Gears of War 2

 Xbox 360
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 3389 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,602 out of 3389
  2. Mixed: 275 out of 3389
  3. Negative: 512 out of 3389
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  1. gorelequint
    Apr 23, 2013
    2
    Let's face it, the big appeal of the original Gears was the massive multiplayer carnage. Irrespective of the notable 'host advantage', I think it was (and remains) a success.

    After nailing the new campaign on the 'normal' level within 8 to 10 hours (it was too easy and that's coming from someone who is rubbish at shooter games) I was looking forward to some new arenas and new features    Let's face it, the big appeal of the original Gears was the massive multiplayer carnage. Irrespective of the notable 'host advantage', I think it was (and remains) a success.

    After nailing the new campaign on the 'normal' level within 8 to 10 hours (it was too easy and that's coming from someone who is rubbish at shooter games) I was looking forward to some new arenas and new features in the Gears 2 multiplayer environment.

    Whatever the thinking was behind the new party format, IT JUST DOESN'T WORK. After 3 weeks of owning Gears 2 I have played just 1 public match. And the only reason I got into that match was because some USA based guys I met in the original Gears had a party lobby already set up.

    For me, this is the letdown of 2008. The multiplayer potential is vast but being able to access it is a near impossibility unless you can easily gather a group of 5 friends in your lobby.

    Whether EPIC or Microsoft are able to offer a patch to improve the multiplayer environment is a big question. Fingers crossed that something can be done.

    Were it up to scratch then Gears 2 would be worthy of 4 stars or more. Since the multiplayer is such a mess and the campaign is so short, 2 is all I can give. Shame.

