zoglog
- Nov 13, 2006
Strengths: Graphics are the best to date on any game released on any platform, tight and responsive controls, frantic gameplay, Great multiplayer, Great Co-op over splitscreen or live.
Weakness: Online Connection issues, glitches abound and minor pop-in/framerate issues, Idiotic Companion AI, Campaign/Co-op a bit short, Story and Voice is campy, no pretty flower and shiny rainbow levels.
There's all sorts of buzz in the air around Gears of War. Typically you'll see the game associated with phrases like "OMG that's Gorgeous" or "!%@!ing awesome". On the surface, Gears of War definitely does impress with presentation and graphics. The game feels and plays like a cinematic movie with non-stop action and fury. Needless to say, if you want a game that will visually impress anyone, look no further than Gears of War.
Now granted no matter how pretty a game is, it still doesn't make a game great. I'm happy to say that Gears of War is a solid game underneath as well. Both Campaign modes and Multiplayer modes control relatively the same. The only difference in multiplayer is that the opposing side will regenerate health over time just like you. Therefore the tactics of the game completely change. The multiplayer emphasizes teamwork and flanking maneuvers in order to get the upper hand in the game. Basically if you don't work together, you're going to find yourselves over-run if the other team is organized.
I won't go into too much detail about the single player campaign, but the co-op is flawlessly executed except for the occasional glitches. In split screen there is a definite handicap with grenade tossing because often the bottom of the aiming arc will be cut off. This game was definitely created to be played co-op. This is particularly evidenced by the incredibly stupid AI companion that controls Dom. In fact i've found moments (2nd berserker fight) where having Dom even just standing around (And yes that's all he did, stand around) was more of a pain in the butt than if he wasn't even around. Because if he gets killed, you have to start over. That's where the particularly forgiving checkpoint system actually comes in handy. Granted there were moments when I found that checkpoints could have been placed better, but in general, you won't have to re-play through too much excessive moments.
Bottom line, if you own an Xbox 360, buy this game. If you don't have an Xbox 360, maybe this game was just the reason you needed. This game is exclusively for the 360, and if it ever gets ported over to PC, I wouldn't count on any time soon (Halo 2 Still isn't even out on PC).
|
77% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful?
Top
Reply by member: Tomoyochan
Great review! I enjoyed playing this game on co-op too. My favorite weapon is the Hammer of Dawn. The last time I had this much fun was playing Halo 2. In a way it is a lot like Halo because it used several of the best elements from that game. It doesn't feel like it copied that game though.
i do say the same about this game. ya i do agree that if you don't work together you will get destroyed so bad that it isn't even funny. But like others say you work together you win. That is why my team is undefeated
Strengths: Graphics, gameplay, online modes, story
Weakness: Absolutely nothing
If you own a 360 and haven't picked up Gears of Wars, you should be ashamed of yourself. This 3rd person shooter has everything from the best graphics I have ever seen to fantastic online co-op play. The levels work well and the story is always driving the gameplay. I would highly recommend this game to everyone that has a 360.
67% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful?
TopStrengths: Best shooter ever. Online and local co-op and multiplayer, one player campaign, new downloadable map and play mode. Best graphics.
Weakness: Several scenes are a bit dark. Online mode sometimes glitchy, other than that eveything else is perfect.
Totally redefine the way i think about a shooter. I am a huge friend of Japanese games and were not into FPS and shooter games before i played GOW. Now i am a big friend of shooter as well as 360 in general. Also i never think before this that Microsoft can come up with such a good piece of software.
67% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful?
TopStrengths: Graphics, gameplay, options for online gameplay downloadable maps for online play
Weakness: None so far
I have had this game for 1 week and completed on Casual mode. Starting to play Hardcore and opened Insane Level. Have yet to play online, but will do so this weekend. This is the best Xbox 360 game out there and ranks with PS2 God of War, Xbox Halo 2, and PS2 GTA: San Andreas. Thisis a must get if you own an Xbox 360. You would be doing yourself injustice if you have yet to play this and have a Xbox 360.
50% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful?
