Really?! No really? I mean, you are this badass guy out there fighting hordes of aliens and creatures and you are never going to run and gun? I get the whole duck and cover and they wanted to add that element, but why take out the other, that is my complaint, they specifically made it that you couldn't. In my opinion, the game would of been even better if you could do both, not that now I have to fire from cover only. Give us both, let us play how we want. Thus, making the game even more enjoyable.

What? You can run out in front of someone and shoot. You do not have to be behind cover to shoot.

Really?! No really? I mean, you are this badass guy out there fighting hordes of aliens and creatures and you are never going to run and gun? I get the whole duck and cover and they wanted to add that element, but why take out the other, that is my complaint, they specifically made it that you couldn't. In my opinion, the game would of been even better if you could do both, not that now I have to fire from cover only. Give us both, let us play how we want. Thus, making the game even more enjoyable.
Run and Gun is something that is only done in video games. I think in GOW they wanted to be more realistic in how real battle is fought. Just like GRAW, there is no "run and gun" in realistic warfare.

Odd again. I dumped the hammer right after beating the Berserker.
Let me get back to ya on that. I am not 100% sure that I have had the dawn armed and tried to replace it with another big weapon.

Played it a bit more this morning.... man... this game just keeps getting better, but it sure is tough in spots! I haven't even touched the online play yet.

I have to say... one of the best games I've ever played thus far! On any system!

Some of the battles are the most intense I have ever played! Very well done!


Kyser you need to try some co-op. It really helps for those tough spots and its a blast to have a teammate to work with.

What? You can run out in front of someone and shoot. You do not have to be behind cover to shoot.
Exactly. You may get your head blown off but you can still do it. Just like in a real battle situation.

Really?! No really? I mean, you are this badass guy out there fighting hordes of aliens and creatures and you are never going to run and gun? I get the whole duck and cover and they wanted to add that element, but why take out the other, that is my complaint, they specifically made it that you couldn't. In my opinion, the game would of been even better if you could do both, not that now I have to fire from cover only. Give us both, let us play how we want. Thus, making the game even more enjoyable.
You can run/gun all you want, you will die quickly though. Since its announcement it has always been a departure from run of the mill shooters. I am finding the pacing to excellent, you can pick up and play in small bursts or go all out and hang in there. The fact is it is everything Cliffy B. has said. For a person who knew nothing of GOW, I could see some disappointment. Next-Gen is here for reals!

EXACTLY! Nicely put... Run all you want, they will still get you!

Personally, I like the shoot from cover approach. This is the way I play most shooters anyway. In Battlefield 2 I try to run from cover to cover and fire on the enemy when I'm behind cover instead of the bunny hopping spray and pray method! I have done plenty of firing out in the open in GOW but you find out quickly that you live longer behind a stone column or burnt hulk of a car.

What? You can run out in front of someone and shoot. You do not have to be behind cover to shoot.

Are you having any luck at being accurate with your shots? I would love to run and shoot (being accurate) but diving for cover to finish things off. Now it is just run for cover and fight from there. Wish I could fire on the way (again, with accuracy) seems when I run, nothing connects.

Run and Gun is something that is only done in video games. I think in GOW they wanted to be more realistic in how real battle is fought. Just like GRAW, there is no "run and gun" in realistic warfare.

I hate it when someone talks about being realistic, man guys, that argument is so sad. This is not realistic. It is a video game, set on an ALIEN world, with ALIEN technology, and super advanced weaponry. It is not real war in today's world. I think they could of perfected the run and shoot by the time they went to an alien world or go to this level of technology. How do you know what realistic is in the future on an alien world?

Played it a bit more this morning.... man... this game just keeps getting better, but it sure is tough in spots! I haven't even touched the online play yet.

I have to say... one of the best games I've ever played thus far! On any system!

Some of the battles are the most intense I have ever played! Very well done!


I agree with Kysersose on this completely. Funny thing, I had my copy of Gears reserved and already paid for at my local Gamestop. I strolled in after work at 3:00 yesterday (Ok, I fast walked into the store like a total nerd because I was psyched! :D ) only to find that FedEx had not delivered their supply of games!!! :eek: :eek: :eek:

According to the clerk, the shipment was sitting in South Carolina and wouldn't be delivered until tomorrow (which is, in fact, today). She said they would give me $5.00 off for the final price because of the inconvenience. I quickly left and went right next door to the Best Buy where they still had several copies of the Limited Edition left. I picked up the LE version of the game and the LE version of the guide. Both are VERY cool and easily worth the extra $20.00 for both. I then went back to GS and got a refund on my card for the purchase. She said the FedEx screw up cost them bigtime on this one. This was the Gamestop in the Asheville Mall. At least this botched delivery wasn't for the PS3 I have preordered there!!! :eek:

Back to the game. I've played about thirty mins. of the game and it's enough for me to know that this is lightyears beyond Halo CE or Halo 2. The graphics don't even compare. The cut scenes are gorgeous. The game play is intuitive and easy to pick up. The enemy AI is fairly robust even at the easiest level. I've died quite often in the early stages of the game and still haven't really learned all the neat little tricks of gameplay. So far, I'm extremely impressed with the game and have found myself pining away today at work and biding my time until I can get home and lose myself for hours in this one. Thankfully tomorrow is a holiday and that means I can ignore my wife's endless list of to do's and just busy myself saving the whole freakin' universe! Weeeee!!!! :p

BTW, I'm not usually one to buy the Limited Edition of games, but this one has some great stuff that's much cooler than a pewter figurine! LMAO!

Really?! No really? I mean, you are this badass guy out there fighting hordes of aliens and creatures and you are never going to run and gun? I get the whole duck and cover and they wanted to add that element, but why take out the other, that is my complaint, they specifically made it that you couldn't. In my opinion, the game would of been even better if you could do both, not that now I have to fire from cover only. Give us both, let us play how we want. Thus, making the game even more enjoyable.


Hmmm well I am currently in Balad right now let me try that run and gun tactic and if you don't get a reply back from me by this time tommorrow, then you know how that tactic played out.

Your playing a military soldier, the developers said from the get go this is not a run and gun game. They are actually using the same type of tactics you would use as a military soldier. :)

I hate it when someone talks about being realistic, man guys, that argument is so sad. This is not realistic. It is a video game, set on an ALIEN world, with ALIEN technology, and super advanced weaponry. It is not real war in today's world. I think they could of perfected the run and shoot by the time they went to an alien world or go to this level of technology. How do you know what realistic is in the future on an alien world? Please just stop typing. We are not saying that a video game is "realistic". What im saying is that they wanted to be more "realistic" in the way that the battle is fought. More realistic then say a halo type game. Everyone knows these are video games and that their is nothing real about them. It has been known from the start that this is not a "run and gun" game. It has set itself apart and it is perfect the way it is. If you want run and gun, go play a different game.

I sat down last nite around midnight after finishing my "work" intending only to play for an hour since I had to get up early this morning for a client appointment.

2 hours later.....

Good god, where the heck did the time go? The graphics are amazing on my 65" Sharp RPTV and the sound is absolutely amazing. I'm going to have to rehook up my 360 to the stereo again. I have it currently on the tv speakers cuz I don't want to wake up the rest of the family. LOL. But man, even on the tv speakers, the sounds were terrific. I love the cussing..hahaha. Very realistic!

After being killed/run over/smashed to a pulp by the Berserker multiple times, I called it quits. I didn't even realize that 2 hours had passed! How many doors do you have to bust through? ARgh! maybe I was just tired and slow reflexes by that time. I kept hitting A in the wrong direction and diving into a wall or pillar at the very "inconvenient" times, LOL. Any advice on this? Otherwise, I love the game play and the new "method" of warfare. A fast way to run was to use the duck and scoot/run. Is there a faster way while standing up? Did I mention the cut scenes? Geesh....very graphic and stunning. Especially the "Dom" cutscene. Little things like the side conversations between the team mates while going from different points of the game were hilarious. One example...talking about football and a team mates past linebacker experience right after a firefight? Very Funny!

I can't wait to get off work again and trying to get some time on the game again! If you haven't bought this game....it is a must buy. It shows what the 360 was meant to be.

As far as the duck and shoot arguments are concerned. Ever play paint ball? If you haven't, then go play. Then come back to play this game. You will appreciate realism better. For those veterans out there playing this game....you will love this game. A few buddies of mine just back from Iraq made comments about the realism in this style of game play. That should tell you something. No matter whether its the past, present or future. No matter the weapons technology, war is basically the same. You poke your head out at the wrong time, you will die. You poke your body out at the wrong time, you will get hit and/or die. Whether its laser guns, bolt-action rifles, machine guns, etc...Weapons are weapons are weapons. Even in a "unrealistic" body armor, you will get hit and take damage (Halo?) The fact is, the developer made it known that this game will be unlike any other game out there and they are right. They focused more on the duck and shoot aspects instead of the run and shoot. I believe they got it right. The controls are new to everyone but it just takes practice. Just like in paintball, real war, etc...practice makes perfect...and don't forget to duck.



Dizzy

Wow! We made it a whole 260 some odd posts before turning this thread into a flame war! :D

Played up until just after the Berserk (who was entertaining though very easy, did have to restart once as he killed my team mate).

edit: played middle difficulty setting and yes we died a lot. Even more so while playing single player ;)

Graphics: (playing on a 50" 720p Plasma), the character models are amazing, better than expected.. The up close graphics really shine with great textures and details. Things in the distance are blurrier than I would have liked but overall excellent looking. The artistic style is sweet though I would have liked more color (yes I set to vivid) at least some of the time. The blood is hit or miss, sometimes it looks pretty good sometimes it looks like pink and black blobs.

Framerate: held pretty solid for what it is set at, not high or anything but enough to get the job done. Didn't notice any screen tearing and only very rare occassions of slowdown (berserker for example seemed to have the worst that I experience and it wasn't that bad anyways).

Audio: (Energy C-8's) some great sound effects and well fitting musical scores. Bad guys remind me of Warcraft, I was waiting for them to say "ready master".

Gameplay: Some parts feel great, while others could have used more work. One thing that irks me is that you can't crouch unless you get next to a wall. The grenades could have used more time as well. Guns feel pretty good but not up to Halo for precise aiming. The melee attacking could have used more refinement as well.

A.I. seem great at times and sometimes just kind of cheap but overall very cool. I was suprised to be bum rushed up stairs by a locust who had been pretty sneaky. I was like "where did he go" next thing I know he was shooting me in the back, hehe. Sometimes it gets a bit drawn out though just ducknig and popping out back and forth between some guys in certain situations. Didn't happnen too often though. So not perfect (nothing is) I can't really think of a game with better A.I., well done :D

While it is a lot rinse and repeat gameplay the the level designs so far have been pretty good, only one part seemed to drag slightly near the beginning. I do agree ith WilliamR that it would have been nice to fight out in the open at least part of the time, then again I haven't played the entire game but so far it seems very rinse and repeat so I don't expect it change now.

Haven't tried online yet, just single player and co-op. Co-op still looked great and ran great, felt more cramped as expected but much more fun to go at it with a buddy.

So just how big are Cole's biceps? :eek:

Nice review Brian, seems very honest. I look forward to comparing your Resitance Fall of Man review to this one to see if the tone is... similiar.

I hate it when someone talks about being realistic, man guys, that argument is so sad. This is not realistic. It is a video game, set on an ALIEN world, with ALIEN technology, and super advanced weaponry. It is not real war in today's world. I think they could of perfected the run and shoot by the time they went to an alien world or go to this level of technology. How do you know what realistic is in the future on an alien world?

I had the same hang-up until I played the game and it works extremely well. The realistic portion implied is you need cover or "You be dead!" The fighting is intense and your constantly running around and behind cover. The quick way to kills are head shots and that requires aiming and being still. I feel this is more realistic as well.

When you play it you'll understand. I won't play excellent titles if the control scheme isn't great. GOW controls are silk. One thing I'd like is while running (holding A) it doesn't suck you into cover where you didn't want to go. Still that is a minor flaw.

I played th egame for about 4 hours last night on hardcore. Let me preface by saying I am NOT a hardcore gamer. I don't play daily. I don't rent every new game. But i do follow the news and I've had an Xbox & XBox 360 since launch but still only have a couple of Games, and there are even fewer games I play all the way through (HAlo 1,2 & GRAW) being the ones I've completed. I play on a 106" 1080P projector system.

Graphics
THey are great. I can see where people dont think they are leaps and bounds above GRAW, as some of the lighting stuff we've seen before. With that said as you play longer you notice more. in GRAW the character effects were great, but large expansive areas of the game were a bit plain. In GOW its all detailed. All lit. With that said these ARE the best I have seen on a console. It delivers

Sound
What I think isnt getting enough love is the sound design. WOW. This is what has me grinning ear to ear. I have a Magnepan set up all around with dual SVS and it ROCKS.

Gameplay
I like the fact there is no run and gun. It slows you down and makes you work harder. Its totally different from playing a Halo, and the map design reinforces it. When you're penned down by gunfire, and pull off a leap and roll to the next cover and fire back. its awesome. THere are lots of games that look great, but ultimately its how they play and this one plays well.

