The final instalment of the epic video game saga, Gears of War is set to be released on 20th September, and it's ready to be as groundbreaking as its two predecessors. Bad news if you don't have an Xbox 360, though, as it's a Microsoft Studios game and they've opted once more to make it exclusive to the 360.
Continuing as the trilogy's hero, Marcus Fenix, leader of Delta Squad, the game picks up 18 months after the end of Gears of War 2, when the last human city was destroyed by the frightening enemy race, the locusts. Deep under the ground a new threat is infecting the planet from within, with time running out for Marcus and the rest of Delta Squad need to pick up the pace if they are to have any chance of saving the world from being taken over.
The game will look to continue its enthralling story line, one of the many reasons why the game took off, backing it up with amazing cut scenes with revolutionary visuals. And this time the graphics are set to be even better, with improvements made on the Unreal Engine 3 technology, which have bettered the game's lighting and animation from what they were in GoW2. The new animation involves new weapons, including the 'retro lancer' and 'sawed-off shotgun', and new weapon skins, with both static and animated skins available.
Online game play is also said to be improved from last time with new playable COG characters and new locust characters - such as the 'Savage Grenadier'. There is also the ability to 'spot' players online too, where upon catching sight of an enemy you can mark him at the push of a button, so your team mates will know where the opposition is, making it easier for them to hunt out the other team.
The beta was playable during the months of April and May to some people, and the reviews seem to suggesting that GoW3 has finally achieved its full potential, with people commenting on the great improvements in the online modes, Gears of War looks like it could challenge both Battlefield and Call of Duty as the best shooter of the year.
And if you are a huge fan of Gears of War and have a spare £100, you can get the 'Gears of War 3: epic edition' online, which includes: a limited edition Marcus Fenix statue, 'The Art and Design of Gears of War - a book by Tom Bissell, Infected Omen Weapon Pack, An Octus Award Box with Octus Service Medal, Exclusive Unlockable Adam Fenix Multiplayer Character, A fabric COG Flag and The personal effects of Adam Fenix. Oh, and the game itself.
Tom Holgate
