Gears Of War was a game that was hyped up a lot over the course of 2006 and it turns out it paid off unlike other games that have recieved the same treatment. Anyway this was Epic Games first title for the Xbox 360 system and was seen by many to be the killer app the Xbox 360 needed in a similar way into what Halo did for the original Xbox.
Gears Of War is based around an anti-hero character which you play in Marcus Fenix that after being busted out of prison faces War. You will be introduced to a team and as you progress through the game you will be able to issue commands to your buddies although they are limited when compared to the likes of GRAW or another tactical shooter. It goes without saying that cover is your friend in this game. Use it or die. The Locust are a formidable enemy and they will come in different types from the speedy Wretches to the devastating Boomers you will have to watch out for yourself and your team to be successful. You can heal squadmates though if they do go down unfortunately they do not return the favour.
The game is split into five acts with the story being fast paced. Basically in case you don't know your job is to stop the Locust who are trying to wipe humanity out. The story of the game gives you something to want to fight for which is a nice change considering that some games are all on action and little on story where as Gears Of War gets both right. Unlike the generic usual enemies you face the Locust do provide a challenge and as an enemy they will strike fear into you in a similar way that the Helghast did in Killzone. But you have some great weapons at your disposal to fight back with the infamous Lancer being particularly useful if you don't take them down with bullets how about a little chainsaw action!!! Which is a lot more satisfying than your normal melee move. You will also find sniper rifles and other weapons including the torque bow as you get further into the game.
Gears Of War in a lot of ways is like a Hollywood action movie and at times you'll find it hard to tell the difference. The graphics are fantastic and do set the bar very high this could be the best looking game you've ever played. Plus the story is good throughout with great voice acting and an intense orchestral score make for a fantastic all around package. This is a game that you will want to play over and over again not for the achievements but because Gears Of War is so fun to play. If single player is not your thing then the online play should please you enough and is arguably one of the best Live titles on the Xbox 360 right now.
Gears Of War really is a game that was worth waiting for and lived up to the hype. It blends lots of things together and most of it works this is one of the best experiences you can have on your Xbox 360. It's simple you can't miss this.
