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.
Weaknesses: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.
Posted Nov 13, 2006 - 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).
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