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  2. ConnorR
    Feb 10, 2010
    4
    Compared to the first Gears of War, I just thought this game was a massive let-down. The story just isn't 'compelling' like they claimed it to be, Horde Mode is fun at first, but ultimately dull and boring, and the multiplayer is what brings it down the most. I HATE the multiplayer, ever since I first played it. It just does nothing for me, I find it so repetitive and Compared to the first Gears of War, I just thought this game was a massive let-down. The story just isn't 'compelling' like they claimed it to be, Horde Mode is fun at first, but ultimately dull and boring, and the multiplayer is what brings it down the most. I HATE the multiplayer, ever since I first played it. It just does nothing for me, I find it so repetitive and boring, a real shame as the first Gears of War was one of my favourite games ever, and you may think there isn't much of a difference, but there really is. The game does have some positive aspects, overall, I did enjoy the campaign, it was just massively over-hyped though, and it nothing much was added to make it stand out further from the first game. Some of the new weapons are also decent, the mortar is a fine addition, as is the Gorgon pistol. Overall though, the game is quite poor, if you can pick it up cheap you might as well get it as I understand a lot of people really like the game, you could be one of those people, but for me, I just didn't enjoy it.… Expand
  3. RickS
    Jul 26, 2009
    3
    JULY 25, 2009 and this game is still horrible. You have a brother or sister or GF or Wife whatever, that plays with you split screen, right? So your thinking well the Campaign was fun(THE WHOLE 5 HOURS OF IT), lets all play multiplayer together, This game is by far the worst multiplayer game on the market right now, if you ask even the people playing it on live(yes JULY 2009), they will JULY 25, 2009 and this game is still horrible. You have a brother or sister or GF or Wife whatever, that plays with you split screen, right? So your thinking well the Campaign was fun(THE WHOLE 5 HOURS OF IT), lets all play multiplayer together, This game is by far the worst multiplayer game on the market right now, if you ask even the people playing it on live(yes JULY 2009), they will tell you there not buying Gears 3. . First Horde gets boring after maybe 4 play throughs, the campaign itself is so short i thought it needed to be an add-on not a whole damn game, next and the biggest load of $h!t in this game is the multiplayer, LAG EVERY MATCH, IF HOST LEAVE YOU GET NOTHING, Thats right you could get 20 kills and your in a party, if a host leaves the match, everyone is back at the main menu screen, this means you have invite everyone back in, start up matchmaking and wait 4 too 5 mins again EACH MATCH. ARE YOU INSANE, if i play 5 games, i actually sat in my chair and steered at the screen for almost 25 minutes doing nothing! People don't seem to realize that i'm paying for xbox live every month, so when i buy a game i expect the multiplayer to be atleast playable, i'm not buying half of the game, NO, I WILL NOT JUST SETTLE FOR THE Campaign/Story. COD 4 got multiplayer so perfect, why god infinity ward did not put splitscreen why?. Gears of War 2 Weapon spawning is horrid, GLITCHES IN PICKING UP WEAPONS, glitches in running/jumping over walls/taking cover,Shotgun and Lancer rifle is all you play with, YOU HAVE TO OUT RUN YOUR OWN TEAM MEMBERS TO GET A DECENT GUN(sniper,torque bow,boomshot). 80 percent of all matches comes down to a shotgun fest, that is so inconsistent it boggles the mind, i can sometimes explode my enemy with one shot 4 feet away, sometimes 3 shots to the back of an enemy with my shotgun does nothing, he turns around and 2-pieces me(melee and then shoot). The community itself in Gears Of War 2 is very frustrating, everyone seems to be frustrated and angry, and i really can't blame them, the game is not rewarding anymore, its basically-mad dash to get CHEESE big gun, kill 4 people with big gun, pull out your shotgun, wait for big cheesy gun to spawn, do it all over again, mean while getting cursed at, from some of the stupidest people on xbox live. IF YOU HAVE SOMEONE THAT ENJOYS TIME SPENT WITH YOU AND VIDEO GAMES DON'T PUT THEM THROUGH THIS GAME. I PROMISE YOU I AM NOT BUYING GEARS OF WAR 3.… Expand
  4. timothydavis
    Nov 8, 2008
    4
    wow such a disapointment. while the horde is great and the story is actually very good the multiplayer was terrible. Really bad. I idnt stop playing gears 1 mutiplayer until gears 2 came out thats how good it was but i dont think that disc will go back in my xbox until a MAJOR patch is released.
  5. SiLeNt_HiLL
    Jan 26, 2011
    2
    Easily one of the most overrated games of all time, right up there with Halo 3 and Mass Effect. Story and dialogue is as ridiculous as the voice acting, Horde mode is a terrible excuse for a game mode. I really get upset when people argue that Gears created the "Horde" mode! Does anyone remember TimeSplitters?!?! I just cringed thinking about the voice acting again. Multiplayer is a totalEasily one of the most overrated games of all time, right up there with Halo 3 and Mass Effect. Story and dialogue is as ridiculous as the voice acting, Horde mode is a terrible excuse for a game mode. I really get upset when people argue that Gears created the "Horde" mode! Does anyone remember TimeSplitters?!?! I just cringed thinking about the voice acting again. Multiplayer is a total laggy, inconsistent joke. Thank god this is not out for multiple consoles so only the Xbox users can suffer.… Expand
  6. RyanB
    Jan 27, 2010
    3
    Just as repetitive as the last, only enhanced with better graphics. You may want to pick it up just so you can continue the story but i don't advise paying more than £10 ($20) for it. So is not worth it.
  7. DillWhippy
    Nov 10, 2008
    1
    Come'on, scout team, stop writing all this <10> comments. We all know, you working hard to persuade masses that GOW2 is great, but it's a mass maedia pr LIES. I know, you will delete it, but you have to know - we know waht you doing, we know, how you doing it, we know how you make all the so called peoples votes so high.
  8. JohnKristic
    Nov 7, 2008
    2
    Ok, I loved the first game and thought this would be pretty good too. I was seriously mistaken. Frame rate issues, texture glitches, same old same old gameplay, horrible story, extremely short single player mode, horrible voice acting. Most importantly, my 360 keeps freezing and restarting itself whenever I play this game for more than an hour. It's really weird. Anyway, go out andOk, I loved the first game and thought this would be pretty good too. I was seriously mistaken. Frame rate issues, texture glitches, same old same old gameplay, horrible story, extremely short single player mode, horrible voice acting. Most importantly, my 360 keeps freezing and restarting itself whenever I play this game for more than an hour. It's really weird. Anyway, go out and buy Fable II instead - it is a FAR greater game.… Expand
  9. LtM.
    Dec 1, 2008
    1
    No wonder some people call it gears of bore! youre telling me... 5hours to complete the story, broken multiplayer, same old host advantage bullshitt, borked weapons, insane lag..10mins to get a ranked game = FAIL..this game almost as bad as halo3 for hype vs crap game syndrome.
  10. stevenh
    Jan 4, 2009
    1
    this game is bullshit to many retarded things happenin like that unbeatable chain saw wen its comin at u not even god himself can stop it i try to use the shot gun but na wont work ....also how come da shot gun only works some times wen u shot a player at the same distance he shot you u get blown away....this game is 2 be for enjoyment all it does is do ur head in its a load of bullshitthis game is bullshit to many retarded things happenin like that unbeatable chain saw wen its comin at u not even god himself can stop it i try to use the shot gun but na wont work ....also how come da shot gun only works some times wen u shot a player at the same distance he shot you u get blown away....this game is 2 be for enjoyment all it does is do ur head in its a load of bullshit ..yhey should have an up date to fix this crap like the glitches and laging
    catch me at my gamer tag stevenhallissey    … Expand
  11. GoozeI.
    Oct 6, 2009
    3
    i bought gears 1 for the online as did everyone then i bought gears 2 and the online was pathetic but gears 2 got the campaign pacing right not much story but great pacing. its so bad that i have came to the conclusion that the game was simply rushed and not finished
  12. JustinB.
    Feb 16, 2009
    4
    It just isn't that fun. A game this visually stunning (save for the brown filter) shouldn't suffer from sluggish controls, cheesy dialog, and generally poor scenarios. Why people go gaga over this title is beyond my understanding but you can beet that any reviewer worth their salt would be willing to admit that this series still has room for improvement.
  13. MrCaca000
    Jun 10, 2011
    0
    This game sucks major balls. Why even bother with those crappy and unnecesary changes to the weapons? Damn, this feels like a prequel, gaming wise. Framerate sucks, AI sucks, voice acting sucks, gameplay sucks, and, most importantly, multiplayer sucks, especially the lag. This games name should have been Gears of Lag.
  14. AlbertV
    May 5, 2009
    2
    Duck and Cover, Duck and Cover. And more Duck and cover with Bugs. Lag Online only with 5vs5. Hmm, hmm, poor game. Have good graphics, but are not the best. Crysis have better Graphics than that.
  15. RichardM
    Aug 4, 2009
    3
    Sure, the graphics are better. This is the only good thing. Every other aspect of GOW2 has degraded. Here is why. (Balance) In GOW1, each act was played in specific environments. It was balanced, and it flowed quite nicely. GOW2 however, fluctuates in every act. It is completely unbalanced. Each act takes you to different environment that become tedious to play in. You're alternating Sure, the graphics are better. This is the only good thing. Every other aspect of GOW2 has degraded. Here is why. (Balance) In GOW1, each act was played in specific environments. It was balanced, and it flowed quite nicely. GOW2 however, fluctuates in every act. It is completely unbalanced. Each act takes you to different environment that become tedious to play in. You're alternating from underground to surface. Each act should be dedicated to a particular area, or at least not take us so abruptly to different places. (Feeling) The music is different, the voice acting is horribly, it's corny, the story has elements that shreds it to pieces, etc. It's as if Epic had a last minute thought to add a love side plot to the story. It's poorly executed (voice acting makes it laughable); I waited and waited for it to be over. The scale of GOW2 is quite larger. This however, is impaired by the linear gameplay that limits your "interaction" with the many enemies. When enemies are plentiful, you'll either be contained within a vehicle, or stuck behind a wall. The battles are longer and larger on the normal skirmishes, I can't deny. (Gameplay) The environments weren't enjoyable to play in. You were limited many times by being on vehicles, in boats, on reavers, etc. Freedom is why we play games. Memorable environments included the last act, when I was starting to enjoy it. The battle system is still intact. It's improved with new features. New enemies are just not as fun to defeat as you'd think they'd be. After shooting 100 bullets into one of them, they finally fall. It becomes repetitive and boring after awhile. In fact, the only thing that kept me going were the achievements. Weapons feel weaker, compared to the first game. GOW2 is FULL of bugs. Brumaks float in the air after defeat, enemies paralyze straight in front of you, enemies don't hurt you, etc. After 2 minutes, you know exactly what your enemy will do and what pattern he will follow (run at you, run back, jump over wall, stand straight up, headshot.) (Multiplayer) Need I even say how horrendously the multiplayer fails? 10 minutes just to find 1 game, lag in %80 of games, host leaves %60 of games, glitches on every corner, etc. It's just said. I loved the first game. GOW1 was amazingly done, and even though the multiplayer had the downfall of host advantage; it was crazily fun. The game did become repetitive, but not on the scale of GOW2. The multiplayer is barely playable! The campaign is the only thing this game has going for itself, and even that is poor. I just can't like this game...… Expand
