Review: Gears of War 2 – It's full of grit!

Mike Bantick
Sunday, 16 November 2008 11:10

Opinion and Analysis

Weapon numbers have been upped, without tipping multiplayer balance too much.  The Flame-thrower and Mulcher (think heavy Gatling gun) are nice additions, as is the differing use of grenades which can now be tagged onto enemies or walls (as proximity mines).  The grenades also come in different flavours, explodable, poisionable and smokescreenable.

Experimenting with the range of pistols and heavy mountable weapons is fun, and can contribute to unlocking the “variety is the spice of death” achievement , though the new heavy mortar is a bitch to learn how to utilise properly.

Game-play still consists of making use of the terrain to out-flank and avoid incoming fire from Locusts, some minor puzzles throughout the single player campaign add some spice to the otherwise run and gun routine.

There are a few minor issues to contend with, mainly in the enemy AI, occasional graphical glitches and awkward vehicle sequences, but these at no time overshadow the epic setting, visuals and pacing of the single player campaign.

And then there is the multiplayer aspect, the piece that will see GOW2 compete with its forebear for some time to come.

Co-Op is still as much fun as it has always been, with drop in human couch buddies only adding to the Delta Squad feel.

Multiplayer consists of a whopping eight differing modes of play with the new Submission mode where a civilian becomes a gun-toting the flag that must be carried meat-shield style across the map being the funniest.

Hoard mode sees up to five buddies take on wave on wave of Locust enemies, if somebody from the squad is still standing at the end of a wave, then the squad respawns to face the next wave of ugly bastards

Multiplayer also sees the introduction of chainsaw duels (think, Darth and Luke locked in combat, 'cept with bloodsoaked rotary blades of death in their hands instead of crackling light sabres).  The winner of the gory duel goes to he/she who bashes 'B' the fastest.

Subtle changes to the game-play and presentation are enough to warrant the step into sequel territory for Gears fans, and newcomers will be treated to the interactive action-film that Mr Blezinski (GOW2 Lead Designer) and his band of Epic Games developers were aiming for. 

8 Hammers of Dawn out of 10