Gears

Being a fan of the Gears of War series for sometime, I was keen to try out the multiplayer demo of the latest installment in the franchise, a prequel to the series titled Judgement. The single player revolves around fan favourites Baird and Cole, with Marcus and Dom surprisingly absent. From what I've read and seen, the game seems like the full package despite a few cuts and changes here and there, however I can't say I'm rushing out to get this one, especially with other games on my wishlist.

From what I tried out, it feels very similar to the tried and tested method. Though there are minor tweaks, it is still a third person cover based shooter. The new multuplayer mode Overrun is very enticing though, mixing the gameplay up a little by introducing classes to the mix, with more variation on the locust side but equally the COG humans have mixed abilities. For example, the humans have the more traditional engineers, medics, scouts and soldiers, each one with a different role within the team. Their primary objective though is always to defend and shoot as many locust as they can. When on the opposition side, the choice of beastie is a bit more varied. The abilities are not dissimilar but each character is based more on aggression and destruction. With unique abilities though, it can make from some interesting and varied tactics.

One could just swarm the COG with tickers (suicide grubs) in the initial stages of the round, destroying barriers and defences and any human stupid enough to stay still, or send in a more mixed crowd of grenadiers, a Kantus and scout snipers who can rage into beserker like creatures for a more strategic approach.

All in all, it makes for a really compelling mode and a good addition to the Gears franchise. However, with it have come omissions, such as the ever popular horde mode, which will be a disappointment to many.

Whilst I'm sure it's a good game, the modifications and the new story are not enough to make this one a purchase in the near future. I've over played 2 and would happily go back to 3 should I require a Gears of War fix.