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. CashA.
    Oct 26, 2007
    10
    Move over Halo, this is the best game on the Xbox 360. 10/10 for a third person shooter, Halo 3 deserves a 9/10. The excellent campaign for MULTIPLAYER is the ultimate experience.....and it FEELS so good you won't stop playing. GEARS OF WAR 2 is the only thing that can top this!
  2. 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.
  3. ZiftK.
    Oct 16, 2007
    9
    A 9.5 to say the least. From the graphics, to the slick cover system. I have yet to try the multi player, and I'm sure it's the just the icing on the Cake. Gears is pure fun weather it being alone, yelling to someone next to you, or playing online with your buddies, it's all here, in one package. Gears is the fuel for your 360.
  4. AwesomeA.
    Sep 29, 2007
    10
    Easily a 10. The campaign may be short but its the best campaign mode the 360 has to offer except from bioshock. The multiplayer will satisfy you for years (if you have freinds to play with its even better). Game pretty much does everything it needs to. It has got some flaws- the chainsaw gets annoying but meh. And the thing about all the people who give this bad reviews will be playing Easily a 10. The campaign may be short but its the best campaign mode the 360 has to offer except from bioshock. The multiplayer will satisfy you for years (if you have freinds to play with its even better). Game pretty much does everything it needs to. It has got some flaws- the chainsaw gets annoying but meh. And the thing about all the people who give this bad reviews will be playing this non-stop and they know it, if you own a 360 you should own gears of war.… Expand
  5. PhilipH.
    Sep 24, 2007
    10
    A solid 10. This is an extremely rare rating for me, but this game deserves it. It's more of a gaming experience than a mere game. I personally don't even like FPSs that much, but this game had me hooked with my blood pumping and heart pounding the whole way through. Excellent weapons, bosses, graphics, cutscenes - and outstanding co-op play. The duck and cover and action A solid 10. This is an extremely rare rating for me, but this game deserves it. It's more of a gaming experience than a mere game. I personally don't even like FPSs that much, but this game had me hooked with my blood pumping and heart pounding the whole way through. Excellent weapons, bosses, graphics, cutscenes - and outstanding co-op play. The duck and cover and action re-load systems were innovative and impressive as well - they make the game very intense and engaging.… Expand
  6. DavidF.
    Sep 24, 2007
    7
    Great graphics, and exhilerating single player and co-op make it worth the purchase, but the lack of any real story, and the buggy multiplayer taint the experience.
  7. JohnB.
    Sep 23, 2007
    6
    Single player - great, as long as you play it on Hardcore and then Insane. though replayabaility is limited as you are confined to fighting in tunnels and going from A to B. Co-op - this is perhaps where the longevity lies. Multiplayer - i hated it. thought it was unbalanced with poor quality maps and the bleeding out/no respawn (pre-updates/DLC) was a huge flaw. the coding did not help Single player - great, as long as you play it on Hardcore and then Insane. though replayabaility is limited as you are confined to fighting in tunnels and going from A to B. Co-op - this is perhaps where the longevity lies. Multiplayer - i hated it. thought it was unbalanced with poor quality maps and the bleeding out/no respawn (pre-updates/DLC) was a huge flaw. the coding did not help to alleviate latency, and on many ocassions there was horrific lag. if you don't have Live, then this is a fantastic game for a single player, but if you do, and want to make sure you get as much out of the game as possible, i would suggest something like R6: Vegas or the reigning champ of Halo 2.… Expand
  8. MaxD.
    Sep 22, 2007
    1
    This game sucks. the story sucks, the game is incredibly easy becuse the enemies are all basicly the same. the worst part was the acual gameplay, which seems fun and inventive... for the first five minutes. Once youv'e played the first level, you might as well have beat the game.
  9. JackB.
    Sep 21, 2007
    10
    Loved the game, great visuals, story, guns, characters, just an awsome game!
  10. Mike
    Sep 21, 2007
    8
    While the gameplay is undeniably fun, you have to shut off your brain and ignore the "plot." The storyline and presentation is so ridiculous and poorly executed that the entire thing is absolutely laughable. Character development? Non existent. Was this written by a 12 year old pre-pubescent boy?
    Hey, Epic Games? Fire your writer(s).
  11. AG
    Sep 16, 2007
    0
    Overrated. Gory. They should have called it Gears of Crap. In fact, this is such a stupid game it barely deserves any more words.
  12. CamJ.
    Sep 14, 2007
    3
    I hate this game, on single player they force you to listen to stupid dialogs that you cant skip and they put it after a checkpoint so you have to hear it over again every time you die as punishment, like this game has a story anyway online its worse, the maps are stupid simple designed an its nothing but lag and noobs that either chainsaw you or just knock you in the head, the guns are I hate this game, on single player they force you to listen to stupid dialogs that you cant skip and they put it after a checkpoint so you have to hear it over again every time you die as punishment, like this game has a story anyway online its worse, the maps are stupid simple designed an its nothing but lag and noobs that either chainsaw you or just knock you in the head, the guns are useless dont bother shooting anyone, just run up to them either knock them in the head or stick a frag on them, this game is so over hyped.… Expand
  13. GeraldS.
    Sep 13, 2007
    4
    I don't understand the appeal of this game. I read a dozen reviews and talked to friends, all insisting this was the second coming. I don't like multiplayer, so that could be why I wasn't impressed. Graphics are awesome, but I don't like "half games" where the actual gameplay takes second seat to cinematics. If I want a movie I'll pay 1/3 the price for one. I don't understand the appeal of this game. I read a dozen reviews and talked to friends, all insisting this was the second coming. I don't like multiplayer, so that could be why I wasn't impressed. Graphics are awesome, but I don't like "half games" where the actual gameplay takes second seat to cinematics. If I want a movie I'll pay 1/3 the price for one. I'm forcing myself to play just to finish the single player. Snore.… Expand
  14. Alasdair
    Aug 23, 2007
    6
    Great game mechanics and graphics. crap story, characters etc. all a bit dumb.
  15. CrisM.
    Aug 20, 2007
    8
    Good graphics story, Hardcore/Insane controls make the game stupid. You can use the sniper rifle and hit a grub in the head but instead its you that dies. If you manage to duck before you're dead and hit the same grub in the hand or foot he dies. Sometimes you can hit a grub with the mortar grenade and he ends up killing you!
  16. DanM.
    Aug 20, 2007
    10
    Gears of war uses its cinematic campaign to perfection and is joyous to play in muliplayer without doubt the best shooter on the 360.
  17. JamesB.
    Aug 20, 2007
    9
    Clearly Nic M. knows what he's talking about comparing Gears to a game that isn't out yet. Most overrated game of all time is a haughty claim to make. It's a very progressive and original title. Naturally it's going to alienate gamers who don't know what they're looking at.
  18. JustinH.
    Aug 20, 2007
    10
    Are you kidding me a 5? you must have seen a trailer and never played the game the multiplayer is by far the most fun i've had in a game in years!!!!!! Oblivion was the biggest flop ever i wasted 60 bucks on that game and ended up having more fun playing frisbee with it. most intense online game i ever played even better then halo. single player is fun too i still cant get enough and Are you kidding me a 5? you must have seen a trailer and never played the game the multiplayer is by far the most fun i've had in a game in years!!!!!! Oblivion was the biggest flop ever i wasted 60 bucks on that game and ended up having more fun playing frisbee with it. most intense online game i ever played even better then halo. single player is fun too i still cant get enough and i've beat it on insane 3 times. This is the game i look forward to getting off work everyday to play. #1 in my eyes. xbox live: deathsoldier69… Expand
  19. NicM.
    Aug 17, 2007
    5
    Most over rated game of all time, its pretty graphics and fun co op dont make up for amazingly repitive single and online play. oblivion is by a longshot better , and the second best game on 360, next to bioshock.
  20. RobC.
    Aug 17, 2007
    10
    This game deserves a 10. The graphics and gameplay combined make this a masterpiece. And ppl who go on about the minor things that are'nt even bad about this game should get a life. I've played 100's of shoot em ups, and this is in the top 10!
  21. BarryP.
    Aug 8, 2007
    10
    It's a brilliant bench mark title for the Xbox 360. It's probably the most atmospheric game i have ever played. I have never jumped out of my skin so many times on a game with the rush of the unexpected Krill flocks! The shooting, the camera angle and cover mode is literally at a level of perfection. Stunning.
  22. Max
    Aug 3, 2007
    10
    Ooooohhh yeeeeah. Gears of War. Everyone has heard of the amazing gameplay and the awesome, gory blood effects of this game. The story is fun and the multiplayer maps are fun and the weapons are cool. You can't beat a machine gun equipped with a chainsaw you just CAN'T. The achievents are fun and the tactics of finding good cover and strategy is ingenious. Definitely one of the Ooooohhh yeeeeah. Gears of War. Everyone has heard of the amazing gameplay and the awesome, gory blood effects of this game. The story is fun and the multiplayer maps are fun and the weapons are cool. You can't beat a machine gun equipped with a chainsaw you just CAN'T. The achievents are fun and the tactics of finding good cover and strategy is ingenious. Definitely one of the greatest games to hit the 360.… Expand
  23. RyanQ.
    Jul 29, 2007
    8
    Overall, a decent shooter. The Cover control...is a pretty good mechanic but could use a tiny bit of work. The graphics are simply awesome. And same with most of the gameplay. The weapons are quite unique. The multiplayer is amazingly fantastic. The first thing you think when you chainsaw somebody for the first time is..."awesome..simply awesome." The single player story isn't to die Overall, a decent shooter. The Cover control...is a pretty good mechanic but could use a tiny bit of work. The graphics are simply awesome. And same with most of the gameplay. The weapons are quite unique. The multiplayer is amazingly fantastic. The first thing you think when you chainsaw somebody for the first time is..."awesome..simply awesome." The single player story isn't to die for. But the Insame difficulty level gets the job done.Overall its a decent game. This game just might spoil Halo 3 and other games to come.… Expand
  24. DavidW.
    Jul 27, 2007
    10
    Best game ever! Master Chief gots nothin on Marcus Fenix.
  25. RickyM.
    Jul 26, 2007
    4
    This game is full of stupid gimmicks that don't work. Graphics aren't that pretty, making everything dark and shiny doesn't equal good. Weapons are ridiculous and unbalanced, a machine gun with a chainsaw on it that has an attack that can't be stopped is just stupid. The whole being knocked out or whatever concept is okay, except the part where actions done to you This game is full of stupid gimmicks that don't work. Graphics aren't that pretty, making everything dark and shiny doesn't equal good. Weapons are ridiculous and unbalanced, a machine gun with a chainsaw on it that has an attack that can't be stopped is just stupid. The whole being knocked out or whatever concept is okay, except the part where actions done to you while on the ground can't be stopped. Online play is laggy and full of 12 year olds that scream about everything. Map design is either extremely simple and lazy or huge and unfocused, causing new players to get lost a lot. The one thing that makes this game not worth your time is the maneuvering system, which is an absolute joke. Whoever decided that the A button would be used for dashing and leaning against walls was a serious moron. It's not uncommon to end up stuck against multiple walls in a sticky situation because of the terrible control scheme. It's also during this that the camera reveals how bad it is and flies around like a rabid child. Online pros will stroke their e-penises and call you a noob if you complain about it, yet have a fit if it happens to them. The reloading system is a hassle and mostly makes you roll around like an idiot hoping you won't jam your weapon. Overall, the game's controls are what make this game unworthy of not only the price of an XBox 360, but of an Xbox Live subscription as well. Incredibly overhyped by critics and players alike, this game is a mistake.… Expand
  26. BrendanL.
    Jul 26, 2007
    7
    Honestly, I don't want to give this game a seven, but more of a 6.7 score. I got this game in December of 2007. I finsished the storyline within less than 10 hours, combined over a period of 4-5 days. Not exactly a prolonged storyline if you ask me. Secondly, I was certainly disappointed with the Xbox Live. The games are great and all, but the fact you only get one life seems unfair Honestly, I don't want to give this game a seven, but more of a 6.7 score. I got this game in December of 2007. I finsished the storyline within less than 10 hours, combined over a period of 4-5 days. Not exactly a prolonged storyline if you ask me. Secondly, I was certainly disappointed with the Xbox Live. The games are great and all, but the fact you only get one life seems unfair for the unexperienced, like me. Lastly, the replay value on this game isn't great either, as I have not played it since late January. My opinion: overrated.… Expand
  27. Serge
    Jul 25, 2007
    6
    Certainly an overrated game. The biggest disappointment was the multiplayer. Max of 4 players per team. No classes. Everyone has same weapons. Cramped maps. Graphics - gray, gray, on top of more gray.
  28. Ian
    Jul 23, 2007
    10
    This is the most satisfying game I have played in a long time. Although, judging by Storage Box's content, you may not like the game if you are completely inept with first person shooters. Killing in this game is extremely rewarding and only makes you want to kill more. You won't put a round into someone's head and watch them collapse limp onto the ground. You'll blow This is the most satisfying game I have played in a long time. Although, judging by Storage Box's content, you may not like the game if you are completely inept with first person shooters. Killing in this game is extremely rewarding and only makes you want to kill more. You won't put a round into someone's head and watch them collapse limp onto the ground. You'll blow their freaking head off and watch a mess of guts come raining down after hearing them scream in agony! Although, a fair warning, you may not enjoy the story line if you came here for the epic storytelling of JRR Tolkien. The plot of this game is simple. Kill em. Kill em all!… Expand
  29. TomF.
    Jul 20, 2007
    6
    Mick T, if only the people who liked the game rated it, it wouldn't really be a balanced review. Eh? Anyway, This game is overrated to the extreme. The Cover mechanic (the main thing about the game) is wonky, and there is no depth to the story. The weaponry is admittedly fun, though, especially the torque bow. The graphics are gritty and extremely detailed. The multiplayer is decent. Mick T, if only the people who liked the game rated it, it wouldn't really be a balanced review. Eh? Anyway, This game is overrated to the extreme. The Cover mechanic (the main thing about the game) is wonky, and there is no depth to the story. The weaponry is admittedly fun, though, especially the torque bow. The graphics are gritty and extremely detailed. The multiplayer is decent. It's definitely not the greatest playing game in the world, but it theoretically gets the job done,if you like slow and tedious gameplay. Often times, however, matches resort to shotgun-offs. All in all, This is a decent game that isn't worth the hype.… Expand
  30. Joopiec
    Jul 19, 2007
    9
    I had a lot of fun playing this game. The gameplay took a bit of getting used to because I
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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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