Gears of War 2 Limited Edition

I bought this game as a surprise for my boyfriend. First of all: I personally dislike those kinds of games ( bloody, shooting/ war games) a lot - so I just got it because he was very excited about it.

However, when he started playing I was drawn in by the very deep and involving story line as well as the amazing graphics. This combination made it feel like watching a movie and I just wanted to see what was going to happen next. Also the tasks were fairly diverse so it wasn't just: go in - kill everything - next stage.

So even though I was not very found of the game at first, I have to give it a lot credit for story line, graphics and innovative control.

Just asome... It have bugs, like every game in the world, but it is an excellent game..

This game is a definite upgrade to the prequel. I got this game with the Exclusive Lancer and I am definitely happy with this product!!!!!

Gears of War 2 is the true successor of the first, because it adds new elements and better gameplay along with the frantic Hoarde mode. It's almost always intense when it comes to single player/co-op, and its always so awesome to sit back and whoop your friends in a live multiplayer match. With a game presented so maturely and everything a shooter should have, this is one of my favorite games and I'm 100% sure it will stay that way.

ok so i'll start this off saying that i am indeed a die hard gears of war fan and i'm not gonna be like OMG this game is the greatest thing in existence...no porn is haha but the game is really good they pretty much fixed everything that i didn't like about the 1st one but there are a few things that bother me about the game one of which is how one of the levels plays out but i'm not going to spoil anything i'll just say it's not gears of war and the achievements aren't that hard to get i've gotten 45/50 so far that kinda made me sad because i wanted something to try for you can pretty much get a lot of them by just doing the single player campaign so now i must talk about the online play they changed a lot of things about it they've made the shot gun more weaker and the lancer stronger and they've added stopping power to the weapons too they've also included a party system which is a good concept but if you have a horrible connection don't expect to host a game you'd just have to hope a friend is playing that game and that's about the only things that i don't like about the game but everything else makes me happy and i think that this game is a must buy but if you don't think that just rent it or something you really need to play this especially if you loved the 1st one

OK...Gears of War is great. We all love the sound of popping someones head off and hearing Cole talk about his locomotive, but seriously, Epic somehow figured out how to make the lancer even more annoying and unfair. Yes, you still get sucked into the vortex that mysteriously surrounds each and every lancer,but now on top of that, bullets do not seem to slow or stun the approaching chainsaw wielding Ed. So, you take a nicely placed shot with your shotgun and WHOOSH....you get sucked up by the chainsaw. Not to mention that 3 out of every 5 match is horribly laggy (except for that one player who hosts and goes around racking up silly amounts of kills)...oh yea, by the way, its a giant worm.

Gears of War 2 simply is a game that must be played by any 360 owner who enjoys shooters of any flavor. Whether you love the over-the-top craziness that is Halo or if Rainbow 6 is more to your liking, there is much to be found here in Gears 2. While keeping the gameplay that every Gears fan knows and loves intact, Epic has managed to improve on the things that needed improvement, wiped out almost all of what pulled the first game down, added lots of new features that only add to the experience and literally take nothing away, nothing, and managed to expand upon the admittedly fairly simple characters.

Seeing as how the letdowns are few and far between, I'll just get those out of the way now.
1. Countering a chainsawing enemy is harder now (but certainly NOT impossible.)
2. The shotgun's power is diminished.
3. It's still easy to hit cover you don't want to hit.
4. The "three downs and you're out" rule is still in effect in Execution, even there is NO mention of it anywhere in the tutorials or the game description - the game just tells you to get a one-shot kill or an in-close "execution" on the enemy.
5. The single player gives the player a "crutch" on Casual - if you fall in Solo, you can be helped up, but no such luck on harder modes, if you fall, you die. I can understand Epic wanting to ease the player in but that is already very easily accomplished with the bucket loads of ammo and the limited damage an enemy does. Having this put in only to take it away on a harder mode is needless. On a more minor but related matter, even on Hardcore, one level below the hardest difficulty, large ammo boxes have grenades, but on Insane, the mode when you REALLY need them, they don't.
6. Matchmaking is VERY hard and VERY slow, although I am certain that this problem will fix itself as more people throughout the holiday season get the game and play.
7. The Multiplayer bots are STUPID. I actually had a match where it was down to one enemy and I had all four of my bots alive, yet their idiocy led to the one killing off all four of them one at a time. And sometimes the last enemy will be down but they won't rush in to finish them even if the clock is on its last 10 seconds. You also can't issue orders to them, even though you could do that in Perfect Dark, which came out in the year 2000 on the Nintendo 64.
8. If a friend is down next to a weapon, for some reason the game will force you to pick up the weapon first, then help up your friend.
9. The Endor, I mean, Reaver level could've been better, or just cut and used as a cutscene.
10. There are apparently glitches that let a player fly around and get in real close to the enemy to avoid being shot. Hopefully these are found and squashed before the holiday crowd.

