Really good fun to play. Lots of thought went into the game and one of the highlights for me is the cover system. Simple and effective it adds a lot to the game. Good solid story line as well, can't wait for a sequel.

Brilliant game the gameplay, graphics and gunfights are absolutely amazing but if you're not into online gaming this isnt the game for you because the plot is crap and the single player game is so short it's unreal but online is the best game you could ever play.

A game that deserves a 10, means it accomplishes perfection in graphics, multiplayer and all the demands of a shooting game player. If someone has friends over or wants to play an astounding action game, then you can not go wrong with buying GEARS OF WAR.

I don't play video games. I hate video games. The last truly great video game I played was The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time for the Nintendo 64. then I stopped playing them. however... Gears of War has had me hooked since minute one. The graphics astound me, the opponent's AI doesn't mean you're blindly fighting the same battles, and only tapping buttons as fast as possible, the story is hokey but fun-hokey, like a bad zombie movie. If you're looking for a Dostoyevsky like storyline or an Agatha Christie style mystery, don't play video games. Play this because it's fun, it's memorable, it's hard, and you can play with a friend.… Expand

Dude Messiah L. Ur a fucking inbred retard. This game isnt that difficult you just suck to much ass. But this game is fucking kick ass. Unique weapons and story, Re4 gameplay engine, great graphics and sound, this game was well worth the 60 dollars it was. A great game all around. The story and multiplayer is just awesome. The only thing that keeps this from being a perfect game is that online gameplay can be frustrating with host and laggy bullets.… Expand

Game is fantastic, addicting, amazing graphics, story line, and gameplay. Hope theres a sequel.

By far the best game for Xbox 360. The most unique too the campaign is great, although it is very short, that is the reason for the 9.

Gears of War is by far the greatest Shooter seen to date, with its fantastic attention to detail and unprecedented realism in battle gears truly blows away any shooter of the past...sorry Halo now you suck.

Gears of War is unarguably the best game to be released on either Xbox 360 or PS3. Wii's Zelda may be just as good). It is also the only game of any of the three systems to take advantage of next gen graphic possibilities. there are a few week points but they don't really take away from the greatness of the game. The game's story plot is far too underdeveloped as is the single player campaign. If this game is truly the third person's Halo, it needs to have a better context. Gun diversity needs to be improved as do the attack capabilities of the locusts who all have very similar attributes.… Expand

One of the best games Ive ever played

This game is one of the most compelling, and greatest gameplay ever created. I don't believe there was too much over-hype for this game, and was everything I hoped it would be. Only thing is that I wish the music from the commercial was in the game.

Truly delivers the next-gen experience. Stunning graphics, perfect gameplay and a high replay value make this game a must have. The multiplayer is great and the co-op campaign shows at what next games must look at. the only thing out of the pack is some good unlockable content, aside the achievements, to reward players especially in the insane difficulty.

this is an amaising game ,just so musçch fun to play JOHN S .AND JOE B are blind or just playing dumb i feel so sad for them,i bet they suck at the game so thats why they talk to much bullsh...
the game is just superv in every way .... -buy it it going to be your favorit -

Being a FPS Fan I thought I would not enjoy this third person type of gameplay. But This game's controls and gameplay really rock. Taking cover is a cool new way to play a shooter game. The only negative is the muted colors which Should have been a bit more colorful but not Too much.

I love the chainsaw, blood looks great as well.

The graphics in this game are totally awesone! Best game I have ever played.....but there is one problem when i play this game with my friend we play versues.....my friend likes to use the chain saw gun.....I look at his face all the time when he usues the chain saw....he smiles, laughs and screams (happy scream).....anyways my friend is nuts about thee chain saw soooo have it in the next one it makes him happy.… Expand

This game is amazing. that said, are there total idiots out there? This is an M game, +17 to play? Seriously people, know what your kids are doing, and if you're buying this for you're kid, somethings wrong. This is an adult game. For adults it's one of the best out!

