Gears of War
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More Gears of War 3 shots than you can shake a Locust at
Click image to light up your eyes with new screens Maybe you were sitting around today, contemplating Gears of War 3, expecting some new screenshots to pore over -- if so, we'd say Miss Cleo has got some competition. Epic Games was kind enough to send us some weapon renders, concept art and even some new in-game shots. Feel free to take a spell in our gallery below and check out the new screens. We've got big dudes, bigger guns and even bigger mechs. What more could you want? %Gallery-94731%
Gears of War 2 title update adds 'social matches,' DLC price drops
Perhaps in an effort to get the Gears of War franchise back at the front of your mind meat before the third iteration arrives next year, Microsoft is trying a two-pronged effort to lure fans back to GoW 2. The first, Title Update 6, adds a feature called "Social Matches" which allows individual players or parties to drop in or out of ongoing games (yep, even Horde mode matches) without interruption. But you knew that already, right? The only catch is that you can only use social matching if you own all of the game's map packs which have luckily been slashed to $10 for the lot of them (that's the second prong, by the way). Individual prices have been cut as well. Other balancing and fixes implemented by Title Update 6 (a full list of which is available right here) will be available to all players. To mark the occasion, players will get triple experience gain from May 27 to June 1, which we guess is technically a third prong. Yep, that's right: We've got a rare promotional trident on our hands.
New Gears, BioShock 2 toys coming exclusively to Comic-Con
Worried you'd never get a collectible based on Gears of War comic character Jace Stratton, a gentleman who has yet to put any face time into an actual Gears of War game series? Well quit it, worrywort! (You're only hurting yourself.) NECA recently told Toy News International that it'll be bringing Stratton -- and several BioShock 2 figures -- to the upcoming 2010 San Diego Comic-Con International for sale in limited quantities. We'd love to tell you more about the BioShock 2 figures, but we're not trying to ruin the end of the game for those of you who might still be wary of spoilers. You can have a look for yourself right here. [Via Kotaku]
Fallen Earth devs answer radioactive questions in Stratics chat
It's always nice when developers let their hair down, shaking out their majestic manes in slow-motion glory while their eyes sparkle with a thousand points of... I'm sorry, where was I? Anyway, part of the powerhouse Fallen Earth team recently sat down with Stratics' House of Commons to answer community questions about the game in a free-form chat, which was recorded and posted on Globaltech ATLAS. Icarus devs present were Tiggs (Community Director), Chris Deavellar (Art Director), Cory Farris (Senior Environment Artist) and Wes Platt (Director of Content Development). Topics included new Blood Sports maps, the day/night cycle, supercross, pop culture references and questions about the art and graphics of the game. One of the questions wondered why they couldn't add more body types into the game, which earned a revealing answer: "If we do implement new chracter [sic] types, it will require new rigging, new animation (about 1000 of them), and new boltons just for one new toon. You'll notice that games like Gears of War and Halo only have men? That's because they couldn't even afford to spend time doing a female toon. It's a LOT, LOT, LOT of work." Globaltech ATLAS has the full transcript, so feel free to pour over the entire conversation, including a few "after hours" questions!
Epic's Mike Capps: PC piracy 'changed our business model'
Recent comments from Epic Games president Mike Capps in Edge Magazine (via Develop) show the developer's frustration with the PC piracy scene, as well as its hesitance to fully embrace the platform. "We still do PC, we still love the PC, but we already saw the impact of piracy: it killed a lot of great independent developers and completely changed our business model," Capps said. Of course, Epic's shift to console development (think: Gears of War) also makes a lot of cents ... err, sense. "And now, people are saying 'why do you hate the PC? You're a console-only company.' It's because the money's on consoles," he said. Capps' candid stance likely doesn't preclude future success on PC -- there's still fertile land out there -- but for now, Epic has prioritized console blockbusters. It's a shame it'll have to miss out on that $13 billion pie, though. We know how much Cliff Bleszinski likes his pie.
Epic: Gears of War 2 Title Update 6 is 'about a week' away
Epic has posted the Title Update 6 patch notes for Gears of War 2 and the biggest bullet point has to be the ability to join matches in progress. Not only can players now join Horde matches mid-game, the update adds a new Social Xbox Live playlist which lets players join matches in progress and doesn't penalize those who quit early -- but it's only available to those who have all of the DLC. The new Social list also bypasses matchmaking screens and cycles to the next map immediately following the conclusion of the current match, cutting down on the time spent in menus. The update addresses certain exploits, such as the ability to get out of the map on Subway and Blood Drive, and also improves the pellet grouping on the Gnasher shotgun "to increase hit consistency." Rod Fergusson, senior producer on Gears, says players can look forward to downloading the update in "about a week." We'll let you know when it's live. [Thanks, Dusty] Source - Title Update 6 patch notes Source - Fergusson says update is around a week away
The Gears of War story in 5 minutes
Gears of War 3 is only a year away so it's, like, totally imperative to brush up on the story thus far. IGN has compiled a little video feature that compresses all the twists and turns of Gears' epic story into five minutes. Obviously, the recap is full of spoilers, so it's probably best not to watch it unless you've played the first two games. Haven't played the first two Gears yet? Well, it's possible to pick up both for $50 or less. They're good games, we promise -- and there's still plenty of time to casually grind through them before the sequel emerges. For those who just want the quick recap fix, that's available after the break.
