Great Graphics + Hard Gameplay
That's some.... not all. For the most part this game is great great great. It offers up that scary feeling you get when you know you are supposed to push ahead in a game, but you simply can't because the enemies are there actively giving you a very hard time of doing so.
Speaking of said enemy tactics, it's tough to utilize and successfully master the take-cover and take-potshots gameplay mechanic. But I guess that's just like real life, huh? It doesn't always work well, and it seems on the middle and higher difficulty levels the enemy can very VERY easily shoot you when you pop your head out ( almost instantly it seems ) but you will have a really hard time doing the same to the enemy.
And that one point is my only complaint about Gears of War. The difficuly is high and it can be extremely frustrating trying to get past many spots in the game. ---- I must admit though, I have NOT played it on the easiest difficulty, so this may be something to keep in mind.
Gears of War does look great though. It has that visceral, realistic look to it that totally pulls you into the experience and doesn't let go. From area to area you really FEEL like you are trapped in this post-apocalyptic world of Aliens Vs. Humans.
Now, what is up with these weird, chunky aliens, anyway? They look weird, they sound weird... but oh boy are they good marksmen. They don't fool around when it comes to shooting you or AT you with high accuracy.
So Gears of War is no slouch and not easy by any means.... but is it Fun? Yes it is Fun, albeit quite a harrowing experience that you'll amost be too afraid to move forward in. But, it's that same fear that pushes you forward into the next area.
The mulitplayer aspect is done well, but simply doesn't compare to the single player game. The matches are fairly quick and frantic and seem to still hold onto the high-framerate and smooth gameplay you'll find all over this title.
Gears of War is a must-play and must buy.... but take my word for it - if you aren't that good at FPS games, please play it on the lowest difficulty setting or you'll drive yourself mad trying to advance.
A great game for a great gaming console. Get it today!!!