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The Cluckshot is Gears of War 3's fabulous hidden weapon, here's how to get it
Standard issue anything is such a drag, you know? These days, you have to accessorize and customize just to get noticed on the battlefield, and even then it's become such a chore to stand out while staying alive. Sure, golden Lancers are cool and everything, but experienced COGs know that flashy blinged-out weapons only exist to give away your position and get you killed. What's a Gear like you to do, then? Well friend, take it from the fashionistas over at GameFront: Chickens are the new black. Their helpful how-to video (above) details every little thing you need to do in order to unlock the Cluckshot, Gears of War 3's avian-themed (and rather literal) easter-egg weapon. With this trendy new weapon, you'll be the cock of the walk, and those fashion-backward Locusts will have egg on their faces!
Mysterious Gears of War 3 maps revealed by leaderboard, no you can't play them
Gears of War 3 may not see its first infusion of downloadable goodness until November, but the xenophobic chainsaw sculpting simulator may have already given us a glimpse at the battles yet to come: Tucked away in the leaderboards are listings for three unannounced and currently inaccessible maps: Rustlung, Azura, and Blood Drive. Now, we're not entirely prepared to call this thing a duck, despite its rather convincing quacking. These maps could be part of a future DLC pack, true, but they could just as easily be developer levels used for testing; maps which will never, ever be released to the public. For now, all we can do is wait, and speculate. [Thanks, Laurence!]%Gallery-134817%
Conan: Gears of War 3 has lost its violent edge
We might not have mentioned it in the review, but Gears of War 3 isn't nearly as violent as its predecessors.
Gears of War 3 will have 'live' TV ads in the UK
Microsoft must be confident in early Gears of War 3 sales numbers, because the company has announced a new initiative to have "live" TV ads market the game. What this means is that during commercials, Microsoft will display the current number of players online in what we can only assume is an attempt to entice people who only want to play games that a lot of other people are playing. The ad campaign kicks off on September 23 and will run until October 3 in six different 30-second advertisements. Stephen McGill, Microsoft UK Xbox marketing director, says Microsoft is spending the big bucks to advertise Gears. "It is on the scale of what we did for Halo Reach and Halo 3 -- television is the main centrepiece of the campaign." Gears of War 3 launches worldwide today. [Thanks, ugotamesij.]
Gears of War 3 bundle nets $40 credit on Amazon
The Gears of War 3 bundle that includes a 320GB Xbox 360 console, two controllers and the game, comes with a $40 credit at Amazon. The $40 Amazon credit is good on most items shipped and sold by the online retailer. The Amazon bundle also includes, as a pre-order bonus, the Savage Kantus skin for the game's multiplayer. Admittedly, that bonus still isn't half as cool as those Gears bandages. Update: Target called to let us know they will also offer a $40 Target card with purchase of the system tomorrow. [Thanks, Acer23.] %Gallery-133514%
Gears of War 3 weapon and character videos leak all over YouTube, cure what ails
Sure, Gears of War 3 may come out in a couple of days, but that knowledge alone isn't enough to quench the internet's insatiable thirst for juicy details. Information deprivation, when combined with insanely high levels of anticipation, can mutate into a virtually transmitted disease known colloquially as "Release Date Syndrome." The cure for Gears of War 3's specific strain of RDS is available over the counter and can be found both above and after the break. The treatment is only effective when ingested ocularly, and cannot be swallowed, administered intravenously, or given as a suppository. Please keep in mind that this treatment program has not been approved by the FDA, and as such may be taken down at any time. May cause increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, incoherent babbling and Release Date Syndrome. [Thanks Juan!]
Gears of War 3's Gridlock map has a special nod to Gary Jules' 'Mad World'
A few years ago there was no escaping the Gears of War ad that used Gary Jules' cover of "Mad World." Well, it's made its way into Gears of War 3, and right into the Gridlock map. It's a nice piece of fan service that you can check out in our video above.
Gears of War 3 will have 21 weapon skins for purchase on day one
You'll be able to customize your guns for a little cash, either ala carte or in special packs, on launch day in Gears of War 3. Epic has confirmed with MTV Multiplayer that 21 different skins will be available, including floral prints, rainbows and several animated motifs. Pricing for these weapons hasn't been revealed yet (at the moment they're listed as -1 MS Point each, which we expect to change because that's ridiculous). Producer Rod Fergusson promises to spill the beans on Friday at 5:30pm PDT during a live stream event on Twitch TV.
Metareview: Gears of War 3
The trilogy has concluded, and now that you've read what we had to say about Gears of War 3 it's time you checked in with the rest of the critical community. Were they as enamored of curb-stomping Locusts for a third time? Yes, pretty much. Giant Bomb (100/100): "It answers questions. It leaves things in a dramatically different place than they were at the start of the game. If this were to be the final game in the Gears franchise, it'd be a satisfying place to leave things." Game Informer (95/100): "Doesn't do anything radical, not that anyone expected it to. Only the staunchest Gears haters will find much fault here, though. This is the best execution yet of an idea that spawned one of the biggest modern franchises in all of gaming. What's not to love?" IGN (90/100): "Every third-person, cover-based shooter from here on out will likely be compared to Gears 3, and it provides a fitting and poignant-- if sometimes cheesy -- closing chapter to the trilogy...The noted hitches, design decisions and 'been-there, done-that' feel of much of the content colors the overall experience, but it certainly didn't keep me from having one hell of a good time." Eurogamer (80/100): "In its multiplayer, all you could have reasonably asked for; in its visuals, new heights reached, while cracks of old age are papered over; in its story, a fitting conclusion; and in its campaign, though short of the consistent brilliance of its predecessor, a mostly rousing and memorable spectacle. %Gallery-133846%
Gears of War 3 review: The damage done
A lot of high profile sequels are exceedingly self-conscious exercises in trying to manage player expectation, to change just enough, but throw in enough of the same to keep things familiar. Gears of War 3, on the other hand, is the most confident release this year. The word polish is bestowed often, but Gears of War 3 is embarrassingly well assembled. Anyone who played this spring's multiplayer beta has an inkling of this. From a mechanical standpoint, the third-person, cover-based shooting in Gears has never been as fluid, as responsive to player input. Weapons feel and sound fantastic and pack the punch that previous iterations struggled with. But it isn't just those meat and potatoes aspects – or the beautiful, colorful visual palette on display, a marked departure from Gears 1 and 2 – it's the entire package. Nothing in Gears of War 3 feels like an afterthought. %Gallery-133846%
Gears of War timeline catches you up in time for third game
The Gears of War trilogy has a story... with an actual plot. This may be a revelation to some, so Epic has produced a timeline that covers pertinent events. Short version: Marcus Fenix has deep daddy issues. His buddy, Dom, had spontaneous wife issues in the second game, but they worked it out. Meanwhile, the planet had a locust problem, which then evolved into issues with a new group, the lambent. There, you're all set for Gears of War 3. Longer version: Head on over to Epic Games' site for the full rundown.
Gears of War 3: Epic Edition, epic unboxing gallery
Well, here it is, people. The "Epic Edition" of next week's Gears of War 3. It's a big box, packed full of some big treats. Are you the kind of gamer who wants to declare his affection for the franchise by displaying an 11" statue of Marcus Fenix in your home and/or workplace? NOICE! Scratch one consumer. Maybe you're more intellectual? How does a 96-page book titled "The Art and Design of Gears of War" penned by Extra Lives scribe (and patron saint of video game writers) Tom Bissel sound? Oh, we get it ... you want the "exclusive unlockable Adam Fenix multiplayer character" so you can play as Marcus' elderly father and use the "I've fallen and I can't get up" line. Yeah, we're bringing back that old chestnut. %Gallery-133510%
Gears of War 3 gets Golden launch week bonuses
If you didn't get your very own gold-plated murder machine during the Gears of War 3 beta back in April, we've got good news – which is, uh, that you'll still be able to do that. The US Air Force is sponsoring "Gears of War 3 Golden Wings Week" for next week's Gears 3 launch, and players who go online to share their chainsaw-powered love with other Gears players between September 20 - 26 will unlock the Golden Lancer and Golden Hammerburst weapon skins. While these don't actually do anything (other than make you a more obvious target, possibly), they are a great way to let people know you were playing the game before they were. Unless you weren't, in which case, let the bonding begin! Of course, you can get even more bonding in via the real-world, real-big Gears of War 3 launch event at the Times Square Best Buy in New York on September 19th, which comes complete with its own real-live Cliff Bleszinski. Or, we guess you could just watch the live broadcast on Gametrailers TV with host Aisha Tyler, or go to one of the more pedestrian midnight releases. You know. If you're boring.
Ice T unboxes Gears of War 3 limited edition, is so awesome
Few people on this Earth are currently living lives more prosperous and rewarding than that of Mr. Ice T. The latest in his lifelong series of personal victories? He's the first to unbox the limited edition console bundle for Gears of War 3, the video diary of which is posted above.
Gears of War 3's 'Dust to Dust' trailer is a twangy recap of games past
This latest trailer for Gears of War 3 compiles the events of the first two games -- through the powerful, narrative combo of twangy slow jams and CGI.
Gears of War 3 gets $30 'season pass,' first DLC in November
Gears of War 3 will have a "season pass" for its downloadable content -- a strategy we're seeing used by Noir-ly everyone with a long term, post-launch DLC plan. Microsoft claims the 2400 Microsoft point ($30) season pass will "guarantee a 33 percent discount on the game add-ons," compared to purchasing them individually when released. The pass will be available on September 20 and include an "exclusive" Liquid Metal Weapon Set. The season pass will cover the "first four" installments of DLC, which will be released over the next year, with the first planned for November. No word yet if there will be more beyond that to squeeze from, er, generously discount to Gears fans. Gears of War 3 launches in Standard ($60), Limited ($80) and Epic ($150) editions on September 20. %Gallery-131921%
Microsoft confirms 3D support in Halo: CE remake for Xbox 360
Microsoft has been slower than Sony to jump on the 3D gaming bandwagon -- not surprising considering it isn't the one desperately pushing the televisions needed to experience them -- but today the company confirmed rumors that Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary will be playable in 3D. Joystiq experienced a demo at Gamescom in Germany, and reports that it only works with the game's updated graphics mode, and that the game's producer claims the framerate will stay consistent even in 3D. While there are already a number of Xbox 360 games that support 3DTVs, this is the first one we've heard developed by Microsoft, although Epic revealed earlier this month that the Microsoft-produced Gears of War 3 will support 3D. that's good news for gamers that have made the extra dimensional jump already, while those of us playing in 2D can hopefully still see performance improvements, especially while playing co-op -- we always bring a wingman / shoulder to cry on for The Flood.
Yes, of course the 'Gridlock' map will be in Gears of War 3
Epic Games has predictability on lock with the announcement of the tenth and final map for Gears of War 3 -- Gridlock, modified and revamped from the previous two Gears of War games. Gears 3's Gridlock will feature new weapon spawns and enhanced graphics (shocking), and will be set in the "eerie darkness of night." This is contrary to Epic's promise of brighter, less depressing maps, unless "eerie" means "as bright as the light of 1,000 suns" to Epic. Epic also confirmed Gears 3 will feature a skill-based lobby with the Casual Versus Multiplayer playlist, which will allow new players to compete against those of their same skill level, in order to prepare for the real bloodbaths of the normal lobbies. Read the full list of Gears 3 maps and their descriptions right here:
Gears of War 3 preorder comes with bandages at Canada's Future Shop
Entering the annals of bizarre pre-order bonuses, Canada's Future Shop is incentivizing Gears of War 3 pre-orders with the "Curb Stomp First Aid Kit," a box containing a set of 24 Gears of War inspired bandages. So, when a member in your domestic COG army has a boo-boo, you can bandage them up quickly and get them back into the fight. Kissing of "ouchies" is optional. This bonus is separate from the Limited and Epic editions of the game, which include art books and a mini Marcus Fenix. The bandages are near the top of the pre-order oddities we've seen, but certainly not as cool as the Sonic scalp and Scribblenauts hat. Of course, Greece's Zelda Deku tree seeds still beat all. [Thanks, Chris K.]
Epic releases Gears of War 3 opening cinematic for some reason
Epic Games picked the completely random day of this Friday to release the opening cinematic for Gears of War 3, which you can view above. The video provides a smooth rundown of Gears of War lore while setting up the seaside skirmishes and Lambent clashes that apparently must be viewed now, during this completely irrelevant weekend. Watch Anya polish her weapon above, and please try to contain your excitement. Oh, and Gears of War 3 officially went gold on Friday.
