Official GeoW 2 Sticky (9.0 @ GS):Keep It Here Or Risk SUSPENSION!

If you post about just Resistance in this thread, i.e no viable valid comparison with gears. (e.g haha Resistance is AA) you will get suspended for trolling and ignoring the resistance sticky.

Keep all discussion about Gears of War 2 in this thread.

Those posting new topics or in topics about (gamename) other than this one, will face moderation and likely suspension.

Obligatory funny animal pics follows

Game: Gears of War 2
Lead Designer: Cliff Blezenski
Rating: M for Mature (17+)
Developer: Epic Games
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Hype Level: AAAE

Summary from Xbox.com:

"Gears of War® 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to the 4.7 million-selling blockbuster third-person tactical action game, and one of the most popular Xbox 360 games in history. Gears of War 2 picks up six months after the events of Gears of War, and thrusts you back into a deep and harrowing story of humankind's epic battle for survival against a nightmarish force of underground creatures known as the Locust Horde.

Gears of War 2 is developed by Epic Games exclusively for Xbox 360®. Continue the story of Marcus Fenix, a reluctant war hero, as he leads Delta Squad on a series of perilous and adrenaline-pumping missions. Gears of War 2 blends third-person shooter with unsurpassed high-definition visuals, all layered on top of an engaging story of survival, loss, and retribution."

From Wikipedia:

Setting

Gears of War 2 takes place six months after the detonation of the Lightmass Bomb at the end of the first game. Though most of the Locust Horde was destroyed, the explosion also caused much of the liquid Imulsion underground to vaporize, causing a fatal disease called "Rust Lung" to spread among the diminished human population. After months of peace, the cities of Tollen and Montevado suddenly and mysteriously disappear underground, leading the COG to suspect the resurgence of the Locust. Soon after, the once impenetrable Jacinto Plateau, one of the last remaining safe havens for humans, begins to show signs that the same fate awaits it. In order to stop the fall of Jacinto, the COG responds with a large-scale counteroffensive against the Locust. Senior Producer Rod Fergusson says "In order to save Jacinto, [the COG] have no choice but to take the war to the Locust." Comic book writer Joshua Ortega says "The stakes are raised. This is humanity's last stand. Everything is at risk. Nothing is safe."

Characters

Returning characters will include Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago and others from the first game, as well as Cole and Baird. Lead designer Cliff Bleszinski confirmed that the character Anthony Carmine would be returning, but did not reveal how or in what capacity as Carmine was killed in the original Gears of War. It was later revealed that Carmine himself would not be present in the Gears of War 2 campaign, but rather his brother, Benjamin will make an appearance. The game will also introduce several new characters; among these are Chairman Prescott, the near dictatorial military leader of COG, Tai Kaliso, "a spiritual and meditative warrior from a tradition of honor bound fighters," and Dizzy, a former Stranded who joined the COG in order to keep his family safe. Dominic's wife Maria will also make an appearance, and Dominic's search for her will play an important part in the story.

Gears of War designer Cliff Bleszinski has done several interviews to highlight improvements to the game. Heavy netcode optimization has been done to negate the host advantage problem in the first title and hundreds of tweaks have gone into improving the cover system and movement.In order to provide a deeper story, the team brought aboard novelist Joshua Ortega as to incorporate more personal drama within the sci-fi setting. Steve Jablonsky will be providing the music for the game.

It was confirmed during the Microsoft E3 2008 press conference that the game would be released on November 7th 2008

Multiplayer

Gears of War 2 features an upgraded multiplayer mode that will allow up to ten users to simultaneously play.X360 magazine reported that Gears of War 2 will contain at least three new online multiplayer modes, called "Guardian," "Wingman," and "Submission." "Guardian" is essentially a modified version of "Assassination" from the original Gears of War, but allows players to continue fighting after the leader has been killed, but losing the ability to respawn. "Wingman" splits all ten players into five teams of two, where both members of a team play as the same character.Submission," formerly known as "Meat Flag," is a version of capture the flag in which players attempt to "down" an enemy controlled by the game's AI and move its body to their team's base to earn points. A Halo-like matchmaking system will be utilized for the online multiplayer. In an E3 special, it was confirmed that bots will be available in multiplayer, but this feature was not elaborated upon.

A new co-op game mode was confirmed during Microsoft's E3 2008 press conference; called "Horde," this mode allows up to five players to fight off waves of attacking Locust together. Horde Mode will not feature bot support as in competitive multiplayer, and can be played alone. The Locust attack in waves of multiple enemies which become more difficult as players progress.

Cameras in the multiplayer modes have also been improved significantly. Rather than static views from different points on a map, the new Battle Cam allows players to pan around a map as the camera focuses on areas of intense fighting, and the Ghost Cam allows a player to roam freely around a map. A photo mode will also be featured, with each photo taken by a player rated on the amount of action in the shot.

Regarding multiplayer-specific achievements, certain achievements such as getting a defined number of kills with a weapon have been altered. For example, to get an achievement which requires 500 kills with a weapon or 500 headshots, only the first kill or headshot made by a player in a given multplayer match will count towards the achievement. Cliff Bleszinski mentioned that this change was to emphasize the objectives of a multiplayer mode.

Videos:

Trailers:

Teaser Trailer
Gameplay Trailer
Last Day Trailer

Previews:

IGN Preview
IGN Online Preview
IGN Live Wire Demo
Campaign Walkthrough
Part. 2 of Campaign Walkthrough
The Mulcher
The Flamethrwoer

Interviews:

Online Reveal
Video Interview
Developer Commentary: Sound Design
Developer Commentary: Every Gun Has a Story
Developer Commentary: The Creatures
Developer Commentary: Delta Blues
Developer Commentary: Never Fight Alone
Developer Commentary: Every Pixel Counts



Achievements: [spoiler]

Green as Grass - Train the rook (any difficulty) - 10 G
It's a Trap! - Story progression in Act 1, Chapter 2 - 10 G
Escort Service - Story progression in Act 1, Chapter 4 - 10 G
Girl About Town - Story progression in Act 1, Chapter 6 - 10 G
That Sinking Feeling - Story progression in Act 2, Chapter 4 - 10 G
DELETED NAME FOR SPOILERS- Story progression in Act 2, Chapter 5 - 10 G
DELETED NAME FOR SPOILERS- Story progression in Act 2, Chapter 6 - 10 G
Longitude and Attitude - Story progression in Act 3, Chapter 3 - 10 G
Tanks for the Memories - Story progression in Act 3, Chapter 4 - 10 G
Water Sports - Story progression in Act 3, Chapter 6 - 10 G
There's a Time for Us - Story progression in Act 4, Chapter 2 - 10 G
Better Wrapped in Beacon - Story progression in Act 4, Chapter 3 - 10 G
Have Fun Storming the Castle - Story progression in Act 4, Chapter 6 - 10 G
And the Horse You Rode in On - Story progression in Act 5, Chapter 1 - 10 G
DELETED NAME FOR SPOILERS- Story progression in Act 5, Chapter 2 - 10 G
Brumak Rodeo - Story progression in Act 5, Chapter 4 - 10 G
Does This Look Infected to You? - Story progression in Act 5, Chapter 5 - 10 G
Tourist of Duty - Complete all campaign acts on Casual Difficulty - 25 G
Guerilla Tactician - Complete all campaign acts on Normal Difficulty - 50 G
Artist of War - Complete all campaign acts on Hardcore Difficulty - 75 G
Suicide Missionary - Complete all campaign acts on Insane Difficulty - 150 G
Collector - Recover 5 collectibles (any difficulty) - 5 G
Pack Rat - Recover 20 collectibles (any difficulty) - 15 G
Completionist - Recover all 41 collectibles (any difficulty) - 30 G
One-Night Stand - Complete 1 chapter in co-op on any difficulty (Marcus or Dom) - 10 G
Open Relationship - Complete 10 chapters in co-op on any difficulty (Marcus or Dom) - 30 G
Friends with Benefits - Complete all acts in co-op on any difficulty (Marcus or Dom) - 50 G
Once More, With Feeling - Perform 30 perfect active reloads (any mode) - 10 G
Takes a Licking - Melee 30 Tickers (any mode) - 30 G
Organ Grinder - Kill 30 enemies with a cover mounted Mulcher (any mode) - 10 G
Shock and Awe - Kill 30 enemies with the heavy Mortar (any mode) - 10 G
Said the Spider to the Fly - Kill 10 enemies with a planted grenade (any mode) - 10 G
Crowd Control - Melee 10 enemies down with the Boomshield equipped (any mode) - 10 G
Smells Like Victory - Kill 30 enemies with the Scorcher Flamethrower (any mode) - 10 G
Variety Is the Spice of Death - Kill an enemy with every weapon in the game (any mode) - 30 G
Seriously 2.0 - Kill 100,000 enemies (any mode) - 50 G
Standing Here, Beside Myself - Win 3 matches of Wingman (public) - 10 G
Beat the Meatflag - Capture 10 meatflags in Submission (public) - 10 G
It's Good to be the King - Win 10 rounds of Guardian as the leader (public) - 10 G
You Go Ahead, I'll Be Fine - Win three matches of King of the Hill (public) - 10 G
Back to Basic - Successfully complete the 5 lessons of multiplayer Training Grounds - 10 G
Party Like It's 1999 - Play 1999 rounds of multiplayer (any mode) - 30 G
Around the World, Again - Win a multiplayer match on each map (any mode) - 30 G
Dirty, Dirty Horde - Survive the first 10 waves of Horde (any difficulty, any map) - 20 G
Hoard the Horde - Survive all 50 waves of Horde (any difficulty, any map) - 30 G
Crossed Swords – Win 10 chainsaw duels (any mode) - 10 G
A Parting Gift – Kill 10 enemies with a grenade while down but not out (any mode) - 20 G
Pound of Flesh – Use a meatshield to save your life 10 times (any mode) - 10 G
Photojournalist – Submit a spectator photo - 10 G
Kick 'Em When They're Down – Perform all 11 unique executions on a downed enemy - 10G [/spoiler]