  16. AnthonyS.
    Sep 20, 2009
    3
    this game is a 3 at BEST. Yeah the graphics are spectacular. But if it weren't for the graphics or the awesome campaign, this would be a 1. Ppl buy to game for the multiplayer, and let me tell ya, it is the WORTS multiplayer game on the market today. WAY overrated. Epic is just a bunch of lazy bums sitting around hearing evryone complain about the million flaws of this game and here this game is a 3 at BEST. Yeah the graphics are spectacular. But if it weren't for the graphics or the awesome campaign, this would be a 1. Ppl buy to game for the multiplayer, and let me tell ya, it is the WORTS multiplayer game on the market today. WAY overrated. Epic is just a bunch of lazy bums sitting around hearing evryone complain about the million flaws of this game and here they are sitting and doing nothing about with all the money they have. JUST the Host powers itself are enough to give this game an epic fail, not to mention all the bugs and the poor public gameplay. Ill admit though, it can be fun when you're having a good day on that game but that's just cuz i didnt buy it, I borrowed it from a friend. If i bought it id just sell it back. This game is pure trash. Call of Duty's the way to go. And it just gives me giggles to hear all the ppl that think this game is good to go on and on about whats so great about it. And for realism? LOL trust me, if you shoot a guy 3 times point blank with a shotgun, he's gonna be down before he gets one off to just insta kill you.… Expand
  17. Darren
    Nov 8, 2008
    2
    This was the worst game I have played this year. This was a total turn around from the first GOW. I dont know why they had to add so much unnecessary plot... No one wants to fight a giant worm, they want to fight the locust. In my opinion the developers stole every idea from Halo and tried to incorporate it with the previous GOW... I was not even close the the caliber of Halo now. Do not This was the worst game I have played this year. This was a total turn around from the first GOW. I dont know why they had to add so much unnecessary plot... No one wants to fight a giant worm, they want to fight the locust. In my opinion the developers stole every idea from Halo and tried to incorporate it with the previous GOW... I was not even close the the caliber of Halo now. Do not buy this game.… Expand
  18. EdB
    Aug 12, 2009
    4
    What a sad waste of potential. Every penny spent by Epic on the development of this lumbering, clumsy game should have been spent instead on promoting and marketing their far superior Unreal Tournament III. But the very week of UT3's release, local retailers had shelves full of empty pre-order boxes for Gears2 while shoppers might be hard pressed to find a single copy of UT3 What a sad waste of potential. Every penny spent by Epic on the development of this lumbering, clumsy game should have been spent instead on promoting and marketing their far superior Unreal Tournament III. But the very week of UT3's release, local retailers had shelves full of empty pre-order boxes for Gears2 while shoppers might be hard pressed to find a single copy of UT3 displayed. I found one lone copy of UT3 hidden on a bottom shelf, spine out, the week of its release. Sure, the graphics in Gears2 are pretty. But the character movement and physics are a sad, frustrating joke. Titles like Halo, BioShock, Mass Effect, and Epic's own Unreal demonstrate that smooth character movement and entertaining, rewarding game physics are possible. But the juvenile Cliffy B and his team seem to favor gratuitous blood splatter effects and characters that seem like they're made of hardened cement to fluid game mechanics. And whose genius idea was it to have the A button be the default for both hiding and running? Half the time, your character jumps out into danger when you need him to hide, or slams up against a wall when you need him to sprint. I was looking forward to this game. But I'm sorry to have to give it an Epic Fail.… Expand
  19. DonDanger
    Sep 6, 2009
    0
    SHITTY GAME FULL OF SHIT.
    Is this game First idea of this shitty game cover shoot move cover shoot move and do that shit for 10 HOURS What the FU*K story sucks and is so cliché that if someone who hates cliché's would kill himself so....
    This game sucks really. And cost of this 60$ WTF? this game is so bad you should throw the disc out of your window and    SHITTY GAME FULL OF SHIT.
    Is this game First idea of this shitty game cover shoot move cover shoot move and do that shit for 10 HOURS What the FU*K story sucks and is so cliché that if someone who hates cliché's would kill himself so....
    This game sucks really.
    And cost of this 60$ WTF? this game is so bad you should throw the disc out of your window and break,shoot,burn,buyan elephant and put elephant on it and sh*it on it sorry but thats true and graphics are worst it is ok put GREY it is like old time mickey Moses like how much they spent on this game? 2$?10$?
    Think before buy this game    … Expand
  20. NoBS
    Dec 20, 2010
    0
    I'm not a fan of the Gears of War series so that's why I was excited to see that Gears 2 was just more the same **** put in a different engine but with a worse story. The gameplay is repetitive and boring after awhile, and the multiplayer is dull empty due having nothing worth playing in the MP and the lag. Overall, not better than its predecessor and I believe if a sequel does not improveI'm not a fan of the Gears of War series so that's why I was excited to see that Gears 2 was just more the same **** put in a different engine but with a worse story. The gameplay is repetitive and boring after awhile, and the multiplayer is dull empty due having nothing worth playing in the MP and the lag. Overall, not better than its predecessor and I believe if a sequel does not improve from before, it should not merit a point. 0… Expand
  21. JakeC.
    Nov 20, 2008
    0
    I was actuially pretty disappointed with Gears 2. It felt to me like Halo 2 all over again. Not that it's similar to halo 2, but i mean in its relationship to Gears 1. I think the critics are giving it much more hype than it deserves, as the game is less a new game than it is the original game revamped. Which some people might find great, but i was disappointed.
  22. GrantC.
    Nov 8, 2008
    4
    Nothings changed really, without proper comparison you would think the graphics are the same, close up its just a load of messy lines. Some 'craters' in the floor are just images made to look like craters which is lame. Campaign is stupid with more or less the same bosses, and at some points going back to old school type games where you have to dodge walls that will crush you Nothings changed really, without proper comparison you would think the graphics are the same, close up its just a load of messy lines. Some 'craters' in the floor are just images made to look like craters which is lame. Campaign is stupid with more or less the same bosses, and at some points going back to old school type games where you have to dodge walls that will crush you and stuff like Lara Croft or Abes Odyssey and stuff like that. Really its the ONLY reason for me to dust off my Xbox and stop using it as a coffee table/radiator! And its not even that much different to Gears Of War 1.… Expand
  23. StevieStevie
    Mar 7, 2009
    4
    Quite a dissapointment compared to the original. Graphics are good but discredits itself for using CGI. As for mutiplayer it is laggy and completely unbalanced. You can tell they rushed it for xmas. Worth getting if you don't like FPS and need online competition. Otherwise get a Call of Duty.
  24. samblackburn
    Jul 15, 2009
    2
    while gears of war 2's campaign is entertaining all be it short the multiplayer is what the original such a successful game and epic have done there utmost to destroy the best part of there game. i can't imagine gears 3 getting any better. if you were a fan of the first stay well away
  25. PeterOmassi
    Nov 11, 2008
    4
    Using the A button for sprinting and going for cover is clunky and the gun play is boring... Eye popping visuals and buckets of blood is just the paint of the Turd . This is only my opinion and i found it boring. Get fallout 3 or fable 2 unless you are really desperate for another multi player experience witch isn't that really good. -The Broken Gamer
  26. steveweinstein
    Nov 25, 2008
    1
    this game is way too much like the first one, sure the graphics are good but thats it(thats why i gave it one point) but besides that this game is a buggy piece if crap. as a shooter, its very much like the halo series in that its overrated by all people who bought the 360 mainly because they dont want to admit the wii and ps3 are superior... ha, pathetic!
  27. AliS.
    Nov 7, 2008
    2
    The graphics is better on this reiteration but the gameplay is still very much the same. Basically hide,shoot,hide,next part. The story is nonexistent and unrealistic and the character models are still very steroidtypical exaggearated. Multiplayer is great but for singel player it is quite short and people buy it for single player not neccessariyl multiplayer
  28. LazarusS.
    Nov 13, 2008
    0
    A very terrible game I regret to inform you, curious metacritic browsing person. I did not care much for the game at all. I would rate it a zero out of ten because' I could not stand the game long enough to actually play. I now use the disc as a Frisbee for my dog. It is typical of the Failbox 360 to achieve such terrible releases.
  29. JorgeMarquet
    Oct 17, 2009
    0
    Only magazines rate this game as good, by far its de most anoying game ever, the weapons never work as they should, the shotgun seems te be broken everytime, once again host have advantage in everything, plus live system is so bad organized, and thats not all, insteed of fixing the game, epic seems to be focused only in making maps so they can sell them
  30. JaredR
    Dec 10, 2009
    1
    I loved the first one but this was a step down. Its near impossible to play online, nomatter what time of day. There are some cool new weapons. This game was more hype than bite, but worth picking up when it reaches the $5 bargain bin.
  31. Sablicious...
    Jun 26, 2009
    4
    A botched [non] effort of a sequel that LOOKED as if was destined to be a classic, but turned out a classic mess:
    -horrendous lag compared to the first game
    -atrociously slow matchmaking (expect to wait <30 minutes for a match to begin on occasions!) -lack of choice in on-line matches -bugs, glitche[r]s aplenty -major weapons balance-related issues -die-linear campaign -ockerish,    A botched [non] effort of a sequel that LOOKED as if was destined to be a classic, but turned out a classic mess:
    -horrendous lag compared to the first game
    -atrociously slow matchmaking (expect to wait <30 minutes for a match to begin on occasions!)
    -lack of choice in on-line matches
    -bugs, glitche[r]s aplenty
    -major weapons balance-related issues
    -die-linear campaign
    -ockerish, brain-dead, cliched narrative
    -no customization/upgrades off-line of on.
    ...The list goes on.

