Gears of War 2 Review
Gears of War 2 is one of this year's most anticipated Xbox 360 exclusive titles. Gears 2 is designed by Epic Games and published by Microsoft Game Studios. This is a sequel to the Xbox 360 blockbuster, Gears of War. The game was announced during the 2008 Game Developers Conference by Cliff "Cliffy B" Bleszinski to be "Bigger, Better, and more Badass".
You play as Marcus Fenix, as in the first game, with your partner Dom Santiago. The game has added an extra mode of difficultly to try and sell some of the more "casual" gamers. "Casual" mode from Gears of War is now called "Normal", and "Casual" in Gears 2 is basically the easiest mode in a shooter you will ever encounter. The game starts you out in the last human refuge, Jacinto. Jacinto is the one city that cannot be sunk by the Locust, or so we are to think. You are told the Locust are advancing on Jacinto, and are becoming more "desperate". You are then put in command of Benjamen Carmine. This Carmine is one of the brothers of Anthony Carmine, from Gears of War.
The single player experience is a great improvement over the first installment. It is longer, and generally more of an actual experience. The first game was, and still is, criticized for the sever lack of story. Gears 2 follows the fight against the Locust, along with the side story of Dom and his long-lost wife Maria. The game should take you around 8-14 hours of game time to finish, depending on the level of difficultly you are on. Also, if you wish to get the 1000/1000 gamerscore for the game, you must play through a second time to play on the "Insane" difficultly mode. The difficultly of Insane seems "pumped" up from the first game, due to the improved AI and certain weapon balancing. The Lancer now nearly stops an opponent in his tracks due to "Stopping Power", and the shot gun only gets a "1 hit kill" if you are right next to the enemy. No longer will you see shotgun battles.
The story may not be a classic, but it atleast gives players a reason to be interested in why things are happening. The ending of the game does seem to come to an end abruptly, but it worked. Do not expect a Halo 2, stopping in the middle of a cut scene ending. The story leaves the series wide open for Gears of War 3.
The multiplayer is where this game really excels. Epic has brought in a new Matchmaking System, similar to the Halo 3 matchmaking, replacing the old lobby system seen in Gears of War. The system has had it's problems, including the long waits to find matches when you are alone, or in a four person group. Epic recently released a title update to Gears 2 that seems to have fixed that issue. There is also a ranking system on this installment. It is based off of Microsoft's True Skill, and includes 5 different ranks. These ranks, since they use True Skill, are only based on Wins and Loses in public matches. So no need to cry over a kill being stolen.
Overall, Gears 2 is not a "Gears 1.5". It is it's own single player experience that expands off of the original "story", or lack of one, and makes a really great single player campaign that wants you coming back for the next installment. Also, the multiplayer is a great improvement and will hold lots of fun for a long time to come, along with Horde mode keeping you entertained for hours on end.
Gears of War 2 gets an:
A
Pass -- Rent -- Buy
Enjoy,
Max Burke
VGToday Management; Review Crew
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Your Holiday Shopping List
Still having trouble picking the right game, console, or equipment? Look no further, VGToday's Holiday Shopping Guide is here! Below we have our personal favorite titles for each console, along with what we feel the best console(s) and equipment are. Of course, these are personal opinions so you may have a different opinion than us, but we tried to make a wide variety for every kind of gamer (or non-gamer). Note, all links in the names on the game denotes there is a review or impression of the game on our site. Click on it to be directed to it. Roleplaying Fans Racing Fans Zombie Lovers (Horror Game Fans) Kid Friendly We hope this brief Holiday Shopping Guide helped you choose what game(s) are right for you, or the person you are buying for this year. If you would like to hear about a game not on the list, feel free to leave a comment and we'll get back to you!
Shooter FansGears of War 2; A great third person cover shooter brought to you by EPIC Games and Microsoft Game Studios. Gears 2 is an Xbox 360 exclusive and is one of the best, and most anticipated, games of the year for the platform. We gave this game an "A" because it's single player is great and the mutliplayer gives it great longevity. If you are a mature aged shooter fan, this is a must buy.
Enjoy!