First off, to the so and so's with the children. THIS GAME IS FOR ADULTS IT'S RATED FOR ADULTS, DONT LET YOUR CHILDREN PLAY THE GAME, YOU SHOULD GO TO JAIL FOR LETTING YOUR KID PLAY, AND FOR TRYING TO HINDER THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH. RATED M FOR MATURE.

Now. This is an absolute masterpiece. Everythings awesome about it. ESPECIALLY THE CHAINSAW ON THE GUN.

This game is for adults....

This game is frigg'n sweet! Absolutely the best game out on any next-gen console. Online is the the best thing I've ever played aside from of course Halo 2. Let your kids have fake chain-saw battles with their buddies. Its good for them! Don't be lame... get this game. Hahah

As I analyze a game such as Gears of War, I cannot help but admire the absolutely stunning and incredible portions of the game; and at every corner. My eyes are stunned by the gorgeous visuals, spewing mounds of meaty flesh towards the screen. My eyes wince at the fresh, explosive, and entirely enthralling gameplay. I admire the reasonably lengthy campaign, with 3 difficulty modes, and playable through co-op with anyone willing to bare with your great abilities, or lack thereof. There is no need for me to drag on any longer, remarking and congratulating the perfect AI, the incredible enemy design, and ridiculously addictive and awesome multiplayer and online service this game offers. It has been said before, and it will be said again. Gears of War is the most incredible game of the last few years, and decimates the competition with all the preformentioned items. the new Zelda is amazing in its own merits, but Gears should be game of the year through an admirable and outstanding style and play. I would stop reading this now, a room is waiting for your entrance.… Expand

Hands down an amazing game. Controls, visuals, character development - all amazing! Nothing beats the ability to chainsaw someone in two. Thank you Epic for making an epic game!

Simply an outstanding game. Take into consideration the fanboys that will lower the overall user score like Nick C. etc. If you own a 360 you must own this game whether you like shooters or not. Its just one of those games. An instant classic. Perfect Dark, Goldeneye, Halo, and now Gears. Gear it up baby, youd be stupid to have a 360 and not this game.

This game is a rollercoaster that never seems to end. Online play is such a blast to play and even though people complain when you die u need to wait, but that makes people want to get better. Gears is the game to get this year!

Currently the best game I have ever played, disappointed by the length but the visuals were to die for.

Richard you are a fuckin dumbass. This game is THE greatest game of our time. Until Halo 3 comes out, and even a maybe for it, there isnt a game that can beat this one. When Richard says there isnt a way of aiming, just flail your bullets all over the place, your wrong. Its because this game actually takes skill to aim, unlike Halo. Halo is an easy game to get good at, but not GoW. You can pick it up and play but it takes skill to even become mediocre at it. Go suck a dick Richard, your mad your not good at it. BTW, there is a gun that you can kill someone with one shot, the torque bow and sniper, AND boomshot, dumbass, it just takes more skill than that shit in halo. And also the shotgun. Dont you feel dumb.… Expand

Rarely does a game immerse you so much as Gears. The visuals are very nice, but they set the entire mood of the game, and the sound matches to create a full environment. Gameplay is very good and easy to work with. There's enough content and strategies to keep gamers busy for a long time. Multiplayer is a must for the full gaming experience, but the single player is very solid as well. I will look forward very much to GoW 2.… Expand

Any one who says this game is overated needs to get slapped this game is AMAZING and can easily edge out the halo series Really reccomend it!

Gears of War wasn't made for everyone. Those who are enjoying to not appreciate hard work of developers should not even dare give bad rating. it would be better to keep them to yourself rotting inside. If you are not the type of gamer who stand still during a gameplay and admire what you can't do to be inspired, you should not waste textlines about Gears of Wars. A true gamer would never rate this gamer below 7… Expand

Ridiculously awesome!! Enough reason to by a 360 alone. Easily best game of the year. Play it and be amazed!!!!

This is game is the best game I ever played. I can't wait for part II to come out.

