Gears of War

 Xbox 360
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 3029 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,457 out of 3029
  2. Mixed: 306 out of 3029
  3. Negative: 266 out of 3029
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  1. Th3cyb3rnick
    Jun 2, 2011
    10
    oh my god iv just read a few reviews and so many stupid c***s. i bought it and haven't got live so $70 wasted who's dumb fault is that and my 4 year old younger bro had nightmares don't let him watch you play it and it wont ever be better then halo ??????? it's way better then halo as halo is boring f***ing fanboys piss off this game is great story is ace a little short yes but makes upoh my god iv just read a few reviews and so many stupid c***s. i bought it and haven't got live so $70 wasted who's dumb fault is that and my 4 year old younger bro had nightmares don't let him watch you play it and it wont ever be better then halo ??????? it's way better then halo as halo is boring f***ing fanboys piss off this game is great story is ace a little short yes but makes up the time in online multiplayer if you did enjoy this game buy gears of war 3 on september the 20th iv played the beta and it was awesome nuff said… Expand
  2. SpartanEdge
    May 31, 2011
    10
    What more can i say about this game.. Its definately up there with the best! A real benchmark of a game to this day,both graphically & features that have inspired many other games to copy elements it has introduced to gaming,like the now much copied context sensitive cover system,Blind Firing from Cover,to the feel itself,with games like Resistance & later Killzone games,& even games laterWhat more can i say about this game.. Its definately up there with the best! A real benchmark of a game to this day,both graphically & features that have inspired many other games to copy elements it has introduced to gaming,like the now much copied context sensitive cover system,Blind Firing from Cover,to the feel itself,with games like Resistance & later Killzone games,& even games later games such as Vanquish & Hunted-The Demons Forge among others owing alot to Gears.Its great that,as good as the graphics are(& lets face it,they dont come much better),all the Gears games still have Online & Offline Co-Op.GREAT!! & is an example to all those developers out there,using the feeble excuse,that their games cant be done in Co-Op,or Split Screen,& not without Borders in Split Screen.If Gears can,then ANY game can.Simple as that!… Expand
  3. schnoogens
    May 29, 2011
    10
    The most enjoyable multiplayer experience I've had on the Xbox 360. I met most of my XBL friends through this game and played it more than any other game I've owned for the system. It's a perfect blend of arcade action, strategy, teamwork, and fun. Single player is short but that's not the reason to play this. The only downside in hindsight is the lack of a MP leveling system and noThe most enjoyable multiplayer experience I've had on the Xbox 360. I met most of my XBL friends through this game and played it more than any other game I've owned for the system. It's a perfect blend of arcade action, strategy, teamwork, and fun. Single player is short but that's not the reason to play this. The only downside in hindsight is the lack of a MP leveling system and no stats tracked for non-ranked matches (which is where I spent most of my time).… Expand
  4. hecretic
    May 23, 2011
    9
    payed this in the days that the only fps i admired or really new about was halo, pleasantly surprised loved the alternative methods of movements and fantastic cinematic feel :)
  5. Driwde
    May 6, 2011
    5
    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.
  6. Zarathesus
    May 2, 2011
    5
    I'd like to be kind here, but I just don't understand where some of the reviewers are coming from. Golem's cave perhaps? It is not tactical in the least bit. Run, shoot, ooh creepy, shoot, ahh look at that! shoot, yeah! give him the chainsaw! shoot.
    I returned it for a full refund a day or 2 after I purchased it. They asked me why I would do such a thing, and I told them what I'm telling    I'd like to be kind here, but I just don't understand where some of the reviewers are coming from. Golem's cave perhaps? It is not tactical in the least bit. Run, shoot, ooh creepy, shoot, ahh look at that! shoot, yeah! give him the chainsaw! shoot.
    I returned it for a full refund a day or 2 after I purchased it. They asked me why I would do such a thing, and I told them what I'm telling you now. They put a lot of effort into this game, and a lot of detail, but it has been way over-hyped. Primarily because of how gritty and cool it looks(I admit that at least). But tactical? Nah. Maybe if taking a dump is tactical for you.
    In all fairness, I thought it was a cool game, and the 2nd one is much much better because of online and horde mode, but I'm surprised this franchise has gotten to where it is now. Did not see it coming.
    Like I said though, it's enjoyable, but completely not complicated.    … Expand
  7. starmario123
    Apr 27, 2011
    9
    9/10 = Amazing = The first real leap into 7th Gen graphics and what they would later become. Great shooter, very well built.
  8. dupplawt
    Apr 22, 2011
    6
    Gears of War is a good game with fantastic action set-pieces and an almost creepy setting, with a human colonised world being destroyed by a ground-dwelling species known as the Locust. The voice acting is great, the graphics, for its time, were spectacular, if a little drab, and the story is solid. The multi-player aspect, I never really got into, as I was always outclassed andGears of War is a good game with fantastic action set-pieces and an almost creepy setting, with a human colonised world being destroyed by a ground-dwelling species known as the Locust. The voice acting is great, the graphics, for its time, were spectacular, if a little drab, and the story is solid. The multi-player aspect, I never really got into, as I was always outclassed and obliterated by other players. The ability to do co-op campaign takes this game from a 3/5 to a 3.5/5, and defeating the final boss with my mate on the hardest difficulty setting is easily my biggest achievement in gaming so far.… Expand
  9. creptor
    Apr 20, 2011
    8
    I love this game! Achievements are fun to get, the game play is really fun, great graphic. If you find this game cheap, get it. It is a great game with only one problem. It take too many shots to kill an enemy. That is not really too bad of problem see as you get an unbelievable amount of ammo.
  10. Folstar
    Apr 13, 2011
    1
    Completely overhyped and overrated. Gamers were basically told that we are supposed to like this game and many never bothered to question that. Read the summary on this game then ask someone who likes GoW why they do. Nine times out of ten their answer will sound like they are reading the summary, almost like rehearsed lines. Clunky gameplay, darkness instead of graphics, overuse of coverCompletely overhyped and overrated. Gamers were basically told that we are supposed to like this game and many never bothered to question that. Read the summary on this game then ask someone who likes GoW why they do. Nine times out of ten their answer will sound like they are reading the summary, almost like rehearsed lines. Clunky gameplay, darkness instead of graphics, overuse of cover system to the point of boredom, very short game (for what was a top dollar release), cliche everything, and nothing new enough to balance just how tired and clearly "borrowed" so much of this game was- all with a sheen of gore and machismo so over the top it is almost laughable. This game had great appeal for people like the movie going audiences that laud each new release as the best movie ever until the next movie comes out, but in the annals of gaming it is a minor embarrassment and little more.… Expand
  11. InzaNe
    Mar 22, 2011
    9
    Quite possibly the best shooter I have played on the Xbox360. While some people automatically rule Gears of War out because it is an over-the-shoulder, or Third-Person shooter, players need to give it a chance and allow themselves to fall into the gameplay.

    The multiplayer delivered (past tense, as it's fairly inactive now) when it was active. If you can find this game for $20 or less, I    Quite possibly the best shooter I have played on the Xbox360. While some people automatically rule Gears of War out because it is an over-the-shoulder, or Third-Person shooter, players need to give it a chance and allow themselves to fall into the gameplay.

    The multiplayer delivered (past tense, as it's fairly inactive now) when it was active. If you can find this game for $20 or less, I would say pick it up and play it, as Gears of War 2 was great, and Gears of War 3 is on it's way.    … Expand
  12. 0fof0fo
    Mar 17, 2011
    9
    Gears of War is a game that is near perfect. Fantastic graphics, enthralling story, funny characters, and addicting multiplayer all combines to create one of the best game of the decade. Whether your slaughtering Locust in single-player, or shotgunning noobs in Multi, this game is hard to get board of. This game would be a clear 10 if not for the bugs that plague the Gears of War serversGears of War is a game that is near perfect. Fantastic graphics, enthralling story, funny characters, and addicting multiplayer all combines to create one of the best game of the decade. Whether your slaughtering Locust in single-player, or shotgunning noobs in Multi, this game is hard to get board of. This game would be a clear 10 if not for the bugs that plague the Gears of War servers years after it release. Oddly enough, although these were fixed for Gears of War 2 (for the most part), Gears of War 1 is still a more fun game. A must buy for any shooter fan, and one your going to want to keep.… Expand
  13. TheQuietGamer
    Mar 6, 2011
    8
    Gears of War might have been over hyped, while it's a great game with solid gameplay it's not a game changer, graphics show age, but the sound is great, and the multiplayer is good, the worst part about this game is the story, there is absolutely no character development, hey try to give you a feeling of mystery about Marcus Fenix's (the main character) past, but it just makes himGears of War might have been over hyped, while it's a great game with solid gameplay it's not a game changer, graphics show age, but the sound is great, and the multiplayer is good, the worst part about this game is the story, there is absolutely no character development, hey try to give you a feeling of mystery about Marcus Fenix's (the main character) past, but it just makes him unlikable, weak story aside if you like 3rd person cover shooters you like this, just don't expect a deep story backing it up.… Expand
  14. whitefox
    Dec 5, 2010
    4
    I'm not quite sure where the appeal for this game is. I've played up to a certain point, and have not seen many redeeming qualities. The story is... mediocre, sound is okay, music is fine, gameplay mechanics work well enough, but at the end, I really don't care about any of these characters. There's no incentive for me to keep playing, really. In a way, it got boring fighting the same sortI'm not quite sure where the appeal for this game is. I've played up to a certain point, and have not seen many redeeming qualities. The story is... mediocre, sound is okay, music is fine, gameplay mechanics work well enough, but at the end, I really don't care about any of these characters. There's no incentive for me to keep playing, really. In a way, it got boring fighting the same sort of enemies over and over, with a little variation every now and then with 'bosses'. -- The graphics, in its time, must have been pretty good, but does no one realise that graphics will always get worse over time? Praising a game for its amazing visuals while ignoring its faults is akin to people being famous for being famous. Something more lasting: a new, innovative graphical technique, or an interesting use of an old one (like Left 4 Dead's film techniques), an amazing story (Final Fantasy Tactics, lots of RPG's), those sort of things make a game that will be remembered as a good game for a long time to come. -- This game isn't really even worth it's money right now. let alone five years from now because it just isn't that fun.… Expand
  15. The_Tominator
    Dec 5, 2010
    0
    This game is so overhyped! I can't believe how it it said to beat the ps3 exclusives or the x360 games lik Halo and Uncharted 2. But then when I look at the kind of people who find this game appealing I realise hey are the type of people who like anything. Even critics say the game has good graphics - but it doesn't! Play any ps3 exclusive like gt5, ps home, uncharted, FFXIII (I know it'sThis game is so overhyped! I can't believe how it it said to beat the ps3 exclusives or the x360 games lik Halo and Uncharted 2. But then when I look at the kind of people who find this game appealing I realise hey are the type of people who like anything. Even critics say the game has good graphics - but it doesn't! Play any ps3 exclusive like gt5, ps home, uncharted, FFXIII (I know it's not exclusive but it has great graphics), ratchet and clank etc. and you will realise how this game looks like a ps2 game. The gameplay is clunky and the controls are awkward. It sucks.… Expand
  16. claychastain
    Nov 25, 2010
    8
    One of my favorite memories of the 360, Gears of War is a great game. It's fun to go through, the story is about a bunch of huge space marines, and things go boom. It looks great, even today, and it's mechanics are rock solid. I've beaten it a dozen times and I still have fond memories about it. The multiplayer is good, though the sequel has it beat there. But for the price you can getOne of my favorite memories of the 360, Gears of War is a great game. It's fun to go through, the story is about a bunch of huge space marines, and things go boom. It looks great, even today, and it's mechanics are rock solid. I've beaten it a dozen times and I still have fond memories about it. The multiplayer is good, though the sequel has it beat there. But for the price you can get this for these days, you might as well pick up and have a go.… Expand
  17. CorsairReviews
    Nov 18, 2010
    7
    Gears of War is one of the greatest exclusives brought to the 360 (Yes it was also on PC, so we shall call it console exclusive) ! A great game featuring some great in-game mechanics such as the cover system. Although you aren't likely to be bored by the awesome story and clips, the repetitive gameplay might bore you after a while though.
  18. muzziklover
    Sep 29, 2010
    7
    Dark, bleak and hopeless, Gears of War is the perfect example of an apocalyptic world. It completely captures the feel of an apocalyptic world, in atmosphere, story telling and visual style. The level design is great and all and the feel of the game is spot on, the gameplay is just an average third person shooter. It is tactical but it has a limited variety, making it repetitive andDark, bleak and hopeless, Gears of War is the perfect example of an apocalyptic world. It completely captures the feel of an apocalyptic world, in atmosphere, story telling and visual style. The level design is great and all and the feel of the game is spot on, the gameplay is just an average third person shooter. It is tactical but it has a limited variety, making it repetitive and un-replayable even in higher difficulties though it does add a bit of challenge. Overall, its just a typical shooter game. Nothing special.… Expand
  19. tnucasi063xobx
    Sep 15, 2010
    0
    This GAME IS FULL OF S%#T, go rot in hell. All you xbox 360 fanboys look like Marcus's screwed up wife! So yeah I h8 this game so that's it I am going to say and I did this so xbox 360 will be gone.
  20. Smartacus
    Aug 30, 2010
    8
    Fun game to play but it had a few frustrating bugs/crashes. Very nice visuals and the characters are second to none. I do not play on-line, so I cannot comment on that aspect of the game, but storyline mode if fun and there is something cathartic about using a chainsaw to cut through a mass of enemies. Anyone who slags this game should reevaluate their expectations because if you cannotFun game to play but it had a few frustrating bugs/crashes. Very nice visuals and the characters are second to none. I do not play on-line, so I cannot comment on that aspect of the game, but storyline mode if fun and there is something cathartic about using a chainsaw to cut through a mass of enemies. Anyone who slags this game should reevaluate their expectations because if you cannot have fun playing this, you should probably quit playing video games.… Expand
  21. ArkonBlade
    Aug 28, 2010
    10
    for a game thats loaded to the hilt with bugs and glitches its one of the most funest games ive played both online and off. the story mode is only about 5-6 hours long but its a fun 6 hours . with some of the best voice acting and diolouge in any game to date . it has a good cover mechanic and with 2 player co-op its a blast. not to mention you get a chainsaw on the end of your gun . thefor a game thats loaded to the hilt with bugs and glitches its one of the most funest games ive played both online and off. the story mode is only about 5-6 hours long but its a fun 6 hours . with some of the best voice acting and diolouge in any game to date . it has a good cover mechanic and with 2 player co-op its a blast. not to mention you get a chainsaw on the end of your gun . the animayions of cutting your enimy into little bits of meat just never gets old . the online is the real mear of this game . never in a online game is team work so vital to victory. the fun ive had with my friends on this was just intense . the formulation of stratagy planning are next move just seperates this from all the other ho-hum cockie cutter shooters out there . the game isnt flawless the story in this game is badley told . you are basically in the middle of a story and get no clear sense of how it all started . there are alot of bugs and glitches in this game and even after almost 4 years they still havent fixed 75% of them and they have done like a 100 patches for this game . still this looks and feels original despite the flaws im still giving it a 10 because there are a million run and gun call of duty clones out there but only 1 gears of war and it rains king over every thing els that is a online shooter.… Expand
  22. AngryNewYorker
    Aug 24, 2010
    10
    Where there's hype, there's people who hate it. One reviewer admitted loving Gears for 3 weeks straight, then reaching a completely turnaround after trying the multiplayer. Then he rips on the singleplayer. So, what, you just looked at the box for 3 weeks? If you're going to be critical of a game, let it be based on something. What do I think of Gears? The game's pretty good. Pretty,Where there's hype, there's people who hate it. One reviewer admitted loving Gears for 3 weeks straight, then reaching a completely turnaround after trying the multiplayer. Then he rips on the singleplayer. So, what, you just looked at the box for 3 weeks? If you're going to be critical of a game, let it be based on something. What do I think of Gears? The game's pretty good. Pretty, pretty, pretty good.… Expand
  23. kpheg5953
    Aug 15, 2010
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Two of the coolest, most brutal, over the top weapons I have ever seen are introduced in this game. The Lancer is incredible. A high powered assault rifle with a bayonet that is a chainsaw sounds a bit ridiculous I know, but it is ridiculousness that sets games like Gears of War apart from other similar games. The second weapon I speak of is the Torque Bow. If anything could put this game over the top of the threshold of total gruesomeness, it is the Torque Bow. For all intents and purposes, this thing is a cross bow that fires exploding arrows! What more could a gamer (or COG soldier) ask for? On top of the awesome weapons, there are good characters (with good voice acting), fun objectives, a really cool and simple duck and cover system, plus an easily detestable horde villains. My only complaint, and the reasoning behind my 9 rating rather than 10, is that the campaign is kind of short. However, the game is fun enough to play through again, especially because once the game is played through, you unlock "Insane" difficulty.… Expand
  24. jonathan
    Aug 13, 2010
    10
    Easily one of my favorite games of all time. It's one of my favorite campaigns to play and I find the story missions very enjoyable to play. Especially Marcus Fenix. He's just a badass! Otherwise, the campaign is not too long and not too short either. On easiest, it'll take around 6-7 hours, which is not bad at all for games nowadays. Playing on Insane, however, will take anEasily one of my favorite games of all time. It's one of my favorite campaigns to play and I find the story missions very enjoyable to play. Especially Marcus Fenix. He's just a badass! Otherwise, the campaign is not too long and not too short either. On easiest, it'll take around 6-7 hours, which is not bad at all for games nowadays. Playing on Insane, however, will take an extremely long time. Multiplayer is not the best but during development, it was considered not being included. The sequel, Gears of War 2, features an expanded multiplayer component. Overall, Gears of War is an excellent game with stunning visuals, intriguing gameplay and a whole lot of blood.… Expand
  25. RyanC
    Dec 28, 2009
    8
    While a good game, it's definetely not a great one. The story is a major piece of garbage and the design is so unoriginal and bland, it feels like i've played it somewhere before. Despite that there are very impressive visuals and it can be really fun with a co-op partner. The multiplayer in this game just isn't my thing. I've seen a lot better.
  26. MasterChief
    Dec 14, 2009
    0
    This game is nothing compared to the adrenaline fueled graphics bomb we all know as Halo 3. Halo 3 is the only thing on the 360, if you want games like this, buy a Wii. Cause Wii is great for these casual games.
  27. RyanS
    Oct 30, 2009
    10
    This game is not for the feint of heart... This game will not hold your hand, casual gamers will not survive. The single-player is superb, thugh kind of short... But the multiplayer is where it shines! After a steep learning curve (with pretty basic controls), the player of this game may just be challenged by you. This game takes dedication to become skillful. The best part of this game This game is not for the feint of heart... This game will not hold your hand, casual gamers will not survive. The single-player is superb, thugh kind of short... But the multiplayer is where it shines! After a steep learning curve (with pretty basic controls), the player of this game may just be challenged by you. This game takes dedication to become skillful. The best part of this game has to be the satisfaction of getting a basic kill. This game makes you earn your kills, which makes them feel so much more rewarding when you actually get the kill... I've played this game for 3 years... The only game with better multiplayer than this is Halo 2...… Expand
  28. DavidA
    Oct 22, 2009
    9
    One of the best 360 games, Gears of War is a game that truly delivers. And will go down as one of the most important games to come out under the xbox brands. Next to Halo this is the most important franchise for the 360.
  29. TS
    Oct 11, 2009
    10
    Seriously one of the best games I've ever played. The online is amazing and fun, the graphics and art style is very nice, and the gameplay is solid. This game makes you feel like you're really fighting a war for mankind, more-so than any other game IMO.
  30. AnnetteN
    Aug 25, 2009
    10
    I love gears it does everything a 1st person gory shooter supposed to do. I loved the characters and the story, I found nothing wrong with the game. It wasn't boring maybe a little hard but they solved it with gears 2. Wonderful game and I look forward to part 3.
  31. LiamR
    Aug 18, 2009
    9
    Gears of war is an excellent all round gaming experience. I was a bit cautious when buying it because of the huge amount of hype surrounding, but I was certainly not disappointed. The game takes place on the Planet Sera which in many aspects is very similar to Earth. The main story resolves around a war between the humans and the Locust Horde, a skinless gorilla like race from under the Gears of war is an excellent all round gaming experience. I was a bit cautious when buying it because of the huge amount of hype surrounding, but I was certainly not disappointed. The game takes place on the Planet Sera which in many aspects is very similar to Earth. The main story resolves around a war between the humans and the Locust Horde, a skinless gorilla like race from under the ground. Throughout the game you battle through beautiful set pieces such as burned out palaces and mansions. The story was very good but was hampered by the fact that the friendly AI is no where near as sophisticated as that of the Locust. However any of these issues resolve themselves when playing in co-op. The online is brilliant. It is very, very hard however compared to most games until you realise the essentials. Cover is key and you need to stick together as a team to survive. All in all Gears of War is a great game with an awe-inspiring soundtrack, voice acting and graphics with solid gameplay but just could have had better AI in single player.… Expand
  32. Jon
    Jun 10, 2009
    6
    Gears of War might be just a little hyped from the critics. Don't get me wrong, it's a good game but I don't think it's anywhere close to games such as Halo 3 and CoD4. The single player is top notch, excellent presentation and graphics. I do get a bit frustrated with the "brisk jog" (as some of my friends joke). If you're running and you by chance bump into a Gears of War might be just a little hyped from the critics. Don't get me wrong, it's a good game but I don't think it's anywhere close to games such as Halo 3 and CoD4. The single player is top notch, excellent presentation and graphics. I do get a bit frustrated with the "brisk jog" (as some of my friends joke). If you're running and you by chance bump into a barrier, you will take cover behind it. This can be extremely annoying during fights with berserkers and the like. Sadly, where it is good in single player, it utterly fails in multiplayer. (Several WTF moments, expect to want to fling your controller into the T.V.) Multiplayer is garbage; stay away from it. Other than that, a good game but not deserving of the 94 avg.… Expand
  33. TrentP
    May 31, 2009
    9
    Would be a 10 if it wasn't for the extremely hard Beserkers and General RAAM. Other than that, a fantastic masterpiece.
  34. dominikj
    Feb 21, 2009
    9
    Actually 8.5 it is a great game for any xbox 360 owner the first act and last act are SO fun. gun action is cool but i hate shooters that require half a clip to used to kill one guy like halo series and this game. AI works like its supposed to but some environments after a while look too same and multiplayer is a joke. Great co-op though and great story. I can see why it got a lot of rewards.
  35. JohnnyL.
    Jan 17, 2009
    9
    Thoroughly enjoyed the experience, both the visuals, the audio, and intense gameplay this game served up. And quite frankly, how can you not like a chainsaw bayonet! the gears of war experience is something you can't miss, and though there are some areas to be improved on, you'll notice some beneficial changes in the next game: gears 2.
  36. nick
    Jan 5, 2009
    0
    Boring very boring shooters are suppose to be about running through enemies shooting their face off with 2 bullets, not hiding behind cover during battles that are 5 times longer than in a normal shooters and using an entire clip to kill one guy on lv 1, the squad your forced to be with is crap they run out in the middle of the fight get shoot down and expect you to help them the enemy Boring very boring shooters are suppose to be about running through enemies shooting their face off with 2 bullets, not hiding behind cover during battles that are 5 times longer than in a normal shooters and using an entire clip to kill one guy on lv 1, the squad your forced to be with is crap they run out in the middle of the fight get shoot down and expect you to help them the enemy can see through walls and have 360 vision, and im not kidding you could hid behind cover behind and enmies back and the second you stick your head out he will spin around and kill you. this is just another crappy over hyped game on the 360 were the develpers focused to much on the blood and gore instead of the gameplay.… Expand
  37. JackieB
    Jan 4, 2009
    4
    My problem with this series is that it's a basic mod for Unreal Tournament 2004. The Cogs look identical to the Human race in UT2k4 and after playing it on the PC, I can say that 'ts almost exactly the same. Aside from being third person, having a cover mechanic, and not being able to jump. I can say that Epic games has pulled a fast one and slapped a mod onto an older game and My problem with this series is that it's a basic mod for Unreal Tournament 2004. The Cogs look identical to the Human race in UT2k4 and after playing it on the PC, I can say that 'ts almost exactly the same. Aside from being third person, having a cover mechanic, and not being able to jump. I can say that Epic games has pulled a fast one and slapped a mod onto an older game and made millions. The only reason this game isn't getting a 1 is because the blood and gore in it are really good. Otherwise, it's hide, shoot, hide, shoot, watch scene, walk a little, hide, shoot, hide, shoot, hide, shoot, move a little, etc etc there are some enjoyable dialogues.. but honestly.. you guys just modded UT 2004 and called it Gears of War. Please. Have a little more creativity.… Expand
  38. TomEdwards
    Dec 8, 2008
    1
    The feeling i get from this is that, they could have done this by DLC. It feels like gears 1.5 instead of a full fledged, which is no bad thing because it's gears, but i feel as though i'm being ripped off by something that should have been a bit cheaper.
  39. gamertag=smockthegreen
    Nov 23, 2008
    10
    In this sequel to Gears of War 2, the core gameplay is the same but with vast improvements. The chainsaw can be brought down with a few shots, adding skill to the multiplayer whereas everyone just ran around holding "B" in Gears 2. Grenade tagging is more dangerous, and the imbalanced practice of sticking them to walls has been removed - removing some of the tension of turning a corner andIn this sequel to Gears of War 2, the core gameplay is the same but with vast improvements. The chainsaw can be brought down with a few shots, adding skill to the multiplayer whereas everyone just ran around holding "B" in Gears 2. Grenade tagging is more dangerous, and the imbalanced practice of sticking them to walls has been removed - removing some of the tension of turning a corner and encouraging more active gameplay. Overall an improvement, definitely a must-buy for any strategical shooter enthusiast. Just don't play the prequel.… Expand
  40. MikeS.
    Nov 23, 2008
    5
    I was not impressed at all. The storyline was trite and boring, and silly at times. The game play was average, there was nothing "innovative" about it. I caught myself yawning during all of the boss fights--shoot here, mash this button, blah, blah. All I saw, from beginning to end, was basically an over-hyped, button-mashing, shooter. After finishing this mediocre game, I'm stillI was not impressed at all. The storyline was trite and boring, and silly at times. The game play was average, there was nothing "innovative" about it. I caught myself yawning during all of the boss fights--shoot here, mash this button, blah, blah. All I saw, from beginning to end, was basically an over-hyped, button-mashing, shooter. After finishing this mediocre game, I'm still reading the reviews and trying to figure out what everyone is so excited about.… Expand
  41. Sam
    Nov 4, 2008
    8
    Solid. There are sequences where I regret giving the game anything lower than a 9.5, but they're overshadowed by a constant reliance on the cover system. The cover system is very good when used sparingly. Jumping from cover to cover to dodge enemy attacks and find new areas to get a better shot at the enemy is perfect, but waiting 10 minutes behind the same slab of concrete and blind Solid. There are sequences where I regret giving the game anything lower than a 9.5, but they're overshadowed by a constant reliance on the cover system. The cover system is very good when used sparingly. Jumping from cover to cover to dodge enemy attacks and find new areas to get a better shot at the enemy is perfect, but waiting 10 minutes behind the same slab of concrete and blind firing is tiresome and more often than the former use. As expected, the game often suffers from repetition. Since it constantly repeats the bad bits it makes the great bits more enjoyable...but the bad bits need some serious working. I'm heavily looking forward to the sequel.… Expand
  42. JosueRomero
    Nov 4, 2008
    10
    this game is incredible!!! I bought it after a year it had come out... I boought this game and COD 4, and if I had a decision between the 2 I would prefer GOW , the story is immersive, and for those who just say COD 4 is better, remember this COD 4 came out a year after GOW, a lot of time to improve. and now that Gears of War 2 is coming out in 3 more days, I'm so phyched!!!! And itthis game is incredible!!! I bought it after a year it had come out... I boought this game and COD 4, and if I had a decision between the 2 I would prefer GOW , the story is immersive, and for those who just say COD 4 is better, remember this COD 4 came out a year after GOW, a lot of time to improve. and now that Gears of War 2 is coming out in 3 more days, I'm so phyched!!!! And it got a 95 from Metacritic!!! In my opinion GOW 2 is gonna rule, and COD 5 is gonna go down the toilet!… Expand
  43. JoeSoars
    Nov 3, 2008
    9
    3 days until #2 arrives, and I have been playing #1 all over again to hone my skills, and I have to say that even though I have a MASSIVE pile of unplayed games, this has not left my drive since I put it in again!!! Still one of the BEST games ever made!!! Here's to #2!!!
  44. CharlieD
    Oct 26, 2008
    9
    One of my first games on the X-Box 360. At firsti thought it was a terrible game. But now that i finnaly undersatnd the story and the gameplay it is a fantastic game that most people would love. My only downside is the diffiuclty, it either mantains the same, gets easier or harder. But where else would you get a game that has a chainsaw!? Overall, a 9.5
  45. JB
    Oct 12, 2008
    6
    This game has good visual display and satisfying animations and gore etc. - but i find it vastly inferior in it supposed strength - its "innovative" cover system and game play mechanics... The game is way to clunky, slow and generally unsatisfying - with the exception of the chainsaw, I will take COD4 over this any day.
  46. MikeB.
    Sep 30, 2008
    9
    Fun, fast paced and heavily-violent gameplay and great graphics for when it released. Difficulty can be infuriating at times, both in single player and multiplay, but that's just part of the challenge. Definitely a hardcore shooter.
  47. JeffBevan
    Sep 21, 2008
    10
    One of the best XBOX 360 games to date - this being said almost 2 years after it's release. Amazing graphics and storyline combined with intense action sequences and innovative weapons make this game a must own for any fan of the genre.

    The enemies, the Locust, are truly frightening and add a heightened sense of fear to the gameplay. The gamer can sense that these guys are big,    One of the best XBOX 360 games to date - this being said almost 2 years after it's release. Amazing graphics and storyline combined with intense action sequences and innovative weapons make this game a must own for any fan of the genre.

    The enemies, the Locust, are truly frightening and add a heightened sense of fear to the gameplay. The gamer can sense that these guys are big, solid, and mean as all hell. To add to this - they aren't brought down easily at all - a formidable enemy to say the least. The deep, rumbling vioces of the Boomers from the road ahead leaves gamers scrambling for cover while the ear shattering shrieks of the wretches invoke a sense of panic from deep within the gamer's guts. Perhaps the best enemy in any action-horror game to date - the Berserker. Completely original, the Berserkers are blind and hunt you with their ears and sense of smell. One encounter with one of these monsters has the gamer going from literally holding his breath on the couch while he attempts to silently maneuver his character around the Berserker to a white knuckle "flee-for-all" as you run for your mother-lovin' life! You have never experienced fear from a video game like you do when you're running as fast as you possibly can all the while hearing the walls smash behind you as the beast pursues you with no other desire than to violently dismember you with her bare hands.
    I could literally go on for hours about this game, but the only way to truly understand the masterpiece that this game is is to play it for yourself. Just buy it - you will not regret it!    … Expand
  48. IbrahimD
    Sep 14, 2008
    9
    State of the art graphics, a great multi player, and great gameplay lead to this EPIC success.
  49. dangcucud
    Aug 17, 2008
    10
    Glicthy or not; Gears MP gets your heart pounding... in a good way. I hope GOW2 gets things better as in Halo 3; i heard they would be doing something similar *(such as new host selected if the host leaves). here's hoping for the best. GOW2= Must Buy.
  50. LeonardA.
    Aug 14, 2008
    7
    This is a great game. The acting and story sucks though. I wasn't impressed at all besides the graphics and the chainsaw. Oh yea and lots of blood. Thats about it. I prefer the T rated Uncharted: Drakes Fortune over this. I'm not exaggerating either. Uncharted is superior to this game.
  51. Miika
    Aug 1, 2008
    7
    One of the most over-rated 360 games. A mediocre shooter with clumsy controls and covering system. The gameplay itself is very repetitive. I find it kinda awkward that this game takes itself so seriously. Come on, big men killing big monsters with big guns. Buckets of blood, stupid dialogue and other childish stuff only teenage boys might find cool. Nothing wrong with all that except the One of the most over-rated 360 games. A mediocre shooter with clumsy controls and covering system. The gameplay itself is very repetitive. I find it kinda awkward that this game takes itself so seriously. Come on, big men killing big monsters with big guns. Buckets of blood, stupid dialogue and other childish stuff only teenage boys might find cool. Nothing wrong with all that except the fact that GoW does all that and then says with a deadpan face: "This is SERIOUS".… Expand
  52. MiguelR.
    Jul 22, 2008
    7
    Bad single player, horrible plot, stupid characters, and an uninspired universe. The puzzles are terrible and the scripted moments suck. The shooting is the only redeeming aspect.
  53. JaredK.
    Jul 16, 2008
    9
    This game is well made and just brings you into the environment. The cover and running are my favorite parts of the game.
  54. WilliamJ.
    Jul 12, 2008
    6
    Gears of war is a good game, but is, from its core flawed. The gameplay is basic but changes in the short 7 hour campaign to become varyed, such as riding a vehicle or sniping enemys out. This isn't a deep game and continues to give a basic story, half explaining the full story, and then ending on a cliff hanger. It has texture pop-in, and plenty of bugs. The online is ok, but it Gears of war is a good game, but is, from its core flawed. The gameplay is basic but changes in the short 7 hour campaign to become varyed, such as riding a vehicle or sniping enemys out. This isn't a deep game and continues to give a basic story, half explaining the full story, and then ending on a cliff hanger. It has texture pop-in, and plenty of bugs. The online is ok, but it will only appeal to some becuase of the 1 life per round structure, its also a bit repetitive and has no reward system like cod 4s. The graphics are very depressing and grey. It looks to similar to UT:3, and has clearly taken huge amounts of ideas from the series.The technical side of this game is great, but is showcased in ways that try to show a limit of the hardware, instead of say Viva Pianata that has hugely origiunal charecters and artwork, all not meant to look real. All in all i hate this game but appreciate the unreal engine behind it all.… Expand
  55. Mr.Gunther
    Jul 10, 2008
    7
    I feel this game is greatly overrated. Sure it shines at times, mainly during the co-op campaign, which itself is one of the best out there yet far too short. Single player is dull and lifeless however and online play gets very boring very quickly, using the same duck and cover game mechanic over and over again gets old-fast. An intense and gripping 3rd person shooter then that suffers I feel this game is greatly overrated. Sure it shines at times, mainly during the co-op campaign, which itself is one of the best out there yet far too short. Single player is dull and lifeless however and online play gets very boring very quickly, using the same duck and cover game mechanic over and over again gets old-fast. An intense and gripping 3rd person shooter then that suffers from a bland, very grey colour scheme, a campaign that is far too short, repetitive gameplay and a very hardcore "noob hating" online community… Expand
  56. Notafanboy
    Jul 9, 2008
    10
    I could go on for pages about this game. One of the few games to deliver. What makes this game great is the features it brings. The chainsaw will keep newcomers happy in a sadistic way for some time, as well as the curb stomp, which after two years is still great fun. The graphics are right up there with the greats, even after all this time. I still haven't put this game down, truly I could go on for pages about this game. One of the few games to deliver. What makes this game great is the features it brings. The chainsaw will keep newcomers happy in a sadistic way for some time, as well as the curb stomp, which after two years is still great fun. The graphics are right up there with the greats, even after all this time. I still haven't put this game down, truly breathtaking.… Expand
  57. Kyle
    Jun 27, 2008
    10
    This game its just great, awesome graphics and gameplay.
  58. Barry
    Jun 24, 2008
    7
    According to Games Master it is the best game they have ever seen. Well, seen is the strong defining word as it was probably the best game to look at around (upon release) but in terms of gameplay, certainly not. Very linear and scripted but to be fair i don't think it deserves to get anything lower than a 6.
  59. AaronM
    Jun 22, 2008
    8
    Rent it, it's fun one time through, then it sucks. The story, characters, and acting are all terrible. Hey, at least the chainsaw is pretty cool.
  60. ZK.
    Jun 18, 2008
    8
    This game is the best co-op campaign on the 360. That being said, single player is boring and the multiplayer is mediocre at best. The game is very glitchy, especially in multiplayer.
  61. LucaM.
    Jun 17, 2008
    10
    One of the few REAL next gen & innovative and fun to play videogame up to date. And a great new IP!
  62. MaycoS.
    May 16, 2008
    8
    Great game!!! the only issues that i found was a little bit of camera trouble in confined spaces...all the rest is awesome!!!
  63. IanR.
    May 12, 2008
    7
    I borrowed this game from a friend thinking it was gonna be a definitive title but this game is heavily overrated. This shooting system is flawed and they stole aspects of the game from other games. Like the monster that only hears by sound. Thats from resident evil 4 Its not bad but it doesn't deserve the praise that it gets. The landscapes are beautiful but the characters look like I borrowed this game from a friend thinking it was gonna be a definitive title but this game is heavily overrated. This shooting system is flawed and they stole aspects of the game from other games. Like the monster that only hears by sound. Thats from resident evil 4 Its not bad but it doesn't deserve the praise that it gets. The landscapes are beautiful but the characters look like original xbox graphics.… Expand
  64. GuyWithGoodTaste
    May 10, 2008
    3
    This is one of the worst games I have ever played. It really says a lot about the state of the games industry when THIS game gets high marks. Repetitive, short, and just generally soul crushing. It's only redeeming aspect is the graphics, which aren't all that dazzling when they make the transition from screen shot to actual game. Gears of War is the very definition of This is one of the worst games I have ever played. It really says a lot about the state of the games industry when THIS game gets high marks. Repetitive, short, and just generally soul crushing. It's only redeeming aspect is the graphics, which aren't all that dazzling when they make the transition from screen shot to actual game. Gears of War is the very definition of mediocrity. Avoid at all costs. It's not even worth it if it's free.… Expand
  65. Joem
    Apr 10, 2008
    10
    Gears of War has to be the top game ever made for the Xbox 360!! No-one should give this game lower than an 8 because the Graphics of the game a immense, the gory shotgun kills, how people blow up with the wonderful BOOMSHOT and how peoples heads explode when you get a headshot with the sniper rifle. GOW Rules!!!
  66. Jag
    Apr 1, 2008
    9
    Gears of war is a third person game. It has some brand new gameplay ideas such as the new cover system. This is somewhat realistic and keeps the game play flowing. Taking cover isn't the only advantage. You can roll, summersalt forward, and do a pretty cool backwards maneuver. All these maneuvers have their own purpose and are pretty fun to do. However like just about every other Gears of war is a third person game. It has some brand new gameplay ideas such as the new cover system. This is somewhat realistic and keeps the game play flowing. Taking cover isn't the only advantage. You can roll, summersalt forward, and do a pretty cool backwards maneuver. All these maneuvers have their own purpose and are pretty fun to do. However like just about every other game out there this game does have gameplay flaws. All the keys to survival are on one button. The A button. This button controls taking cover getting uot of cover in unique ways(like SW.A.T turn, leaping over, diving,ect, some pretty cool stuff) summersalting, dodging, sprinting the backwards maneuver. All these actions on one button can have you doing one thing when you really want to do another. For example: if you are aprothing an object and plan to use it as cover,when you hit the A button you guy could end up summersalting past it leaving you out in the open in which you will probably die. Situations like this can lead to frustration however the more you play the more you will learn to react and counter unlucky insidinses. This game has a real story with really well developed characters. The dialog is very clever at times and each of you men has their own personality. You could very well find your self liking and disliking characters for real reasons. Like you may not like the way they act or you may like the way they act. So you won't find you self liking a guy for his skill in battle or not liking him for his flaws in a fight, or at least most of the time. Which brings us to A.I. The A.I. was fairly good. Your guys will leap away from explosions, pick up other weapons and can save you life. But just because they can doesn't mean they will. They will screw up from time to time but nothing big enough to lower the score. Enemy A.I was pretty impressive. They will flank and they are pretty good shots which gives you even more of a reason to take cover. Physics were amazing. You can blow an enemy into pieces and even them the physics are great when the pieces hit the ground. Graphics were mind blowing. Everything was so detailed. Its still one of the best looking games to date even two years later. As far as weapons go this game has a fairly small but wicked deadly arsenal. When I say deadly I mean deadly. Weapons such as the sniper rifle are awesome. You can literely CAP you enemys with it. The torque bow is pretty cool. Its a bow with an exploding arrow. The Hammer of dawn and the primary weapon the Lancer, a full auto assult rifle with a chainsaw attached to the bottom. This game is really violent. From the chain sawing to the curb stomping its all satisfying. The only things that keep this from getting perfect was the gameplay flaws and I didn't like the way some of the guys acted but if you have a 360 I recommend this. It PWN3S.… Expand
  67. MichaelMones
    Mar 22, 2008
    3
    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.
  68. Destructed
    Mar 11, 2008
    9
    Personally, I think you just suck at playing video games Justin. It's called skill. The controls aren't clumsy, YOU are. As for the lighting....maybe it's your 12 inch 1990 sylvania that's making it look crappy, sped. Let's not even get started with you Neville...a zero? I could make a game that's worth more than a zero. Once again, you have the same problemPersonally, I think you just suck at playing video games Justin. It's called skill. The controls aren't clumsy, YOU are. As for the lighting....maybe it's your 12 inch 1990 sylvania that's making it look crappy, sped. Let's not even get started with you Neville...a zero? I could make a game that's worth more than a zero. Once again, you have the same problem as Justin. YOU SUCK. Seriously. Spare us all and stop playing video games and writing your special education opinion on this site. Grow some sack hair and kiss a girl then get back to me.… Expand
  69. Viseage
    Mar 6, 2008
    8
    I don't understand why a lot of people say that this game is "overrated" when some of them are clearly halo fanboys. And complain about the controls? I only get stuck to a wall like once every week because I get distracted. I mean you guys must really suck, and complaining about the ducking? well you see theres this thing called taking cover from bullets flying past your head! not I don't understand why a lot of people say that this game is "overrated" when some of them are clearly halo fanboys. And complain about the controls? I only get stuck to a wall like once every week because I get distracted. I mean you guys must really suck, and complaining about the ducking? well you see theres this thing called taking cover from bullets flying past your head! not being rambo (aka halo) and owning a bunch of aliens on your own. I say its a good game. I can see my team mates and who's the enemy just fine (as I'm not blind *cough*) Anyways, this is a great game not UBER MICRO 1337 but its good! If you play consoles a lot the controls are just fine the graphics were great lest we not forget it was made in 2006 and the storyline was just fine as I was mostly paying attention to blowing locust heads off not being QQ about storyline. Multiplayer may not be a big awesome war but my heart gets pumping when I'm in cover and they run at me with a shotty.… Expand
  70. BillyB.
    Mar 1, 2008
    10
    The so called gamers that gave low scores, either have no idea what they are doing, or just don't know one of the best games to come on in the last 10 years! It's strategic, it makes you protect yourself, and flank, and get down or you will die. Unlike other shotters where you can just run and jump, or see who unloads the weapon first to get the kill, gears makes you play smart, The so called gamers that gave low scores, either have no idea what they are doing, or just don't know one of the best games to come on in the last 10 years! It's strategic, it makes you protect yourself, and flank, and get down or you will die. Unlike other shotters where you can just run and jump, or see who unloads the weapon first to get the kill, gears makes you play smart, and work together as a team online, and in the single player coop. It's an amazing game, and the haters are probably still playing 360 ports on their choppy ps3. A worthy buy, and get it now if you haven't played it, because Gear of War 2 is hitting and it's been in production since before the first one released. Get ready cause it's only getting better!… Expand
  71. AuggieA.
    Feb 27, 2008
    8
    Gears of War has to be one of the most important games to come out for the 360, Halo 3 and Gears of War were the 2 games that represented the 360. They both were superb but my only problem with Gears of War is the length of the game, and the boss battle. There were only 5 Acts meaning that the game really would have had like 10 levels. I beat the game in about 2 days and the boss was way Gears of War has to be one of the most important games to come out for the 360, Halo 3 and Gears of War were the 2 games that represented the 360. They both were superb but my only problem with Gears of War is the length of the game, and the boss battle. There were only 5 Acts meaning that the game really would have had like 10 levels. I beat the game in about 2 days and the boss was way to easy. The multiplayer is said to be one of the best and I only played it once, but the time I did play it I didn't think it was amazing. Other than this the game was perfect. It wasn't about being a badass, though it ended up that they all gave off that vibe. It was more about being the underdog, this alien species is superior and yet you get out of it alive. Almost perfect game but everything has it's flaws.… Expand
  72. Fenix
    Feb 21, 2008
    9
    This game is, ironically, Epic! I really, really, enjoy playing it. The control scheme is great and even though it takes place in the future you can see a lot of realism in it. For instance, the Locust can take more damage than you, making you constantly have to take cover and you have to help your guys if they get gunned down. They game is fairly linear, but thats not necessarily a bad This game is, ironically, Epic! I really, really, enjoy playing it. The control scheme is great and even though it takes place in the future you can see a lot of realism in it. For instance, the Locust can take more damage than you, making you constantly have to take cover and you have to help your guys if they get gunned down. They game is fairly linear, but thats not necessarily a bad thing. There is a lot of crap you can do with it. You can't just run and gun, you have to use tactics. The ability of giving squad orders is a very helpful tool in combat. The graphics in this game are great. The graphics and visuals are probably the most interesting thing in the game. Because the game is kinda linear, it freed up developers to make the graphics really good. the lighting and shadowing effects are great, also the physics are pretty good. There really is a lot more I could say about this game, but I don't want to make my review longer than it already is. Basically it's a great game and you should buy it, no matter what kind of gamer you are!… Expand
  73. Spartan
    Feb 18, 2008
    10
    Don't pay attention to the reviews down here, about 90some% of them are from biased PS3 or Wii fans. instead read the ones from pro critics that are so good they get paid to do it.
  74. JobA.
    Feb 17, 2008
    10
    It's really hard to review a game like this 'cause it's just about as perfect as you can get for a game like this. I might be writing this review kinda late but, come on, what games out there that have been made since the beginning that can even compare to Gears of War and Bioshock? In 24 years of Gaming I have never come across anything. This game is deeper than deep in It's really hard to review a game like this 'cause it's just about as perfect as you can get for a game like this. I might be writing this review kinda late but, come on, what games out there that have been made since the beginning that can even compare to Gears of War and Bioshock? In 24 years of Gaming I have never come across anything. This game is deeper than deep in game play period. It was ahead of its' time to be frank. The best part is that it was an exclusive title to the 360 and Windows. That goes the same for Bioshock. The PS people have nothing on these two games and never will. This game will be the kind of game where you can put it in 5-7 years from the date it was produced and game companies will still be comparing their games they're making to it. It's that good, that perfect and that much ahead of its time. I rate this game an 11 for one of those rare, special games of its' generation.… Expand
  75. Anthony
    Feb 17, 2008
    10
    Very good game. Single player is nice and long and there is some challenges. Being able to play Single co-op makes it twice as fun but can get frustrating if your friend doesn't know how to play. Multiplayer is fun, they come out with new maps for multiplayer keeping the game fun and interesting.
  76. Justin
    Feb 11, 2008
    2
    I stopped playing within the first 10 minutes because: 1. The "training mission" that might as well have never existed 2. The very clumsy controls 3. Most importantly, the lighting that made the game almost painful to look at. I didn't even get to what some have described as a lame story/weapons selection/dialogue/etc. Save your money; go buy the Orange Box or COD4.
  77. TARGET1058
    Feb 10, 2008
    7
    Solid single player and co-op. A good shooter, but a very slow and limited multiplayer.