The VGToday Crew
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Banjo-Kazooie Delayed for XBLA
Banjoo-Kazooie, the 1998 platformer hit, is now delayed until December 3rd for release on the Xbox Live Arcade. The game will feature a new control scheme, compared to the original Nintendo 64 game, and HD graphics. There will be no there will be no additional content that was not on the original game. Microsoft says they delayed the release, from November 26th, because of problems with pro-orders of the full retail Banjo game, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts. People that preordered the full game, got a code for the XBLA for free, 2 weeks before the public release of the XBLA game. Due to shipping errors, and the codes not arriving to many costumers, Microsoft is extending the "Exclusivity" period another week. Once again, the game will be available via XBLA on December 3rd for 1200 Microsoft Points (15$ USD).
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NXE Is Here!
The New Xbox Experience has arrived to the Xbox 360! In case you have not heard of the NXE, let's go over what it is. This is basically Xbox 360 2.0 (Although this would really be 3.0, the 2.0 change was minor compared to this). If you are connected to Xbox Live as a Gold or Silver, you get the update for free. This update took me about 10-15 minutes on a good connection, so do not expect it to take the normal 30 second dashboard update time. The NXE will change how the dashboard looks forever.
In addition to the fresh new look and design, many great features have come with NXE. If you are a Netflix subscriber, you get to stream movies in HD to your Xbox, no downloading required. The video simply buffers for a few minutes and off you go! To get this to work just put any movie into your queue on Netflix.com, and it will show up on your Xbox 360 within 2-5 seconds for you to watch, instantly! Also, if you have friends with Netflix, up to 8 of you can watch the movie together in a chat (Note, you NEED Xbox Live Gold Membership for this feature)!
Another great feature is the party system! Now, you can have up to 8 people in a private chat! In addition, you can start a party of up to 8 people from the dashboard, decide what game to play, and everyone starts it up and...wala! You are all put into the multiplayer menu upon game start up, in a party! You never have to leave the party when joining a game again!
Also, gamerpics are so yesterday. Avatars, now replace gamerpics (you can still use previously purchased gamerpics) as your virtual self. You can customize these incredibly. I thought this was just a gimmick, and a copy of the Nintendo "Miis". They are not. I cannot explain them as well as show you, so see for yourself.
One last thing before we go play with NXE. You cna now access the full marketplace online! And use microsoft points to purchase marketplace items from Xbox.com. Then, they will be in your Xbox Download Queue next time you turn your xbox on!
Enjoy!
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The End of the Mouse and Keyboard?
Though I don't remember much about the Minority Report movie, what I do remember is all of the cool UIs the computers had. I mean the ability to just use your hands to control everything on the screen, with out a mouse or keyboard. It was what I once believed was only possible with 'Movie Magic'! I remember thinking how great that would be if I actually had it....sigh.
Well, Mgestyk has made my dreams come true. Or almost has. Check the video.
Now if they can just improve upon that, then I found a new way to game on my PC. It's like the Wii, without the need for expensive Wiimotes. They're already taking pre-orders at their site.
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First Dragonball Online Gameplay
This seems to be our very first look at the new DB MMORPG, Dragonball Online. It appears to be very fast paced for a MMORPG, and looks pretty damn good even on cam. The video's in Japanese so I have no idea what they're describing. But, it looks like there will be the chance to fight characters from the show. Anyways pretty cool.
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Recon? I can haz Recon!!!!
No, not yet. But soon.
That's right. When Halo3:Recon comes out it will be possible to unlock the once exclusive recon armor. Below are what's need to do the crouch jump in your new armor.
- 1.) The three Vidmaster Achievements (Annual, Lightswitch, 7 on 7) - From Halo 3
- 2.) The Brainpan Achievement -From Halo 3
- 3.) Three unknown achievements form Halo3:Recon.
So, it's NOT possible to unlock the Recon armor before Halo3:Recon comes out, but you can place your feet in the water by unlocking some of the achievements from Halo 3.
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Now playing: Radiohead - 15 Step
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First Podcast!!!
Well, soon we will post our first podcast; name yet to be decided upon.
We would've had it up already, but my computer decided to screw me over, and Max got tired of waiting, and went to bed...or something.
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Xbox Live Down
Xbox Live is currently down for a majority of it's users. So far Microsoft has released no details other than Major Nelson saying the following on his blog:
In the past few hours, the Xbox Operations Center noticed that large number of members were disconnected from Xbox LIVE, some more than once. Our Engineering teams are actively working to determine the root cause of this issue and to prevent it from happening again. If you are disconnected, you should be able to reconnect after a few minutes. Thanks for your patience as we work quickly to solve the issue.