As an avid player of video games since i was a young lad, i know what makes a good game good. Gameplay that immerses you into the world and you soon lose track of time. Graphics that look like the real deal with a true blue engine. Sound too, i hate when games use cheapened sound effects, but i love when i have to turn around because i thought that the sound was not in the game, but for real. and finally i like replayability, some games hook you and then when the final boss falls down, there is nothing else to play. the good news is out, Gears of War has all of this.… Expand

How can you justify giving this game a 1, or did I even spot a zero? The only way you can justify that is if you open up the front cover and were dissapointed to see that there was no disc inside. Perhaps a sweet instead??? Come on, the graphics were awesome, and people who say there is no detail must be blind.

First of all, this game was amazing. I'm not saying it's like Halo but it is damn good. One thing that could have been improved was the story mode. The graphics were good but the weapons could have been a bit more exciting. Like the chainsaw/gun. Thats good. It's great fun playing Gears of War.

Best game ever! Master Chief gots nothin on Marcus Fenix.

This game deserves a 10. The graphics and gameplay combined make this a masterpiece. And ppl who go on about the minor things that are'nt even bad about this game should get a life. I've played 100's of shoot em ups, and this is in the top 10!

Gears of war uses its cinematic campaign to perfection and is joyous to play in muliplayer without doubt the best shooter on the 360.

Easily a 10. The campaign may be short but its the best campaign mode the 360 has to offer except from bioshock. The multiplayer will satisfy you for years (if you have freinds to play with its even better). Game pretty much does everything it needs to. It has got some flaws- the chainsaw gets annoying but meh. And the thing about all the people who give this bad reviews will be playing this non-stop and they know it, if you own a 360 you should own gears of war.… Expand

3 days until #2 arrives, and I have been playing #1 all over again to hone my skills, and I have to say that even though I have a MASSIVE pile of unplayed games, this has not left my drive since I put it in again!!! Still one of the BEST games ever made!!! Here's to #2!!!

By far the best online gaming so far! awesome graphics and excellent gameplay!

This is the game that I continue to put in my 360 every time I am on it... It's the game that you can always play because you won't get tired of it. No, I'm not talking about the so-so campaign, I'm talking about playing online. This game is amazing once you get the hang of it and there is a lot of depth as well. This to me is the must-have title on the 360 (if not this then bioshock). Although there is sometimes lag online, just join matches that you have a good connection with. Whoever says that the cover system is not innovative obviously hasn't played many other FPS's or doesn't often play gears. I am jealous of the developers of gears 2 just because the cover system works so well. I can't think of playing without it and whenever I start playing another game I realize how sad it is that they don't have a cover system even comparable.… Expand

One of my first games on the X-Box 360. At firsti thought it was a terrible game. But now that i finnaly undersatnd the story and the gameplay it is a fantastic game that most people would love. My only downside is the diffiuclty, it either mantains the same, gets easier or harder. But where else would you get a game that has a chainsaw!? Overall, a 9.5

It's really hard to review a game like this 'cause it's just about as perfect as you can get for a game like this. I might be writing this review kinda late but, come on, what games out there that have been made since the beginning that can even compare to Gears of War and Bioshock? In 24 years of Gaming I have never come across anything. This game is deeper than deep in game play period. It was ahead of its' time to be frank. The best part is that it was an exclusive title to the 360 and Windows. That goes the same for Bioshock. The PS people have nothing on these two games and never will. This game will be the kind of game where you can put it in 5-7 years from the date it was produced and game companies will still be comparing their games they're making to it. It's that good, that perfect and that much ahead of its time. I rate this game an 11 for one of those rare, special games of its' generation.… Expand

Very good game. Single player is nice and long and there is some challenges. Being able to play Single co-op makes it twice as fun but can get frustrating if your friend doesn't know how to play. Multiplayer is fun, they come out with new maps for multiplayer keeping the game fun and interesting.

Don't pay attention to the reviews down here, about 90some% of them are from biased PS3 or Wii fans. instead read the ones from pro critics that are so good they get paid to do it.

One of the few REAL next gen & innovative and fun to play videogame up to date. And a great new IP!