Online
Online is GREAT. I beta tested Xbox Live ages ago, and it was awesome back then, maturer crowd, a really different place. I havent gotten online in a while, as it just seems to suck people wise, but the games I have gotten on GOW, have been awesome. And the people great. The Co-op mode is awesome, and people stick it out and play all the way through. They arent dropping out all the time. Much different from playing Halo online.

I love this game. I am getting "sick" at work now and need to go home and get some GOW. This weekend I'll finish it. This is the only game thats managed to suck me with awesome gameplay and great graphics.

I find the Vivid setting best for my projector. Who else is playing on a projector? what settings are you using?

Nice review Brian, seems very honest. I look forward to comparing your Resitance Fall of Man review to this one to see if the tone is... similiar.

Thanks. Probably will not be able to get a PS3 for some time. But now I think the games are even further apart than before in terms of the types of games they are.

I'm sure I forgot to mention other stuff as well but should have mentioned the first very cool encounted. Certain situtations like this definitely get your adrenaline going. :D

The very first encounter where they blow torched the door open.. Very freaking cool. Probably died like 4 time there single player. They really know how to get you from multiple angles at once. The first time I did it it.. I thought "this will be a breeze, I'll just mo down one at a time from left to right" sure enough the guy on the far right hid, hopped over a stone block, then another then another VERY QUICKY and before I knew it I was dead. Great stuff!

Oh yeah and squad A.I. seems hit or miss, some times they have nice supression fire, sometimes they are smart, sometimes they are dumb as wood and get killed easily. This was probably a glitch, but 2 times I found the bald asian guy shooting into the ground, I wanted to say "shoot that way idio", haha. Co-op is the best way to go ;) It was good to see that commands come up after the berserker guy.

The game is on my desk. I don't get to play until I get back home. Can't wait.
I'm glad to see they apparently delivered on the hype.

Dralt: you will be very pleased.... nothing like staying up really late (I feel like I am in college again spending 8+ hours a day for a few months playing Halo 2) today is a rough morning on the body. I have to go give a presentation soon too!! LOL

Dralt: you will be very pleased.... nothing like staying up really late (I feel like I am in college again spending 8+ hours a day for a few months playing Halo 2) today is a rough morning on the body. I have to go give a presentation soon too!! LOL

I had class last night so I didn't start until about 9ish.. I thought I'd only play for an hour with my buddy.. Well I certainly didn't get enough sleep last night :cool:

I don't think you can swap out your pistol for anything, it's your "last resort" gun.
There's more than one type of hand gun in the game that may be used in this slot. There's the "default" pistol as well as a magnum type weapon that packs a powerful punch. I actually use it quite often so I wouldn't consider it "last resort". Although, that may be true for the default pistol.

There's more than one type of hand gun in the game that may be used in this slot. There's the "default" pistol as well as a magnum type weapon that packs a powerful punch. I actually use it quite often so I wouldn't consider it "last resort". Although, that may be true for the default pistol.

The magnum rocks!

Anybody know for sure which machine gun is more powerfull, the standard or the one with the chainsaw?

I was thinking the chainsaw gun but wasn't really sure, or maybe there is no difference?

This game is truly NEXT-GEN! Haven't yet played through a whole single player campaign, just played the 1st few mins & it has been as good as advertised, Multiplayer is fun, good & addictive!

Graphics are great! Cudos to Cliffy B & Epic staff on a gem of a franchise & soon to be HALO killer & new XB360 system seller!

There's more than one type of hand gun in the game that may be used in this slot. There's the "default" pistol as well as a magnum type weapon that packs a powerful punch. I actually use it quite often so I wouldn't consider it "last resort". Although, that may be true for the default pistol.
My bad. I only got a few hours in last night, spent most of it online, and never came across this gun.

The magnum rocks!

Anybody know for sure which machine gun is more powerfull, the standard or the one with the chainsaw?

I was thinking the chainsaw gun but wasn't really sure, or maybe there is no difference?
I don't know what's more powerful, but I find that I'm a much better killing machine with the chainsaw gun. I probably have been using it 95% of the time.

I don't know what's more powerful, but I find that I'm a much better killing machine with the chainsaw gun. I probably have been using it 95% of the time.

lol, well of course ;)

I honestly did not notice a difference on hardcore. I am sure there is one but it did not seem extreme. The weapons take quite a few shots to take out the enemy. Really adds some tension to the gameplay... hoping you just need a few more bursts.

If you want to play "run n' gun" grab the shot gun. Then use the "A" button to barrell roll to the enemies and pop em in their face. It works quite well!

I personally prefer the tactical approach. It's very cool walking into a new area and scoping it out for tactics on how to advance without getting killed. I'm playing enough dumb shooters to appreciate the tacitcal change. Ofcourse instincts get the better of me and I do the roll+shotty and ruin their ****, when need be.

Played it a bit more this morning.... man... this game just keeps getting better, but it sure is tough in spots! I haven't even touched the online play yet.

I have to say... one of the best games I've ever played thus far! On any system!

Some of the battles are the most intense I have ever played! Very well done!


i was thinking the same thing. so far this is the best game i've ever played. i think the control system is just about perfect. it does have a slight learning curve as they are asking you to behave in a way that few other games have done, but once you get the hang of it it works VERY well. i love the A button system, and after the first 30 minutes or so you don't get sucked into cover while running nearly as much...

actually my only complaint regarding the controls is that you can't seem to crouch while out in the open. every once in a while i get caught up in a firefight with no cover nearby and i keep trying to click the left or right stick to get down into a crouch or throw myself prone on the ground. it's all the more strange that it's not in the game since the commercial shows marcus doing just that. he crashes through the window and then lies prone on the ground. it would have been a nice addition...

my only other complaint is with the save system. i'm surprised nobody's mentioned it yet. has everyone realized that you only get one save "slot" per game (very much like the dead rising system)? if you're halfway through a singleplayer game and then you and a friend decide to do some coop, you can't start a separate game. you need to continue from your save point or you will overwrite your save. also, if you get to a checkpoint and then realize you forgot to find a cog tag (which i'm obsessed with finding, btw), there's no way to go back to the previous checkpoint as the game overwrites the previous save. it's gone forever (or at least until you start the game again).

oh, and i wish there was a way you could view the cutscenes after you've beaten the acts...

still, this is just about the perfect game, and i plan on playing it extensively for quite some time. i started out on hardcore. the plan is to go back and play again on casual (to pick up the missed cog tags) and then try to tackle legendary...

i started out on hardcore. the plan is to go back and play again on casual (to pick up the missed cog tags) and then try to tackle legendary...

lol! Guess I'm not the only one with this plan. I'm curious to see how Insane measures up to CoD2 Veteran and Halo 2 Legendary.

Please just stop typing. We are not saying that a video game is "realistic". What im saying is that they wanted to be more "realistic" in the way that the battle is fought. More realistic then say a halo type game. Everyone knows these are video games and that their is nothing real about them. It has been known from the start that this is not a "run and gun" game. It has set itself apart and it is perfect the way it is. If you want run and gun, go play a different game.

Feel free at any time to stop typing yourself.

In my opinion, like I said, it would of been an even better game if you could run and shoot. I know they wanted it to be a cover and shoot game, I love the game, awesome game, gave it a 9/10. But, I think it would of been better if you could run and shoot. Now go play your game and enjoy it.

William,

Read my post. You can run and gun just fine. Just learn to use the "A" button properly. Sorry that it's not a mindless game like CS against bots.

Feel free at any time to stop typing yourself.

In my opinion, like I said, it would of been an even better game if you could run and shoot. I know they wanted it to be a cover and shoot game, I love the game, awesome game, gave it a 9/10. But, I think it would of been better if you could run and shoot. Now go play your game and enjoy it.

Agreed, plus the ability to duck anywhere as well ;)

William,

Read my post. You can run and gun just fine. Just learn to use the "A" button properly. Sorry that it's not a mindless game like CS against bots.

You guys crack me up, you act like I hate it or something. One of the best games ever created. I am just saying, would of been nice, plus would allow you to play it multiple ways. I don't think you can actually play it that way, the developers specifically put in there a lower accuracy while moving so probably wouldn't work to well. I am really curious to see how this all works on-line. The game is short, I want a new on-line game anyway, I hope the team thing works out well, it just seems to scream "on-line" play, just need a good team that works together.

You guys crack me up, you act like I hate it or something. One of the best games ever created. I am just saying, would of been nice, plus would allow you to play it multiple ways. I don't think you can actually play it that way, the developers specifically put in there a lower accuracy while moving so probably wouldn't work to well. I am really curious to see how this all works on-line. The game is short, I want a new on-line game anyway, I hope the team thing works out well, it just seems to scream "on-line" play, just need a good team that works together.


Okay guys, settle this online in multiplayer. Human against Locust! :D

COG tags? I must of missed that in the instruction book. I picked up a few here and there...but what are they good for? lol.

Dizzy

COG tags? I must of missed that in the instruction book. I picked up a few here and there...but what are they good for? lol.

Dizzy

I think they are just more achievments to gain in the game. I just pick them up when I see them here and there but have not really been hunting for them. They are kept track of however as I did see on the screen when I paused once or twice a heading for COG TAGS 2/30 for example.

COG tags? I must of missed that in the instruction book. I picked up a few here and there...but what are they good for? lol.

Dizzy


they unlock achievements. plus, i like the idea that i'm collecting the tags of my fallen brothers to send back to the families, etc. it just adds that much more to the storyline. they're not really that hard to find. wherever a soldier fell someone spraypainted the gears of war symbol in blood red in the vicinity

I think the fact that it is not run and shoot is one of the best aspects. It makes the online team mode much more interesting. It takes so tactical skill to win. IN COD2 for example in teamdeath match everyone just sort of runs around like crazy shooting anything in sight, there is little to no cooperation between team mambers and you can still win quite easily. Here that does not seem to work. Its cool to have 3 guys start a fight from one direction then sneak around the other side and take them out from behind when they are not even looking!!!!

they unlock achievements. plus, i like the idea that i'm collecting the tags of my fallen brothers to send back to the families, etc. it just adds that much more to the storyline. they're not really that hard to find. wherever a soldier fell someone spraypainted the gears of war symbol in blood red in the vicinity

I didnt know that. Thanks for the info!

[/b]

I didnt know that. Thanks for the info!
I didnt either. I would like to know where he found that info? Is it in a tips books or something? Thanks

I just noticed it while I was playing. Nice little touch.

I haven't touched the manual yet.

You guys crack me up, you act like I hate it or something. One of the best games ever created. I am just saying, would of been nice, plus would allow you to play it multiple ways. I don't think you can actually play it that way, the developers specifically put in there a lower accuracy while moving so probably wouldn't work to well. I am really curious to see how this all works on-line. The game is short, I want a new on-line game anyway, I hope the team thing works out well, it just seems to scream "on-line" play, just need a good team that works together.
damn GOW nazi. :p

...
my only other complaint is with the save system. i'm surprised nobody's mentioned it yet. has everyone realized that you only get one save "slot" per game (very much like the dead rising system)? if you're halfway through a singleplayer game and then you and a friend decide to do some coop, you can't start a separate game. you need to continue from your save point or you will overwrite your save...

Yeah, I noticed this. I was hoping that I could at least have another save for a co-op campaign. I wonder what the point of the single save-slot is?

I agree it would be nice to have more than one save slot. Although, it's not nearly as broken as Dead Risings system. The save system in that game was the reason I traded it in two days after I bought it.

I think the fact that it is not run and shoot is one of the best aspects. It makes the online team mode much more interesting. It takes so tactical skill to win. IN COD2 for example in teamdeath match everyone just sort of runs around like crazy shooting anything in sight, there is little to no cooperation between team mambers and you can still win quite easily. Here that does not seem to work. Its cool to have 3 guys start a fight from one direction then sneak around the other side and take them out from behind when they are not even looking!!!!

I need more friends on my friends list to play GOW. Half of my friends are the "go at it alone even it means spawning and running into a group of the enemy with just a pistol". :D

Anyone finish the game? What do you think of it? (No spoilers for the others that haven't finished it yet).

I have a nice hi-resolution photo of a Locust or some type of beast from the game set up on my desktop here at work. He is taunting me while I work...pretty cool looking on a black background.

Anyone finish the game? What do you think of it? (No spoilers for the others that haven't finished it yet).

Well since you don't claim that Gears of War is perfect in every aspect you can't be my friend ;) j/k

I should be on tonight or tomorrow
GT: crackmont k1lla (will change soon (when I get my 1080p set) as my friend pretty much bastardized my account, since he's used it more than me)

i am haveing a hard time with killing RAAM any one know how it kill him NO CHEATS!!!

PLEASE watch the spoilers , some posts have been right about on the verge of it , Thanks ;) .

There is a solution to the save system , use an external memory card and save your single player game and then switch back to hard drive for co-op (or vice versa) .

I played until 5am this morning and the game just gets better and better .

