update. To date, Epic's Gears sequel has sold over 4 million copies worldwide since its release in November 2008. How epic! Last time we check, Gears 2 just surpassed the 3 million mark, but with December NPD numbers revealing an additional 745K units and other worldwide sales, Marcus and crew are sitting at a comfortable 4 million. In comparison, the original Gears sold "only" 2 million copies during the same period. That's, like, double the sales pace.
Gears 2 patch detailed, adds new achievements, set for Jan. release
There's no denying it, Gears of War 2's online multiplayer is less then perfect. Ever since Gears 2's launch, the community has been demanding a patch to fix the various (and numerous) game bugs. Finally, Epic Games is speaking out about the patch, what it'll fix and has even informed us that they expect the patch to release sometime this month. Over on the official Epic forums, Epic's Mark Rein detailed exactly what the Gears 2 patch will fix and the enhancements that'll be made once the patch is released. You can view a comprehensive listing of all the fixes that'll be included in the patch after the break. And from what we can tell, the patch should resolve most (if not all) the Gears 2 exploits we've heard about including that dreadful melee through the wall exploit. Oh, we should also mention that the patch will bring some new Gears 2 achievements based on the DLC. How 'bout them apples?
3 months of Xbox Live free with Gears 2 purchase
Just thought you'd like to know that the always deal plentiful Amazon.com is offering a free 3 month Xbox Live subscription card with purchase of a $53.99 copy of Gears of War 2. That's a retail savings of about $20. This Gears 2 and free Xbox Live bundle offer is valid through January 13th, so be sure to decide on a purchase within' the next week or so. Some of us around Fanboy Towers think Gears 2 is Game of the Year worthy and highly recommend a purchase. Just saying ...[Thanks, Daniel]
Even with new DLC, Gears 2 struggles on Live
If we were to tell you that Gears of War 2 wasn't the most played Xbox Live game last week, it wouldn't be all that surprising or all that newsworthy seeing that it has failed to knock Halo 3 from the top spot for the past few weeks. What is newsworthy is the fact that Gears 2 has maintained last week's disappointing title of being the number four most played game on Live, even with new Combustible DLC releasing. Ouch.You can view the complete listing of the top Xbox Live games (including XBLA and Community Games) after the jump. You'll notice that Halo 3 is still maintaining its "I'm the coolest game on Xbox Live" crown and both Call of Duty games are still holding strong at second and third place. It also looks like last week's Holiday Deal of the Week helped push Bomberman LIVE into the top five.
Video: Santa gets Gears chainsawdomized
What are the holidays without some bloody chainsaw Gears of War fun? Answer: nothing worth your time. So, we bring you XYBA Podcast's short and bloody good Gears of War X-mas video that comes complete with a creepy-innocent girl, some very delicious looking Gears of War cookies and a gift giving Santa pleading not to get ... well, chainsawed. The vid is probably NSFW, but is totally worth the click. Maybe Santa will think twice about eating the cookies.
Video: Gears of War 2 grenade tags and melees ... through walls?
Here's a video that'll cause even more "give us a darn Gears 2 game patch Epic!" demands, one that shows off a newly found multiplayer game bug that just shouldn't have made it through play testing.Seemingly, anywhere a wall can be accessed from both sides, players are able to not only melee another player through the wall, but also stick them with a grenade. We're pointing this out because it's actually a BIG and annoying bug rather then a user exploit or glitch. It's in the game and just shouldn't be. Please, "give us a darn Gears 2 patch Epic!"[Via NeoGAF]
Gears 2 slips further down the Xbox Live charts
Marcus Fenix and crew aren't going to be happy to hear this; Gears of War 2 has slipped even further down the most played games on Xbox Live charts. Gulp ... For the week of December 8th, Halo 3 has again claimed the number one spot, followed by World at War, CoD4 then Gears 2. Yes sir, a fourth place spot for team Epic. There is a chance Gears 2 could climb the ranks heading into next week with the release of the new Combustible DLC. Then again, with all the controversy surrounding its timing and price, we wouldn't bet on it. As far as Arcade titles go, Street Fighter 2 remains top dog, followed by A Kingdom for Keflings, Banjo-Kazooie, then everyone's favorite, UNO.Sorry Marcus, just be sure to keep your manly chin up. Aight?
Video: A look at Gears 2's Combustible maps
The new Combustible Map Pack Gears of War 2 content has been available for about a day or so and we figure that those who are Gears obsessed (ahem) already purchased the content. Then there are those who are still sitting on the fence, trying to decide if their 800 Microsoft points would be better suited for other content or if the Combustible DLC is a sound purchase.We don't want to pressure you either way, but feel video footage is the best way to make an educated purchasing decision. Watch gameplay footage of all three Gears 2 maps including Flood (above), Fuel Station and Gold Rush (watchable after the break), then decide. Have fun critiquing.
Gears 2 Combustible DLC now available
Ninja announced late last night was new Gears of War 2 downloadable content that's ever so explosively named the Combustible Map Pack. We're here to tell you that it's now available for purchase via the Live Marketplace.For 800 Microsoft points (queue controversy) and a curiously minimal 79MB of hard drive space, the Gears 2 Combustible Map Pack will add three new multiplayer maps (outlined below) that are sure to make your COG vs. Locust battles six times more enjoyable. We'll post DLC assets when they become available. Screenshots added. Flood - "Features a rising flow of Imulsion that drives the fight into close quarters." Gold Rush - "Infiltrate an Imulsion factory, where multiple levels and volatile materials guarantee memorable encounters." Fuel Station - "Delivers a dangerous battle around an abandoned refueling facility." %Gallery-39357%[Via Major Nelson]
VGA 08: Gears of War 2 Combustible Map Pack
Moments ago, on the Spike VGA stage, Gears' lovable Augustus Cole announced the new Gears of War 2 Combustible Map Pack downloadable content. And, just as was rumored, it'll be releasing in a few hours, at 3AM eastern on Monday, December 15th. The Combustible Map Pack will include three new multiplayer maps. "Flood" is the imulsion map that was leaked weeks back and will feature imulsion as an environmental hazard. "Gold Rush" will also be included, a map that was released as part of Gears PC. The third map, "Fuel Station" looks to have been inspired by Gears favorite Fuel Depot, but is not a straight remake. More details still to come (including pretty screenshots) and, per a reliable source, we've been informed the Combustible DLC will set you back a hefty 800 Microsoft points.