This game its just great, awesome graphics and gameplay.

State of the art graphics, a great multi player, and great gameplay lead to this EPIC success.

One of the best XBOX 360 games to date - this being said almost 2 years after it's release. Amazing graphics and storyline combined with intense action sequences and innovative weapons make this game a must own for any fan of the genre.

The enemies, the Locust, are truly frightening and add a heightened sense of fear to the gameplay. The gamer can sense that these guys are big, solid, and mean as all hell. To add to this - they aren't brought down easily at all - a formidable enemy to say the least. The deep, rumbling vioces of the Boomers from the road ahead leaves gamers scrambling for cover while the ear shattering shrieks of the wretches invoke a sense of panic from deep within the gamer's guts. Perhaps the best enemy in any action-horror game to date - the Berserker. Completely original, the Berserkers are blind and hunt you with their ears and sense of smell. One encounter with one of these monsters has the gamer going from literally holding his breath on the couch while he attempts to silently maneuver his character around the Berserker to a white knuckle "flee-for-all" as you run for your mother-lovin' life! You have never experienced fear from a video game like you do when you're running as fast as you possibly can all the while hearing the walls smash behind you as the beast pursues you with no other desire than to violently dismember you with her bare hands.

I could literally go on for hours about this game, but the only way to truly understand the masterpiece that this game is is to play it for yourself. Just buy it - you will not regret it!… Expand

Seriously one of the best games I've ever played. The online is amazing and fun, the graphics and art style is very nice, and the gameplay is solid. This game makes you feel like you're really fighting a war for mankind, more-so than any other game IMO.

This game is not for the feint of heart... This game will not hold your hand, casual gamers will not survive. The single-player is superb, thugh kind of short... But the multiplayer is where it shines! After a steep learning curve (with pretty basic controls), the player of this game may just be challenged by you. This game takes dedication to become skillful. The best part of this game has to be the satisfaction of getting a basic kill. This game makes you earn your kills, which makes them feel so much more rewarding when you actually get the kill... I've played this game for 3 years... The only game with better multiplayer than this is Halo 2...… Expand

Would be a 10 if it wasn't for the extremely hard Beserkers and General RAAM. Other than that, a fantastic masterpiece.

Had I not already bought an Xbox 360 earlier this year, Gears of War would have forced me to. It's pretty rare I get that epiphanous moment, where I know I'm playing something truly new, truly well done, and Gears of War is exactly that. This is the kind of game that seems to come along only once in a four of five year period. The level of detail, realism, ambience and mood is so stunning I find myself completely uninterested in the rest of my game collection. Well worth the time and money.… Expand

Innovative cover system, you really feel like your hiding with bullets whizzing above your head. Great solid multiplayer. Brilliant Co-op. Negatives are too few maps and modes for online multi.

Game of the year, hands down. Single player is a blast & multiplayer is going to give it some loooong legs.

This is one of the best shooters that i've ever played. Graphics are amazing, sound matches perfectly. An awesome soundtrack also. I highly suggest this game. Best game out for 360.

Brilliant. It's technically superb and flat out fun. I've never played a game which inspires a player to take cover and evade fire instead of rushing straight into it. The level design is excellent and the atmosphere is thick and tense. A classic. Together with Elder Scrolls: Oblivion...this game makes the 360 the system of choice for the Next Gen thus far.

Grabs you and won't let go, capturing your mind like Halo or COD. Never boring, occasionally funny, visually stunning, inspires you to replay on harder levels.

Gameplay -- Awesome!
Story -- Awesome!
AI -- Awesome!
Sound -- Awesome!
Graphics -- Awesome!
Multiplayer -- Holy Friggin' Awesome!!!
This game is like Crack for Gamers. Its been a long time since my fingers have hurt this much from over-gaming. If you have a 360 and don't buy this game ASAP you deserve a chainsaw through your chest!