Reviews:

OXM UK: 9.0/10

Toriko42

finally. Too many threads posting rather useless info.

AAA prediction here.

This thread is redundant IMO. There's already an 'official' thread about Gears on the first page. A lot of effort was put into that one. Why not sticky that?NielsNL

Because I want to make sure people read the note I have put in the first post.

I expect AAA and look forward to it.

I have the collector's version reserved, and a buddy of mine has the regular version, does he get the bonus maps too?

[QUOTE="NielsNL"]This thread is redundant IMO. There's already an 'official' thread about Gears on the first page. A lot of effort was put into that one. Why not sticky that?cakeorrdeath

Because I want to make sure people read the note I have put in the first post.

Fair enough. But it kinda feels like class justice to me. Corect me if I'm wrong. Still the amount of effort put into that thread can't be denied. Why not incorporate that threads opeing post in this thread?

I expect AAA and look forward to it.

I have the collector's version reserved, and a buddy of mine has the regular version, does he get the bonus maps too?

SolidTy

I'm expecting AAA here on GS.

Pre-ordered the Limited Edition:D

Thanks, this was much needed.

Punishing those who admit to own this already is the best part, kudos.

[QUOTE="cakeorrdeath"]

[QUOTE="NielsNL"]This thread is redundant IMO. There's already an 'official' thread about Gears on the first page. A lot of effort was put into that one. Why not sticky that?NielsNL

Because I want to make sure people read the note I have put in the first post.

Fair enough. But it kinda feels like class justice to me. Corect me if I'm wrong. Still the amount of effort put into that thread can't be denied. Why not incorporate that threads opeing post in this thread?

I usually like to sticky an already existing thread I just felt a new thread was needed in this case. I am fine with incorporating the opening post though.

Thanks, this was much needed.

Punishing those who admit to own this already is the best part, kudos.

Chutebox

I played it legit, at a Dutch equivalent of E3 (gaming convention type of thing).

[QUOTE="NielsNL"][QUOTE="cakeorrdeath"]

[QUOTE="NielsNL"]This thread is redundant IMO. There's already an 'official' thread about Gears on the first page. A lot of effort was put into that one. Why not sticky that?cakeorrdeath

Because I want to make sure people read the note I have put in the first post.

Fair enough. But it kinda feels like class justice to me. Corect me if I'm wrong. Still the amount of effort put into that thread can't be denied. Why not incorporate that threads opeing post in this thread?

I usually like to sticky an already existing thread I just felt a new thread was needed in this case. I am fine with incorporating the opening post though.

Would be nice i think. It's a great post with lots of info and that way the effort toriko put into it will not have been in vain.

[QUOTE="Chutebox"]

Thanks, this was much needed.

Punishing those who admit to own this already is the best part, kudos.

NielsNL

I played it legit, at a Dutch equivalent of E3 (gaming convention type of thing).

Would be nice i think. It's a great post with lots of info and that way the effort toriko put into it will not have been in vain.

NielsNL

Done.

[QUOTE="NielsNL"][QUOTE="cakeorrdeath"]

[QUOTE="NielsNL"]This thread is redundant IMO. There's already an 'official' thread about Gears on the first page. A lot of effort was put into that one. Why not sticky that?cakeorrdeath

Because I want to make sure people read the note I have put in the first post.

Fair enough. But it kinda feels like class justice to me. Corect me if I'm wrong. Still the amount of effort put into that thread can't be denied. Why not incorporate that threads opeing post in this thread?

I usually like to sticky an already existing thread I just felt a new thread was needed in this case. I am fine with incorporating the opening post though.

The achievement list should be erased, Imo. They are "spoilery" :P

[QUOTE="NielsNL"][QUOTE="Chutebox"]

Thanks, this was much needed.

Punishing those who admit to own this already is the best part, kudos.

Alpha-Polaris

I played it legit, at a Dutch equivalent of E3 (gaming convention type of thing).

To me? No. I'd never download illegal copies myself, but having the chance to play Gears 2 before it's out and playing it a little bit seems very tempting.

The achievement list should be erased, Imo. They are "spoilery" :P

IronBass

They are now spoilered.

Any other requests? :P

Check out this trailer it got realeased today but it looks so awsum. i cant wait.

http://www.gamestop.com/gs/gscinema/default.aspx?gscRef=true&gscID=gow2_gsexclusive

To me? No. I'd never download illegal copies myself, but having the chance to play Gears 2 before it's out and playing it a little bit seems very tempting. NielsNL

[QUOTE="IronBass"]

The achievement list should be erased, Imo. They are "spoilery" :P

cakeorrdeath

They are now spoilered.

Any other requests? :P

Free copies of the game for the first ten posters in this thread? ;)

i per-ordered mine last week, and hopefuly it will arrive withing 4 days after launch... its my most anticipated title this year for Xbox360 :)

[QUOTE="IronBass"]

The achievement list should be erased, Imo. They are "spoilery" :P

cakeorrdeath

They are now spoilered.

Any other requests? :P

It's just as Niels explained. Toriko put a great deal of time and effort in his thread. It's a shame if that had to be deleted.

thanks Cake

[QUOTE="Chutebox"]

Thanks, this was much needed.

Punishing those who admit to own this already is the best part, kudos.

NielsNL

I played it legit, at a Dutch equivalent of E3 (gaming convention type of thing).

Well, you don't "own" it do you?

[QUOTE="IronBass"]

The achievement list should be erased, Imo. They are "spoilery" :P

cakeorrdeath

They are now spoilered.

Any other requests? :P

Breakfast on the bed (Bacon, eggs and orange juice) :P

[QUOTE="NielsNL"][QUOTE="Chutebox"]

Thanks, this was much needed.

Punishing those who admit to own this already is the best part, kudos.

Chutebox

I played it legit, at a Dutch equivalent of E3 (gaming convention type of thing).

Well, you don't "own" it do you?

I don't. But I will soon :)

I have the limited edition pre-ordered :D

I can't wait for this game :D

[QUOTE="cakeorrdeath"][QUOTE="IronBass"]

The achievement list should be erased, Imo. They are "spoilery" :P

NielsNL

They are now spoilered.

Any other requests? :P

Free copies of the game for the first ten posters in this thread? ;)

[QUOTE="Chutebox"]

Thanks, this was much needed.

Punishing those who admit to own this already is the best part, kudos.

NielsNL

I played it legit, at a Dutch equivalent of E3 (gaming convention type of thing).

I have the limited edition pre-ordered :D

I can't wait for this game :D

Zerual

Same here! :D

The concept art booklet alone is more than enough reason.

Like almost everybody, I'm hyping it AAA, but I wouldn't be too surprised if here scores AA.

Due to be a too much of "Gears 1.5" (what is more than enough for warranting an exellent game).

[QUOTE="Zerual"]

I have the limited edition pre-ordered :D

I can't wait for this game :D

IronBass

Same here! :D

The concept art booklet alone is more than enough reason.

I got it for the Gold lancer :D

does anybody know when the embargo endsdoobie1975

[QUOTE="NielsNL"][QUOTE="Chutebox"]

Thanks, this was much needed.

Punishing those who admit to own this already is the best part, kudos.

killerfist

I played it legit, at a Dutch equivalent of E3 (gaming convention type of thing).

Nope. First Base in Amsterdam (TMF game awards). I was on the guestlist too. A friend of mine knows the guys from Gamekings. He used to be on the national team for Counterstrike, met them in Japan.

The Best Gears of War 2 review I've ever seen :lol: :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQNw6CRoq10

Here is they way I see it:

30% chance of getting 9.5

50% chance of getting 9.0

19.9% chance of getting 8.5

.1% chance of getting anything other than the 3 above scores.

The question is will this be more inviting for co-op than Left4Dead? Regardless, I'll probably end up with both.musicalmac

Well, if I understand it correctly, L4D's co-op is one of its heaviest feautures, contrast with Gears 2, whose versus-mode may be the heaviest feature.

It would also depend and how long/challenging Gears 2 is. If it is long enough and its difficulty "invites" players to joining forces, it may easily be one of the best co-op experiences this gen.

Well, if I understand it correctly, L4D's co-op is one of its heaviest feautures, contrast with Gears 2, whose versus-mode may be the heaviest feature.

It would also depend and how long/challenging Gears 2 is. If it is long enough and its difficulty "invites" players to joining forces, it may easily be one of the best co-op experiences this gen.

IronBass

I wouldn't care if Gears 2 wasn't any longer than the first. The shorter campaign allowed for more playthroughs with different people, and I was just fine with that. Is it blasphemous to say I enjoy short campaigns when games have fully features multiplayer suites?musicalmac

[QUOTE="killerfist"][QUOTE="NielsNL"][QUOTE="Chutebox"]

Thanks, this was much needed.

Punishing those who admit to own this already is the best part, kudos.

NielsNL

I played it legit, at a Dutch equivalent of E3 (gaming convention type of thing).

Nope. First Base in Amsterdam (TMF game awards). I was on the guestlist too. A friend of mine knows the guys from Gamekings. He used to be on the national team for Counterstrike, met them in Japan.

I'm on a picture with Boris from Gamekings. I met him at the Gameplay event last year:P cool guy

[QUOTE="IronBass"]

Well, if I understand it correctly, L4D's co-op is one of its heaviest feautures, contrast with Gears 2, whose versus-mode may be the heaviest feature.

It would also depend and how long/challenging Gears 2 is. If it is long enough and its difficulty "invites" players to joining forces, it may easily be one of the best co-op experiences this gen.

musicalmac

Not at all :P Actually I also re-played the relative short campaign of the first Gears some times (about 5, I think) even alone I re-played it happily.

Besides, considering how short games have became this gen, Gears is not THAT short.

But I still want a longer campaign this time.

But I still want a longer campaign this time.

IronBass

I like shorter games generally, it means I have the time to finish them :pcakeorrdeath