------ Jason

PLEASE watch the spoilers , some posts have been right about on the verge of it , Thanks ;) .

There is a solution to the save system , use an external memory card and save your single player game and then switch back to hard drive for co-op (or vice versa) .

I played until 5am this morning and the game just gets better and better .

------ Jason


I figured you would pull an all nighter Jason! I could not keep my eyes open that long! :D

FINALLY GOT THE GAME :)

Will be on shortly and then post my thoughts sometime, probably when I am at work and cannot actually play :D

First Impressions of Single-player mode:

Though I had GoW on my doorstep on Tuesday, I didn't get to play until last night. I had played pre-release multi-player a few times before at press events (even got a couple of frags on CliffyB himsef), and was very impressed! Last night I popped it in and got to play the full version Single-player (through Act 1) from my couch for the first time, and here are my impressions (in random order):

1) The graphics are amazing. I'm simply blown away and would say they are the best graphics out there, except that I saw CoD3 the other night. I would have to give the nod to CoD3 for realism and depth of field, but it's close enough that I could chalk it up to my preferring the graphics style of CoD3 just a touch more (i.e., brighter colors, not quite as much camera shake, motion blur, blood and guts splashing on the screen, etc...). One thing that seems a little off, though, is the scale of the locust - they seem to me to be slightly further away than they actually are.

2) Still working out the controls. I keep hitting X to reload when I should be using the shoulder button, and I need to pay more attention to my reloads. Other than that, 2 things get to me: 1) I tend to get 'stuck' in cover, having to pull back to break cover before I can advance, and 2) it seems like you have to go into cover against an object before being able to vault over it. I'll need to play around and see if I can work these kinks out later tonight (could just be timing issues on my part), especially before I get into MP!

3) Though the levels are somewhat linear (you move from checkpoint to checkpoint), I tend to get 'lost', where I'm not sure where to go next. In the very beginning, I lost track of Dom when he ran up the stairs and it took me 5 minutes to figure out which way he went, and on a couple of occasions I found myself waiting for the squad to lead the way because I didn't see the next door/opening/etc...

4) Enemy AI seems pretty good, though they do occasionally do a straight charge into a crossfire. My squad, however, always seem to be arguing about who's going to stand right in front of me during the firefight. I know I saw something about some basic squad commands in the manual that I'll have to double-check. Also, so far, the battles seems fairly repetitive - exchange some fire, flank, clear them out, then turn around and fire (occasionally with the Troika machine gun you just cleared out) at the next wave that just came up from the same direction you just came from. Rinse. Repeat.

5) The weapons feel great. I think Epic did a great job with syncing up the muzzle flash, on-screen 'shaking', and controller rumble. Same goes for movement (ie, slamming up against cover). Also, you gotta love that chainsaw!

6) I really think the captioning is too small and scrolls off too quickly. I play on a 61" screen, have 20/20 vision, and sometimes can't read it, which is usually not a problem unless the voice-over gets a little garbled or drowned out by noises (which is usually when someone is saying "Head that way!" - see item #3 above).

All in all, as a whole package, THIS is the type of game that I bought a 360 for!

I picked it up a couple of days ago and I'd say the game actually lives up to the hype. I am loving it.

Well one more Day until I get mine........Sux waiting, but it is fun reading about the fun, you all are having......

Hey guys.. I got my GOW yesterday.. Couldnt wait to get home and play. Once I did, took some getting used to as the controls were unlike anything you have ever played..

On the other hand, the game play is EXACTLY like paintball. Duck and Cover is the name of that game.

I also played multiplayer last night. I did good but if I had better control over the cover button, I would have been better. Its gonna take some time getting used to it in a video game, but once we all do, man this is just gonna open it up. I expect allot from the downloads. I would be highly dissapointed if they did not continue to develope this game. KUDOS to CliffyB and the crew.

I have 15 people here at work waisting my time complaining about how good this game is.. :D We are all getting on tonight to co-op and death match. Should be a good time.

On the other hand, the game play is EXACTLY like paintball. Duck and Cover is the name of that game.

Maybe this is already a well known fact and I'm stating the obvious but...

I was reading the first page of the instruction booklet today which had a little blurb by the lead designer talking about how he got many of the ideas from playing paintball.

I am actually hoping somebody will flame me for being stupid or something, I bought GOW this morning plus a pair of the 360 headsets and for the life of me I cannot get them to work!
Whats the deal? are they only for live? I tried everything but they will not work on the two controllers, new batteries, adjusted the volumne and mute but no sound, does GOW support support headphones and if so how?
And I am stuck at the Berserker, managed to get it to ram the first door but I cannot find another, maybe my gamer 12 year old son can figure it out as soon as he gets home from school.

I am actually hoping somebody will flame me for being stupid or something, I bought GOW this morning plus a pair of the 360 headsets and for the life of me I cannot get them to work!
Whats the deal? are they only for live? I tried everything but they will not work on the two controllers, new batteries, adjusted the volumne and mute but no sound, does GOW support support headphones and if so how?
And I am stuck at the Berserker, managed to get it to ram the first door but I cannot find another, maybe my gamer 12 year old son can figure it out as soon as he gets home from school.


Yes the headsets are only for live and system link. Were you trying to use them during the single player? If so this game does not support voice command.

ahhhsooo, thanks!

SOmething I wish I could (maybe it can be done but I don't know how). Is can you just run at a object, barrier etc and just jump over? Or is the only way to do it the cumbersome way of pressing "a" to lock up on then press "a" to hop over it?

SOmething I wish I could (maybe it can be done but I don't know how). Is can you just run at a object, barrier etc and just jump over? Or is the only way to do it the cumbersome way of pressing "a" to lock up on then press "a" to hop over it?

Do a roadie run at it and tap A and hold the stick "up" right before you get to it. I was naturally doing it quite often last night but can't remember the procedure. I'll repost if I'm wrong but give that a shot.

Maybe this is already a well known fact and I'm stating the obvious but...

I was reading the first page of the instruction booklet today which had a little blurb by the lead designer talking about how he got many of the ideas from playing paintball.

I've never played paintball. How much extra is the chainsaw rental?

Do a roadie run at it and tap A and hold the stick "up" right before you get to it. I was naturally doing it quite often last night but can't remember the procedure. I'll repost if I'm wrong but give that a shot.

Thanks. I'll try your method tonight. The next best thing for me was where I'd roadie run then hit "a" at the wall and he'd still go into wall hug mode for a split second then I'd hit "a" to hop over, not smooth but works. Would be sweeter if we could avoid the wall hug all together.

First Impressions of Single-player mode:

3) Though the levels are somewhat linear (you move from checkpoint to checkpoint), I tend to get 'lost', where I'm not sure where to go next. In the very beginning, I lost track of Dom when he ran up the stairs and it took me 5 minutes to figure out which way he went, and on a couple of occasions I found myself waiting for the squad to lead the way because I didn't see the next door/opening/etc...




Just hit the Y button when you get lost and the camera will aim towards Dom.

I'm stuck at the area where you get the bow for the first time. On Hardcore, I've tried for about an hour and 15 minutes straight to beat it.

I am stuck with the berserker, the best I can do is turn right into the room and run straight for the far smashable door making her smash into it, but then where? There seems to be no other smashable door that I can find in the next room, did I go the wrong way in the first place?

I am stuck with the berserker, the best I can do is turn right into the room and run straight for the far smashable door making her smash into it, but then where? There seems to be no other smashable door that I can find in the next room, did I go the wrong way in the first place?

Keep running to the end of the hall. There is about 3 smashable doors before you can get him outside. Sorry if I spoiled things.

Man, I'm into my second night with GOW. About 3 hours last night. I'm on Act 3 and decided to take a break. Wow, this just gets better and better! Sound is friggin sweet! I have my little Klipsch THX system hooked up to the tv and it sounds great. I might wait another night before I start online play.

I just made it to act 4. About 6-7 hours total playing time so far. So on average, its about an hour and a half per act on the casual setting.

I am stuck with the berserker, the best I can do is turn right into the room and run straight for the far smashable door making her smash into it, but then where? There seems to be no other smashable door that I can find in the next room, did I go the wrong way in the first place?
There is 3 more doors I think. They are right there so just keep looking for them. You can also blow the doors up with grenades. This is what I did.

My son figured it out, thanks anyway! We have moved on past it and its now night and we are running to the lights to avoid those flying things and taking out the troikas, got my son back when I first figured out about pushing the car ahead as a shield.
We had to take a break, its a good game I admit though it doesnt just grab you like Halo did, after a bit of a rest we are going to play Halo CE now that I got an upgrade on the 360.

1) I tend to get 'stuck' in cover, having to pull back to break cover before I can advance,
Press A while not using your movement stick (ie: in the middle) and you will break cover. You don't need to pull back, or roll or anything to just break off.

and 2) it seems like you have to go into cover against an object before being able to vault over it.
Yeah. Once you get a rhythm down of double tapping the A button he barely touches the cover and just jumps over the barrier.

Just finished beating the Beserker on Hardcore, this game is soooooo sweet! It just seems to keep getting better the farther you get into it...

If you own a 360 and you don't buy GOW... you might as well hand in your gaming badge. ;)

Anyone else notice some framerate drops?Like on the one corpser part where you have to shoot the levers and make it fall into the magma?

Just finished beating the Beserker on Hardcore, this game is soooooo sweet! It just seems to keep getting better the farther you get into it...

If you own a 360 and you don't buy GOW... you might as well hand in your gaming badge. ;)

Kyeser wait till u see what they have you doing in Act 2.....this game is made for Co-op. It is just sooo much fun!

Nice article on Gears from MSNBC. (can't give you the link since I haven't posted enough :( )

"If you have an Xbox 360, "Gears" is a must-have. And if you're still sitting on the fence about which next-generation console to buy — Xbox 360 or PS3 — Gears of War makes the decision this holiday a no-brainer."

Their logic is Gears beats anything on either system and proves you don't have to wait for the PS3 to have the best.

Kinda funny, I was in a hurry to pop in my copy after leaving GS this afternoon because I only had 30 minutes to play. So I was trying to tear open the packaging with my teeth as I drove so the persnickety packaging would be off by the time I got home. If anyone saw me they'd a thought I was a human dog tearing into his bone. The hype has turned me into a madman.

After 2 hours I realize I have a limited exposure to the game. But it really is amazing. Talk about non-stop relentless pacing.

Everybody is talking about the graphics. People love the graphics on this one. For one, I continue to be grateful for HD gaming. You can play split-screen mode and still have plenty of information for easy viewing. (For me that's the best part of next gen: HD)

But they've done some things that take the graphics to a different level. Since it not an fps, you get to see your character and the environs a lot better. But the camera is interesting because it seems like it's hand-held and is recording you in the fury of action. The blood seems rendered in Marvel comics style with sprays of black and red. The game pops with power and kinetic energy as particles fly everywhere.

The controls are very refined and I like diving from block to block to get the best vantage point. The game provides is a dazzling array of well-designed levels to
test your warrior skills to the hilt. Plus rampaging monsters along the way.

I didnt either. I would like to know where he found that info? Is it in a tips books or something? Thanks

don't know if its in the manual as i generally don't read manuals :p . i saw interviews with cliffy b., the lead designer of the game, and it was one of the things he was constantly talking about.

PLEASE watch the spoilers , some posts have been right about on the verge of it , Thanks ;) .

There is a solution to the save system , use an external memory card and save your single player game and then switch back to hard drive for co-op (or vice versa) .

I played until 5am this morning and the game just gets better and better .

------ Jason


yeah, thats the same solution that was mentioned for the dead rising save issues too. sorry, but i'm not buying a memory card just to get around a save problem in a game. maybe if they were $10 i would. anyway, it's still the most fun ive had playing a game in years...

Nice article on Gears from MSNBC. (can't give you the link since I haven't posted enough :( )



Their logic is Gears beats anything on either system and proves you don't have to wait for the PS3 to have the best.

Kinda funny, I was in a hurry to pop in my copy after leaving GS this afternoon because I only had 30 minutes to play. So I was trying to tear open the packaging with my teeth as I drove so the persnickety packaging would be off by the time I got home. If anyone saw me they'd a thought I was a human dog tearing into his bone. The hype has turned me into a madman.

After 2 hours I realize I have a limited exposure to the game. But it really is amazing. Talk about non-stop relentless pacing.

Everybody is talking about the graphics. People love the graphics on this one. For one, I continue to be grateful for HD gaming. You can play split-screen mode and still have plenty of information for easy viewing. (For me that's the best part of next gen: HD)

But they've done some things that take the graphics to a different level. Since it not an fps, you get to see your character and the environs a lot better. But the camera is interesting because it seems like it's hand-held and is recording you in the fury of action. The blood seems rendered in Marvel comics style with sprays of black and red. The game pops with power and kinetic energy as particles fly everywhere.

The controls are very refined and I like diving from block to block to get the best vantage point. The game provides is a dazzling array of well-designed levels to
test your warrior skills to the hilt. Plus rampaging monsters along the way.


well, i agree with what they're saying...but isn't MSnbc half owned by MicroSoft? :D

well, i agree with what they're saying...but isn't MSnbc half owned by MicroSoft? :D

Hey, you are right! I usually catch such things but not this time.