However, all of these gripes even put together do not in any way shape or form diminish the game at all. AT ALL. Suffice it to say that Epic has smashed all expectations, and given how high they were, that is saying something. The new Gears, despite the cynical, self-righteous jaded players insist, is NOT just the same game with a "2" behind it. As they were supposed to do, Epic has added much, such as chainsaw dueling, mobile cover, new multiplayer modes, new maps, (some of which have new hazards to look out for) new weapons, the heavy machine guns can overheat now, and while this isn't saying much, the storyline delves into the characters, especially Dom, more deeply. We're only given a hint of his searching for his wife in the first game, and that story line comes to the fore later in this game, although it does NOT take anything away from the overall conflict. The plot twist towards the end probably could've had a little more of a punch to it but it's not terrible in any way, and the ending will leave the gamer to wonder what will happen now, especially if they're patient enough to wait out the credits.

The chainsaw duels are simple - Just tap B! but there's tension that you feel leading up to the outcome, which makes winning it feel really good. An enemy can interfere, but that's what teammates are for.

Speaking of teammates, rely on them. Use them to help you. Communicate. Stick to cover and help your buddies out. Teamwork, communication and cover are key. Fail to use one and you'll probably lose. Fail to use two and you will lose. Don't use any of them and you've already lost before the match has even started. Now that being shot slows you down, gone is the chance to rush in shotguns blazing and Rambo your team to victory. Try that in Gears 2 and your only reward is to watch the entire match through spectator camera, which is much improved by the way. Now you have to see to it that concrete, not air, is between you and the bullets if you want to have a chance at winning the match. So stick with your teammates. You win as a team, you lose as a team.

Mobile cover makes its debut and is a smashing addition. In Gears 1, there was only about one way to get mobile cover - be in front of someone who's taking the bullets. Now there is a heavy shield and the chance to take hostage enemies that are downed. Either one will soak up bullets, although the latter will deteriorate as it soaks up damage. Given just how important cover is in this game, being able to move around with it is good.

I won't delve much into the new modes as the game does a great job of walking the player through how each mode works. Guardian is a great twist on the VIP type of match, even better than Assassination. Submission is a great twist on Capture the Flag, Wingman is very chaotic, perhaps about as chaotic as Gears gets, given the number of small teams, King of the Hill hasn't changed the formula but why fix it if its not broken and Horde is a lot of fun, especially with people who will work together to keep everyone alive. Execution, Warzone and Annex are still the same.

The maps are easy to memorize and suit both sides well. Neither side has a positional advantage regardless of which spawn point they begin the map on. Most are symmetrical and all are small so players will always have plenty of action quickly on in a round and investigating a map to flush out the final enemy doesn't take too long. The maps called Avalanche and Hail have environmental hazards that are just as deadly as an enemy, so a novice would do well to find out how to avoid these so as to not die needlessly.

The Flamethrower, Ink Grenades, an automatic pistol, a mobile heavy machinegun mortar and the aforementioned shield help round out Gear's already robust weapon roster and any of these can be removed or changed if a player doesn't like them. The Ink Grenades are basically poison, throw or set it and an enemy (or friend!) will continually take damage as they remain in the affected area. Smokes now stun an enemy.

All in all a great game and I would recommend it.

This game rock it's good for kids 5 to 17+years old u have to play it to love it.

I knew this game was going to be outstanding so i had to buy this Limited Edition Verson cause am a Hardcore Gears fan

But you don't have to be a Gears fan to play this game anyone over 17+ can play.

