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Gears of War re-release in June, cheaper and with map DLC
In an effort to milk the Gears of War teat for all its worth (mental picture), this Summer Microsoft is set to release a new edition of the original Gears of War that'll come packed with all previous released DLC and a cheaper price tag too. According to Gamestop's pre-order listing for the title, the new edition of Gears of War will cost $39.99 and feature what we presume to be the Hidden Fronts and Discovery channel sponsored DLC. And just to make sure we're on the same page, we highly doubt this re-release will feature any of the Gears PC content seeing that Epic has made it more than clear (on numerous occasions) that bringing the content to the 360 is nigh impossible. So, if you have yet to experience curb-stomping and Locust dismemberment, we think June 24th would be the perfect time to "jump in" with chainsaws a revving.[Via NeoGAF]
Gears of War 2 details emerge from X360 magazine
Though other shooters have surpassed it in terms of Xbox Live activity, we still hold a dear, dear place in our heart for the multiplayer portion of Gears of War -- a place intricately carved by an enemy chainsaw. Sure, the character advancement of Call of Duty 4 and Vegas 2 led to a more compelling overall experience, but they lacked a certain panache that only a well-timed curb stomp can supply.Imagine our excitement when we caught wind of the intimidating flood of details for the sequel's multiplayer component in the upcoming issue of UK's X360 magazine. There's a full list of said details on our Microsoft-related sister site, but to inspire you to continue reading, here's a few tantalizing buzzwords you'll find behind that link: Meatflag, Poison gas grenade, Flamethrower, Ten person multiplayer, Chainsaw duels, and last but certainly not least, Verandas. If that didn't sell you, we don't know what will.[Via X3F]
2008 Yearbook: Microsoft Game Studios
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/xbox/2008_Yearbook_Microsoft_Game_Studios'; After a solid year for the Xbox 360 in 2007 many thought the system could never showcase the same amount of quality exclusives in a single year.In the 2008 Microsoft Game Studios Yearbook, we've compiled a list of this year's graduating class with a detailed account of each title's current status and the stories surrounding them.From heartbreaking cancellations, surprise feature announcements and expected sequels, the 2008 MGS Yearbook is filled with fun facts and information on your soon-to-be favorite titles. Also included in the yearbook are special joke awards given to each title that releases in 2008 that poke fun at the details most commonly argued about in the comments.From Ninja Gaiden II to Alan Wake, the 2008 Microsoft Game Studios Yearbook will have something for everyone.Ladies and gentlemen allow us to introduce the 2008 Microsoft Game Studios graduating class ...
Bleszinski gets questioned on all things Gears 2
Epic's Cliff Bleszinski recently sat down with GameDaily for a feature called 10 Questions, where an esteemed member of the gaming industry is asked ten fan submitted questions. Cliff was thrown Q's from everything related to breaking into the industry, why he ditched a Dodge Viper and how to make it in today's gaming world.Of course Gears of War 2 was a hot topic and fans asked how it will stand-up to it's Game of the Year winning predecessor. "With the sequel, we're able to significantly streamline the online experience with a far more robust package that enables players to kick more ass online with their friends," Cliff answered.Without giving away too much information on the single-player experience, Cliff said the game must throw more interesting scenarios at players in between combat situations to stay fresh, "In Gears 2, we've got dozens of surprises in every level that will keep people talking for months to come."With changes to Epic's premier gaming engine fans wondered how updates to Unreal Engine 3 will change the Gears experience. While Cliff was tight-lipped, he assured gamers the environments would add to the experience with a wider capacity for damage. "Players will really feel like they're in a sci-fi multiplayer version of Black Hawk Down."Gears of War 2 hits Xbox 360 this Novemeber.
Cliff Bleszinski gets serious, kills CliffyB
Today marks a sad day for gaming journalists as we're forced to learn the proper spelling of Gears of War 2 lead designer Cliff Blezinski, um, Kowalski, crap, Bleszinski, there we go. Speaking with MTV Multiplayer blogger Steven Totilo, Cliff confirmed that he would be dropping his CliffyB moniker, which he's used since the 90's.It's "time to grow up a bit," Cliff wrote in a note stating the nickname doesn't suit his 30-something lifestyle and that he's more focused on working to perfect Gears of War 2 and doesn't have time for silly nicknames. At least nicknames he'll publicly endorse.Pour one out for CliffyB folks, it was a wild ride.
By golly it's Carmine, alive and at Comic Con!