Nice article on Gears from MSNBC. (can't give you the link since I haven't posted enough :( )



Their logic is Gears beats anything on either system and proves you don't have to wait for the PS3 to have the best.

Kinda funny, I was in a hurry to pop in my copy after leaving GS this afternoon because I only had 30 minutes to play. So I was trying to tear open the packaging with my teeth as I drove so the persnickety packaging would be off by the time I got home. If anyone saw me they'd a thought I was a human dog tearing into his bone. The hype has turned me into a madman.

After 2 hours I realize I have a limited exposure to the game. But it really is amazing. Talk about non-stop relentless pacing.

Everybody is talking about the graphics. People love the graphics on this one. For one, I continue to be grateful for HD gaming. You can play split-screen mode and still have plenty of information for easy viewing. (For me that's the best part of next gen: HD)

But they've done some things that take the graphics to a different level. Since it not an fps, you get to see your character and the environs a lot better. But the camera is interesting because it seems like it's hand-held and is recording you in the fury of action. The blood seems rendered in Marvel comics style with sprays of black and red. The game pops with power and kinetic energy as particles fly everywhere.

The controls are very refined and I like diving from block to block to get the best vantage point. The game provides is a dazzling array of well-designed levels to
test your warrior skills to the hilt. Plus rampaging monsters along the way.


Couldn't have said it better. I have logged about 2 hrs. of gameplay and I just came across the first berserker! Before that watching my mate get killed by that big mean lookin dude was awe inspiring.........

This game has justified the 360 for me. This exceeds my expectations for next gen. Wow. GOW is so much more than amazing looking. It plays equally amazing.

This is as close to perfect look and feel for a FPS that I have expeienced or could imagine. Nuff said.


Sign me up for every installment they ever make!


Finally a game that is developed in such a way to actually make the 360 and my LCD earn their money!

Wow! Played Co-op tonight. Amazing! This game is so cool. Don't want to spoil anything so I won't get too into it. I admit I wasn't wowed at first with the prison break but getting deeper into Act 1 instantly put me in a graphics whore frenzy. For some reason to me the multiplayer maps look even better. Thank You Epic!!

I played the Co-Op till the jungle. I just dont have words for the experience i played. It is absolutely breathtaking in every single way. Running through the forest, the graphics of the trees, rain, ground, characters. Ive never seen anything so absolutely mind boggling and phenomenal in my life. And you want to talk about INTENSE gaming? Those damn bats! The level 1 boss! Man, it is absolutely, undoubtedly, the most amazing game ive played in my gaming career, and ive been playing since atari 2600 and pitfall, so ive been around. I absolutely despise FPS games, but this is just a game that will satisfy 99% of people who give it a shot. Wow, just complete enthralled.

Thats just the main game. Online is such a blast. My dad was over at my place and he was watching me play online. I kept getting chopped up and he just kept laughing his ass off!! I had to redeem myself, but the harder i tried, the worst i got beat down and chopped up into ground beef. I need a lot more practice for online LOL! But i did notice i've been playing against some REALLY good people. When i play people of my skill level i do very well, its just those advanced FPS mentality driven guys who just love to embarrass you. So anyway, GOW FTMFWx10000!!!!1111oneone.

The night rain in the forest and the caves are THE most amazing visuals I've even seen in a game. Period. And this includes PC games on a high end system with HDR+AA and AF cranked up.

Quick graphics question....

I don't know if it's my eyes or my TV but for some reason multiplayer maps seems to have a bluish hue to them. I seem to notice this more in the darker type areas. For example, the Rooftop mutiplayer map seems to have like a blue filter on it though the text and such is all white. Oddly, it doesn't look like this in the single payer campaign. Anyone else kinda notice this?

There is a solution to the save system , use an external memory card and save your single player game and then switch back to hard drive for co-op (or vice versa) .


------ Jason

Hey thanks for the info, thats a great idea.

I've never played paintball. How much extra is the chainsaw rental?


I am pretty sure most states do not allow chainsaw rentals for paintball.... just bring your own DUH!

Hey thanks for the info, thats a great idea.

You could also use different Gamertags for each save.

Wow, I was all set to stay up late and play GOW last night but after 4 beers and a long night the night before I just couldn't pull it off! I fell asleep at the wheel in Act 3 and woke up to find myself running in circles out in the rain. Oh well, time to unplug. I got to bed about 11:30 last night so I should be rested up to maybe finish this thing tonight! I still have not joined online play as I want to get the controls down pat first. I think I'm almost there and I love the "A" button and pretty much every aspect of the campaign gameplay. Playing this game alone in the dark makes for a creepy experience! Good times! :D

You could also use different Gamertags for each save.

How does that affect achievements?

Quick graphics question....

I don't know if it's my eyes or my TV but for some reason multiplayer maps seems to have a bluish hue to them. I seem to notice this more in the darker type areas. For example, the Rooftop mutiplayer map seems to have like a blue filter on it though the text and such is all white. Oddly, it doesn't look like this in the single payer campaign. Anyone else kinda notice this?


Yeah, I noticed that but only on that one map. The other maps are vivid.

I finally managed to pick up a copy of GOW last night. I sat down and played it for a little bit to get an idea of how it shapes up. Dang those graphics are awesome! :eek: The controls on it were not to bad either and I love how you move from cover to cover. I'm looking forward to getting some more time with it this weekend. I need to watch Cars with the kids tonight. ;)

This 'A' button doing everything kind of hurts sometimes. By that I mean that in some battles I will get behind an object, I press 'A' and Fenix tries to do a roll. Other than that, the controls are so good.

This 'A' button doing everything kind of hurts sometimes. By that I mean that in some battles I will get behind an object, I press 'A' and Fenix tries to do a roll. Other than that, the controls are so good.


To come off cover just click back on the left stick, or tap "A" while not push
ing in a direction.

I beat GOW on hardcore any reason to try insane? do they give you anything special? It took me about 12 hours to do it online with co-op.

I got the game last night... What I took away most from it was that it... like lets say the original Mortal Kombat has this feeling of "over the top style". I don't know how to put it but it just reeks of "cool", something I think has been missing from games lately. It seems lately everyone is too concerned with making games simulations, this feels arcade and it's awesome because of it. I am betting this will be the king of Live multiplayer with updates and tons of maps and it makes me giddy just to think about it. This game is gonna sell a ton of 360's.

I beat GOW on hardcore any reason to try insane? do they give you anything special? It took me about 12 hours to do it online with co-op.

Try doing hardcore without the co-op. I have found the middle chapters to be hard when I'm buy myself.

can anyone point me to a site that shows the location of all of the weapons on multiplayer maps?

OK I think I posted about 100 posts back that I was not that impressed with this game. Well man was I wrong. I had thought at the time that the end of the prison break was the end of act 1! NOT!! I did play through the rest of Act 1 yesterday and man it was fun. Online is a blast even though i stink. So for a game that i did not think I really liked I was up way to late the last two nights playing, so I guess that means I do like the game :) Act 2 tonoght baby!!

how are the controls? I remember seeing a video review that was posted (can't remember the source) and they said that the controls are awkward at first and it does getting some use to.

They take like 10 min to get used to. Once that happens they are very intuitive.

Try doing hardcore without the co-op. I have found the middle chapters to be hard when I'm buy myself.

Or... try it by yourself on Insane! :D

Funny....I didn't realize my 360 was set at 480P. I changed it to 1080i and WOW. Just to remind folks to review your video settings every once in awhile. I noticed that it's a little blurry at the sides though at this setting. Anyone else notice this? Should I set it to something else?

Dizzy

I say play it on hardcore if you are playing co-op. I played casual last night during co-op and it was easier than playing it singleplayer. Love this game, and the visuals are the best.

It gets easier to control as you figure out controls. I played some 4-4 death matches with my co-workers.. And I love the maps.. The intensity of the fighting is unreal (pun intended). More players would ruin this game.

At one point, 3 of us had died on either side, and there was a stand off between the last 2 players... The wait was mind blowing. Our team finally won, but it was sweat inducing.. Loved the moments.

One other time, there were 3 on 3 and we killed 2. The map was the one where you have the sniper riffles at the bottom, and the opforce starts at the top. We started off at top. Snipers have a field day on this map from the bottom, waiting for you to come down. So we came up with a plan to just toss two smoke grenades to the right side of the map, shotguns loaded and took him out.. It was crazzzzzzzzzzy.

OK I think I posted about 100 posts back that I was not that impressed with this game. Well man was I wrong. I had thought at the time that the end of the prison break was the end of act 1! NOT!! I did play through the rest of Act 1 yesterday and man it was fun. Online is a blast even though i stink. So for a game that i did not think I really liked I was up way to late the last two nights playing, so I guess that means I do like the game :) Act 2 tonoght baby!!

Wow I was in the exact same boat. Played breifly at lunch yesterday. Got through the prison and played a few minutes of Act 1. I came away kind of "meh" also.
Lets just say completing Act 1 was a whole new experience. Amazing fun!! Can Act 1 be the pinnacle? I doubt it but I hope to find out tonight with Act 2 also. :D

Funny....I didn't realize my 360 was set at 480P. I changed it to 1080i and WOW. Just to remind folks to review your video settings every once in awhile. I noticed that it's a little blurry at the sides though at this setting. Anyone else notice this? Should I set it to something else?

Dizzy

You should set it to 720p if your set supports that resolution.

Played this online last night at my buddies house. All I can say is WOW!. The game play and graphics is awesome! It is definitely the best game out right now. Now I want a 360. Best game since Halo.

The night rain in the forest and the caves are THE most amazing visuals I've even seen in a game. Period. And this includes PC games on a high end system with HDR+AA and AF cranked up.

Dam, I got to play the campaign more. It sounds like the graphics get better after the Berserker leve. I was hooked on MP last night. THe one map with the waterway running through it (kind of has a Chronicles of Riddick look but with water) is absolutely gorgous.

Took your advice as well on the hopping of the walls, works well. With a bit more practice I'll be able to do it every time thx :)

I still find myself "stick to walls" on occasion that I don't want to and flip from one barrier to another when I just want to exit "wall" mode but getting much better at it.

Definitley loving the game.. Very addictive. I do think it would be nice to have 6vs6 for some maps or even 8 on 8.

I played some mp last night. Before i knew it 5 hours went by. We decided to go through every map 4vs4 with 5 round wins. It took forever but man it was the most fun i've had gaming yet on the 360. Thank god i got my new samsung ln-s3251 last friday, just in time.

Is it just me or is multiplayer live dissapointing so far.

It seems as if it takes me 4 tries to get into a game. Then once I do, it seems like I get stuck w/ people that quit and I find myself one on four. :rolleyes: I mean why can't they ever finish a round? I've been in a few good rooms but thats it.

I really hope this Avs forum GOW rooms happen tonoight because I want to play with people that will actually play right and play until it's over.

Other then that the gameplay is awesome. I love the maps and the 4 on 4 team play which takes some good strategy in a good game.

Is it just me or is playing as the locusts much better than the COG.

Is it just me or is multiplayer live dissapointing so far.
Not even remotely.

It seems as if it takes me 4 tries to get into a game. Then once I do, it seems like I get stuck w/ people that quit and I find myself one on four. :rolleyes: I mean why can't they ever finish a round? I've been in a few good rooms but thats it.
You sound overly picky. Of all the 360 games so far I would say this has been the best game in regards to joining random public servers. If you do custom settings you get a lobby list and you can drop in and drop out of games at your will. Try and find servers were the # of rounds is set to 5 or more since these are typically filled with people who intend to play for more then 5 minutes.

I'm definitely not overly picky. My problem must of been that I haven't been using the features given to me. I have just been letting them throw me into a game and I've been playing it.


Is there anyone that is on the east coast that will be playing tonight? I would love for someone to invite me or add me to a friends list so we can play tonight. My gamertag is madcap88

I'm definitely not overly picky. My problem must of been that I haven't been using the features given to me. I have just been letting them throw me into a game and I've been playing it.


Is there anyone that is on the east coast that will be playing tonight? I would love for someone to invite me or add me to a friends list so we can play tonight. My gamertag is madcap88


I'll be on today and I'm sure, b/c of the GOW AVS thread, some more of us will be on today.

I'm definitely not overly picky. My problem must of been that I haven't been using the features given to me. I have just been letting them throw me into a game and I've been playing it.


Is there anyone that is on the east coast that will be playing tonight? I would love for someone to invite me or add me to a friends list so we can play tonight. My gamertag is madcap88

I'm still playing campaign but I might try online tonight to see what it's all about. If I see you on we can link up. My tag is ARCANGEL FORTES.

I played some multiplayer last night and while it's fun, it seems, as Marjen posted that things can get repetitive b/c of the limited number of maps and the fact that the maps aren't that expansive.

<?> I thought there were tonnes of maps. Have you played unranked MP where it just cycles through the maps? I couldn't believe how many there were. Compare to GRAW or COD2. Not only are there a lot of maps, they're all actually good.