    Only the most ardent, blinkered, gore hungry shooter fanboy could look past the game's myriad flaws and subscribe to the ~9 commercial reviews. The very fact that even 8 months post-release the game STILL suffers from many of its out-of-the-box shortcomings.

    Gears of War 2 is a stark example of what is meant by the trm 'cash-in'. For shame Cliffy Dweeb and co. For shame in ripping off your trusting fans. May the consumer backlash come the inevitable third title in the series force you to sell your wanky Lamborghini, you glorified drinks coaster monger. -_-    … Expand
  32. ClintonW
    Sep 12, 2009
    1
    This game is just sad i cant believe how crappy this game is. with all the money that epic has at their disposal you would think that this game would be loads better than the first, you would be wrong. this game has the shortest and most repetitive campaign i have ever seen. the multiplayer is a joke. epic didnt even try with the multiplayer. you sit and wait for 5-10 minutes just to find This game is just sad i cant believe how crappy this game is. with all the money that epic has at their disposal you would think that this game would be loads better than the first, you would be wrong. this game has the shortest and most repetitive campaign i have ever seen. the multiplayer is a joke. epic didnt even try with the multiplayer. you sit and wait for 5-10 minutes just to find a match and when you finally get into a match expect lag. the host advantage is great how when the host quits everyone leaves the match. and guess what you get to wait another 5 minutes just to find another laggy match. i have cursed this game so many times to the point that i wanted to punch cliffy b and his team in the face. this game has no redeeming qualities whatsoever. people might say the graphics are the best on the 360 and i ask what are you smoking.if you want a game with the best graphics get bioshock. the campaign sucks, multiplayer sucks, voice acting sucks, weapons suck, this whole damn game sucks and i couldnt care less about the campaign in gears 3 all i want is a good multiplayer and unless they fix not just me but thousands of people WILL NOT get this game.… Expand
  33. TheTruth
    Nov 24, 2008
    0
    I thought this was a racing game. I mean, "gears"... doesn't that sound like a racing game to you? But it was really just a bunch of weird looking creatures running around blowing each other's skulls off. Not a face car to be found. They should have renamed this "shoot the screaming beast in the face 2" or something. Typical Microsoft false advertising. I suspect this game is I thought this was a racing game. I mean, "gears"... doesn't that sound like a racing game to you? But it was really just a bunch of weird looking creatures running around blowing each other's skulls off. Not a face car to be found. They should have renamed this "shoot the screaming beast in the face 2" or something. Typical Microsoft false advertising. I suspect this game is only played by teenage bed-wetters who cannot read. Worst ever! Shame on you Microsoft!… Expand
  34. Calavera
    Mar 11, 2011
    2
    The new enemies in this game are same ol' same ol'. The game play is dead similar throughout. Doesn't matter if you're in a cave or a hotel, it's the same formula of sticking to the wall and popping off shots. Plus the story and the characters are booooring. Playing through the first 4 levels was like being in a coma. In one part, you and your men move through a tunnel ... and you don'tThe new enemies in this game are same ol' same ol'. The game play is dead similar throughout. Doesn't matter if you're in a cave or a hotel, it's the same formula of sticking to the wall and popping off shots. Plus the story and the characters are booooring. Playing through the first 4 levels was like being in a coma. In one part, you and your men move through a tunnel ... and you don't have any torches. It seemed like such a cheap way to make the same gameplay "more interesting" except it didn't. Did I mention the enemies were boring. Urgh, how on earth this did game get such good scores?… Expand
  35. schnoogens
    May 29, 2011
    4
    They took everything I liked from the first Gears of War and butchered it. Movement is clingy, matchmaking online is awful, and the shotguns have been dumbed down to an embarassing level. This only gets points for the Horde mode, which is fun with friends, and for a pretty enjoyable single player campaign (although it's very short at approx. 6 hours). But multiplayer is where thisThey took everything I liked from the first Gears of War and butchered it. Movement is clingy, matchmaking online is awful, and the shotguns have been dumbed down to an embarassing level. This only gets points for the Horde mode, which is fun with friends, and for a pretty enjoyable single player campaign (although it's very short at approx. 6 hours). But multiplayer is where this series lives, and I can't bring myself to play it online again.… Expand
  36. Driwde
    May 6, 2011
    4
    Sure its got some amazing graphics, but this isnt anything i havent played before. Throw in extremely linear, one dimensional gameplay, zero exposition , and a messy control scheme, and what you get is an terribly overrated piece of garbage. Its very hard to believe this recieved such high ratings- i smell a payoff.
  37. Chandley54
    May 12, 2011
    4
    I don't think I've been so let down by a game before, all of my friends kept telling me how great this game was and that I would absolutely love it and HAD to pick it up... so I did, and it just didn't do it for me... the graphics are really nice, but I've always enjoyed gameplay over graphics and I think too many first/third person shooters rely on graphics rather than quality gameplayI don't think I've been so let down by a game before, all of my friends kept telling me how great this game was and that I would absolutely love it and HAD to pick it up... so I did, and it just didn't do it for me... the graphics are really nice, but I've always enjoyed gameplay over graphics and I think too many first/third person shooters rely on graphics rather than quality gameplay and this was just another of the many for me. I found the movement too slow and firing the weapons is just not that satisfying, they feel really underpowered even when you're blowing something's head off from point blank. Even playing with friend's on horde mode was just meh... it's just an average take on cod's infinitely better zombie mode. Maybe I was just expecting too much, but sadly a big let down for me.… Expand
  38. SleekPlatypus
    Jan 6, 2013
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I bought this game together with Bulletstorm from a used game store a few days ago, paid £4 for it and i think that is was too much. I played it after Bulletstorm so maybe because i had that fresh in my mind (but i had highly doubt it) i didn't enjoy playing this at all. Bulletstorm was fun and entertaining, i laughed and shot stuff and i had a good time, but with Gears of War 2 i hadn't done any of that. I am about 2 hours into the single player campaign and i really don't think i will even play it again. I got cutscenes every 5 minutes, i barely shot anything (can you even get headshots in this game?) because for some reason the enemies were moving everywhere for no reason, mainly towards my and my squads position so my dumb squad mates jumped in front of my bullets. How dumb can you get? I got lost every time i started a mission because i didn't know in what direction i should go. Story ... i am not sure there is one. They are at war with some monsters but nobody actually explained to me what the goal of the game was. Defeat the monsters forever? Give the humans an upper hand in the war? I don't think the point is to kill as many monsters as you can because there is a pretty small number of enemies in a shootout which i couldn't even kill properly because they kept moving in every direction possible at crazy speeds walking in some angles that i don't are even possible if you actually have bones in your body. So ... what is the point? What is my main mission? You go underground and ...? Graphics and sound are ok, as good as you can expect from the Unreal Engine but the feel and the story i should be getting from an action game are not there. I am not an action game fan, this is about the third or fourth action game i played, including the first Gears of War, which i enjoyed, even if it was too short, so i am not looking at some masterpiece of a game, i play action games to shoot some stuff, have fun and shut my brain down for a while i am sorry to say Gears of War 2 doesn't deliver at all. Everything just falls flat!… Expand
  39. coopert
    Jan 18, 2014
    1
    The definition of a cash cow, nothing has been improved in terms of gameplay and the story is so full of **** you would think you were playing a farm simulator but then you realise you would be having more fun. The pointless and unexplained level within a worm is the biggest load of **** I have ever played through, this game nearly became so bad it was good like an old episode of Star TrekThe definition of a cash cow, nothing has been improved in terms of gameplay and the story is so full of **** you would think you were playing a farm simulator but then you realise you would be having more fun. The pointless and unexplained level within a worm is the biggest load of **** I have ever played through, this game nearly became so bad it was good like an old episode of Star Trek where they take on a rock with a smoke machine behind it but it was just so boring and a grind to play through and I wouldn't have touched it if I wasn't skint and had nothing to play..........and had a friend that hated me so much he offered to lend the game.… Expand
  40. xlastovi
    Aug 2, 2017
    0
    The start of the game felt awesome. I thought I would give it 10/10. But I am stuck at 3/4 game and it got too frustrating that I cannot complete it. There was a stupidly designed boss fight that took me 3 days to kill. Just after him game followed with another bad section. Game does not tell you how to survive and solve some situations. Several times it was necessary for me to watchThe start of the game felt awesome. I thought I would give it 10/10. But I am stuck at 3/4 game and it got too frustrating that I cannot complete it. There was a stupidly designed boss fight that took me 3 days to kill. Just after him game followed with another bad section. Game does not tell you how to survive and solve some situations. Several times it was necessary for me to watch video guides in order to proceed in game. Now I don't want to start the game all over on low difficulty only because some fights are badly designed. There is a difference between a good challenging game and a stupid one.… Expand
  41. Broyax
    Apr 11, 2018
    1
    La suite des gros bourrins qui tirent sur des monstres moyens, **** et gros... et énormes aussi, car plus c'est gros, mieux c'est à ce qu'il paraît. Je lui ferai les mêmes reproches que pour le premier : une maniabilité lente et perfectible, la désagréable impression de diriger un éléphant dans un couloir, l'imprécision générale à la manette et la caméra au ras du sol lorsqu'on courtLa suite des gros bourrins qui tirent sur des monstres moyens, **** et gros... et énormes aussi, car plus c'est gros, mieux c'est à ce qu'il paraît. Je lui ferai les mêmes reproches que pour le premier : une maniabilité lente et perfectible, la désagréable impression de diriger un éléphant dans un couloir, l'imprécision générale à la manette et la caméra au ras du sol lorsqu'on court (c'est vraiment complètement con, ça).

