gow2
Latest
Gears 2 multiplayer footage leaked online
Over the weekend, someone who attended the E for All Expo ninja-snuck off-screen video of gameplay footage from Gears 2's Horde mode. The video, embedded above for your convenience, shows off roughly one minute of multiplayer footage complete with meat shields, Torque Bowing, and the occasional cameo of a blurry head covering the screen. Watch and, if you enjoyed the footage, check the break for an additional few minutes of leaked Gears 2 multiplayer mayhem video complete with "commentary." [Via Thoughts of a Random Gamer]
Gears 2: Now with high-speed Reaver chases
Team Epic just released a freshly baked batch of Gears of War 2 screenshots (five in total) and just like a good friend, they're sharing them with the internets. And besides the screens being moist and chewy, they're also Reaver'riffic! In two of the screens you can see Marcus and crew riding a Reaver in an attempt to out run some ginormous flying beastie. It's intense and totally "badass". %Gallery-33819%[Via GoW Fans]
Gears of War 2 and the extremely giant COG tag
Tucked away in the dark, at the far back of E for All is a fair-sized Gears of War 2 booth with many stations showing off the Horde mode, and handing out COG tags. However, these are fairly normal sized tags, about the size of a dollar coin. So what's up with this image of a giant COG that looks like it could serve as Sauron's ring?We asked one of the community managers at the GoW2 booth, and he said, "Wait... did you see this image recently? A huge COG tag that's thick and made out of metal? Yeah, there's a big announcement about that coming out. I can't say anything about it really, but keep watching the website all weekend. And no, it's not something you can buy. It's made of metal, is thick, and weighs about two pounds."Is Epic hiding these in the world somewhere, and there's a contest to find them? Are they items you can win based on your in-game performance like those rings they added to Madden? Is it just a huge paperweight? We'll keep watching the site, which yesterday put up a blurb about COGs. How convenient. What do you think it is?[Via JoystickWidow]
A few GoW2 manual pages leak their way online
Other than the disc itself, a video game's manual is the most important and interesting piece of content that comes packaged with a game. That is, if they're colored, because black and white manuals are a total waste of time. What isn't a total waste of time is checking out a few pages of Gears of Wars 2's manual which have mysteriously leaked their way online and can be viewed in our handy gallery below. Though, note that all of the manual pages are not included (unless Epic devised a new manual numbering system), but there's plenty of interesting manual information to look through. Sadly, we just found out that the Annex gametype is back ... stupid Annex.%Gallery-33503%[Thanks, oriol003]
GoW 2 comes with 'Flashback' maps; gold Hammerburst code at special launch events
Those who purchase Gears of War 2 will receive a code in the box to download the "Flashback" map pack from XBM for free. The pack contains visually upgraded versions of original Gears maps: Canals, Gridlock, Subway, Mansion and Tyro Station. This means Gears fans will have 15 total multiplayer maps to practice their chainsawdomy at launch.GamePro has also learned that a code to download the in-game gold-plated Hammerburst will be given out at "Midnight Madness" launch events for the game on Nov. 6. Epic allegedly has no plans to offer the Flashback maps or the special Hammerburst as DLC at this time.[Via X3F]
Confirmed! Free GoW2 'Flashback' map DLC and a golden Hammerburst
Here's an OMG megaton for Gears of War 2 fanboys. That rumor regarding a five pack of multiplayer map DLC being included in new copies of Gears 2 (which was actually brought up during X08) has just been confirmed to be legit according to GamePro. No joke! How it'll work is that every NEW copy of Gears 2 will come with a redemption code to download a free "Flashback" map pack from the XBLM. This free DLC contains five additional Gears 2 multiplayer maps which are (surprise!) remakes of classic Gears maps including Canals, Gridlock, Mansion, Subway, and Tyro Station. This will ultimately bump the total number of GoW2 multiplayer maps up to 15. We're told the Flashback map pack DLC should be available for download on launch day, but note that Epic has no plans to release the maps as paid content. It's their "thank you" present to loyal fans, so be sure to stay clear of those used copies that are code'less.GamePro also confirmed that anyone attending a Gears 2 midnight launch event will be given a redemption code to unlock the in-game golden Hammerburst (as seen above) which features a gold plated paint scheme similar to the Collector's Edition's golden Lancer.
Video: Gears' top five deadliest Locusts
Using poll information gathered from Gearheads this past February, GearsofWar.com just posted a new top five video, where they count down the top five Locust types as chosen by fans. The video (conveniently embedded above) is voiced by the one and only Damon Baird and starts off the top five countdown fun with those "dumb" Boomers. We won't spoil the countdown by telling you anymore, but we will say it's nice to see vintage clips of the original Gears. And for the record, it's more than apparent that Gears 2 is no Gears 1.5 ... just saying.
