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PSA: Gears 2 Snowblind Map Pack out now
click to enlarge Locusts and gentlemen, COGs and girls, the Gears of War 2 Snowblind Map Pack is now available. The pack contains four new maps: Grindyard, Under Hill, Courtyard and a remake of Fuel Depot from the first Gears. If you'd like to make some red snow in online multiplayer -- or mow down Locust scum in Horde mode -- the maps will set you back 800. For those who'd prefer not to make a blind purchase (get it?), you can check out lots of screens in the gallery below. Even better, watch Joystiq Xbox's hands-on preview video after the break.%Gallery-48582%
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%
Get Snowblind-ed with Gears of War 2 DLC media
Click to embiggen. Was Gears of War 2 not big enough for you? Did Combustible barely make a dent in your craving for more Gears? Well, Epic certainly hopes so. Snowblind, the next DLC pack for Gears of War 2 will be available in just a few days: March 31st. For 800 ($10), the Snowblind Map Pack will add four new maps: Grindyard, Under Hill, Courtyard and Fuel Depot.Check out brand new screenshots in our gallery, and check out a video of the new maps after the break.%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%
Rumor: Gears of War 2 'Dark Corners' DLC to be revealed this week
Oil up that Lancer, Gears of War 2 fans, because we've got a juicy rumor you'll want to dig your chainsaw into. One very thorough user over at the Gears of War forum deduced via Geoff Keighley's Twitter and an alleged Asian product page (pictured) that the Gears 2 DLC train won't make its final stop at Snowblind. It appears the train will keep chugging along to its next stop, "Dark Corners," which may be announced during GDC09 this week.The above image says that 'Dark Corners' will be arriving in April some time, after Snowblind, but that's really all we have to go on right now. We'll be sure to update as soon as we have more information.
Epic details next Gears 2 update, Snowblind to cost 800 MS Points
If Epic is looking to win back lost Gears of War 2 players, then it's going about it the right way. The company has released the laundry list of changes coming in Title Update 3, and we have to say a majority of them look nice on paper, but we'll have to wait and see if they can be properly executed before we pass judgment. Find the full list after the break.Epic isn't stopping there, as the development studio also dropped information on something else Gears fans have been waiting for: a price for the new Snowblind map pack. As expected, it will cost you a cool 800 ($10) when it releases on March 31, just as the Combustible maps did. [Via Major Nelson]
Xbox.com reveals more Gears of War 2 Achievements
With Gears of War 2 set to receive a big update that adds the Snowblind map pack and the experience-based ranking system later this month, many have been anxious for Epic to flip the switch already. Well, one of our more sly readers turned us on to the game's listing at Xbox.com (we've linked to Xbox360Achievements.org, because it's easier), which shows off several new achievements dealing with the new ranking system and maps. Head past the break to get the full breakdown.[Thanks, Nick!]
Gears 2 'Snowblind Map Pack' coming March 31, title update on March 24
If you tire of brutishly halving your enemies in the same boring Gears of War 2 locales, a recent Epic Games announcement will likely thrill you to death -- on March 31, the title's second batch of downloadable arenas, titled the "Snowblind Map Pack," will find its way onto Xbox Live, bringing four new maps to the chainsaw party: Grindyard, Under Hill, Courtyard and Fuel Depot, a remake of a map from Gears the First. No price has been announced -- we're assuming it'll be around the same 800 price point of the "Combustible Map Pack."Arguably more exciting than this, however, was Epic's announcement that the oft-discussed retooled ranking system will be coming to the game the week before "Snowblind" drops -- a title update on March 24 will (mostly) eschew the criticized TrueSkill system in favor of a more intuitive, experience point-based system. Players will earn experience points for scoring in public matches, rising up to level 100. They'll even unlock achievements at set levels (5, 15, 25, 50 and 100) -- we also hear that "Cole Train" evolves into "Cole Barge" at level 60. Gotta curb stomp 'em all!
TechKnow auctions unique Gears 2 console for Make-A-Wish Foundation
Looking for a new Xbox 360 console with writing all over it? No? Well, how about if that writing includes autographs from some of the developers behind the 2008 sales giant, Gears of War 2? Yeah, we thought so.The TechKnow podcast has teamed up with Epic Games to auction off an exclusive Xbox 360 console -- featuring crimson skull art from senior concept artist, James Hawkins -- with all proceeds going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The ongoing auction will end on March 12 and currently sits at $465. If you're looking to do some good (while picking up a piece of exclusive swag) hit eBay and make a bid.
Mark Rein: No 'ten-year plan' for Gears of War
Mark Rein has denied claims made by writer Josh Ortega that Epic Games has masterminded a ten-year plan for the Gears of War franchise, according to VG247. While Rein says the studio "appreciates the enthusiasm" Ortega has for the Gears franchise, Epic isn't keen on planning games "very far in advance." "It's a ten-year plan. Gears is long-term," Ortega told Gear-heads at a panel during the 2009 New York Comic-Con. While, in response, Rein promised Epic's focus is directed toward "supporting the Gears of War 2 game and community," he says the company will ultimately make decisions on a "game-by-game basis" and by gauging fan support. Rein's hesitation to throw all of Epic's eggs in the Gears basket may have something to do with its previous cash cow, Unreal Tournament. In 1999, Epic Games spun gold with the Unreal Tournament franchise but saw mediocre returns from 2007's Unreal Tournament 3 -- a franchise shelf life of less than a decade. Then again, Gears of War has all but eclipsed the popularity of Unreal Tournament with a movie already on the horizon.