This only happens for me when I try to join a ranked match via the quickmatch option. If I just search for a ranked match myself and then join one of the hosts listed I always connect on the first try!

Is it just me or is multiplayer live dissapointing so far.

It seems as if it takes me 4 tries to get into a game. Then once I do, it seems like I get stuck w/ people that quit and I find myself one on four. :rolleyes: I mean why can't they ever finish a round? I've been in a few good rooms but thats it.

I really hope this Avs forum GOW rooms happen tonoight because I want to play with people that will actually play right and play until it's over.

Other then that the gameplay is awesome. I love the maps and the 4 on 4 team play which takes some good strategy in a good game.

Is it just me or is playing as the locusts much better than the COG.

<?> I thought there were tonnes of maps. Have you played unranked MP where it just cycles through the maps? I couldn't believe how many there were. Compare to GRAW or COD2. Not only are there a lot of maps, they're all actually good.

I've played unranked matches. I guess I haven't looked at all of the maps. I can say that the maps that I've played have been somewhat small.

Is there anyone that is on the east coast that will be playing tonight? I would love for someone to invite me or add me to a friends list so we can play tonight. My gamertag is madcap88
Alot of us will be on tonight. Its AVS GOW night! I will be on around 8pm eastern. gamertag= Jay Nuclear

there will be plenty of new maps to spend your ms points on....count on that....

pure profit......

there will be plenty of new maps to spend your ms points on....count on that....

pure profit......

You know, they still have to pay their designers, developers, testers, managers, etc. who put effort into creating these maps. Trust me, that's not cheap.

Who knows there might even be a new map or two on Sunday (EMERGENCE DAY) :) . I say as good as this game is they can release new content for it once a month and people will buy it ( how about a downloadable expansion that makes it another WWII game ;) ) .

--- Heck give me the ability to play as a Berserker , there's your run n' gun (only without the gun ;) ) .

--------- Jason

I'm glad this game finally got released.It was worth the wait.Looking to try Co-op with someone, Gamer tag- MrMajestic

I am still taking cover!!! :eek:

Anyone know if it runs at 30fps or 60fps?

Anyone else notice the pooling blood effects. It like adds a ring of blood each time instead of coming out smoothly. I am not complaining, this does not take away from the game at all. Just wanted to see if anyone else noticed it?

30fps most of the time.

Anyone know if it runs at 30fps or 60fps?

Anyone else notice the pooling blood effects. It like adds a ring of blood each time instead of coming out smoothly. I am not complaining, this does not take away from the game at all. Just wanted to see if anyone else noticed it?



Yeah, there are a few little graphical inconsistencies, but they are FAR and FEW between, and take nothing away from the pure frenzy of adrenaline, debris, and pixels.

This game raises the bar graphically, and the funny thing is how quickly we will start to feel that these visuals are normal and expected from a game, because who wants to play anything less immersive? Not me. That's progress for ya.

And now we can actually visualize where things go from here graphically, now that my eyes have taken in GOW. The possiblity is now there for everything it does a little better, etc. Don't get me wrong, I am not looking past this game. I am savoring it. I truly wish the capaign mode would be never ending. Although that would lead to my wife moving out. :p


This game destroys that notion that visuals can only add so much to a game. The visuals viscerally change the entire experience.

On top of that it is the best gameplay mechanics I have ever felt, period.
9.9/10.

The game is having distorted aspect ratio problems with the VGA output on 4:3 displays. Is anyone here having this problem?
http://gearsforums.epicgames.com/showthread.php?t=555287

Well, I'm not sure what happened but I just encountered some very choppy action and stuttering during Act 3. I'm playing on an old 27" CRT Panny set with the S-video connection. (yeah, it blows.) Everything up to that point was very smooth.

On another note, I'm now in Act 4 and just hit a snag. Can someone that has played through Act 4 or is currently in it please PM me about a question I have. I don't want to give away anything for those who have not reached this stage.

Thanks
Rex

The game is having distorted aspect ratio problems with the VGA output on 4:3 displays. Is anyone here having this problem?
http://gearsforums.epicgames.com/showthread.php?t=555287
My buddy just bought the VGA cable today so that he could play it on his 4:3 PC monitor. I might go over there tonight, I'll check it out if I do.

there will be plenty of new maps to spend your ms points on....count on that....

pure profit......


actually, i'm willing to bet you that this game bucks that trend and gives most of the stuff away for free. epic really is one of the last GREAT developers. they are notorious for supporting their games and their communities in general. i've been a loyal fan of theirs from the get-go, and i'm here to tell you that they are not looking to fleece us like some of these other s.o.b.s...

actually, i'm willing to bet you that this game bucks that trend and gives most of the stuff away for free. epic really is one of the last GREAT developers. they are notorious for supporting their games and their communities in general. i've been a loyal fan of theirs from the get-go, and i'm here to tell you that they are not looking to fleece us like some of these other s.o.b.s...


I hope you are right but would'nt it be up to Microsoft and not Epic about whether to charge for the content or not? Since Xbox Live is our portal for downloads we might get hit even if Epic intended the content to be free.

Has anyone else beat the game yet? Seemed pretty short, but of course it was an awesome game. Where do you go to see how many hours you've played on a game?

I thought it was plenty long for single player! Just finished it. About 9.5hours. I like how the intensity continues to increase throughout the game like a great action movie. Which is exactly what Gears is to me: playing an old school action movie!

Can't wait for the sequels :)

I hope you are right but would'nt it be up to Microsoft and not Epic about whether to charge for the content or not? Since Xbox Live is our portal for downloads we might get hit even if Epic intended the content to be free.

you should see the stuff epic released for the unreal tournament games. some crazy stuff that they could easily have charged for, but they didn't. i'm quite certain that if they get their way at least some of the content will be free. but you're right, i believe microsoft is the publisher, so i guess they have final say...

You know, they still have to pay their designers, developers, testers, managers, etc. who put effort into creating these maps. Trust me, that's not cheap.

I agree and I am willing to pay! Bring on the content!

COD2 had a free map set so it is possible. Man another 3 hour online maraathon last night. This game is killing my sleep time!! LOVING multiplayer. It is sooooooo much fun.

Just beat the campaign mode on the casual setting. Took me about 10 hours total. Great game.

The game is having distorted aspect ratio problems with the VGA output on 4:3 displays. Is anyone here having this problem?
http://gearsforums.epicgames.com/showthread.php?t=555287
4:3 displays? What's that? :D

I agree and I am willing to pay! Bring on the content!
Exactly, if fans support the great content more is sure to come. Vote with your wallet, Gears II NOW!

COD2 had a free map set so it is possible. Man another 3 hour online maraathon last night. This game is killing my sleep time!! LOVING multiplayer. It is sooooooo much fun.

I agree, multiplayer is a hoot. But, here is my complaint, why can't the host change any of the options while in the lobby? If you want to change a map or change the game type, you have to quit the current game and re-invite everybody into the new game. Amazing graphics. Great gameplay. Poor lobby menu. Heaven forbid they copy Halo 2's lobby menu.

Also, they had better add more variations to multiplayer because this could get old after awhile.

One thing I can't stand is being the Host and not being able to pick which maps to play.. You either have to play one map or have it on cycle.. And cycle wouldn't be bad but you have to wait until the room is full before starting the match, so everyone can hear eachother.. And if anyone leaves and someone takes there spot no one can hear them talk.. So then you have to start the room over and play the same first map over and over..

I agree you should be able to change the maps, round limit, or gametype (though all I play is Execution) at anytime in the lobby. Just a guess, but I think you can't because it has something to do with how it loads the map for everyone. Thats why there is zero loadtime once the host hits the start button, you are immediately playing. When you set the lobby up though, you can create a custom map cycle starting at any map you want and arranged in any order, you don't have to start on the first map each time. I think it's the X button you press to change the cycle, you can also change the weapons on each map this way. I do hope they patch the voice glitch though, it doesn't seem to happen often, but it is irritating.

Perfect Dark Zero has the best lobby in my opinion. I haven't hosted a GOW Live game, but I have hosted PDZ game and it gives you complete access to make changes. Last night when we completed a game and we wanted to change the maps, the host couldn't do it. That sucks.

ramble..


If you read Eric B's comments in the game manual he talks about how shooters - in his opinion - are modeling a firefight incorrectly. He tried modeling GOW after his experiences in playing paint ball.

I beat GOW on INSANE and I didnt get anything special....whats up with that. It took me 18 hours straight the last guy took me 6 hours to beat and everyone kept leaving my room because they couldnt take it anymore until one guy stayed in for the last kill we played for 2 hours straight the other folks couldnt hack it and couldnt stand it and left it was fun though everyone coming to my co op game and trying.

Played the single player campaign for a little while last night, it just keeps getting better! Playing the night missions sure had its challenges, those who have played through it know what I mean. :D

My first vehicle encounter also went really well. Love the "Boomers" as well.... BOOM! ;)

Great game...

Can't wait to play it a little more tomorrow...

Just finished on Hardcore, and going through on insane...

Is it just me, or is insane not that much harder?

Oh, and there is a AI exploit that makes the final boss super easy. Works for most of the regular enemies too... even Boomers, which are the toughest in the game, IMO.

I found boomers to be the easiest with the barell roll side to side/fire sniper shot tactic. They're too slow to keep up.

Just finished on Hardcore, and going through on insane...

Is it just me, or is insane not that much harder?

Oh, and there is a AI exploit that makes the final boss super easy. Works for most of the regular enemies too... even Boomers, which are the toughest in the game, IMO.
you may think that now, but trust me you go in deeper and good luck LOL...I beat insane and yes its insane. Every shot has to be perfect and they will force you to use every weapons avaliable. :D

I guess i'm just not hardcore enough, because I can't even complete the first mission. back to casual for me....lol.

Is anyone having issues with the sound? After I finished the junker level, I have been having issues the sound starting to sound poor... sometimes it seems like the center channel is cutting out, other times it seems like the bass is gone. If I quite the game and restart it sounds great again... for a bit, then it goes back to glitchville. It is frustrating because the sound is truly superb when it is working correctly. Gives me VTF3-HO quite a work out.

Every other game/movie sounds fine, so I am pretty sure it is not my system. Just wondering if I am alone.

Is anyone having issues with the sound? After I finished the junker level, I have been having issues the sound starting to sound poor... sometimes it seems like the center channel is cutting out, other times it seems like the bass is gone. If I quite the game and restart it sounds great again... for a bit, then it goes back to glitchville. It is frustrating because the sound is truly superb when it is working correctly. Gives me VTF3-HO quite a work out.

Every other game/movie sounds fine, so I am pretty sure it is not my system. Just wondering if I am alone.

WOW i thought my center was going on me....after playing last night the game sound got really bad out of the center channel after a certain act. I thought something was wrong with my center rechecked all the wriing and couldnt see a problem....after reading this i ran the test tone and sure enough something in the game is broken. Also just beat act one on insane...YIKES

WOW i thought my center was going on me....after playing last night the game sound got really bad out of the center channel after a certain act. I thought something was wrong with my center rechecked all the wriing and couldnt see a problem....after reading this i ran the test tone and sure enough something in the game is broken. Also just beat act one on insane...YIKES

Good to know I am not alone. I am getting pretty frustrated because I feel like I am missing a big part of the experience.

Here's hoping they release a patch that fixes this issue :)

Yeah I just turned the subtitles on it still sucks though!

My friend came over to play coop and we both could not for the life of us figure out how to play splitscreen coop. It kept saying that the second player must "log in." I went to the Xbox menu and could not figure out how log in a second player.
All the other coop games I've played you simply make an in game menu choice. I'm baffled.

Just finished on Hardcore, and going through on insane...

Is it just me, or is insane not that much harder?

Oh, and there is a AI exploit that makes the final boss super easy. Works for most of the regular enemies too... even Boomers, which are the toughest in the game, IMO.

Care to share the secret?

Anyone having problems with freezing? Was playing co-op with a buddy of mine over live, and the thing kept freezing. Had to restart, happened at least 7 or 8 times.

I finally got some more playing time in tonight(Still in Act 1). I'm loving this game. I did notice that when I'm trying to move from cover to cover I am not always hitting up but more off to the side and rolling out into open fire. I also finally used my chainsaw for a kill. It's nice to flank around the stationary gunners and buzz them. I am looking forward to playing this online, but I know I'm going to get wasted on that.

As for the pacing of the game I'm thinking it will take me more then 8 hours to beat this game. I'm to busy looking around. After seeing this game I am hoping that Prince of Persia comes out and looks similar to this. I think that game would be awesome on the Unreal 3 engine.

My friend came over to play coop and we both could not for the life of us figure out how to play splitscreen coop. It kept saying that the second player must "log in." I went to the Xbox menu and could not figure out how log in a second player.
All the other coop games I've played you simply make an in game menu choice. I'm baffled.

The game requires player 2 to be logged into a 360 profile. So create a second profile and then he can logon from GoW and play.

