Developer: Epic Games
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Platform: Xbox 360
Genre: Third Person Shooter
Metacritic Rating: 93/100
Copies Sold: 5 million (As of May 7 2009)
Release Date: November 2008
Designed by Cliff Bleszinski for Epic Games, Gears of War 2 is designed to create a third-person shooter experience. Microsoft has picked up the game, and it’s predecessor, to publish on the XBOX 360 platform and was released in November of 2008 in North America, with a Japanese release following in July of 2009. In Gears of War 2, comic book author Joshua Ortega contributes to the saga by creating a plot, and the technical aspects of the game are enhanced thanks to the Unreal Engine 3 game engine.
Starting where the earlier version left off, Gears of War 2 continues the battle between the COG and the Locust horde as they attack, hoping to sink the floating cities of planet Sera. The Delta Squad ventures into the city, lead by Sgt. Marcus Fenix, as they prepare to defend Sera against the Locust assault. The primary mission of the game places the player in control of Sgt. Fenix, with the two player version adding in Fenix’s comrade Dominic Santiago. Gears of War 2 also allows new multi-player missions that pit five man teams against Locust attacks and a “Horde” mission in which five person teams must destroy growing Locust hordes that are stronger each time. The ability to used a dead enemy as protection, known as a “meatshield” and brief “chainsaw duels” are popular among players who enjoy the gorier aspects of the game.
The initial North American release of Gears of War 2 saw sales of more than two million copies with sales climbing to more than four million in just eight weeks. The record sales of the game earned Gears of War 2 the title of seventh best selling game of the year 2009, and the game received numerous awards from industry and media sources. Gears of War 2 was more popular than it’s predecessor, largely thanks to improved game play and new multi-player options. With the release of the third installment of Gears of War and sales of games and merchandise- including a limited edition XBOX console- soaring, the game has established itself as one of the most popular video game sagas ever released.
Gears of War 2 Trailer