    Sinon, encore plus de scripts, d'évènements scriptés qui réclament une action rapide et spécifique du joueur (le QTE n'est pas loin, sans doute) afin de zigouiller tel énorme monstre comme l'ont prévu les développeurs. Et si t'obéis pas, bah tu crèves et tu recommences. On peut critiquer nombre de jeux en monde ouvert mais en général, on résoud une baston comme on l'entend, pas comme c'est obligatoirement prévu dans le script du jeu-couloir téléguidé.

    Alors bien sûr, le grand spectacle est présent, indubitablement, la VF est drôle (hommage aux films de série B) et le jeu est beau et même encore plus beau sur la X puisque désormais en 4K via le programme de rétrocompatibilité Enhanced.

    Mais que c'est balourd, dirigiste et lourdingue ! rien que le coup du rechargement des armes millimétré, ça aussi, c'est complètement con. Bref, on ne s'amuse pas du tout dans ce jeu aux principes rigides et dépassés.    … Expand
  42. M13manoalex
    Jun 22, 2020
    0
    Tao ruim quando o primeiro mais uma vez uma decepção total com as mecânicas do jogo
  43. HarryBauls
    Dec 26, 2008
    0
    At first, I thought that this game was going to be a worthy followup to a great game, and I looked forward to the story. It had me interested for a little while, but then when Marcus pissed all over that hot sexy girl in the third act of yonder I found it sort of tasteless and put the game down and never played it again.
  44. RaynJ.
    Jan 30, 2009
    1
    I was a huge fan of the first Gears of War, but I gotta be honest, this game BLEW. The story was completely absurd (AHEM WORM), and the locations didn't make sense at all (AHEM WORM). The underground parts of the game were a complete drag, and the last boss was incredibly lame. The multiplayer is completely broken, like more broken than SOCOM: Confrontations was early on. The only I was a huge fan of the first Gears of War, but I gotta be honest, this game BLEW. The story was completely absurd (AHEM WORM), and the locations didn't make sense at all (AHEM WORM). The underground parts of the game were a complete drag, and the last boss was incredibly lame. The multiplayer is completely broken, like more broken than SOCOM: Confrontations was early on. The only redeeming quality of this game is the graphics, which are very impressive.… Expand
  45. RaoultT.
    Jan 3, 2009
    0
    Excellent.
  46. JonP.
    Feb 15, 2009
    0
    Most of the story is ok, although the ending of the story is completely unsatisfying. As for multiplayer... Uhh, how to describe it... Its laggy, Ill spawn with no weapon, it takes about 3.5 hours to get in a game, it has a ranking system with only 5 ranks, and they dont really matter, all people do is mash the B-button to get like 10 kills per game, and when I get smoke gernaded down Most of the story is ok, although the ending of the story is completely unsatisfying. As for multiplayer... Uhh, how to describe it... Its laggy, Ill spawn with no weapon, it takes about 3.5 hours to get in a game, it has a ranking system with only 5 ranks, and they dont really matter, all people do is mash the B-button to get like 10 kills per game, and when I get smoke gernaded down stairs I cant get up for about 45 seconds. I went from a rank level 1 to a rank level 3 in three games, and since then Ive played hundreds of matches, and I do the best in the game (or AT LEAST on my team), and I still dont get ranked up. Also, I get in a game with 4 level 1s, and go up against like 5 level 3s or 4s every time!! What a failure of one of my most anticipated games of my life!! Go on youtube, and search: "Pissin me off- gears of war".… Expand
  47. GRRRandmasterBallzack
    Feb 5, 2009
    0
    this game is rubbish, i still haven't completed it, only game i own that i can say that about, teh multiplayer is rubbish too like its all teh peoplez r like ZOMG chainsaws FTW FTW FTW, unbalanced, aiming doesn't feel natural like an FPS and OMG WTF i could of sworn for a minute there i was inside a giant worm....i couldn't have been because that would bethis game is rubbish, i still haven't completed it, only game i own that i can say that about, teh multiplayer is rubbish too like its all teh peoplez r like ZOMG chainsaws FTW FTW FTW, unbalanced, aiming doesn't feel natural like an FPS and OMG WTF i could of sworn for a minute there i was inside a giant worm....i couldn't have been because that would be stupid...........sell ur Xbox Xbots and just admit killzone 2 is best on a superior system, i gna sell my xbox cos teh red rings suck like gears2, ZOOOOOOOOOOOOOmggggggGG… Expand
  48. angryperson
    Mar 2, 2009
    3
    Wow, 93? this game deserves to be in low to mid 80s! god this just goes to show that most gaming critics these days are xbox humpers, killzone 2 is 10 times better than this piece of crap sequal. but yet kz2 only got a 91, hm i bet if killzone was on the xbox it would have gotten a 95 or more.
  49. JakeC.
    Nov 15, 2008
    1
    I was actuially pretty disappointed with Gears 2. It felt to me like Halo 2 all over again. Not that it's similar to halo 2, but i mean in its relationship to Gears 1. I think the critics are giving it much more hype than it deserves, as the game is less a new game than it is the original game revamped. Which some people might find great, but i was disappointed.
  50. AnonymousMC
    Nov 15, 2008
    0
    I love that the average of user review scores is at 6.6 while the critics give it a 93. Where is the fun in this terrible, terrible game? Graphics? Is that how the critics are rating games now? I don't care if the story and writing are terrible, this game just never becomes engaging or entertaining.
  51. FelixS.
    Nov 19, 2008
    3
    the online game play is flat out terrible. The game doesn't require skill from players anymore, all it requires is a smoke grenade (which should be renamed: the 10-second-stun-grenade-with-some-smoke) and the ability to find the B button on your controller. the matchmaking system is even worse than ever. Finding a match can take forever and when you finally do find one you most the online game play is flat out terrible. The game doesn't require skill from players anymore, all it requires is a smoke grenade (which should be renamed: the 10-second-stun-grenade-with-some-smoke) and the ability to find the B button on your controller. the matchmaking system is even worse than ever. Finding a match can take forever and when you finally do find one you most likely won't play the map you wanted to play nor the match type. In GOW1 players used to be able to INDIVIDUALLY choose their own match preference and map, but now other players choose for you. It's like they created this game so even the worst players could get some points, which is absolutely retarded. the shotgun doesn't shoot when you press the right trigger for some very dumb and odd reason, and when the shotgun finally does shoot it'll take another 3 seconds before you can shoot it again which gives the opposing player enough time to walk up to you with a revving chainsaw from 10 feet away and chainsaw you. Even a direct shot to somebody's face with a shotgun while they're revving the chainsaw wont stop it from getting you. What I'm trying to say is that they took a game with great potential and turned it into frustration, annoyance, irritation, and a lot of omg's. you might find yourself playing gow1 again.… Expand
  52. dubB
    Nov 24, 2008
    2
    the co-op campaign is entertaining, briefly. but the ending is a huge let down, and it is very easy to beat. the plot is poorly developed, and there really aren't any big changes from the first game in terms of play or weapons.

    the multiplayer is awful as usual. very awkward shooter online. COD and Left 4 Dead are 100 times better online
  53. .gbrl
    Nov 25, 2008
    3
    the game might have good graphics and some interesting gameplay, but that doesn't justify the game centered around graphic violence and a badly written soap opera story, i got tired of the characters in single plaer and mp seem filled with idiots who only want to kill you with the chainsaw so they can rub it in your face, and the game seem designed for this. I can see this game has athe game might have good graphics and some interesting gameplay, but that doesn't justify the game centered around graphic violence and a badly written soap opera story, i got tired of the characters in single plaer and mp seem filled with idiots who only want to kill you with the chainsaw so they can rub it in your face, and the game seem designed for this. I can see this game has a lot of effort on it, but for me it's aiming at the wrong direction, and maybe with another goal in mind that being the next blockbuster by implementing violence just for the shock-value of it......… Expand
  54. JodyC
    Nov 26, 2008
    2
    Love midnight openings. Anyway, its heeeerrre...the sequel to one of if not THE most popular shooters on the Xbox 360. Gears of War 1 was fun, good looking, and easy to play...sporting a gameplay that was both challenging and easy in its execution. OF COURSE hype has been mounting for this game...and with good reason, we are told we are getting something bigger, more story-driven, and Love midnight openings. Anyway, its heeeerrre...the sequel to one of if not THE most popular shooters on the Xbox 360. Gears of War 1 was fun, good looking, and easy to play...sporting a gameplay that was both challenging and easy in its execution. OF COURSE hype has been mounting for this game...and with good reason, we are told we are getting something bigger, more story-driven, and better in every way...and for the most part it delivers. First, anyone expecting a big graphics upgrade will be dissapointed and while it does look a bit better than Gears 1 (which already looks incredible), the quality and scale / size feels the same even though they do a good job of tricking you into believing its a MUCH BIGGER, MUCH BETTER LOOKING game. Sound and Music are top-notch...the soundtrack is calm / tense depending on the situation and that creates a certain atmoshperic element to the game but the voice acting is a bit weaker this time around...its a little over-dramatic and eye-rolling at times (mostly the from Dom...Marcus's friend). The gameplay is basically the same with a few added moves and animations to make things appear more "fresh", but fans of Gears 1 will have no problems adapting its still a great "pick up and play" type game. Overall, Gears 2 is a step in the right direction...it is BIGGER, BETTER, and MORE BADASS than the original even if the "BIGGER" aspect feels more like an illusion...it still feels the same "size" as Gears 1 just busier things going on in the background. Anyway, the expanded story alone is what makes this game irresistable....as it was the ONLY thing missing from the first game...this Gears of War feels SO much more COMPLETE. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.… Expand
  55. JoshE.
    Nov 26, 2008
    1
    In comparison to gears 1 this gets a 5. Campaign is decent but its much more of the same. All the little add-ons like the meat shield and chainsaw duals could have been left out and it would have made no difference, they aren't a big deal. Graphically it almost looks a step back from gears 1. looks more cartoony. Multiplayer is where for me anyways that this is a big letdown. Im a In comparison to gears 1 this gets a 5. Campaign is decent but its much more of the same. All the little add-ons like the meat shield and chainsaw duals could have been left out and it would have made no difference, they aren't a big deal. Graphically it almost looks a step back from gears 1. looks more cartoony. Multiplayer is where for me anyways that this is a big letdown. Im a hardcore gears player and have been playing online solid for the last two years. The new maps are terrible, the new weapons are fairly useless and one on one shotgun battles and sniper battles etc are now a thing of the past. Last gears had a sense of emotion and rivalry in its multiplayer but this is just too mindless. Any gears fan will not be pleased with this and I honestly don't know how gears of war 2 has gotten such high reviews. For people new to the series it will be decent but to hardcore fans of old.. don't get too excited! Peace.… Expand
  56. JaseM.
    Nov 26, 2008
    1
    I was actually pretty disappointed with Gears 2. It felt to me like Halo 2 all over again. Not that it's similar to halo 2, but i mean in its relationship to Gears 1. I think the critics are giving it much more hype than it deserves, as the game is less a new game than it is the original game revamped. Which some people might find great, but i was disappointed.
  57. PatrickA.
    Nov 26, 2008
    2
    Just like the first GoW this game is very lacking in gamplay, but has good graphics and sound. The levels are extremely linear, you can not jump (a way to restrict you from taking alternative paths). The game feels more like a movie because of how linear it is and the gameplay is never challenging. The whole concept fails to entertain me; hordes of enemies, cover/shot - reapat. It gets Just like the first GoW this game is very lacking in gamplay, but has good graphics and sound. The levels are extremely linear, you can not jump (a way to restrict you from taking alternative paths). The game feels more like a movie because of how linear it is and the gameplay is never challenging. The whole concept fails to entertain me; hordes of enemies, cover/shot - reapat. It gets boring in the first 10 minutes, after 2 hours it's unbearable, even if you take breaks. None of the weapons impressed me either, never felt very fun to use which is a strange achievment. Avoid!… Expand
  58. Krt
    Nov 28, 2008
    2
    This game is a great game offline but after that wtf?!? how can anyone standby that bs and give the game a 10 unless you plan on playing the campaign and returning the game, you will be dissapointed in online play. Matchmaking sucks completely. thats the truth people. it will take forever to find matches and then on top of that your chances of getting host are slim so you will be lagging This game is a great game offline but after that wtf?!? how can anyone standby that bs and give the game a 10 unless you plan on playing the campaign and returning the game, you will be dissapointed in online play. Matchmaking sucks completely. thats the truth people. it will take forever to find matches and then on top of that your chances of getting host are slim so you will be lagging pretty bad in some instances.. ive had games where the lag was 7 seconds for the shotgun. other times will have you lagging around the screen doing completely nothing and have you vulnerable to mass chainsaws... yeahh.. chainsaws rule multiplayer now... unless youre the host your shotgun wont stop a revving chainsaw before it cuts you to bits. so if you plan on playing online i highly recommend you think hard about buying this game... but if you want to play campaign only this game wont dissapoint. Horde just gets boring after youve gotten to level 50... so be wary… Expand
  59. BryanF.
    Nov 7, 2008
    4
    I give this game a 4 for one reason, its a complete copy of the first game, nothing has been improved, graphically it was enhanced but overall boring, just because I played the first one nonstop, this is just like buying gears of war 1. Not worth mmy money.
  60. Rob
    Dec 1, 2008
    2
    This game is so sslllllllllooooooowwwwww. If anything, this is an average game with a huge budget and a stupid guy in control, like Terminator 3. Only T3 is so much better than this, because it doesn't take 3 hours for the characters to move. Cliffy B (The producer or something), in recent interviews, seems like the sort of person who ruins online gaming. "yeah, i am t3h l33t cos I This game is so sslllllllllooooooowwwwww. If anything, this is an average game with a huge budget and a stupid guy in control, like Terminator 3. Only T3 is so much better than this, because it doesn't take 3 hours for the characters to move. Cliffy B (The producer or something), in recent interviews, seems like the sort of person who ruins online gaming. "yeah, i am t3h l33t cos I camp and kill everyone with m4h l4z0r." Whilst that is not a quote from him, it seems like something he would say. Also 5 on 5 online? Is that the best the 360 can do, seriously? Resistance (a PS3 exclusive and launch title) had 20 vs 20 online, and Resistance 2 wll have 40 vs 40. even Team Fortress 2 has 8 vs 8 (I think, I don't have it in front of me). On thje whole, GoW2 is nothing more than a big dumb action game, with a dump truck of hype, but nothing to back it up with, just like Halo 3, and Call Of Duty 4.… Expand
  61. MarkH
    Dec 15, 2008
    4
    This whole game is a joke. I dont pretend to be the best player, but the campaign was wayyyyy too easy. The only time you'll die is when you get an odd granade bounce, or more commonly during totally random on rails segments of the game, and this comes from playing hardcore first time through. thats ok though cuz if you're like me i could care less if the dialogue is cheezyThis whole game is a joke. I dont pretend to be the best player, but the campaign was wayyyyy too easy. The only time you'll die is when you get an odd granade bounce, or more commonly during totally random on rails segments of the game, and this comes from playing hardcore first time through. thats ok though cuz if you're like me i could care less if the dialogue is cheezy or if the last boss is a joke. the mulitplayer is where i spend most of my time when playing a game like this, and i'm sorry to say it's a complete waste of time. In the aproximately 5 hours i've spent in the mulitplayer i've maybe played 6 games each lasting an average of 4 minutes. can you guess what i was doing the rest of the time?.... feeling my blood pressure skyrocketing as im waiting to join a ****ing game, only to join and have half my team drop cuz of lag so i'm playing 2 against 5. As you could guess the match is a joke as they swarm and destroy. To sum up, rent to play the single player and you'll at least be entertained for a night, but unless you have the paitence of a saint stay as far away from the multiplayer as possible. I had such high hopes but so sadly dissapointed. i'm traiding for persona 4 woot!… Expand
  62. MaxTrade
    Dec 19, 2008
    0
    Gears 2 is a huge disappointment and is far too easy by a long stretch.
    Why is it so similar to the first Gears?
    The worst aspect of the game is multiplayer which is plagued by far too many players who do very little but act as cannon fodder. Not impressed and not worth purchasing if you have played the first one for more than ten minutes. Avoid!
  63. jim
    Dec 21, 2008
    4
    Seriously, I don't understand the critics lovefest for this game. Very little is different from the 1st. Were they should have gone: destructable environments, make your own cover-they didn't. Its just a cheap carnival ride w/ little or no thought for the story or game play. On top of that it takes forever to get a game on line. Really, really puzzled why this got such goodSeriously, I don't understand the critics lovefest for this game. Very little is different from the 1st. Were they should have gone: destructable environments, make your own cover-they didn't. Its just a cheap carnival ride w/ little or no thought for the story or game play. On top of that it takes forever to get a game on line. Really, really puzzled why this got such good reviews!!??… Expand
  64. EduardoHernadez
    Dec 20, 2008
    0
    This game is not as good as everybody say, they change a lot of things that were great, story mode is really good but the real problem is online, you have to wait a lon time to find a match, there is a lot of lag, the shotgun fires the floor if you blind fire and move, chainsaw is really powerful and also smog granades, i really love GoW 1 , but GoW 2 Sucks, well i can continue complainingThis game is not as good as everybody say, they change a lot of things that were great, story mode is really good but the real problem is online, you have to wait a lon time to find a match, there is a lot of lag, the shotgun fires the floor if you blind fire and move, chainsaw is really powerful and also smog granades, i really love GoW 1 , but GoW 2 Sucks, well i can continue complaining about the game but i wont have foun a dont waste your money buying this game… Expand
  65. ChrisD
    Dec 20, 2008
    2
    I was really excited for this game before it came out. Was I ever wrong. This game is flawed in MANY crucial ways that will leave you incredibly frustrated and generally bored. Campaign is ok. Seemed much more repetitive than the first. This game is a testament to what happens when you rush a game. This game could have used another few months of polish before release, but itI was really excited for this game before it came out. Was I ever wrong. This game is flawed in MANY crucial ways that will leave you incredibly frustrated and generally bored. Campaign is ok. Seemed much more repetitive than the first. This game is a testament to what happens when you rush a game. This game could have used another few months of polish before release, but it wouldn't surprise me if pressure from M$ forced them to get it our the door for Christmas. Common guys, you KNOW the multiplayer is brutal. I've never truly known lag until I've played this game, and the overall gameplay feels very disconnected. I've tried numerous times to "get into this game" like I did with the first, but I'll play a few rounds of multiplayer, get incredibly frustrated, and turn off the xbox. Oh yeah, they tried to stop quitting out of matches by making it so you have to shut off your console. Good thing, makes it easier to put in another game. Much MUCH less polish than the original. Z-fighting on polygons everywhere, framerate feels a bit slow most of the time, and the lighting looks oversaturated. Remember how the first GoW was dark and set a mood? Not anymore. To sum it up, this is a game that had unbelievable amount of potential that was ruined by 3 or 4 crippling design mistakes. And seriously, you want me to pay for your ******** multiplayer maps now? How about you fix the game first.… Expand
  66. wtewtgewsgeryhrshgrs
    Jan 28, 2009
    2
    this game has major MAJOR lag, the server sucks, kicks gamers out from the lag. It also takes forever to find a game, this is with the update that was supposed to fix all this too. Overall the game was pretty fun but the online is one of the worst ive ever played.
  67. MikeT
    Jan 28, 2009
    4
    This game starts out great. The career was probably best carrer mode since halo 3. Horde was a great thing to add to this game too. Overall the game is really fun. But, when it comes to x-box live, get ready to tear your hair out! I am a major xbox live fan but this game is the WORST game for live. It has no server so whoever is host can lag around the whole game. Also, it kicks people This game starts out great. The career was probably best carrer mode since halo 3. Horde was a great thing to add to this game too. Overall the game is really fun. But, when it comes to x-box live, get ready to tear your hair out! I am a major xbox live fan but this game is the WORST game for live. It has no server so whoever is host can lag around the whole game. Also, it kicks people out of the game like chuck norris. So if you love playing you against five people. GO BUY GEARS! There should be a penalty for quiting out, And if epic doesn't want to fix that because the game lag's people out so much. Maybe they should fix all the problems? I have heard that the budget for this game was a good amount. But i dont know what happened to it. The multiplayer would be great but there is so many problems with it is ruins all the fun. This game is just about as bad as call of duty 5. What happened Epic?… Expand
  68. ParkerTibenko
    Nov 17, 2008
    0
    THis game is not fun in the slightest. It lacks originality, it lacks story, it lacks good Online, it is incredibly short, it is very unbalanced, it has framerate issues, laggy Online play, and pop-in objects and textures, and that is only the tip of the iceburg. This game is truly a disgrace to gamers everwhere.
  69. KenzoCapulong
    Nov 23, 2008
    1
    Gears of War 2 builds upon the gameplay of the first title in every way. First, the scope of the action is bigger: new characters, more weapons, nastier enemies, bigger vehicles, and grander locales offer more action, more emotion, and more thrills. Next, every major aspect of the game has been refined to create heightened, more immersive experiences. Finally, the overall tone of Gears ofGears of War 2 builds upon the gameplay of the first title in every way. First, the scope of the action is bigger: new characters, more weapons, nastier enemies, bigger vehicles, and grander locales offer more action, more emotion, and more thrills. Next, every major aspect of the game has been refined to create heightened, more immersive experiences. Finally, the overall tone of Gears of War 2 is more badass: replete with new weapon-specific executions, chainsaw duels, and shocking boss fights.… Expand
  70. GavinH
    Nov 24, 2008
    4
    I once WAS a hardcore gears of war fan and gears2 has changed all that. The single player is bigger but not much better, more of the same to be honest. Which isn't all that bad i suppose. The multiplayer is where gears 2 just completely falls apart. Some may argue that the new additions like chainsaw duels, the new game modes the new weapons make gears2 multiplayer better than the I once WAS a hardcore gears of war fan and gears2 has changed all that. The single player is bigger but not much better, more of the same to be honest. Which isn't all that bad i suppose. The multiplayer is where gears 2 just completely falls apart. Some may argue that the new additions like chainsaw duels, the new game modes the new weapons make gears2 multiplayer better than the first. I'm afraid that this is bullplop! First the matchmaking is a disaster you spend more time trying to find players to play with, than actually playing the game.Then after you finally get to play and the match is over you must repeat this process again. This also removes any rivalries or personal battles between players you used to find in gears1. I could write a novel on how bad the multiplayer is but I'm not wasting any more of my time with this game. Basically if you loved how gears1played you will not like gears 2 (no matter how much you try to), it is a shadow of its former self, frustrating for all the wrong reasons. I'll see yas all back on gears 1!… Expand
  71. Darren
    Nov 26, 2008
    1
    This was the worst game I have played this year. This was a total turn around from the first GOW. I dont know why they had to add so much unnecessary plot... No one wants to fight a giant worm, they want to fight the locust. In my opinion the developers stole every idea from Halo and tried to incorporate it with the previous GOW... I was not even close the the caliber of Halo now. Do not This was the worst game I have played this year. This was a total turn around from the first GOW. I dont know why they had to add so much unnecessary plot... No one wants to fight a giant worm, they want to fight the locust. In my opinion the developers stole every idea from Halo and tried to incorporate it with the previous GOW... I was not even close the the caliber of Halo now. Do not buy this game.… Expand
  72. JakeC.
    Nov 26, 2008
    0
    I was actuially pretty disappointed with Gears 2. It felt to me like Halo 2 all over again. Not that it's similar to halo 2, but i mean in its relationship to Gears 1. I think the critics are giving it much more hype than it deserves, as the game is less a new game than it is the original game revamped. Which some people might find great, but i was disappointed.
  73. JB
    Nov 26, 2008
    0
    Come'on, scout team, stop writing all this <10> comments. We all know, you working hard to persuade masses that GOW2 is great, but it's a mass maedia pr LIES. I know, you will delete it, but you have to know - we know waht you doing, we know, how you doing it, we know how you make all the so called peoples votes so high.
  74. JimmyP
    Nov 26, 2008
    2
    Expands on the original in graphics, gameplay and storyline in significant ways. Graphics are most obviously a very strong point as the vistas are emmense the added color is pleasure to behold in the older maps and gives them added dimension and realism. Gameplay has been tweeked to put more weapons on a more equal playing field. Not to mention the new weapons! Storyline as with almost Expands on the original in graphics, gameplay and storyline in significant ways. Graphics are most obviously a very strong point as the vistas are emmense the added color is pleasure to behold in the older maps and gives them added dimension and realism. Gameplay has been tweeked to put more weapons on a more equal playing field. Not to mention the new weapons! Storyline as with almost all games could have been deeper but still is engrossing! AND did I mention HORDE! Great game and looking forward to DL content.… Expand
  75. GavinH
    Nov 26, 2008
    0
    I once WAS a hardcore gears of war fan and gears2 has changed all that. The single player is bigger but not much better, more of the same to be honest. Which isn't all that bad i suppose. The multiplayer is where gears 2 just completely falls apart. Some may argue that the new additions like chainsaw duels, the new game modes the new weapons make gears2 multiplayer better than the I once WAS a hardcore gears of war fan and gears2 has changed all that. The single player is bigger but not much better, more of the same to be honest. Which isn't all that bad i suppose. The multiplayer is where gears 2 just completely falls apart. Some may argue that the new additions like chainsaw duels, the new game modes the new weapons make gears2 multiplayer better than the first. I'm afraid that this is bullplop! First the matchmaking is a disaster you spend more time trying to find players to play with, than actually playing the game.Then after you finally get to play and the match is over you must repeat this process again. This also removes any rivalries or personal battles between players you used to find in gears1. I could write a novel on how bad the multiplayer is but I'm not wasting any more of my time with this game. Basically if you loved how gears1played you will not like gears 2 (no matter how much you try to), it is a shadow of its former self, frustrating for all the wrong reasons. I'll see yas all back on gears 1!… Expand
  76. JalexDiamond
    Dec 16, 2008
    0
    Certainly a quality game (only a fool would doubt that it's well-made), but my score of zero is due to the fact that I, for one, simply don't find any enjoyment in the gameplay of this title.
    Perhaps that's not quite fair, and I probably wouldn't even write this were it not so popular, but I suppose I just want to add my two cents.
  77. DavidH.
    Dec 19, 2008
    1
    What the hell happenend to the multiplayer?? :( The horrible slow matchmaking totally ruins the multiplayer experience from the start. You have to wait minutes which feel like days to even start a match. Searching and connecting with teammates. Searching and connecting with enemy team. Voting for which mode out of two random selected modes, then which map out of two random preselectedWhat the hell happenend to the multiplayer?? :( The horrible slow matchmaking totally ruins the multiplayer experience from the start. You have to wait minutes which feel like days to even start a match. Searching and connecting with teammates. Searching and connecting with enemy team. Voting for which mode out of two random selected modes, then which map out of two random preselected maps. And also ten seconds waiting to choose your character and one starting weapon, lancer or hammerburst. Then you have to wait a minute or so for the match to actually start. And you also have to wait 20 seconds when the match has finished! :( What is that all about? But wait there's a lot more bad news...
    It is impossible to have exiting sniper battles anymore. The new maps with its structures and weapon placements don't allow you anymore of that. The few headshots you get when you are lucky sound like water splashing :( And the weapons sound horrible and weak as well, especially the sounds from the sniper and the shotgun. And don't get me started about how they nutered the shotgun which has become the weakest weapon of all. Headshots up close with the shotgun are impossible now :( Only if you get very lucky. And the chainsaw has become even stronger which is lame. Talk about out of balance :(
    And if you thought fragtagging was annoying. Now smokegrenades push you on the ground and stun you for a couple of seconds. This totally ruins the fast pace of the great original gears of war. And you can walltag all grenades too. So they go off when you get too close. This is horrible when you have a sudden death. Everybody is to scared to go look for eachother because a frag grenade tagged to a wall can be just around the corner. When you hear a sound, it is too late and you're dead. Also, you still have to wait up to 14 seconds to get spawned again if the game mode allow that. There are still only two places you spawn from. Is it so hard to create random spawn points where there are no enemies? Why can't you change all the starting weapons? I want to start off with sniper and/or boomshot for example. And I want to drop in and out a game just like gears 1. Where is the freedom? Where is the choice? I give 1 point for the single player which actually is pretty good..for one or two times.
    Conclusion: This is only worth a rental for the single player. I love gears 1, I hate gears 2. Spend your money on left 4 dead if you want an intense multiplayer. Hell, even call of duty games, bad company and halo 3 are much better then this mess! Do not buy this crap, you will be dissapointed beyond believe!    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2008
2
#2 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2008
9
#9 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
93

Universal acclaim - based on 90 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 90 out of 90
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 90
  3. Negative: 0 out of 90
  1. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    90
    There are very few ways that Gears of War 2 could be improved on. Only the story and the final boss in particular are a slight disappointment. Fanboys will love the fact that only one of a multitude of story arcs is concluded; everyone else will feel slightly unfulfilled. But aside from this, Gears 2 is not just the most exhilarating game you'll play this year, but possibly the most heady and downright shocking piece of entertainment full stop. Hollywood, your days are numbered. [Dec 2008, p.61]
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  2. Eurogamer
    90
    The real star, however, is Horde, a ballistic assault on your worst score-rush tendencies that transforms maps into Gears-flavoured Mutant Storm: weapons spawn, then a wave of enemies hits, then more weapons and then another, tougher, wave.
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  3. 360 Gamer Magazine UK
    90
    We could be critical of Gears of War 2 simply offering more of the same, but the fact that it simply does everything better than the original in delivering a fantastic display of shoot-’em-up mayhem its quality simply shines through. With some awesome level design, supported by unsurpassed visuals and relentlessly entertaining action it is a compelling experience from start to finish. Forget the crack at putting emotion into the storyline; it’s almost irrelevant as Gears of War 2 is an allguns- blazing extravaganza and, as such, it’s just a glorious shooter that very few can match.
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