Rumor: COG tag the start of a GoW2 viral campaign [update]
Update: As pointed out by matt247, Eurogamer is giving away one of these metal COGs in a Microsoft sponsored giveaway. Maybe this isn't viral, maybe it's just promotional?After Gears of War 2 community manager SixOkay Twittered a hint, telling us to take a closer look at the latest GoW2 video featurette (specifically at the 1:07 timestamp), we decided to take another look at the video. And upon launching the HD video, putting on our reading glasses and navigating to the correct spot, we came across something rather interesting.At around the 1:07 timestamp, a few frames flash on the screen that show a large, metal COG tag in a man's hand (larger frame grabs in the gallery below) with the text "EVERY TAG TELLS A TALE" written below. Could this be the start of some sort of Gears 2 viral campaign? The launch of some crazy awesome promotion? Or could it just be the announcement of a $2,000 platinum COG tag that's going to go on sale exclusively at Amazon.com? We dunno, but we think it'd be smart to take SixOkay's advice and "stay tuned..." %Gallery-33251%[Thanks, to everyone who sent this in]
Video: Gears of War 2 gameplay, cutscenes and achievement tracker
Spoiler alert for those who don't want their Gears of War 2 experience ... erm, spoiled? After the break, we've embedded two new Gears 2 videos that showcase some of the campaign's in-game footage including both Hospital and Landown missions. These new videos also show off some of the missions' cutscenes so, if you're uneasy about seeing even the slightest bit about the campaign, then these vids may not be for you. But if you're adventurous enough to watch, you'll see some amazing action, mortar madness, Ticker ticking, and achievement tracker tracking. Yummy yum yum!
Experience GoW2's Horde mode at E for All Expo
With all the Gears 2 news hitting the interwebs lately, we totally forgot to mention that YOU can experience Gears 2 awesomeness at this year's E for All Expo. You read correctly, this Friday, October 3rd through the 5th at the L.A. Convention Center, you'll be able to play Gears 2's multiplayer Horde mode which is technically the mode's official "debut"! So, if you're in the L.A. area or are already attending the E for All Expo, be sure to stop by the World Cyber Games booth (#649) to experience violent Gears Horde mode goodness.
Video: A look at the icky enemies of Gears 2
Continuing their in-depth look at the components that make up Gears of War 2, Epic released a new video featurette (it's exclusive to Eurogamer for the time being) taking a look at the enemies of Gears 2. And we'll be the first to say that we're in for some new crazy detailed and totally badass Locusts as is evident by the Locust Palace Guard seen above.The six minute video is an interesting look into the design, inspiration and creation process behind the Locusts including a detailed description of the new Tickers, Palace Guards, Kantus, and our friend the Skorge. It's another well produced video that you should view ... like right now. Pro-tip: Watch towards the end, when Cliff give real-life comparisons between RAAM and Skorge. It's epic.
Gears 2 map DLC to be packaged with game [update]
Update: GamePro just confirmed that this news is legit and five remade Gears multiplayer maps will be bundled with NEW copies of Gears 2. Click here for more information.As if you haven't already been barraged by enough Gears of War 2 news today, we have an interesting downloadable content rumor for you to digest. Posted over on the Evil Avatar forums is a supposed list of Gears of War 2 information gathered from the latest issue of GamePro magazine. According to Mr. forum poster and his GamePro mag, Gears 2 will ship with a redemption code that enables players to download five remade maps from the original Gears free of charge. The remade maps - Gridlock, Subway, Canals, Mansion, and Tyro Station - will be available to download off the XBLM day one of release, but ONLY to those who purchase a new copy of the game with the redemption code. We aren't exactly sure why Epic would do this other than to influence those who normally buy used to purchase a sealed copy.Another GamePro magazine rumor is that all who attend Gears 2 midnight launch events will receive a redemption code to unlock an in-game gold plated Hammerburst. It and the Collector's Edition exclusive gold plated Lancer are also said to be unlockable in-game. Interesting, eh?[Thanks, Jonathan H.]
Bleszinski: Definitely no Gears of War 2 on the PC
During an interview with TVG, Mr. Epic himself, Cliff Bleszinski revealed that they have absolutely no plans to release Gears of War 2 to the PC due, in part, to the fact that the PC market has been dealing with piracy issues. "Here's the problem right now; the person who is savvy enough to want to have a good PC to upgrade their video card, is a person who is savvy enough to know bit torrent to know all the elements so they can pirate software," explained Bleszinski, "it makes sense for us to focus on Xbox 360 for a number of reasons." And when bluntly asked whether Gears 2 would ever see a PC release, Cliff answered with a simple "no". When pressed further if that was a definite decision, Bleszinski stuck to his answer reiterating that Gears 2 would not see a PC release.