The rise and fall of @cliffy_b
At some point during the short life of Twitter's @cliffy_b, a mockumentary version of Gears of War designer Cliff Bleszinski, the joke became a little too real for some people and it had to be shut down. Matthew Downham, who we've actually featured before in spoofs where he fails hard at games, along with his friend, Austin Brown, were the men behind the false Bleszinski. Today he posted the full explanation of the birth and death of @cliffy_b.Downham explains the duo never intended any malice with @cliffy_b, that the character, a clear goof on the extroverted designer, was meant to be an over-the-top version of a gaming personality they admired. The joke was going along fine, until one particular tweet was taken a bit too seriously. Although Downham avoids what the post was, it was probably the tweet heard round the Gears community: "After much testing, it looks like matchmaking is permanently broken ... There are new maps though, only 800 Microsoft Points!" That's when the Epic lawyers had Twitter kill the fake Mr. Bleszinski. The story stands as a good metric on how some lines -- especially involving money and multi-million dollar franchises -- are dangerous to cross.
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]
PrimePlus assesses the current state of black characters
PrimePlus has a fairly interesting piece about the current state of black characters in video games. The editorial maintains a very moderate approach to the charged subject, covering the differences between Western and Eastern development, along with how black characters have been portrayed over the years.The piece mostly focuses on upcoming titles and games from the last decade, like Mass Effect, Half-Life 2, Gears of War and GTA: San Andreas. Without getting "politically correct" or preachy, the editorial notes that representation isn't an "exclusive concern to the population of black individuals." It points out that "more socially imaginative avenues of inspiration" would be welcome, which is something we can agree about.[Via Edge]
Epic contemplates Gears of War 2 ranking system overhaul
If you've been playing Gears of War 2 since its release in early November, then the ranking system is just one item of complaint on a list of many. Thankfully, Epic's Rod Fergusson has proposed a change in the way players are ranked, introducing an experience-based alternative on the Gears of War forums. The response was pretty much positive, as many of the comments are in favor of the proposed changes than the existing Trueskill-based system.In case you were wondering where we stand, you can bet we're in support of Rod's idea. Mainly because we've had our rank since the first day and it hasn't changed in the slightest. You'd think 10,000 kills would be enough to rank up, but then you'd be wrong.
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.
Zero Punctuation chainsawdomizes Gears of War 2
After what seems like a breathless eternity, Yahtzee has finally reviewed Gears of War 2 for Zero Punctuation. The verdict: He likes it. Naturally, he levels a few complaints at the game, most notably the strange abundance of chest-high walls on the planet Sera. Overall, the review praises the game as a good mainstream title with a a healthy amount of variety (a little too much variety in the case of level design). Find the review after the break.Update: Ahem, now the video is after the break.
Gears of War 2: Microsoft flubs gold Lancer offer [update]
A Microsoft representative has informed Joystiq that the public availability of the Gears 2 Gold Lancer was made in error. Yesterday, we reported that the exclusive Collector's Edition weapon had appeared on the Xbox.com Marketplace for all to wield.According to the rep, everyone who obtained the Gold Lancer from the Xbox.com Marketplace will have the item removed from their games in an upcoming fix, in order to keep the weapon exclusive to Gears 2 Collector's Edition consumers. "We're currently attempting a fix that will expire all codes that were unexpectedly released in error through Xbox LIVE Marketplace," the representative noted.How Microsoft will remove (or possibly disable) the art asset file and differentiate between legitimate owners and those who grabbed the guns as they fell off the back of the truck is unclear. A request for clarification on how or when the fix would be implemented has gone unanswered, but we'll update you as soon as we know more.Update: While the original listing for the Gold Lancer remains on the Xbox.com Marketplace, the item now shows a price of 99999. Gold Lancers received through the error have yet to be removed.
Grab the in-game Gears 2 Gold Lancer for free [Update]
If you picked up your copy of Gears of War 2 used, you now have a chance to get your hands on the elusive gold-plated Lancer, which was -- until today -- only available via a voucher code included with new copies of the game. It's available now on the Xbox Live Marketplace as a free download.Don't look so surprised. Earlier in the month, Microsoft released the Flashback Map Pack -- another item initially made available only to new buyers of the game -- on the Marketplace. At least this time, the content is free. No word if it will remain that way.Update: This content seems to only be available on the Xbox.com Marketplace, not on the Xbox 360 Marketplace.Download the In-game Gold Lancer for Gears 2[Thanks Travis D!]
Die Hard 4.0 director wants a Gears film trilogy, 'a harder edged Lord of the Rings'
Live Free or Die Hard and Underworld director, Len Wiseman, told Bloody-Disgusting.com that he'd like to turn the Gears of War franchise into a film trilogy to flesh out the world and cover all the bases of its story. "Basically a harder edged Lord Of The Rings," he told the horror focused website.Wiseman said he hopes to focus the film on science fiction elements and not on the creatures themselves, opting to take the sci-fi action route rather than the horror film route with the series. While not much of a gamer himself, Wiseman said Gears of War first caught his eye when filming the fourth Die Hard film, where a video game was required to play in the background of a key scene. Wiseman said after looking at dozens of games he stopped on Gears of War, which appears in the film on more than one occasion. "I just really connected with it; the design of it the world, the whole thing. So I actually bought an Xbox 360 to start researching what it was," Wiseman said.The Gears of War movie is still in the early stages of development. Len Wiseman is set to direct and is currently co-writing the script with Chris Morgan (Wanted.)[via Joystiq]