This is no game - THIS IS ART!!! A next generation masterpiece that will leave you breathless! Take the time to master the controls and you will unlock the most brilliant work of interactive cinema of our time. Like others, I was skeptical about Gears going in (due to all the hype), but make no mistake - this game is a tour de force: visceral action, a brilliantly crafted story full of haunting metaphors to our own time, atmospheric music that is both beautiful and terrifying, and photorealistic graphics that, simply put, look like a living, breathing painting. Believe the hype but don't believe the frustrated Sony and Nintendo fanboys. Because they know that the console wars may be over before they've begun.… Expand

People that rate this lower than an 8 must not own a 360. All they can say is that its repetitive! This game is a classic. Multiplayer is awesome, and story mode is different when you run through it 3 or 4 times. Don't choose the same path and it wont be repetitive. KICK ASS GAME

This is a game for me. The immersive environments, the better-than-hollywood story, the obviously incredible graphics all enhance the most enjoyable action gameplay I've experienced in years. I'm not usually a big fan of online multiplayer, but this one utilizes strategy and teamwork to an addictive degree. I'm also not one to typically play through an action game's story more than once (I do that with RPG's some), but I am now going through it the 2nd time on the harder diffculty and can't put it down. It never gets old or frustrating (actually it does when your online and in a match with a team that plays it like it's Halo or doesn't communicate - hopefully that will end soon). If you don't own a 360 - Here's a reason to go get one.… Expand

I would give a 9.7, since there is one fault Why don't they make it 4 player split screen, EPIC this game could be better than Halo if you do this in some kind of update!!! please!!!!, stop with only online multiplayer!

Best Shooter To Date. I Cant Wait For Part Two!

Wow. Its really hard to truly describe the masterpeice that is Gears of War. between the hectic gameplay, heart-stopping visuals, chainsaw bayonet, the unforgettable campaign moments (such as the first Berserker fight), the spot- on voice acting, the cinematic appeal, and the overall AWESOMENESS of it all, its really hard to pick which part of GoW stands out the most. but stop for a second, throw the super smooth co-op into it all, and you've got all of the aforementioned, only doubled, and with a friend, making the overall game a true 360 MUST BUY title. plus, its got offline split-screen, which is a feature that (sadly) is becoming incredibly rare now a days. there are the occasional hiccups with the physics and graphics, but these are almost non-existant when you take into account the whole scope of the game. here's to hoping for Gears of War 2. 9.9 out of 10 p.s. Dominic Santiago is a badass.… Expand

Killer app. Period. A must try and for most gamers, a must buy ! Top of the notch game ! -0,5 for a lack of story originality. -0,5 for a too short single player campaign.

this game is the best third person shooter i have ever played. A sweet campain story. The bosses fights are so sweet that will just be saying "sweet". The chainsaw is the one of the best weapons ever having the blood spray all over the screen. but to Steve M. you are on crack and wasted and you deserve to have Marcus Felix come over to your house and chop you up with a chainsaw for saying that.… Expand

Yeah this game is f..king kick ass you guys did good job on the game only thing i dont like is when u run n u get chainsawed like 10feet away beside that game is kickass been up for 32hrs playing non-stop.

Ok I knew that the game would be good but i have to say that Gears Of War exceeds my expectations 100 percent!! The Gameplay is smooth and inovative, unlike any other game on the market. The graphics are absolutely stuning, and the multiplayer is intense and loads of fun. But the best part of the game has to be the chainsaw...there is nothing like cutting a big grasshopper from elbow to a..hole!!!… Expand

Great game. I hate FPS so this comes as a surprise to me. I wasn't even going to pick this up, but after read the reviews and watching it played at local game store, I figured it was worth a try (hell, I can always sell it for nearly what I paid on ebay this early anyway...). Serioulsy good game. I hate FPS, just played them all to death years ago, but this one is different. It's not a FPS since you see behind your avatar ala Resident Evil 4 for example. They added a dodge/hide behind cover element to the gameplay that works really well. Plus, the multiplayer support is incredible - I can hop into my buddies campaign/solo game anytime at any point via xboxLive. All games should do it this seemlessly.… Expand

Forget these people who seem to have an agenda when bad-mouthing this game. It is one of the most fun and one of the most gorgeous games I have ever seen or played. The hours can melt away before you even know it when this one is in the console.