Me and a few guys from AVS were playing online last night again. Very fun! Anyone that hasnt done so should play online. Gamertag= Jay Nuclear

I love this game and it is now my 2nd all time favorite game ever.........I had one of those moments in the game that I have never had before..........I was in ACT III, I was slowly going through the rooms and you can hear them, but don't know what or when. Then something happened (a noise or something) and I started blind shooting, but there was nothing there in front of me.....Man that is just like a movie when you see that scared person with a gun and a noise scares that crap out of them........LOL

Please try to indicate if you are revealing major plot scenarios (for want of a better word), use the spoiler tag. :)

I am still playing this game non stop! :eek:

Kudos goes out to Epic and Microsoft for providing lag and latency free online gameplay. Played dozens and dozens of games with my friends and not one of us has seen any of these problems that plague many other games.

Kudos goes out to Epic and Microsoft for providing lag and latency free online gameplay. Played dozens and dozens of games with my friends and not one of us has seen any of these problems that plague many other games.

yes, its a great lag free game IF you can finally get into a game. right now i'm running probably around a 30% success rate with being able to join a game... :mad:

This game looks good, and seems fun, but it didn't grab me in the first time I played it. Part of it is because I suck with the 360 controller (pc gamer here), and part of it is that I didn't care at all for the A button shananigans. Having to aim grenades instead of "feeling it" and just tossing them is just too busy. I know what I want to do, but the controls and the A button stuff just get in the way. The "take cover" approach has been done a lot better than this in other games.

Graphically, the character models are the best I've seen on a console, but overall the graphics are over hyped. Maybe I expect too much from the 360...

I'm having the same issues with the center channel as well.

Also, I tested the VGA connection on my friends 4:3 PC monitor and there is indeed an issue with the picture being distorted.

I hope they address both of these issues with the quickness.

As far as freezing, it's only happened once, the day I got the game after playing for about 8 hours straight.

Finished the game on casual and restarted and finished the first chapter in Hardcore. I found 4 more COG tags on my second trip through level one. I got three left to snag.

I must say the end boss was kind of a pain on Casual so I fear him on Hardcore.
I really like this game but I dont get the "Horror" that this game is supposed to have. In Condemed I got the "horror" element but in this game, well its pretty hard to get too scared when you have a chainsaw machine gun. Stressed, sure but not jumpin out of the seat scared.

I had one of the greatest multiplayer experiences ever today with GOW. I was on a team with a kid and this other guy (3-3), other then the kid talking about how he loves the sniper rifle we said very little to one another at first. We found ourselves down 3-1 in a first to 4 fight (we won the first on shear luck and then were owned on the next 3). Then we started talking and making a strategy. We got like 3-4 draws in a row and then went on to win 3 in a row. The 3rd win was amazing because me and the guy got taken out after we took out two of their guys. That left the kid and one of their guys, they got in a shotgun fight and took each other down, both on the ground bleeding out hitting "A" like crazy. They both got up at the same time and the Kid Meleed him down. It was sweet, the next and last game all 3 of us lived as we took all three of them down. It was awesome.

So, yea this game has a rocking single player AND a rocking multiplayer.

Only thing, I do have trouble connecting, especially if my DLink is plugged in. I also would like a ranking system like Halo 2 so that I could play with other N00bs, its not fun to be completely owned. But then I guess if we had that, maybe I woudnt have had the great experience I had today. THIS GAME ROCKS!

EDIT: I do have one gripe about single player. If your AI teammates are not going to be helpful can they at least be as intelligent as the enemy and stay in cover?

Couple of questions.... and they might have been answered before, but 423 posts is too much to read through...

1) Is there anyplace that lists the levels out? I'm trying to find out how many levels there are and a list of the names in order. I'm curious as to how far into the game I am (just finished Belly of the Beast I believe)

2) Does the online coop play differ from the single player game or the single box coop game? Most online coop games I've played seem to be scaled down (Doom 3) or they just give you a handful of levels (GRAW). Is it complete and are the cutscenes included online?

Hi all, I just skimmed through the past couple of pages, and wanted to ask two questions - hopefully someone can help.

1. Is there any way to skip the headset/cutscenes? It's incredibly annoying to slug it out for 10 minutes, die, and have to spend another minute walking through a map. having Marcus listen to his headset, and do it all over again.

2. I've yet to be able to connect online. I can see servers, but the moment I try to join it boots me out. I tried to bypass my router and go straight through my modem, but still no dice. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

-JR

Was on 1UP and found http://www.mycheats.com/view/superguide/2394/gears_of_war/xbox_360.

Gamespot has a guide too it appears.

I beleive you can play this entire game on Co-op, thats why Dom is with you the entire time, hes the guy the person you co-op with takes over.

EDIT: I do have one gripe about single player. If your AI teammates are not going to be helpful can they at least be as intelligent as the enemy and stay in cover?

I dont know if this has been posted but to get your team mates to take cover press the left shoulder button and hit B to ceasefire. They should call out they are taking cover. Doesnt always work but when it does they stay alive longer.

I dont know if this has been posted but to get your team mates to take cover press the left shoulder button and hit B to ceasefire. They should call out they are taking cover. Doesnt always work but when it does they stay alive longer.
I tried doing this in the final battle but Dom's concept of "taking cover" is a bit different then mine as he kinda just sat in the corner and got himself shot. :(

2. I've yet to be able to connect online. I can see servers, but the moment I try to join it boots me out. I tried to bypass my router and go straight through my modem, but still no dice. Any suggestions?

Does this (http://forums.xbox.com/7982465/ShowPost.aspx) help?
1. Choose exactly what you want to do as far as versus, or co-op goes.
2. If versus, chose whether you want it to be ranked or not.
3. Choose "Custom Match".
4. Fill out the qeury with the information so it finds a game you intend to play in.
5. When it says "Searching..." or "Refreshing...", quickly hit the "X" button to refresh again.
6. Once the "X" button has been hit, a list of games will show up behind the "Searching..." or "Refreshing..." dialogue.
7. At this point you may choose from the list that has appeared behind the dialogue.
8. In most cases this has worked, if it doesn't you may have deeper problems.

Just beat the game on Hardcore. It is a tad too short I think. One more full chapter would have been about right. I'm glad I started on Hardcore as it got pretty easy once you get used to the game. I'm now playing on Insane and its a little harder, but I'm dying much less this time through than I did originally.

GOW & Marcus Fenix 0wn Halo1 & 2 & Master Chief!

Just beat the game on Hardcore. It is a tad too short I think. One more full chapter would have been about right. I'm glad I started on Hardcore as it got pretty easy once you get used to the game. I'm now playing on Insane and its a little harder, but I'm dying much less this time through than I did originally.
Did you beat it in SP or Co-op?

Just curious...

Just beat the game on Hardcore. It is a tad too short I think. One more full chapter would have been about right. I'm glad I started on Hardcore as it got pretty easy once you get used to the game. I'm now playing on Insane and its a little harder, but I'm dying much less this time through than I did originally.

I notice that too. Areas that gave me trouble the first go around on hardcore gave me less on insane. I think that's just because you know the proper tactics to beat each situation.

Just beat the game on Hardcore. It is a tad too short I think. One more full chapter would have been about right. I'm glad I started on Hardcore as it got pretty easy once you get used to the game. I'm now playing on Insane and its a little harder, but I'm dying much less this time through than I did originally.

I haven't beaten it yet, but I am playing through on Hardcore single player and don't find it all that difficult. I think it's because of my play style though. I'm really plodding through it, taking my time in every situation. In any engagement I don't come out of cover until I know my kill will almost be guaranteed. I'm happy that my team mates die off rather quickly; since I play so slowly I don't want them getting all the kills. I've got to say, however, that regardless of how slowly I play, man is this some good gaming.

I've noticed that my slow play style really doesn't work well in multiplayer, where I generally get my ass handed to me without delay.

Did you beat it in SP or Co-op?

Just curious...
Actually a little of both. I played some areas alone, and did a few sessions of online co-op with one of my friends. I also did split screen for a couple levels when a friend came over (although I hate split screen).

I found that some parts were actually easier if you're by yourself (or so it seemed). There was this one area that we were trying over and over again to complete while doing online co-op, until we got tired and quit. The next day I tried again by myself and beat it first try with no problems. It may have been due to the fact that it was one of the "split" levels, which means neither of you can die.

One other question....

When playing coop over Live, do you have a choice of difficulty level or is it a default level?

Can Insane be selected if the host player has beat the game on Hardcore?

One other question....

When playing coop over Live, do you have a choice of difficulty level or is it a default level?

Can Insane be selected if the host player has beat the game on Hardcore?
Yes, the host sets the difficulty. If the host has unlocked Insane and selects it, that's what you'll be playing when you join.

Great. I've got 2 more chapters to go on Hardcore.....can't wait to try Insane.

A general achievement question: do you have to be online when an achievement triggers to recieve it on the XBL account?

I believe the 360 stores that info and sends it whenever the console is online.

I LOVE THIS GAME!! I gave my initial thoughts earlier, but this truly is the first game since Halo (1/2) that I have been dying to play through. And I love the online component. I have been playing through it in Hardcore, and when I get in a jam, I jump online and get a buddy to play with. 90% of the online players I have played with rock. They stick through it, and they chat and strategize.

One tip: If you play any part of a Act on a lower difficulty you dont get the achievement for the harder difficulty. I learned this the hard way when I was pinned down once and played through one checkpoint on casual. So when I am done, I am going back to ACT 1 to replay it.

One tip: If you play any part of a Act on a lower difficulty you dont get the achievement for the harder difficulty. I learned this the hard way when I was pinned down once and played through one checkpoint on casual. So when I am done, I am going back to ACT 1 to replay it.

It gives you the achievement for what difficulty you're playing when you finish the act. I played through one checkpoint of act 2 on casual, but still got the achievements for hardcore and casual.

Allright, I'll be "that guy".

This game is really starting to become monotonous for me. I'm hoping that once I get all the way past Act 2 it'll kick up a notch. There are a few things that are really starting to grate on me as I go through the chapters.

1. Teammate AI. It's awful. Absolutely awful. It's acceptable to have a few screw-ups, but not when your teammate will walk into dark areas like a brainless zombie only to get torn up by the Kryll, halting your progress and forcing you to start over again. Or if your teammates stand facing a wall doing nothing as Locust swarm right past them. If these things happened once in a blue moon, it'd be ok. But to see these things repeatedly is just proof that the AI is terrible.

2. Squad Commands. I've yet to find any use to this. I can tell them to attack, which will do one of two things. Either tell me that they can't see a target, and do nothing, or rush forward to their death.

I can tell them to regroup, at which time one of them will tell me they can't do it, or I'll see one standing, blankly staring at a wall doing nothing.

I can tell them to cease fire, which they will do. But for what purpose?

3. Token Jersey Barriers and lack thereof. Ok, so if I go into a corrider or room with no cover, guess what? There's a good chance nothings going to happen, or else I'll fight one or two smaller locust that probably won't kill you. If I go into a room with Jersey barriers, or random "outcroppings" of stone, or a burnt out car, voila, I know something big is going to happen.

It's so formulaic that it looses any sense of surprise.

4. Can someone tell me why I'm the only one that can heal my squadmates?

5. The most woefully underpowered weapons to win a war. Well, good thing I can carry 600+ rounds on me, since it takes over a clip to kill one person! Pop up, fire a burst, pop down. Repeat 5-10 times per locust. Move to next room/area. Pop up, firse a burst, pop down...you get the idea.

And last but not least, am I the only one that finds the dialogue silly and laughable? It's like they hired 5 guys and said "Ok guys, you have to sound BAD-ASS!!! Now talk as gruffly as possible!". Ugh.

Just had to vent.

I'm still playing the game, so obviously they did something right. Perhaps it's the graphics and excellent art direction. I'm not sure, but it's keeping me playing. I just can't imagine playing this again once I beat the game.

-JR

Allright, I'll be "that guy".
Perhaps shooters are not your thing then? I don't know, just a wild guess.

Perhaps shooters are not your thing then? I don't know, just a wild guess.

I actually love shooters. In fact, my first "true" PC game was Unreal Tournament, which I played and followed the series for years, both for fun and competitively. I love the CoD series, GR series, UT series, even dabbled in a little bit of Doom, Painkiller, Rainbow Six, etc.

I just keep reading so many positive statements, and the incredibly high scores on the game sites, and then sitting down and playing a game that I can't figure out how it got higher than, say, an 8.5 out of 10.

And I'm still playing the game. I plan on finishing it.

It's not that I hate it, it's that I'm seeing what I feel are large issues in the gameplay and the overall experience of the game. As I mentioned in my post before the large one, why can't I skip through some of the cutscenes/headset scenes? I don't mind the challenge of trying a portion of a map 10 times in a row, but I don't enjoy having to spend the first minute of each of those 10 times running through three empty halls, then going into the "headset" cutscene where I have to listen to my player talk to other people, then go up to a certain part of a map to kick the trigger to start the action...only to die in 30 seconds.

It's things like that that I find detrimental to the overall gameplay.