Even though we can't quite figure out how it's possible, we've been informed that Carmine will in fact be back in Gears of War 2 with or without his head attached. Knowing this, the action figure gurus over at NECA created an Anthony "Tony" Carmine action figure that's set to release exclusively at this year's Comic Con. This seven inch tall Carmine figure comes complete with Lancer and Gnasher in hand and will only be available at the convention between July 24th and the 27th. We wonder if his head is detachable? Pics below.%Gallery-14215%
Graphics Comparison of War
We're aware of the recent GameTrailers comparison video debacle, which we assume was an honest error rather than a deliberate one, but here's another one to look at. Comparing footage from Gears of War to the recent gameplay footage of Gears of War 2, we can see slight improvements in the Unreal Engine 3 graphics. Character models look less "rubbery" and smooth. The game also features something that was rare in Gears, sunlight--and it looks nice.While Gears of War had to prove the power of the Xbox 360, Gears of War 2 has more to prove in terms of storytelling after releases like BioShock, Portal and Grand Theft Auto IV have taken the stage. The storyline in Gears of War was underwhelming to say the least but we have high hopes for Gears 2 and everything it will teach us about Microsoft's newest universe. But so help you Epic if we have to play as a Locust.
NECA launches Gears of War figure website
In preparation for the release of their Gears of War action figures, NECA just launched the official GoW series one website complete with photos, some making-of shots and a weapon breakdown as well. Simply point your browser in this general direction to view all all the Gears action figure goods and to begin the action figure envy process. Also, Figures.com has a quick and dirty writeup about NECA's upcoming GoW products, including what's headed our way with the second series and (pro-hint) there will be Carmine.
Have Gears or Epic questions? Ask Cliffy B!
As part of GameDaily's new 10 Question series, where they grab someone from the video game industry and (you guessed it) ask them ten questions, they're looking for your help. Epic Games' own Cliff "Cliffy B" Bleszinski will be the next 10 Question target and GameDaily wants your help in narrowing down the ten questions to ask. So, if you have a juicy good Gears of War question, general Epic Games inquiry or were wondering which teeth whitening product the Cliffster recommends, shoot an email to GameDaily or simply hop on over to Joystiq and post your question in the comments section. You have until April 30th to submit your question when GameDaily will choose their top ten questions to ask Cliffy.And just to prevent an influx of teeth whitening questions, we already found out (through stalker'ish means) that Cliffy uses Crest Whitestrips Premium. Now that you know how to brighten your smile, focus your Cliffy questions on video games.Read - Submit your questions through JoystiqRead - Submit your questions through GameDaily
DC set to publish Gears of War comic in Oct.
As if the Prototype series wasn't enough, DC Comics has inked a deal to produce a comic book series for another high profile gaming franchise that some of you may be familiar with. A lil' franchise that goes by the name of Gears of War ... have you heard?The Gears of War comic will debut later this October with a storyline focused on bridging the gap between the first Gears installment and Gears of War 2 which is set to release in November. More Gears storyline, more Gears artwork and more Gears goodness? Count us in with guns a blazing!
Gears of War action figures now fully packaged
The action figure manufacturing crew over at NECA recently posted a few final packaging photographs of their Gears of War action figures that are set for release sometime this month. You can view the glorious packaging photos of Marcus Fenix, Locust Drone, Locust Sniper and the controversial Augustus Cole in the gallery below. Yup, you have to agree, they are beautifully gory figures and the packaging is (dare we say) much better than that seen in the Halo 3 McFarlane figures. Much sleeker and figure specific.%Gallery-14215%
Gears of War's Cole singled out as a racial stereotype
As part of their Black Professionals In Games series, MTV Multiplayer had a chance to chat with Morgan Gray, the Senior Producer over at Crystal Dynamics, about his views on how blacks are portrayed in video games. And let's just say he had no problem pointing the racial stereotype finger at Epic Games.When asked his opinion on how black Gears of War character Cole Train is portrayed in the game, Gray responded by saying "Cole Train is basically like every other effin' black character in a video game. Like here comes the urban stereotype. Where is this 1990's - not even 2000 - black slang, where does this fit in this futuristic world that doesn't even take place on Earth? They go really far to do a lot of fictional justifications for this culture that they've built, and they go right back to this urban stereotype for the black character." Gray went on to say that a character like Cole Train, "all it does is reinforce dumb stereotypes and it sort of reinforces casual racism." Yes sir, this is one loaded and passionately argued topic indeed ...
Gears of War movie penciled in for 2010 release
ComingSoon.net recently had the chance to talk with Temple Hill Productions producer big man Wyck Godfrey about the status of the Gears of War movie and where it's headed. Godfrey confirmed with them that their team has a finalized script, almost has a director attached to the flick and are scheduled to start filming "early next year for [release] the summer of 2010". A Summer 2010 release, not too shab.And to recap: It's good that the Gears of War movie hasn't gone the way of our long time shelved (but still promised) Halo movie. The bad is that we have to wait until at least 2010 to see Marcus chainsaw his way through a live action locust hell. Who wants to bet that Cliffy will be making a cameo? Any takers?
