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. Plixikwhommings
    Nov 8, 2006
    10
    Amazing campaign. Addicting multiplayer. way better than halo. cant wait for the downloadable content.
  2. JamesW.
    Nov 8, 2006
    9
    Overall an excelent game but the horror/survival parts, while they do get your heart rate going, are more of a nusiance rather than something that enhances the game.
  3. FPSMaster
    Nov 8, 2006
    9
    This game is for the most part phenomenal. The presentation is spot on, the graphics are better than any other game ever, the sound is booming, the enemy A.I. makes Halo 2's look weak and the controls are pretty tight. The friendly A.I. is the second worst part of the game as they do nothing but get themselves killed constantly and don't listen to orders. You'll numerous This game is for the most part phenomenal. The presentation is spot on, the graphics are better than any other game ever, the sound is booming, the enemy A.I. makes Halo 2's look weak and the controls are pretty tight. The friendly A.I. is the second worst part of the game as they do nothing but get themselves killed constantly and don't listen to orders. You'll numerous times go out to get them up and die yourself. The story seems to grow on you the further you play, but isn't as engaging as Halo's. Although the graphics are better than anything else ever, they have still been toned down quite a bit since May 2005 when it was first said to be running in-game and the anti-aliasing isn't running at full steam so there are quite a bit of jaggies with the occasional pop-up and texture swapping. The controls are tight, but using the A button for running AND getting behind cover was a bad design choice. You get stuck on objects when you'd rather be running and sometimes you want to get behind cover and it doesn't work at all leaving you open for death. All in all though, I have never had this much fun with a single player game. It plays like a great cross between GRAW and Halo. Kinda realistic, but not so realistic that it gets tedious like GRAW does. Now to the worst part of the game: Multiplayer. The good stuff is the multiplayer looks exactly like single player, meaning it wasn't toned down graphically like just about every other game online on the 360. Now to the bad: There are NO RESPAWNS so for those of us that don't have the time to master this game but just want to play occasionally we are screwed into sitting out most of the time. The controls don't work quite as well online, maybe because of the lag spurts, but it still hurts the gameplay. You'll get behind someone and go to use the chainsaw and nothing happens even when you aren't getting shot at or anything. Just a half animation that even your dead teamates see and say WTF? Why didn't it work? You'll also get chainsawed by someone that's 10 feet away too. Again, a lag issue. But it is to be expected with the engine pushing these graphics with 8 players all at once. Only a few of the weapons can actually kill someone, like the special ones lying around the map but USUALLY not the ones you start with, so most of the time they will only go down from regular weapons and you have to run up to them and kill them with one of your melee attacks. This kinda sucks considering throught the entire campaign these standard weapons work as they should..killing tools. The shotgun can kill someone up close online, but trying this will usually get you chainsawed. The problem with shooting someone and them only going down and not dying is that you just earned a kill and now you have to run out in the open across the map to finish them off leaving yourself vulnerable to being killed while the person you just downed gets back up. And that's how most kills work when you do it with bullets first, so I feel it was a bad design choice making it so easy for people to go down only to have the person that runs out to finish them off get chainsawed again for the 100th time. Basically though, the MP comes down to who can chainsaw who first. This is why I only give this game a 9. You see, the MP is already one of the most simplistic MP games ever, which works better than some other deeper games, but gets cheap when the whole thing comes down to the chainsaw as most of the weapons don't do enough alone. Most of the time people don't even try to play using weapons, cover and the entire map. They just run to the middle of the map and chainsaw it out or run for the sniper rifle making most matches last about 30 seconds. All in all, a great game with a phenominal single player experince I can't wait to