That was posted earlier today, and as of now the problem has only gotten worse. Now you can connect to Xbox Live, but you cannot play any multiplayer games. This is shown in Call of Duty 4 having a mere 500 users online right now. Maybe it is not so bad, they might give us a free Arcade game like last holiday, but I doubt it.
EDIT: It appears as Xbox Live is back up. Post a comment here if you are still having issues.
Dark Kitsune:
Well Major Nelson has released another update.
From reading comments, I see that some folks are still having issues. The Operations center is investigating.I'm one of those unlucky people who are still having problems. This has throughly messed up my gaming weekend.
Edit: Another update! Though it isn't very helpful to me!
We’re noticing a few members are still having issues. We’re investigating. Thanks.
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Left 4 Dead Demo Impressions
Left 4 Dead is Valve's latest project which releases next Tuesday, the 18th of November. The game is a survival horror which brings the "survival" part of the genre to the fullest. You are one of four survivors of a zombie infection, which is very similar to the Resident Evil series, who must fight to stay alive in the infested city. From what I gathered from the demo you must work your way, in the campaign, to escape the city and get to a government refuge. At the intro of the game a government helicopter is shouting to the city for survivors to head to the hospital for evacuation.
So you pick one of the four survivors you want to play as, none of any has an advantage or disadvantage over any other of them. There is a table in front of where you spawn with a pump shotgun and what appears to be a MP5, or other SMG. You may pick one of them and grab the First-Aid kits on the table, which you will need. You also have a pistol that has unlimited ammo. As it stands, the pistol is way to powerful for it to have unlimited ammo. I found myself using the pistol more than my shotgun because of range. I'd only use the shotgun if the zombies got up close to be, which happens alot. Valve needs to make the pistols have an ammo cap, or lower damage. As is, it takes 2-4 hits with a pistol to kill. Also, if you find a pistol on the ground you can dual-wield.
The co-op element of this game, and it's major selling point, is great. It is probably the best co-op experience I've had it awhile, if not ever. If you are constricted by a smoker zombie, or tagged by a boomer zombie, or on the ground because of a hunter zombie you NEED the help of your allies to survive. There cannot be a lone ranger in this game because of that. Also, the AI Director keeps this game fresh. Each time I ran through it, it was different. The zombies never came the same way, nor in the same numbers or types. This will give the game untold amounts of replay value.
Since this is only a Demo Impression and not a full on game review I will stop here and give more time to reviewing this game when it releases. I highly suggest this game, and it will most likely have my vote for game of the year.
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7-Eleven once again is breaking street dates for video games. As reported two weeks ago, 7-Eleven leaked several Gears of War 2 copies. These leaks were due to the sales persons not reading the "Do Not Sell Before ****" sticker. Now, this week, reports of World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King being sold at 7-Eleven are up. Apparently, another unaware sales person sold a copy of the game without reading the sticker on the box that clearly stated NOT to sell the game before the said release date. Sarcastic Gamer's Lono reported going to a local 7-Eleven and asking for a copy of Gears of War 2 before the intended release date. He says he asked for a copy of the game and the sales person was going to sell it to him, but she could not find where the copies were.
So if you're looking for games before their release, head over to 7-Eleven the week of release and see if you can a faulty sales person. Microsoft and 7-Eleven have not made any statements thus far.
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Gears of War 2 Matchmaking
Epic Games released this statement on the multiplayer matchmaking issue on Gears of War 2:
This is an issue that’s affecting some folks, and [we] are...looking into it. I'll let you know more details as I have them. In the mean time, try to go back to the dashboard and use it to test the network connection. Re-sign in to see if you have better results. This has worked for some people for the time being.
Hopefully they can fix this issue, as many people have reported waiting up to 40 minutes for a single game. To help improve matchmaking times try these tips:
- Choose the "Player's Choice" or "Horde" matchmaking playlists.
- Go check your NAT, if it is not "Open" that may be your problem. Call Xbox Support at: 1-800-4MYXBOX
- Search for a game, wait 2 minutes, cancel matchmaking, wait on menu's for 2 minutes, resume matchmaking.