Just to make it simple on all of you heres the (*Positives & Negatives*)

(*Positives*)

-Exection Moves(Excludes Graphic Excecution Move Shown in Past Previews)
-Chainsaw Dualing(Better Than Random But Still Glitchy)
-Enhanced Graphics and Articular Details With The New Unreal Engine
-"Horde" A New Game Mode That Let's You Yace off With 4 other Friends(Including Yourself) Waves & Waves of Locust With Difficulty Increasing Gradualy Up To 50 Waves(Expect To Spend Hours Until You Get To Wave 50)
-Story Line Is Good (*BUT If You Did Not Play The First Gears of War You Will Be Lost*)
-New POSITIVE Weapons (Like Boomshield, Gorgon Pistol & The Mulcher)
-New Multiplayer Parties To Face off Other Teams With 4 other Friends

(*Negatives*)

-Multiplayer Match Making(Exteamly Slow & Sets Different Skill Ranks Way off EXAMPLE: Private Rank Facing A Sergeant Rank)
-Chainsaw Dueling (Glitchy & Not Technically Fair)
-New/Old NEGATIVE Weapons (Upgraded)Lancer, (Upgraded)Hammerburst, Mortar Scorcher Flamethrower, Cog Pistol(Down Graded), Longshot Sniping Rifle(Down Graded),Ink Gernade)
-Weapon Down Grades(Which Means That They Lowered The Streangh & Increased Some Weapons EXAMPLE: Lancer Assault Rifle WAY OVER POWERING & Longshot Sniping Rifle WAY UNDER POWERING Active Reload Gone)
-Had Trouble Downloading The Gold Lancer on My First Try (if you are having this trouble go to account settings, download history, and download it again (IT MAY TAKE A FEW TRIES)

XBL Gamertag: xEXGx STEALTH (may change name soon)

I have waited for this sequel for two years. It lives up to all the hype. The story is very engrossing and deep. The heartbreak and triumph that happens is well done. And while some lines of dialogue are a bit cheesy, it is still delivered very well from the excellent voice cast.

Graphically, Gears of War 2 is amazing and perhaps the best looking game to come in this generation of gaming. The gameplay has been improved significantly. The cover system is better and smoother. The animations and reactions of the characters from COG to Locust is extremely well done.

The multiplayer is enjoyable and the map selection is good. And the weapons are varied and are well balanced for this type of game.

The Limited Edition is a good package to purchase. The Behind the Scenes artbook and DVD are good looks into Gears 2.

10/10.

I'm reviewing the collectors version (limited edition), so my review is based more on this, than the actual game.

I bought Gears of War Limited edition when it first came out (1), it was nice, came in a tin, and was really something special. With other collectors editions that have come out since, The original gears still fares pretty well in comparison.

Gears 2 (as with everything related to this game) is bigger, and better.

This has some of the coolest packaging I have seen thus far.

When you pick up this game, you will first be impressed by the sheer weight, this sucker is heavy. When you remove the slipcase your greeted to a box holding the items, when you take them out, you get the artbook (which comes with a picture --the picture you see in the game of doms wife--) and the game case.

Now, I have to say, I wasn't impressed with this artbook. I do some 3d work, and love Epic games more than anything. But this artbook is very weak. It was a big letdown for me. There is a book you can buy which features the art from 1, so beautifully, I treasure it and display it proudly on my desk. D'ARTISTE CHARACTER MODELING 2 If your a fan, and also enjoy making games, I highly recommend it. It is high priced, and not currently for sale here, but the printing and everything is very high quality.

The picture that is included is very low quality too. I guess it looks the same as it does in the game, but why bother?

On to the good stuff.

After you look at the artbook you see a nice shiny case housing your gears of war 2 dvds. This case is very similar to the halo 2 collectors edition case, and I love it. Even if this game (LE) had nothing else going for it, the case alone is worth the extra price for me. Rarely does a case give off such a cool and impressive vibe, as this one case does!

You also have a bonus disc inside, which has some interesting features on it (similar to the bonus disc from Gears 1)

You also get a golden lancer (not a big deal, its only a golden lancer).

All in all, considering the price is 10 dollars more than the standard. I highly recommend it.

This is a wonderful game. How the graphics can be improved so greatly is beyond me. Gears 1 is still a beautiful game, a game I love replaying. Gears 2 is much much better. Some of the gameplay is harder, the level designs are "epic", and the graphics and lighting, wow, the graphics and lighting, they take your breathe away.

I played the campaign all the way through twice now. And I can honestly say, its the best behind the back third person shooter of the year.

The online multiplayer is addictive, and very strategy based. You cant just run out and start blasting, if you do, you will die. COD this is not. This is more akin to counterstrike, because when you die, you are dead. You do not come back until the next round. The game also encourages you to stick with your teammates so that you can revive each other and stick around longer.

The AI is not cheap, your teammates are sometimes ignored in favor of the badguys going after you, but it is no where near as bad as Resistance 2 for the ps3. All in all this is a good game, and the Limited Edition only enhances that.

By far, the coolest mode for this game is horde mode. On this mode, you and some buddies can go crazy taking on "hordes" of baddies on a level by level basis. If you have played some fighting games before, its like a survival mode. You keep going as long as you can, you have to stick together, and play this very strategically. The multiplayer in this game will not get old. It is so good, and encourages you to replay the game countless times.

I must warn you. DO NOT BUY THIS GAME USED. If you buy gears used, you will not get access to the flashback maps, which are 5 maps redone using the new engine. You get these free when you buy the game new (and the codes are not used). So be careful and take notice.

This game is easily worth the price of admission, and if you look at the current price of gears 1, used or new, you will see that the price did not get much below 30 dollars on the used marketplace (standard version), the collectors edition still holds its value today. It is worth your investment to get it new, there is no need to hold off on buying it.

I encourage parents to NOT buy this game used, as your loved ones will be unable to experience the game to its fullest potential. And again, the Limited edition IS a worthwhile upgrade.

Also, if you have not yet, I recommend playing Gears 1 again, the achievements you unlock on 1, relate to what characters you can unlock on gears 2 for online play. Specifically, you want to beat the game on hardcore mode, so you can get RAAM on multiplayer. If not, at least play normal, and you can unlock everybody but RAAM.

I own the first Gears and am a huge fan of it. I've played it too many times to count and don't get tired of it. I was so excited when I found out they were making a new one and couldn't wait to get it. My husband and I play all the time and this game is no exception. Right now, it gets played the most.

The graphics are terrific and there is so much more detail in this game. The four main characters are back which is nice that they didn't change that and they are the same. It does have a 'love story' behind the game but no harm done. I have to say that I like the boards on the first Gears better than this one but these are still great. I think since I've played the first one so much, I have just come to expect those levels. I would recommend this to anyone who either enjoyed the first one or to someone who is looking for a change. It is gory and obviously a shooter game but it is addictive and so much fun.

I'll start by saying that I'm writing this review in lieu of hurling my controller through the wall- so I guess the first comment is that the later stages of Gears of War 2 can get a bit rough. I guess my first clue should have been when I accidentally discovered that you can go "down but not out" in single player- a big change from the first game. But I have to say that Gears 2 is one of the best games this year.
Gears 2 picks up six months after the events of Gears of War, document the continuing struggle between Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad and the Locust Horde. Locations range from the destroyed urban environments of the first game before heading underground to the heart of the Locust stronghold. In pre-release interviews, developers were asked if this chapter would follow the trend of epic trilogies as the "dark" second chapter, to which the interviewer often received a non answer. I would have to say (definitively) that yes, yes that is the case. In fact any player that allows themselves to become even a little bit emotionally involved in the story will find it disturbingly easy to hate the Locust. Also, the story raises many questions that don't look like they're going to be answered by game's end- but hey, that's what Gears of War 3 is for (Epic- get on it).
As for gameplay, the "stop and pop" system returns all but unchanged from Gears 1- but this is in no way a bad thing. The Locust have brought in some new heavies (players fight Reavers, Brumaks, plus multiple iterations of the Boomer and the new cleric like Kantus, who can revive fallen comrades), but the new heavy class weapons make it an even fight. The COG add a mortar and Gatling gun to their arsenal, while the Locust bring a new pistol, flamethrower, and poison gas grenade. There have been two major changes to the gameplay- the first is the idea of portable cover, downed enemies can be grabbed and used as "meat-shields" while the player can continue to wield a pistol. The second change is the introduction of melee opponents, who bring with them real shield that the player can take and use like a meat-shield or plant in the ground for cover anywhere they need it.
But one of the places that the first game revolutionized gaming was in cooperative multiplayer. Gears 2 also features a two player co-op campaign, but the new standard in co-op gaming is without question Horde mode. Horde mode allows up to five players to take on fifty waves of increasingly difficult enemies. Every ten waves, the enemy list resets (meaning wave 1 and 11 are the same), and the Locust get stat boosts to their health and accuracy. With a team of pals, this mode quickly becomes an addiction and the hours can melt away as the bullets fly and strategies change and evolve.
In short, Gears of War 2 is an impressive package. It takes everything that was good about the first game and ratchets it up to a, well, epic level. Horde mode could prove to be the next great evolution in online multiplayer. Gears 2 could very well prove to be a Game of the Year contender.

