Gears 3 introducing mechs, underwater missions?

Source: Game industry news magazine Edge.

What we heard: By most accounts, Epic Games design director Cliff Bleszinski was poised to officially announce Gears of War 3 on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon tonight. However, such was not to be the case, as Fallon broke the news today that Bleszinski's Late Night reveal of Epic's "new game" has been rescheduled to Monday, April 12. According to Bleszinski, the delay could be attributed to the studio's wanting "a couple more days to polish."

Still, it appears as if some Gears 3 details have emerged today anyway. Gaming news magazine Edge claims to have the scoop on Epic's latest brawny third-person shooter for Microsoft's Xbox 360, thanks to a loose-lipped US publishing source.

According to Edge's source, Gears 3 will be set during the summer months and will introduce underwater missions into the series, among other new environments. The site also claims that Epic has tinkered with Gears' hallmark cover system, namely by adding mech suits that players can use to mow through the Locust hordes or to hide behind as heavy-duty, mobile cover.

Edge also claims to have details on new units and weapons that will be introduced in the game. These include Locust enemies with "tentacle-like appendages" that can extend over or behind players' cover spots. Conversely, Marcus Fenix's Delta Squad will reportedly pick up a new type of explosive that worms its way underground to demolish enemy cover positions. Edge notes that the new additions will be available in both single- and multiplayer modes.

The official story: Microsoft had not responded to requests for comment as of press time.

Bogus or not bogus?: Looking not bogus. Bleszinski's appearance on Late Night almost assures a Gears of War 3 announcement, and the 11th-hour schedule change makes the early-reveal gaffe entirely plausible. Of course, these questions will be answered in full on Monday night.