God of War III coming 'soon'
While we've known that God of War III has been in development since Cory Barlog let it slip in early November, we haven't heard anything about it since then. Now, IGN have spotted a teaser advert for the game on the back cover of God of War: Chains of Olympus' retail manual. Not only does it confirm the game's existance for a second time, but it says that it will be "Coming Soon". Considering that we weren't expecting to see God of War III before 2009, we're surprised that Sony are claiming that the game is coming "soon." Does this mean that we could be getting two Kratos adventures this year? No doubt we'll learn more later in the year at either Sony's Gamer's Day (whenever that lies this year) or at E3.
Rumor: Gears of War 2 to feature chainsaw duels
You may have come to this conclusion when you saw the debut trailer for Gears of War 2, but Variety blogger Ben Fritz is claiming that the hot, chainsaw-on-chainsaw action featured in the preview wasn't just a stylish cutscene -- it's also going to be a gameplay mechanic in the uber-anticipated sequel. Fritz apparently spoke to people who are "close enough to the development team at Epic to know" that chainsaw wielders will now be able to repel, and possibly counter, each other's attacks.Epic hasn't confirmed this, but given the feature's appearance in the trailer, and the frequent complaints about an "unbalanced" chainsaw combat system in the first Gears of War, we think it's safe to assume we'll be spending many long winter nights playing Lumberjack Bushido Blade when the game drops this November.
Gears of War 2, it's still a mad world
Remember that Tears Gears of War trailer that got you all teary-eyed? No? Oh, us either. But we do remember that Mad World trailer that was all the rage when the Gears of War hype train was hitting the retail station. Sparing no time at all 2P Start! has remixed the teaser trailer for Gears of War 2 to include the song. It still gets us every time, but you know in a kick-ass kinda way and not the pass-the-the-box-of-tissues way. Seriously. We were chopping onions okay? Jeez.[Thanks Tim, via 2P START!]
GoW series two figures: Now with exploding heads!
Thanks to the little big event dubbed ToyFare 2008, AFI has blessed us with a photographic preview of NECA's Gears of War series two action figures. And before we go any further, the awesomely bloody-violent picture you see above is a second series GoW figure rightfully named "Locust Headshot". A figure that brings tears to our eyes and is a guaranteed X3F purchase. We've even made room for it by our Viva Pinata toys.Moving along, NECA's second series will be comprised of the Locust Headshot figure you see above, Dominic Santiago, Damon Baird and another Locust variant. No release date has been set, but one could gather that since series one will be releasing in April, the second series should release either in the Summer or Fall. The wait will be rough on us though, we want our headshot figure NOW![Thanks, Joshua Johnson]
Leisure Suit Larry's Gears inspired debut trailer
Last month, Sierra Entertainment announced that Leisure Suit Larry: Box Office Bust would be releasing to the Xbox 360 sometime in the Fall and since then, everyone has been on the edge of their seats waiting for a first glimpse of the game. And, this weekend, Sierra met Larry fans' demands by releasing an official Box Office Bust debut trailer. One that pulls a tiny smidgen of inspiration from a popular "Mad World" Gears of War trailer we all know and adore. We guess, if the formula worked before, why change it?Embedded above is the Lesuire Suit Larry trailer that's in question as we challenge you to try and spot the Gears references and nods. And really, it shouldn't be all that hard. Just be mindful of the shiny, bouncing, gold things at the end of the trailer. They will make you go blind.
Final Gears of War figure revealed
Earlier this week the National Entertainment Collectibles Association (NECA) revealed the fourth and final figure in the Series 1 set of upcoming Gears of War action figures.Joining previously announced models of Marcus Fenix, Augustus Cole and the Locust Drone, the Locust Sniper looks like the perfect addition for gamers to add to their collection when the figures release in April 2008. Actually, the models are so detailed that we would even recommend playing out your favorite Gears of War scenarios should you run into any issues with playing games. Gallery of all Series 1 figures after the jump.[Thanks, Joshua]%Gallery-14215%
Cliffy B puts his development focus on consoles
Chatting it up with the MTV Multiplayer crew during DICE, the ever entertaining and somewhat outspoken Cliff Bleszinski talks about life, video game design and where he thinks the industry is headed. From their brief interview we learn that the Cliffster has been taking it easy lately, stepping back from his intense development schedule and is gathering inspiration from different media and experiences all from a different perspective. It's easy to see that MTV Multiplayer is talking to a a newly refreshed yet same old same old Cliffy B.But after all the life talk, we quickly learn that Cliffy B fully supports and is entirely focused on console gaming saying that "PC [gaming] is just in disarray" and that "the PC is kind of the secondary part of what we're doing". Cliffy goes on to fully embrace the direction console gaming is taking and that "right now making AAA games on consoles is where we're at". Which AAA game exactly? He wouldn't say, but we have a hunch that the title rhymes with "tears of bore boo" and includes lots of blood. You aren't fooling anyone Cliffy, bring on the Gears 2 already.