I love this game! I loved the first gears of war. The new weapons and modes are just great. The multilayer is alright but I don't think it as good as the first one but the storyline and the gameplay just ignores that making this one of the best games for 360.

Now i gotta admit i really wasnt a fan of the Gears Of War series at the beginning but ever since Gears Of War 2 came out ive been on it hooked like a little kid. The new gears offers a Verity of New Things including, New Guns, New Characters, New Story, New Game Modes, but the most importantly the Amazingly new Hardcore Graphics that till this day still shocks me. this game is arguably the best shooter ive even seen and played (and knowin me being a hardcore shooting games fan i kno cause i seen and played Vertually every shooting game out for any system)overal with the new stuff that Gears Of War 2 brings will knock u off ur feet or sofa where ever u may be playing it and it is sure to never dissapoint especially not if your a true Gears Of War fan!!!

Now for the limited Edition copy its self. The Gears Of War 2 Limited edition comes with the following items:
*Gears Of War 2 game, a slide on cover. after that a Redish box case with a lancer drawn over it.after that a metal DVD like case with a Full Lancer drawn from front to back aslo that slips into the red case. The metal DVD like case with a lancer drawn over it from front to back. Inside the metal case is the actual game of GOW2 along with the bonus Disc. Also inside the actual metal case where the manual is for GOW2 is the card for the code for the Gold plated Lancer for online play, The 5 free flashback maps, and a 48 Trial Subscription for XBOX LIVE
*a inside look of Gears OF War 2 48 page book, with a picture of Dom and his wife.

overal. is the limited Edition of Gears Of War 2 worth it? i say so even if u like the game or not its still a good thing to have if ur a collector and especially if ur a Gears Of War fan!!

I Really have to say that this was the worst sequel to a game in a long time. It's the same exact thing, but some new weapons, and new moves, and a new story. Other than that, it's the same exact thing.

I preordered Gears of War 2 Limited Edition 2 MONTHS BEFORE IT CAME OUT! The game never came and I just got an email saying they are going to refund my money and I will not get GOW2 Limited Edtion. No one else is selling this item anymore, SO AFTER PREORDERING 2 MONTHS AHEAD OF TIME NOT ONLY DID I NOT PLAY THE GAME YET BUT I WILL NOT BE OWNING A LIMITED EDITION VERSION EVER. THANKS ALOT AMAZON. DO NOT PREORDER BLOCKBUSTER GAMES FROM THESE PEOPLE OR YOU TOO WILL SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES! I will now be ordering the game from GAMESTOP and will receive it in two business days.

I recently wrote a review about Fallout 3, which lacked the proper mustard on games. But GOW2 brings me back into the fun you can have with games. It's different, yet the same of the old GOW. They upgraded all the goodies and got rid of the glitches and problems within the game.
The story is awesome. The whole time it got me thinking like a conspiracy theories wondering why the COG are fighting. EPIC also took a risk regarding Maria, but it was played off very well and did leave me emotionally connected. It's a shoot em up game, but I still like these characters and actually care about them.
I haven't tired online game play yet, but I'm sure that is still a addition to gameplay, but you may check other reviews regarding that. Enjoy the game.