The only problem with the game is the campaign is VERY short. But its good enough to play numerous times. Great Game!

This game is awsome, what other title lets your freinds play your campaign over live at any point with you co-op so exciting.

This is by far the best game on the Xbox 360. The graphics, sound, gameplay, originality, innovation are simply the best. Gears of War = the greatest game EVER on any console. The only other game i consider to be this good is Resident Evil 4 for the Gamecube. But Gears of War tops that game as well. This game is worth every penny, and then some!

PLEASE READ TO THE END to find out why I am rating this game a 15 rather than a well deserving 9. I have one question. Why so many 9 and 10s, very few 6,7, or 8s. And then a multitude of 4 and 5s from the likes of Steve M., Bryan M., Cliff B., Eric S. and Anthony V.? What is wrong with you people? I can understand not thinking that the game is that outstanding, but just because you say the game is way overhyped, it doesn't warrant you giving it ratings of 4 and 5. And lets not even start with Bob J. and Tank S.. A 2 and a 3 rating! Did you actually put the game into the xbox 360 and pick up a controller.
Ok the game may not be perfect, but it is far beyond anything ever played on a console system so far. The gameplay is supurb, the graphics are steller, and the sound definately sets the mood. Now, for Eric S. to say "Despite my rant, Gears of War is by no means a bad game. It's just not the masterpiece that the reviewers claim" and then rate it a 5, well we have a problem here. Why would you rate it a 5 if it was not a bad game. Does not make sense to me. And he is not alone.
So, to conclude with my review, the game does deserve a 9 or possibly a 10, but to get back at those ignorant fools for rating it a 4s and 5s, not mention the 2s and 3s, I will gladly say this game is a 15! A must buy game that absolutely makes the system a next gen console. So much for Tank S. telling us its average and then rating it a 2. See what I mean????… Expand

What an absolutely incredible game. Aside from a few minor control issues, especially in the "roadie run" mode, Gears blew me away. I have never, ever finished a game and immediatly started over on the same night until I played this. Replay value is perhaps the highest I've ever experienced. The storyline is almost cinematic, and the visuals are sublime. If this doesn't win game of the year It will surprise a lot of people. Now I know why I chose Xbox 360 over PS3 - Microsoft knows how to build original shooters.… Expand

Excellent graphics, game-play, and multiplayer. Weapon balance, ally and enemy AI, and audio are pure perfection.

Awesome game the story line is good (not great) the single player is fun and exciting and the multiplayer is generally challenging and fun I played this game and it surprised me how good it was.

Oooo buddy the graphics will melt your face.

A must buy for those who are holding out for an Xbox360 (or waiting for the uber expensive PS3), or better yet get this game now and play it! Truly next gen game. Campaign mode is somewhat short, but if you crank up the difficulty level, might take days to finish. Not your typical run and gun third-person shooter, you need to think and outwit the smart A.I., because you will always find yourself in a tight situation all the time. Multiplayer is where it shines, fun and addicting, and satisfying after you bash a downed enemy in the head to humiliate their ego after being defeated. A must have title to own in you collection.… Expand

Very nice! This game is an excellent third person shoot, resident evil 4 anyone? single player is awesome, points of terror, points of all out fire fights. The mutliplayer is having some issues with not letting people connect, but the games I have played have been fun, a very well made game, that actually lives up to the hype surronding it.

Best game since the Halo franchise. I had severe doubts about this game, and figured it could just be another over-hyped flop, like Brute Force was a few years ago, which was also hyped up to be "The next Halo". There's so many amazing things in Gears of War that I don't really know where to start. Single player is a lot of fun, and the ability to invite someone to co-op with you at any time over xbox live is a real plus. Multiplayer is definitely the most fun I've had in a long time. The game modes are great, the weapons are very well balanced, and the cover system adds so much to the gameplay. Best next-gen game so far. With the best graphics too (looks beautiful on my 1080p hdtv). If you own a 360 there's no excuse not to have this game. So go pick it up and enjoy.… Expand

Well, I'm giving this game a 10 simply because it's my new favorite of all time. I love it. At first, I started playing and was like...okay, the graphics are beautiful but am I really going to love it? It grows on you. Sweet gameplay in single-player, co-op and multiplayer! When you start playing in the cover system, it is sooo much fun. Always stick with a squadmate!