-JR

It's not that I hate it, it's that I'm seeing what I feel are large issues in the gameplay and the overall experience of the game. As I mentioned in my post before the large one, why can't I skip through some of the cutscenes/headset scenes? I don't mind the challenge of trying a portion of a map 10 times in a row, but I don't enjoy having to spend the first minute of each of those 10 times running through three empty halls, then going into the "headset" cutscene where I have to listen to my player talk to other people, then go up to a certain part of a map to kick the trigger to start the action...only to die in 30 seconds.

It's things like that that I find detrimental to the overall gameplay.

-JR
IMO, the checkpoint system is already generous with the frequent autosaves. It seems to me to be part of a general trending to lowering the difficulty/frustration level in games to push them more mainstream. When I encounter a scenario such as walking down a hallway, triggering a cutscene, and walking some more to trigger a fight, when the checkpoint easily could have been moved to right before the fight, I consider it a design choice by the developers that adds a little incentive to strategize and try harder the next time. Maybe that's my naivete excusing sloppy design.

Allright, I'll be "that guy".

This game is really starting to become monotonous for me. I'm hoping that once I get all the way past Act 2 it'll kick up a notch. There are a few things that are really starting to grate on me as I go through the chapters.



I understand where you're coming. However, let me make a few suggestions. Have you tried playing a co-op campaign with a friend online? I must say that it's very intense and a lot more interactive that way. A lot of the later scenes involve you splitting up as a pair, so it'd just be you and said friend. Try it...I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

The above suggestion will solve your problems 1,2,4, & 5. It solves #1 & 2 obviously because you're playing with a human. It solves #4 because you both revive eachother in co-op...except when you're sent off in different directions. It solves #5 because with co-op, you can decide who takes what weapons, and thus be assured to pack as much heat. I usually pick up the sniper and shotgun, while my brother (my co-op teammate who I won't trade for anything) takes the boomer and torquebow. It is a VERY lethal combination.

As for #4, I'd have to disagree with you when you say that there isnt any action in empty hallways and rooms. Locust chase you everywhere you go. Heck, a boomer has blown my head off many times while I'm sitting in one of the ammo collecting rooms taking a breather. Even if that weren't the case, I see the empty areas as a transition...an opportunity to re-arm yourselves or co-ordinate future battles. It's necessary in every game. And these hallways aren't usually empty. There are often chairs and cabinets about. Naturally, you can expect to see more obstacles outdoors cuz thats where the ruins of a destroyed city will be.

Finally, the game gets much better as it progresses. Toward the end, I bet you'd wish it never actually ends.

anybody down for some co-op campaign? I'll be on in 10-20 minutes..

gt:crackmont k1lla

Anybody here beat Raam on insane yet? I tried it for about half an hour and decided to just shut it off.

If you have beat him do you have any tips? What weapon combos you used, strategies, etc.

Anybody here beat Raam on insane yet? I tried it for about half an hour and decided to just shut it off.

If you have beat him do you have any tips? What weapon combos you used, strategies, etc.
You might want to check something like the xbox.com forums where there is a lot of specific discussion. I think I remember hearing about someone who found a pretty huge vulnerability in the end boss' AI.

Anybody here beat Raam on insane yet? I tried it for about half an hour and decided to just shut it off.

If you have beat him do you have any tips? What weapon combos you used, strategies, etc.

Hell, I finally beat him in Casual and I think I got lucky at that! I think I actually died right as I killed him but the scene cut away and began the final movie. I have started playing a bit of the Hardcore level and I can already tell that I'm not that good yet.

Anybody here beat Raam on insane yet? I tried it for about half an hour and decided to just shut it off.

If you have beat him do you have any tips? What weapon combos you used, strategies, etc.

On hardcore, I simply used grenades to chase the Krill away, and then headshot him him the Sniper rifle while covering behind the first barrier. He he gets to the barrier, blind fire over it with the lancer as he won't shoot over the barrier. When he walks around to the side that you're on, simply hop over the barrier, cover, and blind fire when he sends the Krill. He'll never shoot over the barrier.

I actually played Raam co-op on live. That works much better because my AI player was always getting killed.

I just got the game last night and my wife and I played co-op on casual as she isn't big on shooters. PGR and Baulders Gate are some of her favorites. So we play up to where you have to drive the car and couldn't get past that part. My wife was on the spot light and I was driving. I think tonight I will let her drive. She is much better than Dom though and I'm really glad that she has fun playing the game. If that's not telling enough for how good this game is then I don't know what is.

Steve

Can you invite people into games that you are not hosting? If so, how?

Can you invite people into games that you are not hosting? If so, how?
Hit the guide button, open your friends list. You can then select somebody and inviting them should be one of the options.

Hit the guide button, open your friends list. You can then select somebody and inviting them should be one of the options.

As long as its not a ranked match

As long as its not a ranked match
Yeah, I didn't even think to include that...

Though if you read Gamer Andy's blog yesterday, people are finding workarounds for that. I don't want to go anywhere near Ranked until they make the hosts' names anonymous :( .

As long as its not a ranked match
I was trying to do this on your game last night but the "Invite Friend to Game" or whatever selection was always greyed out.

I was trying to do this on your game last night but the "Invite Friend to Game" or whatever selection was always greyed out.

That weird because others were inviting... I just go to my friends list and highlight them but don't select. Then press x.

Im stuck on a part with the locust early in the game, its a couple scenes or so after the beserker, Ive blown up the propane tanks and past that part, but the next one is where i kick a door open and theres a car right outside the door, there is a guy with one of those mounted machine guns across the map shooting at me and another up in the tower to the right, the one in the tower is easy to kill but the other guy i cannot for the life of me since i cannot get past the middle of the scene since it is all dark and the locust get me :( , I see nothing to blow up to light the area.

any help appreciated

PLEASE use SPOILER tags for those that are discussing actual levels or plot , do not spoil it for those that have not played it yet ;) .

------- Jason

If it's the part I'm thinking....there's a spotlight in the building to your right that might be of some help....

Question about saving:

I had a single player game going on in casual mode. I started a game in co-op on hardcore. My casual single player game save now seems to be gone. Is this expected or odd?

Im stuck on a part with the locust early in the game, its a couple scenes or so after the beserker, Ive blown up the propane tanks and past that part, but the next one is where i kick a door open and theres a car right outside the door, there is a guy with one of those mounted machine guns across the map shooting at me and another up in the tower to the right, the one in the tower is easy to kill but the other guy i cannot for the life of me since i cannot get past the middle of the scene since it is all dark and the locust get me :( , I see nothing to blow up to light the area.

any help appreciated

try taking cover behind that junk car and pushing it :)

PLEASE use SPOILER tags for those that are discussing actual levels or plot , do not spoil it for those that have not played it yet ;) .

------- Jason

Starting a new campaign erases any old campaign's you had. You can still finish playing through on casual, though.

Im stuck on a part with the locust early in the game, its a couple scenes or so after the beserker, Ive blown up the propane tanks and past that part, but the next one is where i kick a door open and theres a car right outside the door, there is a guy with one of those mounted machine guns across the map shooting at me and another up in the tower to the right, the one in the tower is easy to kill but the other guy i cannot for the life of me since i cannot get past the middle of the scene since it is all dark and the locust get me :( , I see nothing to blow up to light the area.

any help appreciated

OK, there are a couple of similar type places. I think the one you are talking about has a pushable car... I think it may be on fire which lights stuff up.

Of course there is a second pushable car area too both have the machine gun nest but I think the other one is during the daylight.

In both cases push the car up to provide cover and then use gernades or something to take out the machine guns.

There is also another section where there is a propane tank that is hard to see on the right and then one further down the street on the left.... one of those may initially be under some type of cover.

OK, there are a couple of similar type places. I think the one you are talking about has a pushable car... I think it may be on fire which lights stuff up.

Of course there is a second pushable car area too both have the machine gun nest but I think the other one is during the daylight.

In both cases push the car up to provide cover and then use gernades or something to take out the machine guns.

There is also another section where there is a propane tank that is hard to see on the right and then one further down the street on the left.... one of those may initially be under some type of cover.


if it's the one where you have to aim the spotlight then you'll have to go to the right building. walk up the stairs to the 3 floor and aim the spot light at Dom. Have him walk to the other side to turn the light switch on. I usually play co-op and have myself or the other person do the spotlight aiming as one walk to get to the switch.

edit: oh, that part you push the burning car forward.......

Question about saving:

I had a single player game going on in casual mode. I started a game in co-op on hardcore. My casual single player game save now seems to be gone. Is this expected or odd?
You can always select "load previous checkpoint" or whatever it's called from the campaign mode menu, and essentially go right back to where you were (the tags will still be collected).

Did anyone else find the game kind of short? Me and a buddy beat it in like 6 hours on hardcore today. We played nonstop from like noon till 6. It was an incredible game, but i just think it should have been longer. And showed some back story a little more. I also played online for a bit tonight and so far it seems good. I just hate getting chainsawed in the back by some little kid. haha

Beat it twice since I got it a week ago and played a bunch of multiplayer and finished the first checkpoint on insane. So yeah, its a little short but its a great game. Leaves you wanting more.

Did anyone else find the game kind of short? Me and a buddy beat it in like 6 hours on hardcore today. We played nonstop from like noon till 6. It was an incredible game, but i just think it should have been longer.

I broke up my game play over a week long period, which made the game feel longer than what it actually is. I just beat the game last night doing Live co-op with some random player from Xbox Live. Epic needs to fix the headset issue that you get when another player joins mid-game.



And showed some back story a little more. I also played online for a bit tonight and so far it seems good. I just hate getting chainsawed in the back by some little kid. haha

You should add some of us AVS guys to your friends list. That way, when you play online and you get chainsawed by someone, it'll be an AVS guy giving you a friendly laugh and chainsawing. ;) If chainsawing someone could ever be considered friendly. :D

Man, I feel really stupid. I was getting owned last night by a bunch of potheads playing online! Is everyone that plays this game high on something? A bunch of geeks giggling like little girls and telling me to move to the other team so as not to "fu#! up" their game. I finished the single player campaign and just started playing online so it's not like I'm trying to play in ranked matches, I'm just joining in quick matches. The immaturity in these online games just kills it for me. Not to mention I can hear everything they are saying but for some reason they can't hear me flaming back! :mad: Then I have to listen to them talking about how awesome their clan is and how they merged with some other "bad ass" clan and totally own. I guess if I had 18 hours a day to play and no job I would be good too. :rolleyes:

Man, I feel really stupid. I was getting owned last night by a bunch of potheads playing online!

True, bad part is if your the last guy alive, your whole team is watching you.

As for me, I was called pathetic because I had a shotgun and in a small room, still couldn't get a kill. My whole team was out and watching.

I felt like calling my son out of his room and passing the controller to him so he can show them what "wheelzntoys" can do. Oh well

True, bad part is if your the last guy alive, your whole team is watching you.

As for me, I was called pathetic because I had a shotgun and in a small room, still couldn't get a kill. My whole team was out and watching.

I felt like calling my son out of his room and passing the controller to him so he can show them what "wheelzntoys" can do. Oh well


Yeah! Talk about pressure. Being the last guy standing is pretty scary. Especially when your playing as COG and see one of those big Locusts flanking you from across the map. I hope to find a few guys who just want to have fun and work on some skills (I don't have many right now!) :D

Man, I feel really stupid. I was getting owned last night by a bunch of potheads playing online! Is everyone that plays this game high on something? A bunch of geeks giggling like little girls and telling me to move to the other team so as not to "fu#! up" their game. I finished the single player campaign and just started playing online so it's not like I'm trying to play in ranked matches, I'm just joining in quick matches. The immaturity in these online games just kills it for me. Not to mention I can hear everything they are saying but for some reason they can't hear me flaming back! :mad: Then I have to listen to them talking about how awesome their clan is and how they merged with some other "bad ass" clan and totally own. I guess if I had 18 hours a day to play and no job I would be good too. :rolleyes:

You seriously need to check out adultgamingenthusiasts.com. We just had a GOW night last night. All private rooms and no pot heads and 12 yr olds. It was a lot of fun compared to most of the matches I play on live. That or host your own with friends.

I hate it when someone talks about being realistic, man guys, that argument is so sad. This is not realistic. It is a video game, set on an ALIEN world, with ALIEN technology, and super advanced weaponry. It is not real war in today's world. I think they could of perfected the run and shoot by the time they went to an alien world or go to this level of technology. How do you know what realistic is in the future on an alien world?

I hate it when people think you cannot have realism in games. People say "it's just a game" and then follow that with some kind of argument about how every shooter should be like Halo 2. Also, I don't understand how people can confuse realism in the story with realism in the gameplay/engine. Duck and cover is more realistic gameplay for a shooter; it has nothing to do with the story/setting. The story is fantasy. It can still be set in an environment with real-world physics, weaponry, and tactics.

You seriously need to check out adultgamingenthusiasts.com. We just had a GOW night last night. All private rooms and no pot heads and 12 yr olds. It was a lot of fun compared to most of the matches I play on live. That or host your own with friends.