TopStrengths: Best graphics ever, great sound, innovative gameplay
Weakness: bad language keeps me from sharing the game with my kids
This is the best looking game created to date. The incredible detail in everything you see makes you feel like you are walking through a war zone. The lighting is very realistic and even the expressions on the characters' faces looks amazing. This game is the best example yet of how far games have come and why they now have a larger market than movies. With Gears of War, you feel like you are in a sci-fi war movie. On top of the beatiful scenes, the sound is just as impressive. When you battle the aliens, you are in the middle of the battle with sounds from every direction. The new mechanism for taking cover from enemy fire and moving between cover works great. There are a lot of strategies involved as you fight.
43% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful?
TopStrengths: Best Graphics ever... PERIOD Heart Pounding Action Excellent Multiplayer
Weakness: Short Single Player Few Multiplayer Types
If you have a 360 or want one, this game is the reason to own one. Hands down, this game is the best game other than Halo 1 & 2 on the Xbox. The player models and enemy models are top notch. Bulging muscles, veins, and war scars can easily be seen on a HDTV set. The choices of weapons are really great and be used to knock off the enemy in different ways. Grenade tag, chainsaw, curb stomp, and execute your opponent are the ways to off the enemies.
The multiplayer is where it really is at. Most MP games skimp on the graphics. Not the case here. Visuals are still top notch and rarely a game with lag. Some glitches do occur, but those should be fixed in future patches. Games are Execution, Warzone, and Assassination. All have their differences and are extremely fun to play.
What are you waiting for??? Go get it!!!
40% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful?
TopStrengths: awesome graphics, many hours of fun, new innovative gameplay
Weakness: Online mode is glitchy, and learning curve for first time gamers is huge
This game is awesome and like i said in the title i believe that zoglog has pretty much summed it all up. During the campaign mode there are no shiny rainbow levels, the ending is also somewhat dim and bleak for the human race. There was one part when my friend hid behind his controller because he was so scared and frightened. You could find him, as his name is DoItForThekids and he's a storefronts seller.
40% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful?
TopStrengths: The game is solid action. It's directed like a summer blockbuster film and delivers better than any such film in recent years, only you are playing it!
Weakness: Story loses my interest, which may push some people away, but that's not what a blockbuster is about, and neither is this game.
At first it seems like a mesh of every decent FPS and action game in the recent past. However, Gears executes to perfection and innovates where it can. The shaky cam effect gets me every time. The cover system also illuminates upon past systems. And the reload 'minigame' keeps that part of the shooter interesting. Overall a can't miss hit and a microsoft IP that they are sure to milk for years.
33% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful?
TopStrengths: Fun Gameplay, Good graphics, cool guns
Weakness: Some areas are too dark, they don't provide the usual stats (heath, armor, ect...), finding your team when you get lost could be an easier process.
So this game is pretty awesome. It is a nice mix of strategy and all out kill'em. By this I mean, its still a slaughter the enemy game but you do have to duck behind your surroundings which feels more realistic. Also, flanking the enemy is pretty fun although sometimes they will do it to you too. I have had alot of fun so far playing and would say this game lives up to but did not exceed the hype. Probably because I had really high expectations. If you get this game and you like the genre or even maybe if you don't, you should be very satisfied with your purchase.
33% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful?
TopStrengths: Fun online and offline campaign co-op Fun multiplayer modes Interesting Story Frequent Updates Downloadable Content (Map Packs)
Weakness: Host advantage in multiplayer games no dedicated-servers
I got Gears of War Thanksgiving Weekend for free along with my Xbox 360. First game I chose to play on it and I never regret choosing it.
The Story is really interesting, with humans on one side and Locust on the other. The campaign has a choice of 3 difficulties, which makes it very replayable online with Xbox-Live friends or offline with friends.
There are also a wide variety of multiplayer modes:
Assassination Kill the Leader of the enemy
Warzone- Kill all enemies, downed enemies cannot stand back up by themselves
Annex- Like King of the Hill that follows warzone rules
Execution- Kill all enemies, Downed enemies can quickly stand back up by themselves
I personally enjoy playing either Warzone and Annex.
There is also frequent updates. First major update added the Annex game mode. Second major update added new achievements worth 250 points.
I also somewhat enjoy the map packs. The first map pack was free and provided 2 new maps. The second map pack isn't free and adds 2 more new maps, though, it will be free in September.
What I don't like is that there is a advantage for the person hosting the game. Since the host is the host, he experiences no bullet lag when the other players in the game do. If there were dedicated servers, there would be no such thing as the host advantage.
Did you find it helpful or unhelpful?
TopStrengths: Looks and plays great. Good Co-Op and Multiplayer. Chainsaws!
Weakness: Sinngle player a little short.
Gears of War is the latest shooter in the development of FPS's and it's very, very good at what it does. It has a short and somewhat easy single player that is best played on the higher difficulty settings. But where the game really shines is multiplayer. It looks great, the pace is frantic, and it's a whole lot of fun. It's really a great fit for the 360 and a must buy.
Did you find it helpful or unhelpful?
TopStrengths: best graphics on a console, multiplayer co-op, superb voice-acting
Weakness: some levels too dark
as you probably already know, this game has the best graphics on any game console at the present time. the gameply is also great and i especially enjoy the multiplayer co-op mode. there are levels where you are forced to take different paths and that adds an interesting dynamic. the voice-acting and presentation are also top notch and draw you into the game. my only complaint is that some of the levels are too dark and make it hard to play. it also makes doesn't allow the game to show off its great graphics.
Did you find it helpful or unhelpful?
Top
From the mind of Cliff Bleszinski (aka CliffyB) comes a third-person horror shooter game powered by the Unreal Engine 3 for Microsofts Xbox 360. Players take the role of Marcus Fenix, a convicted ex-marine, and battle the Locust horde that have taken control of the planet and decimated the population. Gameplay The game falls under the self-entitled sub-genre of "stop-and-pop" shooter which gives...
Top
Bestcovery experts have rated the Gears of War as a best pick for the Best Xbox 360 Action & Adventure Video Game. Bestcovery's experts recommend the best products and services for a particular need based on extensive research and evaluations. Click below to see Bestcovery's full review of this product.
Top
Testseek.com has collected 28 expert reviews for Gears of War and the average expert rating is 92 of 100. The average score reflects the expert community’s view on this product. Click below and use Testseek.com to see all ratings, product awards and conclusions.
Top
Gears of War receives an overall TopTenREVIEWS rating of 3.84 out of 4.00. It is ranked the #33 game of all time, #2 game of 2006 for the Xbox 360 and #6 Xbox 360 game of all time. The rating and ranking is based on an average of 139 critic scores, awards and other criteria. To see a breakdown of the game ranking, read individual critic reviews, or see how other games ranked, click on the link...
Top
Even before the system was released, one game and one game only has had the fanboys (and even the non-fanboys) drooling all over themselves, and that’s Gears of War. Reputedly the game that was single-handedly responsible for the 512 MB of RAM in the Xbox 360, Gears of War utilizes the highly-publicized Unreal Engine 3 (one of the first games to do so) in a high-intensity war-torn world. This...
Top
The best summary of Gears of War that I've heard was quipped by one of my friends as we played it on my then brand-new Xbox 360: "Gears of War is the Hummer of videogames.” And that's true - everything about Gears of War is big, brash and 100% American.
Top
Not an Original Shooter but Does Everything Just...
Strengths: Graphics, Sound, Co-Op online, Online Play, and Gameplay.
Weakness: Short Single-Player
Gears of War is an action/3rd person shooter for XBOX 360. You play as Marcus Fenix with his allies against the Locust Horde who have pretty much destroyed all civilization. Cover is very important in this game and you'll learn to use it through GOW's cover scheme. The graphics look amazing and nothing on any of the consoles out right now even compares to GOW. Online Co-Op is great. Online play is very strategic and requires a lot of team play. My main gripe with the game is that its really short. Only 5 chapters long. Should of been 10. I give the game 5 stars, since its truly a well put together game and a lot of fun.
86% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful?