While GoW1 was good in it's own way, it lacked length, level design, and some multi-player designs to stay appealing. GoW2 stepped it up to add story and length, while keeping quality play so it didn't become boring. Level designs have improved since the original while staying true to the environment of GoW1. AI, with new creatures types, has also grown more to keep the challenges reasonable and fast paced. Like before, they've kept Co-Op and multi-player with system link and online. The best add on here to keep the game's value high is survival mode. Grab some friends to let this game stay interesting and see how long you can last with good planning to stay alive! I recommended this for those 1st-person shooter people who love war and survival scenarios.

The only questionable parts of this game I didn't like were the "shooting rails" where you are riding something on a designated path, but even that wasn't bad overall and very few in amount. It does give you a chance to take in the scenery during in game sequences though on your ride between battle sections.

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More expansive environments, still very linear but I didn't find it enough to distract from play. Controls are tight and responsive, still one of the best "cover" mechanics around, including the introduction of "mobile cover meatshields."

Designers gave this much more variety than the first episode, as you ride and control more vehicles and venture into more new surroundings than just war-torn buildings and caverns, such as outdoors, inside palaces, and inside creatures. Really beautiful vistas and I didn't notice any game slowdown or framerate problems, although the number of enemies on screen at one time could be high.

Musical score is sweeping and majestic, voice acting is superb and the same actors carry over from the first game.

Single-player story length is somewhat short, but cooperative and competitive modes provide a lot of replayability. The story provides more of a human element to the characters than the first game, but certainly not on par with Bioshock or Mass Effect.

SUMMARY: If you enjoyed the first game or like shooters in general, you'll enjoy this one. It is surely discounted by now and well worth your $40 investment. If you don't like shooters, I would still recommend a rental - it just might change your mind about the genre.

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The game is definitely a improvement over the first game. The single player campaign is still short but longer then the first. Playing through all the great action and amazing visuals, I can't help feel a bit empty inside. I prefer games with the total package. Everything done right plus an engaging story to follow. Even though everyone knows this is a bridging story plot to the third game, there should have been an independent story that ends Gears 2. Everything is left up in the air to be concluded in the third game which could backfire for the developers. They are building the hype up so much. If Gears 3 don't deliver then their brand name in the consumer's eyes could be tarnished.

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It's a game with a lot of lag and takes about 5 minutes to find a game online. Other than that, it is basically the same as the first Gears of War.

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I never receive it so I don't know how it is, but I heard is great.

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In addition to the improved graphics/contrast of the Gears world, the biggest plus for me is the ability to play again real big monsters. In Gears 1, you only get a slight glimpse of the Brumak but in 2, you actually get to fight it along with a bunch of other amazingly huge monsters.

Compared to Gears 1, Gears 2 is a little bit slower as there are more co-op puzzles (coordination between 2 characters to pass through certain areas in campaign mode). The selection of weapons increased and it's been made more difficult in the fights because the clip of the weapons are smaller (Lancer). The audio is just superb, especially if you have a 5.1 system set up for it.

I have yet to really try the multiplayer, but the campaign itself was worth the price. Horde is definitely fun too with 50 waves of enemies. This game is more about strategy and tactics than just shooting and rushing. Teamwork is key, which is perfect for the Xbox 360 live.

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Just for perspective, I am a 40 year old who only has time to play at night when my kids go to bed.

I am about 3 hours into the game and I have to say, I can't remember the last time I have had such a great time with a game! Gears 1 was a great game, but rough around the edges. Gears 2 is just about as perfect as I can imagine! They story, graphics, moves, weapons, monsters, AI, collectibles, levels, etc, have ALL been improved.

I don't want to say anything specific about the levels or story because I really think you should experience it first hand.

If you like shooters, you will LOVE this game. I would say this 3rd person styple works better on consoles than FPS, and Gears 2 is by far, the best I have played!

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Gears of war 2 is a great game. Well developed, very good graphics, and a good storyline continued from the first installment. The best part of the game is the multiplayer online games. I have played many..many..many hours online and it is just so addicting. I have been playing gears well before I purchased part 2 and I was waiting for it to come down in price. Not only did I get a great price on this game but it was shipped quickly and in perfect condition. Must buy for every video game fan!

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Gears of war was basically the game that made me decide on the 360. A friend brought over his machine and we played on that and just had a blast playing the coop campaign mode. I love this series, it is a bit short but i appreciate the depth of the characters and the war torn world that has been created. This series of games is just truly fantastic. There isn't much else that can be said about this game that hasn't already been said before so I'll just end with this, if you have not played Gears of War or Gears of War 2 go out right now and buy em'!

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If you want a fast pace shoot first and ask questions last blood brawl, then this game is a must have. The game has impecable graphics and action at every turn. To fully enjoy those graphics you need to get an HDMI TV and cable to really get all the game was ment to give. As far as game play goes there are not to many down sides. You travel from stage to stage with an objective in mind and you crush any opposition that comes your way. The multiplayer part of the game is by far the best I have every played. Even better than the All Great and Mighty HALO (Yes, I said it). Like most players I know including myself, once you beat a game you throw it in the draw for it to collect dust or go trade it in for another one, but this game keeps you coming back for more and more. I have already beating this game yet I keep playing it, its that good. The only down sides to the game is the ending of the game, the time it takes to get a group of people to play on multiplayer (of course this may be due to some technical issues with the host or connection to the internet, not real sure), and the tedious riding of tanks, wierd ell looking thing, or Hum V looking things. To me when you have to ride these things and shoot its just not fun to me. I like running around and use strategy to kill enemies. Sniper for instance. All in All a great game, but even the greats have their down points. I had to give this game a 5 star rating.

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Before you all start to call me a fanboy and stuff let me tell you that this is my first 360 game that i play. Why? I just got a 360 as present so i went to buy the best game out there. Unfortunately i was extremely dissapointed with GoW 2. Ive played the first game at my friends 360 and man i felt that i was playng the exact same game just with better graphics!! Thank god i didnt pay to buy my 360 so now i can sell Gears of Waste and buy Fable 2, a game that deserves to be in everyones collection

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Fantastic gameplay, an intersting story, and the best graphics aside form Crysis {PC}, this is a star among 360 games for sure. Recommended.

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GOW2 is worth every penny. New weapon selection as well as some of the old favorites is great. A.I. is far superior to the first (they will actually save your butt when downed). Sound track is intense and guides you through the campaign. On-line is fantastic with the addition on Horde, new style (respawning) execution and Meat Flag. Matchmaking has made it possible to link up with your friends and destroy your enemy. Get ready for some action!

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I got release date delivery and it shipped last night but still hasn't left tintin falls which is over an hour from me by the time it ships i wont get it till late(if they ship it today) which sucks cause i wanted to come home from work and see it waiting for me

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AMAZING GAME. Definitely a 'must buy' for anyone who enjoyed the original Gears.

Gameplay: 10/10

Graphics: 10/10

Storyline: 8/10

Replayability: 9/10

Sound: 10/10

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