In 2006 when the first Gears of War came out on the 360, it was one of the highest and most popular selling games to date. This sequel picks up six months after the events of the blockbuster original Gears of War. However the sequel completely outdoes the original in many ways with major enhancements. Such as more weapons, bigger vehicles, and more action. The enemies are more dangerous, and the total experiences is more immersive than ever. And with a revolutionary tactical combat system, it will also challenge you to devise a strategy that will work against the enemies who exhibit smart AI. Combined with the sweeping visuals and evocative locales of Sera, where the story takes place, Gears of War 2 offers jaw-dropping graphics that are made possible through advances in Unreal Engine 3.

The limited edition version features several extras, including a Collectible SteelBook DVD case, "Beneath the Surface: An Inside Look at Gears of War 2," a 48-page hardbound book with exclusive art and a foreword by Design Director Cliff Bleszinski, and a DVD with making-of-the-game footage as well as artwork and commentary. You also get an exclusive gold-plated Lancer Assault Rifle that you can use during online play.

A fantastic game with fantastic bonus features and material, don't miss out on this blockbuster masterpiece.

The game is amazing...

It improves upon the first one in every way.

-Bullets no longer travel slowly and lazily to their targets as well as their range has been improved to make then shoot more realistic distances (keep in mind though gears of war is more of an arcade shooter than a realistic one)

-The story is much improved as well as character development, this time around the story seems to be more focused upon Dom and his wife Maria.

-Now when your are downed you arn't forced to stay where you were downed, now you can crawl behind cover so your teammates can revive you.

-There are now multiple executes you can use (11 I believe)

-The new weapons are amazing and make the gameplay more fun than it already is as well as a few of the old weapons have been tweaked (most noticeably the hammerburst as it no longer has a burst but is a semi automatic)

-The new multiplayer modes are amazing. Horde is just downright fun and the new Submission (formerly "Meatflag") is an interesting and fun deviation from the standard capture the flag.

I would personally recommend this game to anyone who has a 360 it is an amazing game and it is a must have if you like to play over xbox live.

I would give it a 9.8/10

*If you have xbox live I would definitely get the special edition because the gold lancer is just too cool, and even if you don't have live the metal case and the artbook/bonus disc make it worth the extra $10.

The original Gears of War was a great introduction to the a new world. Gears of War 2 puts that new world on a grander scale and opens it up to a huge universe. Gears 2's story is a continuation of the storyline presented in the original Gears.

Gears of War 2's gameplay is exactly the same as the original Gears, with some minor tweaks. Gears 2 expands the weapon selection in to some heavier weaponry as well as some cool vehicles in Campaign mode.

Campaign mode takes roughly 10 hours on the hardest difficulty available (Hardcore). Once you get through the campaign on any mode, you will unlock Insane difficulty which ups the amount of damage enemies can take, and lowers your resistance to damage.

Multiplayer mode is available for Campaign as co-op, as a standalone game, or in a new Horde mode which pits you and up to 5 of your friends against wave after wave of increasingly difficult bots.

The gaming business is so HUGE that every department store in the country has new releases available on the release date. I ordered games on-line before from other company's and received them within a couple of days of their release, which is reasonable. AMAZON DOESN'T GET IT, I still haven't received Gears Of War II 5 days after it released. WTF. Do NOT order your gaming from Amazon. They obliviously don't understand the gaming community and don't deserve your business! Hopefully I'll get my copy before next year.?!?

This is the best game i have played for the year.
Ever since i completed the first gears i couldnt wait for the second one.
Gears 2 multiplayer is everything you could possibly look for in a game. My favorite multiplyer mode is the horde.
Highly recommended!!!

This is a must have game! The Limited Edition is definately worth the extra $10! the book and the golden lancer are just awsome! If you have the money go for this limited edition it is sooooooo worth it!

November 2008 is a special month, it marks two important events for me personally - my first born will have his first birthday, and the release of Gear of War 2.

I was so looking forward to Gears 2 and knew that it is going to be so good, I went out to pre-buy the Limited Edition. I took it home on the weekend and spent a few hours on it, and yes my expectations weren't disappointed.