play through again and again on the differnt difficulties. The multiplayer on the other hand feels a little thrown together and is nothing more than a showcase for the chainsaw and death animations as nothing else really ever gets you a kill except the occasional sniper rifle or torque bow and the curb stomp which is another move you have to do after downing someone leaving yourself vulnerable yet again. It's still worthy of a purchase anyway just to see it in motion. COD3's online plays better and offers plenty more options, other than the now sorely missing cover feature, but after seeing the graphics in this one COD3 looks like a last gen game making it hard to play at all. Too bad the MP is so bland and cheap in GOW or this would be an almost perfect game. Bots would have helped a lot for practice seeing as the enemy A.I. in the story is better than most human players so far and actually look for cover and don't use cheap tactics like the constant chainsaw for kills.… Expand
  4. JoeP.
    Nov 8, 2006
    10
    The wait for a system seller on Xbox 360 is over. This game lives up to the massive hype and is easily the best game you can buy on Xbox 360. Forget the rest go get yourself Gears of war and enter the real next generation of games. In single player, co-op or online with friends you're going to have the ride of your life.
  5. GatorB.
    Nov 8, 2006
    10
    This is what I envisioned as "Next-Gen" gameplay when I bought the 360 almost a year ago. The single player mode has been a blast, and the chainsaw / rifle may go down as one of the best weapons ever created in videogame history! Can't wait to try out the multi-player co-op!
  6. TankS.
    Nov 8, 2006
    2
    Thoroughly average. Tried and tested game formula is finally getting tiring. All the separate components are nice; graphics, music but is just held back by such repetitive gameplay. I could play this again for an hour and not need to play more.
  7. SteveG.
    Nov 9, 2006
    7
    I have to admit, I fell into all the Hype about this game as well, and it has left me a bit disappointed and $60 poorer. The Graphics are very, very, very good and the sound effects are just the same. The Graphics/Artwork are what I would expect to see from a well produced comic book with "Dark" overtones. The Controls are more than ok, but not great. The maps to me are not as large as I I have to admit, I fell into all the Hype about this game as well, and it has left me a bit disappointed and $60 poorer. The Graphics are very, very, very good and the sound effects are just the same. The Graphics/Artwork are what I would expect to see from a well produced comic book with "Dark" overtones. The Controls are more than ok, but not great. The maps to me are not as large as I expected them to be. To me this game is very reminiscent to KillZone for the PS2, but with better graphics. The real downfall to this game is the Very Limited number of players while playing Online (that is of course you can get online because of the connection problems!). The Online maps are Small compared to the largeness of the Caricatures and scenery. Maybe that's why they only allow a Total of 8 players. 4 on each team. So, you run around wildly while blasting away at your opponent. Hmmm Not much fun after about 15 minutes of that. So kids, that's why I rated this game as I did. I have to say, I wished I didn't open the game so I could take it back to where I bought it. Yours Truly xSkullnBonesx… Expand
  8. JohnN.
    Nov 9, 2006
    10
    If there is one complaint, it's that the single player campaign is too short. You don't wanna stop playing this game. The quick cover A buttom is cool, and the active re-loading feature (once perfected) is awesome... Oh, and it's got the coolest graphics around... 10!
  9. MiguelG.
    Nov 9, 2006
    10
    OH MY GOD!! The true next-gen experience. Cinematic like gameplay from start to end! Want to impress someone ? Show them this! Not even the most powerfull PC can achieve the magnificence of Gears of War! AMAZING!
  10. ChrisL.
    Nov 9, 2006
    10
    Yeah it's been overhyped for a reason.. because it's all true. GOTY by far and away. Poor design?? Little innovation??? Huh?? You are nuts Bob. Best Graphics ever on a console, amazing atmosphere and gameplay, you all will be amazed. If you don't like this game, you obviously have the misguided notion in your head to dislike the game, no matter how good the game actually is.
  11. ArmandoT.
    Nov 9, 2006
    10
    Love this game, the graphics are beautiful to look at and it's fun as hell shooting everything up. This is how a shooter should be.
  12. JoshE.
    Dec 1, 2006
    8
    My favorite part of GoW so far has been the weight of the characters in gameplay. The combination of feedback, speed, and physics gives the game a very physical feel. Everything feels heavy and real, which is a nice feeling over the typical floaty feel of a lot of other games. The running camera angle really adds to the drama. Definitely fun stuff with great coop and online action.
  13. JohnM.
    Dec 13, 2006
    4
    Good graphics, decent gameplay, but quite repetitive. Online co-op is really good, but all other XBOX Live options SUCK. Anything but co-op on Live is TERRIBLE, repeat TERRIBLE. Why couldn't they have just made a regular deathmatch? Not a really great game, but I typically only play online so take my opinion for what it's worth. The story mode may be the greatest ever, but I Good graphics, decent gameplay, but quite repetitive. Online co-op is really good, but all other XBOX Live options SUCK. Anything but co-op on Live is TERRIBLE, repeat TERRIBLE. Why couldn't they have just made a regular deathmatch? Not a really great game, but I typically only play online so take my opinion for what it's worth. The story mode may be the greatest ever, but I wouldn't know.… Expand
  14. AlexC.
    Dec 16, 2006
    1
    When I played Halo, I was amazed. I remember how utterly speechless I was when i played this game. I loved it; the maps were huge, the game was amazing, the storyline was full of mystery, and you could play the same level over and over again and it was still as amazing. Gears of War is not Halo and not worth buying because you can beat it in 7 hours (as I did). I suggest renting it so you When I played Halo, I was amazed. I remember how utterly speechless I was when i played this game. I loved it; the maps were huge, the game was amazing, the storyline was full of mystery, and you could play the same level over and over again and it was still as amazing. Gears of War is not Halo and not worth buying because you can beat it in 7 hours (as I did). I suggest renting it so you can decide for yourself but overall the game is crap. WAY TOO OVERHYPED best describes it for me and not to mention dissapoiting. The potential is there, definately, but if you are looking for the next Halo, I suggest getting FEAR or wait until more games come out. I cannot describe how dissapointed I am with this game; I give it a 1 because at least its resale value is relatively high.… Expand
  15. DightonDeath
    Dec 1, 2006
    9
    Those who are giving this game a negative rating becasue of the controls have been playing to much Halo. Yes, you have to work a littlle at getting the dive and roll thing down, yes there is some lack in variation of gameplay, but saying this game is anything but great is silly. Your getting desensitized. As for the fellow who compared this to PC games.....try playing a game of this Those who are giving this game a negative rating becasue of the controls have been playing to much Halo. Yes, you have to work a littlle at getting the dive and roll thing down, yes there is some lack in variation of gameplay, but saying this game is anything but great is silly. Your getting desensitized. As for the fellow who compared this to PC games.....try playing a game of this caliber on a 399 dollar PC.… Expand
  16. AndrewN.
    Dec 23, 2006
    9
    This is by far the best Xbox 360 game to date. I'm not much for games like Oblivion where you run around and catapult glowy crap at elves in the woods. I really just want to shoot stuff, making Gears of War the game for me. It is visceral, original, and fantastically produced. Everything from the gameplay to the incredible graphics, this is on finely tuned game. The story is a tad This is by far the best Xbox 360 game to date. I'm not much for games like Oblivion where you run around and catapult glowy crap at elves in the woods. I really just want to shoot stuff, making Gears of War the game for me. It is visceral, original, and fantastically produced. Everything from the gameplay to the incredible graphics, this is on finely tuned game. The story is a tad lacking, but every other aspect of the game more than compensates.… Expand
  17. Ste
    Dec 2, 2006
    9
    Excellent graphics, physics, gameplay, sound and most importantly original ideas. The way context sensitivity is used is pure genius and even though the campaign is short, this game has unlimited replay value on Xbox Live. Also it has a gun with a chainsaw attached to it.
  18. AnonymousMC
    Dec 27, 2006
    0
    No, it will never beat Halo.

    Not now, not ever. I didnt like the game at all. too short, to easy, too simple. it may be a little diferent form other shooters, but ... the pourpose is the same as the other shooter games. and, witgought counting, is very violent, as gay as that sounds, people that liked it probably dont have younger brothers. That Game scared the crap outta    No, it will never beat Halo.

    Not now, not ever.

    I didnt like the game at all.

    too short, to easy, too simple.

    it may be a little diferent form other shooters, but ... the pourpose is the same as the other shooter games.

    and, witgought counting, is very violent, as gay as that sounds, people that liked it probably dont have younger brothers.

    That Game scared the crap outta my lil. bro.

    hes only 4, and he had nightmares.    … Expand
  19. Oochypoochy
    Dec 3, 2006
    10
    This game is awesome. Surprisingly good graphics. Great survival game. Everyone should have one.
  20. DakotaA.
    Dec 30, 2006
    10
    ''This game rocks Dudes I swear I loved it the graphics the gameplay. Cover story almast everything in this game I love but the comment is its to darn ''SHORT''! I wish it lasted longer. Also I'm a Halo fan I cant wait to get Halo 3 it might be good but gears rocked my Xbox 360 it was great so I gave it a 10 of 10 well thats all so I'm out DUDES!
  21. MichaelJ.
    Dec 30, 2006
    8
    Overall good game but the levels are a little hard to surpass! But a very excellent game with great graphics.
  22. AnonymousMC
    Dec 3, 2006
    8
    What an excellent game! The graphics are amazing. The controls, very user friendly. The gameplay is always full of action. There are no boring bits. After playing it for 1 and a half evenings I thought that this game would keep me entertained for months, but then it ended? Tsk, when will game developers learn to concentrate not just on graphics, but also on longer playtimes. MyWhat an excellent game! The graphics are amazing. The controls, very user friendly. The gameplay is always full of action. There are no boring bits. After playing it for 1 and a half evenings I thought that this game would keep me entertained for months, but then it ended? Tsk, when will game developers learn to concentrate not just on graphics, but also on longer playtimes. My advice - rent the thing for a couple of days, complete the game and save £40!… Expand
  23. AlexB.
    Dec 3, 2006
    10
    Really good fun to play. Lots of thought went into the game and one of the highlights for me is the cover system. Simple and effective it adds a lot to the game. Good solid story line as well, can't wait for a sequel.
  24. AndrewJ.
    Dec 5, 2006
    8
    Reading the reviews I have seen it seems as though people either love or hate it. The game's graphics are phenomenal. The game play is tricky at first with the ducking and diving. I was frustrated at first, but like all games you have to learn what the combinations are to correctly move the way you intend. For instance when ducking behind a wall you can either roll out, switch to Reading the reviews I have seen it seems as though people either love or hate it. The game's graphics are phenomenal. The game play is tricky at first with the ducking and diving. I was frustrated at first, but like all games you have to learn what the combinations are to correctly move the way you intend. For instance when ducking behind a wall you can either roll out, switch to another area of cover, back out of the cover, or go around the corner heading forward. Being able to do the proper manuver at the right time comes with practice. The melee fighting takes a more than a few tries to get the hang of because the action is so fast. But the point is if you could play perfectly from the first moment, what would be the fun? It is a short game, but as with Halo 2 the fun with be the multiplayer online modes. The best part of the entire game is the Co-Op mode though. At points in the game you are in a completely different section of the level battling different enemies that your teammate. Just wait until you have to keep a spotlight on your partner while he is fighting enemies so the Kryll don't turn him into bird food. I think the game is a blast, but if you are not going to play online just rent it.… Expand
  25. Pidgeman
    Dec 9, 2006
    8
    Very good in all departments but a liitle short. I completed the single player game on casual in one day and I wouldn't consider myself an expert gamer by any means. That said the multiplayer options should add more longevity to the game. Its just a shame the creators didn't make the game a bit bigger because i was so immersed in it i didn't want it to end. If you have X Very good in all departments but a liitle short. I completed the single player game on casual in one day and I wouldn't consider myself an expert gamer by any means. That said the multiplayer options should add more longevity to the game. Its just a shame the creators didn't make the game a bit bigger because i was so immersed in it i didn't want it to end. If you have X Box live then you should probably buy this game, if you don't then just rent it for a couple of days because thats all it will take to complete it. Lets hope they make the sequel bigger!… Expand
  26. DanielF.
    Dec 9, 2006
    1
    The most over-rated game ever. The only thing good about it are the graphics, but that doesn't solely make the game amazing does it? Terrible.
  27. MauriceH.
    Jan 11, 2007
    8
    Has an arcade feel as already said, too short and needed more depth to match the hype. That said its fun to play but those that reqire a bit of substance and the harcore gamer may be done with this in a week. Hype and next gen craving has seen this game score way too highly. Its going in the right direction but never gets to the finish line. If your a hardcore gamer rent this, beat it and Has an arcade feel as already said, too short and needed more depth to match the hype. That said its fun to play but those that reqire a bit of substance and the harcore gamer may be done with this in a week. Hype and next gen craving has seen this game score way too highly. Its going in the right direction but never gets to the finish line. If your a hardcore gamer rent this, beat it and move onwards. Want more from my recently purchased 360 but I am hopeful.… Expand
  28. MoNaRky
    Jan 12, 2007
    6
    So hyped and excited when I started play. Look gorgeous! In 5.7 hrs later, done! That's it? That's the story? Disapointed! M$ critic payoff, I assume. Bought X360 because of this game. Boring!
  29. ArronD.
    Jan 15, 2007
    9
    Brilliant game the gameplay, graphics and gunfights are absolutely amazing but if you're not into online gaming this isnt the game for you because the plot is crap and the single player game is so short it's unreal but online is the best game you could ever play.
  30. M.Almelo.11S.
    Oct 21, 2007
    10
    A game that deserves a 10, means it accomplishes perfection in graphics, multiplayer and all the demands of a shooting game player. If someone has friends over or wants to play an astounding action game, then you can not go wrong with buying GEARS OF WAR.
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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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
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