Thanks for that link! I'm looking forward to learning more about it. Looks like there are a good number of people who share my thoughts on this. I never boost or cheat in a game because I just don't see the point. It's more fun to me to earn achievments on my own even it takes longer. I guess that's why I'm still a Sgt. Major in Battlefield 2! :D I try to team play and don't play with 1 or 2 people in a game who are rocketing each other and healing themselves over and over. Same with GOW. I would rather get my butt kicked for a while and figure out how to do it right rather than cheat.

Yeah, I didn't even think to include that...

Though if you read Gamer Andy's blog yesterday, people are finding workarounds for that. I don't want to go anywhere near Ranked until they make the hosts' names anonymous :( .

I found an easy way to avoid being on the wrong end of a stacked room in ranked. Make note of the host's name before you enter the room. Then make sure you're on the host's team in the lobby. If you can't get on the host's team then just leave and try another room. Not all host's stack their team with their friends but this strategy means I'll never be on the losing end of a stacked room. It's been working well for me.

i finally finished the game late last night, so i'm ready to comment. first i'll get the negative stuff out of the way first:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
negatives

--- the save system needs work. it's not terrible like dead rising's, but it's just too limited. my problem is that i would like the ability to have more than one game running concurrently. i'd like to save my main single player game, but i would also like a couple of more save slots to be used for co op or for when a friend comes over. as it stands now, you are forced to either continue with my main game or start over and completely erase my game. its a minor annoyance (and can even be fixed by adding a memory card), but its still there...

--- menu interface is very basic and limited. i would like to have had the ability to watch unlocked cut scenes, look at character bios, etc. speaking of cut scenes, i would like to have had the ability to skip through scripted moments when i'm restarting a section after dying for the 10th time

--- no friends in ranked matches. i understand the reasons for this, but still, there's got to be a better way. i play online for 3-6 hours per night with friends, and because of this rule NONE of my work is going towards any of the achievements i'd love to unlock...

--- joining an online game is hit or miss. it's definitely gotten better since launch day (where joining a game was a 1 or 2 out of 10 proposition), but i still get connection errors way too much

i understand the above are very minor points, but when you love the game as much as i do the little things tend to stick out...

ok now on to the positives:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
positives

--- this is probably to me the best game i've ever played, start to finish, when taken as a whole. the graphics, the sound, the gameplay mechanics, the multiplayer, the weapon balancing, etc.

--- without question the best camera system in a 3rd person game ever. i realized last night that after a full week of playing, online and off, that i did not ONCE have a problem with the cameras. never got stuck in a corner, never had to swivel the camera around to get a better look, never ended up looking at a wall when getting shot, nothing. freaking brilliant.

--- online multiplayer is outstanding. before the game came out i thought i would have serious problems with the 8 player limit, what with my battlefield 2/unreal tournament pedigree. that's simply not the case. 8 players is perfect. the maps are mostly great (couple of stinkers imo, like the rooftop) and do a great job catering to the look and feel of online warfare. i wish they'd do a better job of balancing player matching, but sticking with people you know is the better way to go, as it will also eliminate the normal problems of cheaters, whiners, quitters, etc.

--- speaking of look and feel, i won't gush about the graphics, other than to simply say this is the best looking game ever, across any platform (pc included). from the texture detail, to the lighting, to the particle effects, to the water, to the animation, its a complete masterpiece.

--- sound matches graphics. the sound effects are top notch as well. the voice acting was great, the weapon effects were very realistic with a nice, deep, room shaking bass, and the musical score really set the tone. to those of you still playing through, try to pay attention to the background music while you're playing. sometimes it's just eerie silence, where all you hear are your footsteps. other times (often during intense firefights) theres a raucous musical score. it's amazingly well done and sets the tone of the game perfectly.

--- A.I. is insane. first, for your teammates. they do a great job of actually helping you rather than standing around taking up space. as an aside, to the person earlier who said he's the only one to revive teammates, that's not true. i've seen the cpu teammates revive each other quite a bit. they will take cover when needed, return fire, help with flanking the enemy, lay down suppressing fire while you move into position, etc. there were only 1 or 2 instances where the a.i. teammate got in the way (both relating to berserker encounters).

for the bad guys, the a.i. is equally great. this was one of the first shooters where i really felt i had my hands full with the enemy. if i was pinned down they try to flank me. if i'm ducked down, someone with a sniper rifle or bow is waiting for me to pop my head up and nail me. they try to flush me out with grenades. they lie in wait to ambush me. when they're wounded they seek shelter to recover. if they're caught in the open they desperately try to seek cover. simply amazing.

--- the story, while limited, does a good job of letting the characters develop. marcus is a pissed off grunt with a chip on his shoulder. baird is a wise ass (reminded me alot of private hudson in aliens). cole is an ex jock bad ass. dom is the loyal wingman and the voice of reason. i'd love to see the story fleshed out more, but i guess that's why they make sequels (and movies)...

--- controls are great. initially i had a problem with the a button being used in so many different ways. but by the end of the game, i came to realize that the layout is perfect, and i wouldn't change a thing, except to give you the ability to crouch or lie prone while caught in the open (maybe push in the left or right stick). from creeping around in a level to the most intense online multiplayer firefight, the controls never got in the way. sure, the first time i played the game i got sucked into cover when i was trying to run, but after that it hasn't happened once. as with all games, there's a learning curve, and this one was very short. as i said, i wouldn't change a thing.

--- game length and difficulty were about perfect. not too long so i would lose interest, and not too short where i would cry ripoff. playing the game on hardcore, i finished up in probably about 10 hours. along the way there were LOTS of restarts due to death. this game is a real challenge.

so that's it. gears of war is easily my game of the year, and it's a game i will be residing in my 360 for quite some time.

p.s. if you ever see me online (indianajonze is gamertag), don't be afraid to shoot me an invite to play. i can't guarantee i'll join (as i don't like to quit out of existing matches). i don't cheat, never quit, never whine and always just want to have fun. if its late at night i often can't talk very much (children sleeping), but i always listen.

I found an easy way to avoid being on the wrong end of a stacked room in ranked. Make note of the host's name before you enter the room. Then make sure you're on the host's team in the lobby. If you can't get on the host's team then just leave and try another room. Not all host's stack their team with their friends but this strategy means I'll never be on the losing end of a stacked room. It's been working well for me.
This is also what I do. If they ask me (or anyone else) to move off thier team then I move out of the room.

EDIT: Its ironic because I would like to play a game with a bunch of my friends on a team. But of course we are all normal people not achievement hounds so any group of random 9 year olds would kick our az.

They should have an option for team games and then the normal option where they dont show the host name so everyone can play with random individuals. This would seem to meet everyones needs. Well that and it would be nice you could see what everyones gamer rank is so people that dont play alot can play with people of a similar skill level.

Does anyone know if you can play with a guest on xbox live?

Hell, I finally beat him in Casual and I think I got lucky at that! I think I actually died right as I killed him but the scene cut away and began the final movie. I have started playing a bit of the Hardcore level and I can already tell that I'm not that good yet.
lol, same with me. i pretty much just beat him about half a second before he killed me. :)

Like nearly everyone else has said, this game rocks! Once I got used to the take cover at all times mentality, the blind fire when an opponent is near (final boss), and running between cover I learned to appreciate the gameplay even more.

I am playing the game a second time at Hardcore and I will do it on insane over co-op when I get better. The AI is actually decent at Hardcore so it is different the second time through yet still quite do-able.

I'm looking forward to more online play, the few times I have co-oped were fun and I have yet to play the other online modes. Ranked matches don't sound fun though (which is no surprise).

Now my 360 is freezing on me but that's another thread. :(

I am not sure if this is already answered but...

Has anyone compared picture quality between VGA and component cable with this game? I am pretty happy with my VGA.

Gears is amazing. It's so much fun playing Live Co-Op. Especially when your partner doesn't suck...

Online is really fun too, but it's a serious slap in the face to anyone who got used to Halo2's autoaim for their kills.

If you stop and pop and feel out the firefights and admire the eye candy it will be way longer than 5 hours. They must not be counting do overs from the Berserker tearin' 'em a new one :D.
I'll say

I restarted so many times at the first berserker that I think the creature got bored of killing me / took pity on me and thats prob why I made it out :D

This game is just crazy fun in multiplayer. I've already had numerous unforgettable gaming memories, the best having to be what me and seven of my friends have now dubbed "The Great Mausoleum Massacre". It was a standoff in the center circular area of the map, one team on each side firing back & forth for a good minute, my patience tired so I chucked a smoke grenade in the middle. Like clockwork everybody charged into the middle with chainsaws revving. Within a few seconds time, there was only the last guy standing, the other seven split from head to groin, body parts and the red stuff sprayed everywhere. Good times. :D

Just got done playing co-op with a friend on hardcore for a few hours. Easily the best time I've had gaming for quite some time.

Co-op over live works perfect. If you happen to have a friend, put him to good use and play co-op. It really is a whole new game.

I picked up the game last weekend from Target. It really rocks. I started playing the game on Casual by myself to get the feel of it. One of my friends messaged me and we started playing Co-op. That is even more fun. I love the textures and and lighting effects. Just played The multiplayer last night. I really like the 4 on 4 matches. The stages are small and it give it ia good feel. I just have to get used to the active re-load. :cool:

I love active re-load. That is currenly my favorite FPS invention and should be in all games.

Note for those who will be playing COD3 next. The active reload button is the same as the throw gernade button so you may accidently blow yourself up a few times.

I love active re-load. That is currenly my favorite FPS invention and should be in all games.

Yes, I'm amazed that something as simple as changing the basic reload can make such a difference in gameplay. I love it when you emtpy a clip at the same time locust start charging your position! The active reload ups the tension in these situations. Which is great IMO.

I hate it when people think you cannot have realism in games. People say "it's just a game" and then follow that with some kind of argument about how every shooter should be like Halo 2. Also, I don't understand how people can confuse realism in the story with realism in the gameplay/engine. Duck and cover is more realistic gameplay for a shooter; it has nothing to do with the story/setting. The story is fantasy. It can still be set in an environment with real-world physics, weaponry, and tactics.

As soon as I get to that alien world and get my hands on that alien weaponry, I'll give you a first hand account on how the physics work and how effective duck and cover is on that alien world.

As soon as I get to that alien world and get my hands on that alien weaponry, I'll give you a first hand account on how the physics work and how effective duck and cover is on that alien world.
Well, if you want to be like that...

Let's assume that it's set somewhere in this universe, given that there are humans. All parts of the universe are subject to the same laws of physics. Maybe different values for gravity, atmospheric density. But given that humans are able to survive without life support systems and move in a normal fashion, it is safe to assume that the values for these parameters are at the least very close to our own. Bullets still whiz and grenades still lob and go boom. So yeah, I'm going to go with "duck and cover".

I think the word being searched for is "plausible" rather than realistic.

I just bought the game today. I've played it for about an hour, (SP Hardcore), so I haven't had time yet to decide how I feel about it. So far, I'm not as "blown away" as some are here, but hopefully that will change when I get competent and go online with it. My initial impressions are that it's a good game though.

Well, if you want to be like that...

Let's assume that it's set somewhere in this universe, given that there are humans. All parts of the universe are subject to the same laws of physics. Maybe different values for gravity, atmospheric density. But given that humans are able to survive without life support systems and move in a normal fashion, it is safe to assume that the values for these parameters are at the least very close to our own. Bullets still whiz and grenades still lob and go boom. So yeah, I'm going to go with "duck and cover".


i don't believe there was ever any mention of them being humans...

the game takes place on some alien world called sera...

i don't believe there was ever any mention of them being humans...

the game takes place on some alien world called sera...
page 3 of the manual...
Years ago, the Locust Horde gathered under every major city and launched a surprise attack. Once thought fictional boogeymen, the Horde are frighteningly real and stronger than anyone had imagined.

On Emergence Day, untold masses perished, and countless more died in the days that followed. Rather than allow the Horde to keep the spoils of their aggression, humans used chemical weapons and orbital particle beams to neutralize them, along with the cities and bases they controlled.

With most urban centers and military installations rubble, the human survivors gathered on Jacinto Plateau, whose solid granite strata could not be easily penetrated....

i don't believe there was ever any mention of them being humans...

the game takes place on some alien world called sera...
Human is so loosely defined...

Human is so loosely defined...
Were the people in Star Wars "human" because it happened a long time ago in a galaxy far far away not sometime in the future in this galaxy.

So yea, in sci-fi human is loosely defined.

This whole realistic/human/alien argument is sillyness. The only rules a game needs to follow are ones that are set in the game, if a rule in the game as been set and is then broken by the game, that's when it becomes annoying.

An example of this in GoW would be the level where you drive that tank thing. Throughout the whole game, all you need to do to keep the krill (sp?) away is ignite a propane tank, or stand under some kind of light such as a street lamp. However for some reason in this specific part you're required to shoot them with a "UV cannon" so bright and powerful that it requires all of the energy being generated by the tanks motors to power it. And even though the cannon is "on" producing light the whole time, they will only stay away if it's blasting right at them at full power. It's really annoying.

Plus that level seems so out of place in the game.