I think everyone by now has got a pretty good idea of what Gears 2 is about - better graphics, more weapons, more Locusts, more collectables, more violence. Although I should reemphasis that the single-player campaign is longer, and as I'm not usually into multiplayer, I find this aspect particularly attractive. However, now that they have added a horde mode, I'll definitely try out multiplayer in due time.

I don't want to echo the words of other reviewers so perhaps I'll focus on something else - the packaging and extra stuff of the Limited Edition. I knew right away I was getting the Limited Edition, it comes with a different (better) cover obviously, and the whole package is contained in a metal box that features the Lancer assault rifle. The art and surface finishing on the box are tip top. Opening the box shows two DVDs (game & extra commentaries/footages), one overlaying on the other. On the left are the manual, code for extra maps and an advert. leaflet for Fable 2. There is a transparent inner plastic layer covering the inside of the metal box; the inside of the box shows the original mural illustration of the Gears 2 cover. The whole package just looks and feels fantastic. I love holding it, my wife thinks I'm a bit looney.

The meat of this Limited Edition is the hard-cover "Beneath the Surface: An Inside Look at Gears of War 2", featuring wonderful art work and brief history of the Gears Universe; the book immerses you into the universe and makes you appreciate the game even further. There's also a small pic of Dom and his wife Maria, which I'm using as a bookmark for Beneath the Surface.

As I pre-bought this Limited Edition, the price I paid is the price the normal version is selling now after the release date, so it was definitely worth it. The Limited Edition is a definite buy if you can find it, don't just settle for the normal version.

As I celebrate Gears 2 and my son's first birthday this month, I look forward to playing Gears 2 (and 3) with him in the years ahead.

I know people are always talking about Halo and Gears of War multiplayer but I really don't like either so let me get that out of the way first. I prefer Call of Duty 4 game play to the twitch style play of GoW and Halo - I doubt multiplayer is bad, it's just not my style.

I am not quite finished the campaign yet but it is really fun and has some nice twists and turns in the story that I was not anticipating. The coop campaign works flawlessly and as advertised and Horde mode is extremely fun, especially when you can get a full 5 people together.

In short, a beautiful game with good controls, very good story, that is just simply fun to play.

Plays exactly like the first Gears, 'cept with more color. And because the gays complained not enough story line in 1 (they forgot this is a FPS not an RPG), 2 has more story line which means more cut scenes, marcus spends more time on the radio talking to control and Dom cries like a little biaatch looking for his girlfriend.

Other then that GOW2 is tight!!

I got this about a week ago(through a friend who works at an electronics store) and I don't know where to begin on how great of a game this is. Gameplay is flawless as of now, I'm hoping the hackers don't get out and destroy the gameplay with hacks and glitches like what happened with Gears Of War 1. (If you're unfamiliar Gears 1's biggest problem was there was a lot of glitches and host advantage was horrible). The game modes in this are a lot of fun, Horde was a really good idea and is very fun with a couple other people. I must admit Campaign is MUCH more fun when playing on co-op than it is on single player. The achievement list doesn't seem nearly as tough as gears 1, but there is a wide variety of achievements that will take some time to get.

Online is great, no lag as of yet, no glitches as of yet, and nobody hacking as of yet. The unlockables are also really nice, the more game progress you make the more multiplayer characters you unlock and if you defeated Gen. Raam in Gears 1 you will have him unlocked on Gears 2.

I was very impressed by the amount of effort put in to make Halo 3, but I think this actually has more features, smoother gameplay, better graphics, and the plot is more fun. Not to mention Halo is very hard to play online unless you are experienced, gears isn't like that. My friend came over and played online with no problem even though he never played it before. This is one of the only games I rank above Halo. I wasn't a big Halo fan, but I thought the amount of effort put in to creat Halo was amazing and the same goes for Gears 2.

As for Cons, you cannot play as a guest in an online ranked match, only private matches. Meaning if you have a firend over, that person must have a memory card, with his profile on it and an Xbox Live Gold account attached to it. But you can play private matches with guests and friends. Another con is there is no Unranked online mode, which doesn't effect me much...I just wish they had it and allowed guest play like on Gears 1. The graphics are great and are improved from Gears 1 but there still isn't a ton of color in the game.

This is definitely a must have game for anyone who ownes a 360. I definitely suggest picking up a copy if you're debating.