  78. JeffB.
    Feb 6, 2008
    1
    Two big reasons I was turned off to this game: 1)The grayed out screen had me shooting my own guys as often as the enemy because I couldn't tell them apart. 2)The most important part of the game is HIDING. What fun is a game where HIDING is the most important skill to learn? I am trying to have FUN, not learning how to duck and cover. I know that some of this needs to be involved, Two big reasons I was turned off to this game: 1)The grayed out screen had me shooting my own guys as often as the enemy because I couldn't tell them apart. 2)The most important part of the game is HIDING. What fun is a game where HIDING is the most important skill to learn? I am trying to have FUN, not learning how to duck and cover. I know that some of this needs to be involved, but this much? Very frustrating to play a game where most of it involves taking cover, and then accidentally shooting your own guys(when the cumbersome aiming allows you to actually hit anything at all). Amazed at how highly rated this game is when I see how good the other games receiving similar ratings are. And I have heard it is short too, although I will never find out myself. Glad I got it used - if I return it fast I can get decent store credit.… Expand
  79. NevilleS.
    Jan 30, 2008
    0
    This is one of those "am I playing the same game?" moments. Controls are clunky and cumbersome and unintuitive. The "training" session to get you into the game is appalling. The "multifunction" cover button never does what you want or expect - endless rolling around on the floor when you want to mantle or hide. Graphics are so greyed out and poorly defined that you can't tell team This is one of those "am I playing the same game?" moments. Controls are clunky and cumbersome and unintuitive. The "training" session to get you into the game is appalling. The "multifunction" cover button never does what you want or expect - endless rolling around on the floor when you want to mantle or hide. Graphics are so greyed out and poorly defined that you can't tell team members from foes. Plot, bad-guys, voices and weapons so cliched they may as well not exist - oh look it's THE HORDE ffs! Oh look - the baddies all look like they are from Alien. Oh look - there's a cute chick giving you instructions in your ear! Maybe the PC version is better - but having to come out of cover, twiddle endlessly with the stick to get an aim while getting shot up is DULL DULL DULL Did absolutely nothing to suck me in or make me want to play further than level one. What the hell am I missing?… Expand
  80. David
    Jan 24, 2008
    8
    It's gorgeous, and the run-cover-shoot combat is intense, gratifying and deceptively tactical. So good is the combat, in fact, that it makes up for most of the rest of the game being utterly linear, conventional, and possessing a cliched story that descends immediately into self-parody. Take it tongue in cheek and you'll enjoy it.
  81. CMode
    Jan 23, 2008
    10
    I cannot believe that there are people out there that feel this masterpiece deserves a score less than perfect... this game is flawless and anybody that feels otherwise is seriously misled... I get the feeling that the naysayers simply do not own a X360 and/or a powerful PC and simply hate on the game because it is not available on their system.
  82. SeanD.
    Jan 16, 2008
    10
    This is the game that I continue to put in my 360 every time I am on it... It's the game that you can always play because you won't get tired of it. No, I'm not talking about the so-so campaign, I'm talking about playing online. This game is amazing once you get the hang of it and there is a lot of depth as well. This to me is the must-have title on the 360 (if not This is the game that I continue to put in my 360 every time I am on it... It's the game that you can always play because you won't get tired of it. No, I'm not talking about the so-so campaign, I'm talking about playing online. This game is amazing once you get the hang of it and there is a lot of depth as well. This to me is the must-have title on the 360 (if not this then bioshock). Although there is sometimes lag online, just join matches that you have a good connection with. Whoever says that the cover system is not innovative obviously hasn't played many other FPS's or doesn't often play gears. I am jealous of the developers of gears 2 just because the cover system works so well. I can't think of playing without it and whenever I start playing another game I realize how sad it is that they don't have a cover system even comparable.… Expand
  83. HarrisB.
    Jan 15, 2008
    10
    By far the best online gaming so far! awesome graphics and excellent gameplay!
  84. JohnD.
    Jan 7, 2008
    6
    Dull, textureless, predictable. Graphics a symphony in grubby browns, sound tinny, gameplay based on a cover system which appears innovative for around five minutes but has nothing deeper to offer. Nothing too much wrong with it, but it's a very long way from the kind of quality you might expect given the reviews.
  85. DannyS.
    Dec 31, 2007
    10
    By far the best campaign mode in a game on X360! Gorgeous graphics, sound, and gameplay!!
  86. CoryD.
    Dec 27, 2007
    9
    Stunning visuals.. doesn't have the replay value of the Halo franchise, but one of the must-have games for the 360. ;)
  87. AJRipt3r
    Dec 24, 2007
    10
    Dude Messiah L. Ur a fucking inbred retard. This game isnt that difficult you just suck to much ass. But this game is fucking kick ass. Unique weapons and story, Re4 gameplay engine, great graphics and sound, this game was well worth the 60 dollars it was. A great game all around. The story and multiplayer is just awesome. The only thing that keeps this from being a perfect game is thatDude Messiah L. Ur a fucking inbred retard. This game isnt that difficult you just suck to much ass. But this game is fucking kick ass. Unique weapons and story, Re4 gameplay engine, great graphics and sound, this game was well worth the 60 dollars it was. A great game all around. The story and multiplayer is just awesome. The only thing that keeps this from being a perfect game is that online gameplay can be frustrating with host and laggy bullets.… Expand
  88. JacoboT.
    Dec 18, 2007
    10
    It deserves an 11. I used to love halo, now it is nothing in comparison. This game in comparison to Resistance: Fall of Man is amusing, resistance is like a dumb little kid, and gears is a grown super-genius with a machinegun.
  89. KadathB.
    Dec 17, 2007
    10
    Epic used to have a much larger name- 'Epic Mega Games'. Gears of War is their first game to truly be Epic, or a Mega Game, since the original, and still best, Unreal. In fact, it's sweeter. Gears of War is a thrill ride. It is not a BioShock style 'choose your own adventure' game where the gameplay changes based on ones decisions in the gameworld, it is rather a Epic used to have a much larger name- 'Epic Mega Games'. Gears of War is their first game to truly be Epic, or a Mega Game, since the original, and still best, Unreal. In fact, it's sweeter. Gears of War is a thrill ride. It is not a BioShock style 'choose your own adventure' game where the gameplay changes based on ones decisions in the gameworld, it is rather a movie-quality thrill ride, you strap in, let the graphics and sound suck you in, and then let the rest of the game blow you away. Gears of War is the only true 'Adventure' game that also plays like a shooter. While it's story is not the greatest, it's thrills are worthy of Indiana Jones and Alien. It's adventure and horror, fun and gore. In fact, speaking of Indiana Jones, one of my favourite parts is a section where you go for a ride in a mining cart. This is like one of those Hollywood blockbusters that may not have much to say in it's word or message, but everything else is just.. FUN. Despite it's dark premise, theres quite a bit of humour and adventure, and even a few pretty damn creepy moments, including a couple nods to it's inspiration, Resident Evil. Gears Of War is not entirely on the rails though, you do get to play the game, and it is a unique game at that. The strategy involved is minor, but the cover system is the first in any game to truly be unique and entertaining. It gets even better online, where Strategy does show it's true form, though balls to the wall splatterfests [where you massacre the other team as a one man army] can sometiimes be more exhilarating leading your team to victory, if your team is exceptionally bad. The graphics are gorgeous. The music is great, except for a couple out of place metal guitar riffs, and the guns sound like guns, and the villains sound menacing. The dialogue isn't brilliant, and the characters are thin, but their characters are brought out by great points of humour and good voice acting (Except for Fenix, who tries to hard to sound like a Vin Diesel with rocks stuck in his throat.). The game is truly Epic, and it is worth playing through several times just to enjoy the experience, and the multiplayer is there if Singeplayer games get old to you after awhile. It's a great package, and a truly Epic game.… Expand
  90. MessiahLee
    Dec 13, 2007
    0
    A generic, mediocre shooter of the most depthless proportions. My opinion of this game is hardly marred by its difficulty, Abdul, but its been-there-done-that gameplay.
    I think it's funny that you claim Mass Effect's storyline was awful, and then you gave Gears of War, an entire experience that can be summarized in one or two paragraphs at Wikipedia, and finished in less than    A generic, mediocre shooter of the most depthless proportions. My opinion of this game is hardly marred by its difficulty, Abdul, but its been-there-done-that gameplay.
    I think it's funny that you claim Mass Effect's storyline was awful, and then you gave Gears of War, an entire experience that can be summarized in one or two paragraphs at Wikipedia, and finished in less than 6 hours on HARDCORE MODE, a perfect 10.
    You're an idiot.    … Expand
  91. AbdulS.
    Dec 10, 2007
    10
    One of the best games on 360, story could be a little longer, but it is great. the multiplayer is competative and really fun. still best graphics. the only people that do not like this game suck at it.
  92. Exosus
    Dec 2, 2007
    4
    IT works. It lacks any major glitches. Beyond that, there is nothing to recommend this game. It is boring, repetitive, formulaic, and above all else mundane. It is the quintessential second-rate shooter, embodying all that is and can be wrong with the FPS genre. The online is boring to the point of unplayability, the offline held together simply by polish. They did what they set out to IT works. It lacks any major glitches. Beyond that, there is nothing to recommend this game. It is boring, repetitive, formulaic, and above all else mundane. It is the quintessential second-rate shooter, embodying all that is and can be wrong with the FPS genre. The online is boring to the point of unplayability, the offline held together simply by polish. They did what they set out to do, they made what they set out to make. They just forgot to make sure that goal was . . . you know . . . good.… Expand
  93. PaxtonC.
    Nov 19, 2007
    7
    decent. Looks great, but Epic made a mistake by trying to impress the community with real-time-rendered cinematics. They just don't look as good as they could. Fun campaign, but I wasn't a fan of the multiplayer, the achievements were too hard to get. Also, no ranking system makes for a highly unbalanced matchmaking. RENT first, THEN buy.
  94. JonB.
    Nov 11, 2007
    9
    This game does everything right. From the first moment you exit your jailroom, seeing the face of your mate Dominique Santiago, you know this ll be a thrilling experience. And it is. Gears of war offers you great graphics, even grater gameplay and a better story then the other comments on this site suggest. The only shortcoming Epic coudnt evade, is that the game only takes you 7 hours of This game does everything right. From the first moment you exit your jailroom, seeing the face of your mate Dominique Santiago, you know this ll be a thrilling experience. And it is. Gears of war offers you great graphics, even grater gameplay and a better story then the other comments on this site suggest. The only shortcoming Epic coudnt evade, is that the game only takes you 7 hours of gameplay on Hardcore-modus. But then again, you'll restart, to kill one of those Berserkers on Insane-modus, or to just run throught the game with one of your friends, enjoying the great split-screen mode. Gears of War is what I call a Testosteron Game: you feel like a little boy, who just has seen ninja turtles on telly, and imitates all their moves on the school's playground. Another example of a game that makes you feel like this, is PS2's God of War. God of War, Gears of War: both of them are superb. So run to the neares gameshop en ask for Epic's Testosteron Game!… Expand
  95. GregD.
    Nov 10, 2007
    6
    I was hoping for something different from the usual shooter nonsense when I began this game, but I did not find it. The first act of GOW is interesting. The enemy AI is smart and aggressive; squad mates handle themselves well, thus freeing you up to perform flanking manoeuvres; and the action is quick and bloody. But from then on it becomes a typically monotonous and disappointing FPS I was hoping for something different from the usual shooter nonsense when I began this game, but I did not find it. The first act of GOW is interesting. The enemy AI is smart and aggressive; squad mates handle themselves well, thus freeing you up to perform flanking manoeuvres; and the action is quick and bloody. But from then on it becomes a typically monotonous and disappointing FPS because of bland graphics and boring maps (vaguely reminiscent of NAMCO's Sniper Elite), cliched characters and dialog, and silly weapons (torquebow and bolo-grenades) and boss battles. It is these boss battles that make GOW no different from the average Shooter. If they had been left out, the game could have flowed smoothly from beginning to end and been made interesting and enjoyable enough to replay; it will quickly collect dust on my shelf. Also, active reloading is an annoying gimmick and the duck and cover system --- clearly borrowed from NAMCO's Kill.Switch --- has a few bugs in it that can frustrate even the best of players. The only thing that really keeps one going in this game are the achievement points and searching for COG Tags, but that is not enough to justify the $60 price tag. So, rent it, borrow it, or buy it used, and use your money to buy the truly great games: Halo 3, Bioshock, Call of Duty 4.… Expand
  96. JasonL.
    Nov 7, 2007
    6
    The campaign is good, I mean the story is uninspiring and the dialogue is just stupid but the gameplay it's self is very satisfying. The reason I score this low is that the campaign is pretty short and the multiplayer is one of the most broken things I have ever seen. I don't even know where to begin on how screwed up the physics are in multiplayer. Anyone reading this be warned The campaign is good, I mean the story is uninspiring and the dialogue is just stupid but the gameplay it's self is very satisfying. The reason I score this low is that the campaign is pretty short and the multiplayer is one of the most broken things I have ever seen. I don't even know where to begin on how screwed up the physics are in multiplayer. Anyone reading this be warned that the multiplayer will frustrate you.… Expand
  97. LarsB.
    Nov 7, 2007
    8
    A graphical wonderful game with a good atmosphere. not so good in storytelling, but deep in experience and very brutal. at least there are a lot of better games on the xbox360, also in graphics but this is definitely one of the better ones.
  98. A.Nonymous
    Nov 6, 2007
    8
    The more I played this game, the more it's flaws began to appear. One of the most noticeable problems is the plot, or lack thereof. To actually get any story, you have to read the manual. Secondly, is lack of variety. The firstplayer campaign is short and not-too-sweet. I wouldn't have finished it if I hadn't been co-oping. Finally, the baddies. The bosses are incredibly The more I played this game, the more it's flaws began to appear. One of the most noticeable problems is the plot, or lack thereof. To actually get any story, you have to read the manual. Secondly, is lack of variety. The firstplayer campaign is short and not-too-sweet. I wouldn't have finished it if I hadn't been co-oping. Finally, the baddies. The bosses are incredibly unchallenging, the enemies have an annoying bullet-withstanding tenacity and the each section basically follows the same formula; find cover, lean out to shoot for a while, rinse and repeat.… Expand
  99. SamF.
    Oct 30, 2007
    9
    Being a FPS Fan I thought I would not enjoy this third person type of gameplay. But This game's controls and gameplay really rock. Taking cover is a cool new way to play a shooter game. The only negative is the muted colors which Should have been a bit more colorful but not Too much.
  100. WyattG.
    Oct 30, 2007
    10
    If you like shooters like I do, then Gears of War is as close to perfection in a shooter game that is currently available on the 360. I am hard pressed to find anything wrong with this game. The graphics, gameplay, weapons and sounds are all fantastic. The 3rd person view and the cover system helps distinguish it from other shooters. The online and offline co-op means that you will want If you like shooters like I do, then Gears of War is as close to perfection in a shooter game that is currently available on the 360. I am hard pressed to find anything wrong with this game. The graphics, gameplay, weapons and sounds are all fantastic. The 3rd person view and the cover system helps distinguish it from other shooters. The online and offline co-op means that you will want to play this game from begining to end multiple times. Then once you are done with the campaign mode it is the multiplayer that will occupy your time on the 360 for a long while. The matches may only be 4 v 4 max, but once you start playing you will soon realise why as the action is so full on that any more players would be pure mayhem. The number of maps available is good and the variety of locations between maps will test you in different ways. WARNING : You will think that you know how to play this game after playing the campaign mode on the hardest difficulty, the truth is that the multiplayer will show you that you really know nothing. Gears of War multiplayer is the home of the hardcore player, and your ass will be owned for ages until you get use to the maps and weapons. That said, your first chainsaw kill will put a smile on your face a mile wide and make you want to play more and more to do it again ! My only criticism with this game lies in the multiplayer where the online lag when shooting is one of the worst I have seen, but the action is so good that you will soon learn to work with it. If you like shooters and can't give this game a 10 then I suggest you sell your 360 and do something else.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2006
1
#1 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2006
2
#2 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2006

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
94

Universal acclaim - based on 88 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 88 out of 88
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 88
  3. Negative: 0 out of 88
  1. Yahoo!
    90
    The hallmark of Gears' weapon design is the balance of powerful tools with critical, exploitable weaknesses, and it's executed with real finesse.
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  2. 1UP
    100
    Each stage is memorable...They all combine for an unforgettable adventure through 36 hectic, desperate hours of a group of soldiers' lives...A visual and visceral masterpiece.
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  3. TeamXbox
    96
    If you're a graphics whore, you absolutely, positively need to pick this game up. To say that Gears of War features "next-gen graphics" is a gross understatement. It's got the most impressive graphics ever seen in a video game, and the stellar art direction only makes it more beautiful.
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