- Unplug, then plug in your router.
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The VGToday Crew
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Mirror's Edge Demo Impressions
Developed By: EA Digital Illusions CE (DICE)
Published By: EA
Engine:Unreal Engine 3
Genre:First Person/Action/Adventure
System(s):Microsoft Windows
Xbox 360
Playstation 3
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I know what you're thinking. "Another First Person game with the Unreal engine which is probably all gory and full of browns and grays!" You couldn't be more wrong, the game is absolutely gorgeous and sports a jaw-dropping scope that is becoming more common in games these days.
As you start the demo you're introduced to the main colors you will see throughout the game. Whites, blacks, oranges, and blues will make this game very different from previous Unreal Engine games. I played the demo on the 360, but I'm pretty sure the controls are in the respective place for PS3.
The demo is the tutorial level from the first stage of the game. The stage that many have seen in the videos; the very first video actually. You are introduced to Faith and the city that the game takes place in. The game starts with a cellshaded cutscene giving you a little backstory of the world. The people have lost most of their freedom, they're under constant surveillance, and as expected some people reacted negatively to this sudden change. These are the people you work for in the game, delivering messages across rooftops, sewer, and overall just any way you can get the package/ message delivered. Seeing as how all communication is monitored and runners are the only safe...er safest way to deliver a message, it makes sense right?.
As you gain control of Faith the first thing you do is a tutorial, pop-ups instructing you how to play. Simple jumping, crouching, and how to check your current objectives. From there you meet up with another runner. She teaches you some of the more advanced move you will need to complete your objectives. In the game some objects are red, this is runner vision. Runner vision is a way for the game to tell you where to go. You can use it, but you don't have too, seeing as how there are multiple ways to get around the game. I turned it off, because it kind of ruined the visuals for me.The game has a moderate learning curve, seeing as how i died a lot the first time I played it. Also death, no matter how cool it looks(seeing the world in one big motion blur as you plummet to the ground), still sucks. Fortunately you start right back where you died. Then you're run through a quick combat tutorial.
There are two punches, a high punch and a low punch. A kick you can do by jumping and then pressing the attack button(Right Trigger on 360), and a sliding kick you can do by pressing the crouch button while moving and pressing the attack button. You can also disarm enemies in first person with the 'Y' button. you can just press the button at any time when behind them, but when they try to attack you with it you have to wait until it flashes red.
After you learn the basics you begin the actual first level.
The first level starts with credits, and a fast paced first person scripted event, pretty much demoing what you're able to do. After that brief moment the game throws the controls into your hands and says, "Run!"
Watch the First Step. Game comes out today, be sure to at least rent this one. It's defiantly worth it.
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Final Notes
This demo is available on Xbox LIVE,and PSN.
Death Makes a nasty crunch sound.
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Now playing: Deftones - Bored
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Coming This Week...
Here is a little checklist of what is in store for this week on VGToday:
- Full Gears of War 2 Review
- Left 4 Dead Demo Impressions
- EndWar Demo Impressions
- Call of Duty: World at War BETA Impressions
- The Holiday Season: What Games Should Make It Onto Your List!
- Another writer joins the VGToday crew, Dark_Kistune! Now we will be able to pump out more reviews, interviews, etc. faster!
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Live Search Club Gone!?
Literally 30 minutes ago Microsoft started to pull the plug on Search Club Live, a popular freebie website that gives you prizes for playing games. No statement has been made by Microsoft, but all of the high level prizes such as the Xbox 360 and “Scene It?” have been pulled. Now, only small prizes remain, these include a Kitchen Timer, T-Shirts, etc.
The large amounts of removals may be because of the widespread LSC Cheating. The cheating involved people using “bots”, such as ICHC to do the games automatically. To try and stop this Microsoft put a 1,000 ticket limit per day. But the cheating persisted as many cheaters left the bots on to gain 1,000 points a day. With high level prizes, like an Xbox 360 Console, going for only 55,000 tickets you can see how easily it was for cheaters to get some serious prizes and/or money from selling these gifts.
LSC is still up and running, but all high level prizes are gone as of now. What is the future of LSC? We will have to wait and see!