Gears of War 3 Avatar items emerge
Attention Gears heads: the promised Gears of War 3 Avatar items are now available on Xbox Live Marketplace. So far there are eight items in the collection, including T-shirts, sleeveless COG armor, a hat, and, sweetest of all, a Ticker Avatar pet. The items range in price from 80 ($1) to 320 ($4). Granted, it's not the same as actually playing Gears of War 3 -- which you won't be doing until next year -- but at least you can pretend, right?
Gears of War 3 dated April 5, 2011
The Gears of War "trilogy" will conclude on April 5, 2011 in North America, followed by Japan and Europe on April 7 and 8, respectively. The game, announced last Friday on the Xbox Dashboard, finally had its big (delayed) coming-out trailer last night on late-night national television. For those interested in Gears apparel for their Avatars, new items for the little scamps will be available beginning April 20, 2010. Items, like the new Gears 3 COG armor, can be picked up in the Avatar Marketplace, along with other Gears gear. Find pics of the COG armor in the gallery below. Update: The Gears 3 campaign will feature four-player co-op, according to Cliff Bleszinski. %Gallery-90396%
Watch the Gears of War 3 trailer right now
Why wait for Cliff Bleszinski to debut Gears of War 3 on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon? Here's the trailer for the "worst-kept secret in the video game industry," posted to the Late Night website (and embedded above) ... before it's appeared on television. The trailer is prefaced by some banter with Mister B about his vintage Nintendo Power appearance and what makes a great game. The new game has playable female soldiers in it! Take that, Crackdown 2! Don't worry, it's still jam-packed with men who look like refrigerators and mellow music, like the famous Gears of War trailer (in this case, Sun Kil Moon's "Heron Blue"). Other elements mentioned by Cliff include new weapons and new aliens -- "crazy tentacle monsters" with mutating ability. Bleszinski said GOW3 will arrive "probably around April 8" -- one year after his Late Night appearance was supposed to be shown. Wouldn't that have been nice marketing? Oh, well. Update: Official release date is April 5, 2011. And catch Cliff's Late Night appearance after the break. %Gallery-90396%
Rumor: Gears of Wars 3 details emerge
With this morning's Dashboard surprise (or slipup), we've learned that Gears of War 3 is scheduled to emerge on Xbox 360 next April. Given that Edge Online's earlier prediction of an April 2011 release for the game was spot on, the latest details from the site's anonymous source, said to be in US publishing, could certainly be accurate. From piloting a mech (allegedly appearing in single- and multiplayer modes) to the sequel's summer setting (reported to feature underwater levels, presumably to cool off), the report makes for an interesting read if you're wondering where Marcus and crew could possibly end up next year. As for the bad guys, the Locust Horde is said to be evolving alongside the game's setting, spawning "tentacle-like appendages," which can attack players that are in cover. We've reached out to Microsoft and Epic for confirmation of any of these details, but, like Edge was told, we imagine the best we'll get is, "We don't comment on rumor or speculation."
Gears of War 3 announced by ... your Xbox
We actually hadn't heard that Gears of War 3 was announced -- wasn't Cliff Bleszinski's big reveal bumped to Monday? -- but thanks to the marvels of modern technology and inattentive switch flippers, our Xbox 360 has brought us up to speed. The menu item (shown above) in the Xbox Spotlight channel doesn't lead to any further information, but does seem to confirm that "the epic story concludes April 2011." [Update: It's gone now.] Oh no, all our GoW trilogies are coming to an end! [Thanks, Daryl]
PSA: Cliff Bleszinski's new game reveal on Fallon bumped to Monday, April 12
Those eagerly awaiting the network television reveal of Gears of War creator Cliff "Don't Call Me CliffyB" Bleszinski's newest game (that includes us!) will have to wait a few more days, unfortunately. Originally scheduled for tonight's Late Night With Jimmy Fallon taping, Bleszinski's appearance has been bumped to Monday night, April 12 at 12:35/11:35C. The news was dropped by Gavin Purcell, co-producer of Late Night, via his Twitter feed. Purcell cited a "scheduling conflict" as the reason for the last-minute switcheroo. We bet that Cliff's taking the weekend to add Extra Awesome™ to whatever he's about to spring on us.
Rumor: Gears of War film troubled, scaled back
If you've been impatiently waiting for the complex narrative and endearing characters of Gears of War to be captured in a Hollywood blockbuster, a report by the LA Times is set to disappoint you. Citing "sources" familiar with the matter, it claims director Len Wiseman (Live Free or Die Hard and the Underworld movies) may be abandoning the director's chair in favor of thriller "Nocturne." The production studio is also allegedly looking to make significant cuts to the project. What was planned to be an epic, $100 million endeavor is now said to be shrinking, calling for a rewrite of Chris Morgan's initial work on a Stuart Beattie script. Wiseman hasn't officially bailed yet, though the LA Times posits that it's likely to happen in the future. On the plus side, if Wiseman ditches the project, that could put The Rock back in the running to play Marcus Fenix. Surely we've all forgotten about Doom by now ...
Gears of War director to debut new game on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
It must be warming up outside the epic Games HQ in North Carolina, because Gears of War creator Cliff Bleszinski is gearing up to debut his latest game. The news comes from none other than Late Night host (and friend of games) Jimmy Fallon, who's tweeted that, "Game designer Cliff Bleszinski (@therealcliffyb) debuts his new game on Late Night next Thur. Set your TiVos! And your Xboxes." If, like us, you're already grabbing your remote to do just that, Late Night airs on NBC at 12:35/11:35C and Mr. Fallon is specifically referring to the show that will air the night of Thursday, April 8 (or very early Friday, April 9 depending where you live). Any guesses that don't rhyme with "deers and boars tree?"
Rumor: Gears of War 3 in April 2011
A few things in this life are certain: Oprah will have a new book for you to read every month and you can bet there's a new Gears of War in the works. Edge says a source has put a pin in April 2011 as the release window for the third entry in Epic's series -- and we should expect the first teaser trailer next month, on April 8, with a full-on reveal at E3 in June. "Microsoft's keen to avoid a clash with Halo: Reach and wants Natal to own Christmas," alleges Edge's source. "That's why we won't be seeing Gears Of War 3 until next year, but expect a major marketing push ahead of its release." Recently, Epic prez Mike Capps hinted at a major game announcement to be made by the studio during E3. Additionally, EA has teased a "Shooter from Epic" due just before April in Q1 2011.
Epic president hints at new game announcement at E3
Epic Games president Mike Capps is already teasing some kind of new announcement at E3. Speaking to VentureBeat at the Interactive Achievement Awards, Capps responded to a question about possible new games by saying that "We might have a new one coming. I think E3 is going to be really exciting for fans of Epic." You can see him make this statement on video after the break. It might have a new one coming? Shouldn't he know? What kind of company doesn't keep its own president in the loop? Oh, we get it. He's being coy. So what's this new game? It could be the "Shooter from Epic TBA" listed in EA's schedule for early 2011. Which could be People Can Fly's "Bulletstorm." We suppose "fans of Epic" would be happiest with a sequel to one of the company's franchises, so a new Unreal, Gears of War or even Shadow Complex is always a possibility. It's probably not a new Jill of the Jungle. Which is too bad. [Thanks, Fintan!]
Xbox Live Deal of the Week: Gears of War Avatar items
Looking to represent the Serans during the ongoing conflict with the Locust in Gears of War 2? Well, you've probably been playing the game, but if you insist on enlisting your Avatar in the ranks of the willing and able, Major Nelson reveals the COG armor (steroids not included) will only set you back 240 ($3) this week, while the helmet is a far more manageable 80 ($1). That's a savings of 25 and 50 percent off the normal price, respectively -- a sale that is valid until March 8. Shortcut: Add Gears of War COG armor (male) to your queue [Xbox.com] Shortcut: Add Gears of War COG armor (female) to your queue [Xbox.com] Shortcut: Add Gears of War COG helmet (male) to your queue [Xbox.com] Shortcut: Add Gears of War COG helmet (female) to your queue [Xbox.com]
NECA making action figures based on Borderlands, BioShock 2 and more
[Image via Figures] If you appreciated the handiwork of the National Entertainment Collectibles Association on the BioShock 2 props revealed a couple weeks ago, then you'll be pleased to know the company has revealed that additional video game-themed products are in the works. According to a Figures forum post, five franchises will receive replicas by early 2011: BioShock 2, Street Fighter, Gears of War, Dante's Inferno and Dead Space 2. Three other projects were mentioned, but not detailed: Assassin's Creed 2, Splinter Cell: Conviction and Borderlands (which includes an "articulated Claptrap with sound effects"). You can find a full list of the characters that the company will toy-ify on the Figures forum. Most of them are based on the aforementioned franchises' nightmarish enemies -- but hey, if you feel like lining your desk with Necromorphs and Unbaptized Babies, that's your prerogative. [Via Big Download]
X10: Lost Planet 2 screens feature Marcus, Dom, and Wesker together
click to lose yourself in the galleryIf you're a huge Resident Evil nerd and a huge Gears of War nerd (a nerd squared, if you will) and are considering pre-ordering Lost Planet 2 solely for fan service, your head is about to explode. In these latest screenshots out of X10, the downloadable Albert Wesker, Marcus, and Dom appear together for the first time. It's like seeing all of your favorite Hanna-Barbera characters interacting with each other in the Laff-a-Lympics, except instead of Scooby-Doo and Yogi Bear, it's a bunch of giant dudes with guns. %Gallery-85282%