Fresh Gears 2 screenshots and campaign previews hit the net
Not only has the lifting of the Gears of War 2 embargo brought us news about the Skorge, but we're also being graced with a bunch of brand new in-game screenshots, artwork / renders and a mountain of hands-on, Act 1 campaign reviews that have surfaced across the internets. You can view the mushroom infested, Skorge detailed, explosive and generally in-freakin-credible screenshots in the gallery below, then begin your Gears 2 campaign impression search across the internets. Heck, we'll even get you started: IGN, Eurogamer, TVG, Videogamer and CVG. Note: We'll be adding additional artwork and render images as soon as they're available.%Gallery-32998%%Gallery-33002%
Confirmified! Skorge playable in Gears 2 multiplayer
With the lifting of today's Gears of War 2 information embargo, we learn that the Skorge Locust creature that was rumored to be included in multiplayer will, in fact, be playable. According to AddictGaming.com - who had a chance to chat with the one and only Cliff Bleszinski - they learned that the Skorge will be a character in multiplayer but will be tweaked a bit to maintain some balance. Specifically, the Skorge's dual chainsaw staff will NOT be usable in Gears 2 multiplayer. We are also informed that the Skorge will be the final enemy encountered in Gears' Horde mode, making an appearance at level 50. Huzzah!
Gears of War 2 campaign NDA expires today [update]
Update: The embargo turned out to be true as a whole bunch of Gears 2 assets and hands-on writeups have been unleashed onto the internets. Check it out!According to forum postings over on both NeoGAF and the Gamespot forums, the media's non-disclosure agreement (NDA) for their Gears of War 2 single player campaign impressions is set to expire later today at 12:00PM Noon eastern (9:00AM pacific). Joy! A few members of the European media recently received some hands on time with Gears 2's campaign but their impressions have been under embargo. That is until today, when (rumor) all major sites will post their hands-on campaign accounts sometime around noon eastern. But again, seeing that we haven't been able to officially confirm this NDA expiration, we'll slap giant rumor sticker on this. We're still excited though and say bring on the Gears 2 campaign goodness!Source - GamespotSource - NeoGAF
Video: Gears 2 actually has a story, it really does!
The third Gears of War 2 video featurette has made its way to the internets and this time around, we get the inside scoop on the campaign's storyline. The video, currently only available via Nuts.co.uk and embedded after the break, features Cliff and the Epic crew chatting about the Gears 2 storyline including the relationship between Dom and his wife Maria and gives us a look into the team's mindset when creating new characters to join the COG crew. Best part of the latest featurette occurs at around the 4:20 mark, when the Predator looking Skorge Locust makes a cameo. Total badass'ery![Via CVG]
Rumor: Skorge predator playable in Gears 2 mp
With yesterday's release of the latest Gears of War 2's video featurette "Weapons of War", we got a glimpse of an evil, staff wielding, predator-looking Locust baddie which is known around the Gears community as the "Skorge". He's a total "badass" Locust that any Gears loving fanboy would probably be honored to use as a character in multiplayer. A wish that just may come true. The screen you see above was grabbed from the latest video featurette and showcases a portrait icon (sourced from the top left of the screen) that depicts the other team's leader. And (big surprise) it looks eerily familiar to a certain Skorge. Is this confirmation of the Skorge predator in Gears 2 multiplayer? Not exactly, but it does make a good case for his multiplayer appearance.
UK deal: Gears 2 and replica gold lancer for 129
Not to be confused with the Gears of War 2 in-game gold plated Lancer, UK retailer gamestation is offering diehard fans the chance to own a replica gold painted Gears Lancer. The same toy Lancer that's available exclusively on Amazon.com, but with a fancy gold paint scheme. If you're interested in owning one of these bundles, you better start saving up already. The Gears of War 2 gold plated Lancer bundle (collector's edition plus Lancer) will set you back a hefty £129. But it's worth every penny and we hear gold prices are on the rise. That's a joke. [Thanks, Webster1990]
Video: Gears of War 2's 'Weapons of War'
Fresh off Epic Games' editing room table comes the second new Gears of War 2 video featurette. The first video was all about the sounds of Gears 2, this second video is all about the weapons you'll be using to dish out death come November 7th. Check out the six minute "Weapons of War" video (embedded after the break for your convenience) to get learned about all the new and upcoming Gears 2 weapons, including the new Mulcher, Scorcher, Gorgon and witness some new bloody awesome executions including the Torque Bow head pop. Speaking of the Bow, Epic added extra dialog for the two second detonation delay (nice!) and be sure to look for the new detonation effects. Extra credit to those who can spot the new achievement progress screen and crazy awesome Predator-like enemy. He's the evil dude you see above ... how delicious!