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Call of Duty: World At War Beta
The Call of Duty: World at War Multiplayer Beta, previously only available to costumers who preordered the game, is now released to the public via the Xbox Live Marketplace. To find the game you can go under "New Arrivals", then "Game Demos" and it should be listed there. If it is not, go into the "Game Store" then find "Call of Duty: World at War" and there should be the Beta download in that folder. This Beta is multiplayer ONLY and is expected to be shut down next week after release of the full retail game.
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What Released This Week?
- Gears of War 2; Xbox 360
- Resistance 2; Playstation 3
- James Bond: Quantum of Solace; Xbox 360, Wii, Playstation 3, Playstation 2
- Tom Clancy's EndWar; Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PSP
- Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm; Playstation 3
- Legendary; Xbox 360
- Secret Service; Xbox 360
- Valkyria Chronicles; Playstation 3
- Dragon Ball Z: Infinite World; Playstation 2
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New Layout
As you can see, VGT has gotten a brand new look! Sory for any downtime during the update. Some things are still being fixed and touched up right now. If you find any bugs or problems make a comment on this post explaining it and we will do our best.
Thanks!
VGT Staff
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Tom Clancy's EndWar
Tom Clancy's EndWar released in North America yesterday and hit my front door this morning. First Impressions of the game will be up shortly followed by a full length review in a few weeks. Busy season is officially started with Fable, Fallout, EndWar, and others released! Also coming this Sunday are my Gears of War 2 first impressions.
We are also giving away a FREE Copy of Gears of War 2 later this November, so if you cannot get your hands on a copy...dont worry! Stay tuned for more info on this giveaway.
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Opening Scene To Left 4 Dead Released!
With only a short while left before the release of Valve's Left 4 Dead, they release a video showing the opening scene of the campaign mode. In Left 5 Dead you can play as any of the 4 characters in 4 player co-op. This is sure to be one of the best zombie survival games this year!
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Fallout 3 First Impressions
Fallout 3, one of this year's Triple-A RPG's (Roleplaying Game) hit shelves this past Wednesday. The game places you in post-apocalyptic Washington, D.C. The game begins with you being born "in Vault 101", an underground fallout shelter, where you can custom the appearance of your character to be. You then have segments of your childhood, at one year old and your first time walking. This fits great into the walking and movement tutorial. Then you eventually turn 10 years of age and receive your Pip-Boy 3000, which is basically a personal PDA device strapped onto your arm. At this segment you meet some of the people in the Vault like Butch, the Overseer, Amata, etc.
I am going to stop there with story details to avoid spoilers, needless to say you soon escape the vault. Note, this is just my first impressions not a review as I have not finished the game fully yet. The game controls handle well and the graphics look amazing on my HDTV. You should save before leaving the vault because the opening scene is one of the best scenes in recent video games. Stepping out from the vault, the first sunlight you ever see hits your eyes and you are blinded for a few moments before adjusting to the light and seeing the ruins of, what used to be, Washington D.C. Not only is the scene great, but once you realize, "Hey, I can go ANYWHERE I can see right now" you realize this is what "Triple-A Game" really means. From atop the hill you exit the vault from you can see famous buildings such as the Washington Monument and the Interstate Super Highway.
From there it is up to you. You can proceed with your Main Story and go to a town named "Megaton". Megaton is a city built around an atomic bomb that landed but never exploded. This transitions into what I will talk about next, the moral choices in the game. Many RPGs try to bring this into their games...but Fallout 3 really succeeds. You will soon face a hard decision in Megaton that will ultimately shape how you play the game. When you enter Megaton you can, and will, go to the local Saloon. You meet a Mr. Burke who wants help detonating the A-bomb in the city so wipe the town off the map. Now, you can agree to this and go through with it. Or you can run to the sheriff you met when you first entered Megaton. I choose to be the "goody-goody" during my first play through so I immediately run to the Sheriff. I tell him what happened and we heads to the Saloon. After telling Burke he is arrested and turns his back for a second, Burke pulls out his 10mm Silenced Pistol. This is another point in the game that sees how you react to what is happening. You can sit and let the Sheriff die, or you can kill Burke before he assassinates the Sheriff. This is what RPGs are supposed to be like, your decisions REALLY matter. This is not some Peter Molyneux "fake" moral decisions as seen in past Fable games.
I will stop there and leave you to think upon what RPG you will be picking up this holiday season. With the November rush of games this year, Fallout 3 really stands out well in the crowd.
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