This game is genius, an amazing 3rd person shooter. The idea of a chainsaw bayonet is insane,blood and gore is used perfectly. This game is a 10 of 10.

Honestly, I haven't had so much fun playing a game in a long time. Buy twenty copies to share with your friends. Oh, and to the people who bash this game the same way they bashed Halo just because those games were popular, go to hell. Find a better way to feel sophisticated.

awesome game, im a pc gamer myself but the ability to revive your buddy is just an awesome coop feature!...HELLUVA GAME..well done!

Don't listen to all the negative reviews here. This is one of the best games I've ever played. With a single player (and co-op!) campaign that's even better than halo's (YES, I SAID IT) and a very very good multiplayer/online section of the game, this game is a must buy for anybody who's a fan of any kind of shooter. The option to turn off extreme content is also a must-have for someone with a family of younger eyes (see what the chainsaw or a headshot does, then you'll understand)… Expand

Normally, I can't stand game hype, the same that I can't stand movie hype. It just flat out sours the game/movie for me. However, I got caught up in the Gears hype 10 minutes after turning the game on. The time and work that went into this game is tremendous, and it should definitely be on every "Best Of..." list that you find. Quite simply, the game is a masterpiece, one that does something no other game has done (or even tried to do): recreate the gritty, visceral emotions of actually being in a firefight.
I could go on and on about the graphics, so I won't. suffice it to say, they rule in the way that Resident Evil 4 ruled last year on the GameCube. No other developer has sucked this much juice out of the 360 to date--if this is what Epic can do after two years or so of work, what are they going to do after three or four?
The cover mechanic is not only well designed, but it works great for those who take the time to strategically plan stuff out. Thankfully, being a huge Metal Gear Solid fan, I'm one of those types. Basically, if you play this game like you play Halo 2, it will murder you. The run mechanic is also solid--I'm loving the camera while you run--a shaky, cameraman-is-running-with-you floor shot. It's not much, but it does so much for the game in the way of pacing and building tension.
However, it's not totally flawless. The game falls victim to one of my biggest pet peeves about video games today--the plot of the single player campaign just isn't explained at all. Stuff happens in the game that leaves you saying things like, "Who's that?" "Why did that happen?" "Where are we going?" and so on. It couldn't be that hard to insert a title crawl (Star Wars style) to fill people in on the backstory, could it? Also, I'd like to see more online modes and content in the future.
But the fact is that Gears does everything else so well that it charms you. It's so easy to get sucked in that you're willing to overlook that stuff and just hope that they fix it for Gears 2. With solid gameplay, you can take over the world, and Gears proves that ten times over. Add in great pacing and plenty of memorable gaming moments (the fight at the end with RAAM is really good), this is the best non-Zelda console game you'll play all year.… Expand

Gears of War is worth the money purely for the graphics. They're just that good, and reassure the console owner who is wondering if the money on spent on a xbox 360 will end up being worth it. But beyond the pretty face, the game is very solid. The cover system isn't completely revolutionary, but the fact that the game is built from the ground up with the use of cover in mind is. There are ample places to hide in mutliplayer and due to the layout of the maps flanking an enemy becomes very important. The guns are solid and fun to use, and there is hilariously absurd amounts of gore everywhere. Gibbing someone with a shotgun to the face has never been so satisfying, and really, thats the feeling an action game should aim for. Gears of War isn't a perfect ten, however, due to it's short campaign and lack of multiplayer maps and modes. It would also be nice if the matchmaker system was as innovative as the gameplay - as of now, its no better than Halo's. Ah, but those are only minor problems. Gears of War is defiantly worth your money.… