From Launch To E-Day And Beyond: GOW3

 

Gears of War 3 people, that’s what I just finished today. I completed the Campaign on Hardcore after a rough estimate of about 8-10 hours. Truly, a fun experience and quite challenging. However, before I dig into the game, let’s first talk about the launch.

I was there at The Fashion Valley Mall in the Microsoft Store at 10pm on Monday September 19th for their epic (No pun intended) launch party for Gears Of War 3. They opened the doors for all of us to grab some NOS, Vitamin Water, and POP Chips. Nothing like a snack before a long night of gaming. We also got to jump right in and play some Gears on one of many 360s that had setup for us. And along with the raffles and prizes they handed out a goody bag with a t-shirt, lanyards, Xbox 360 skin and more just for being one of the first one hundred people in the door. And then we had a a Wingman tournament, not a bad way to usher in the final chapter of Gears! I for one was lucky enough to win the grand prize in their raffle, a Gears of War 2 Marcus Fenix Bust by Triforce. It is sweet! And I must say the Microsoft Store was the place to be, it was jumping with excited fans who waited until midnight to get their copy.

Anyway, now on to the game. I played the beta and was not entirely impressed. I then got to play Horde 2.0 at E3 and that alone was enough to get me pumped. But having played the previous two, I just had to jump into campaign first-I wanted to know how this ends. In fact it ends…. Who am I kidding, I won’t spoil you so easily. So what can I tell you? The story is well written and it is honestly moving, if you are an emotional person you may just shed a tear here and there and then maybe over there.

Yes, the story arc is complete. Although a few questions will remain, maybe forever locked on that disc. Anyway, let’s talk about the graphics. Very well rendered and stunning. The gameplay and cut scenes both run smooth with a few minor exceptions. I had a couple of load scenes that wanted to stutter and once early on the frame rate seemed to struggle. But with the size of a game like this, it’s fine. We are not talking anything earth shattering.

The gameplay and controls are much as I remember from Gears one and two, but more natural. I found it very easy to jump right back into the game. And with the simplicity, I think we just might have a game that almost anyone could pick up and play. And lastly, I have to say the soundtrack was perfect!

I am very impressed with the game, and truly this is enjoyable as far as the campaign goes. I played through on hardcore and it was tough, but not “I’m going to pull out my hair” because of frustration hard. I got through most of the game without much trouble, but that last Act, especially the last chapter is a tough one indeed! I died more in that one last boss fight than I did throughout the entire campaign! All in all you’ll find new enemies and old, some that go down easy and others that will make you fight like you wouldn’t believe.

The inclusion of graffiti throughout the game adds character and realism but at the same time your so focused on the fight in front of you- you may miss it. The story is epic in many ways and will through you only a few curves. The cut scenes  are perfectly placed and provide just enough info. There is some language and while I don’t believe it is necessary, it’s not quite too much-but very close to being so.

When you hop online to play with your friends you can choose the normal Deathmatch options and all, but we also get to play 4 player co op in the campaign. That is pretty sweet and will come in handy when I go back and play through on Insane. We also get Beast Mode which is much like Horde, however this time you are the locust or lambent and you must survive wave after wave of humans. I found it difficult to get into as in not as enjoyable. But still it is a challenge to survive even one round! I think the concept of killing humans like that just bugs me a little. Horde on the other hand is just too much fun. Especially with the new money system which allows you to earn money as you kill and progress and but defenses and upgrades, ammo and weapons. Both play much the same just the opposite of each other in basic terms.

In Conclusion, if you love gears or are just getting into it-you should enjoy this. It is a very well rounded and well made game with a story that you want to follow. Is it worth the $60 price tag? Absolutely! I am enjoying the game and will be playing online for quite some time. Sorry Call of Duty: Black Ops, I have something better to play for the time being!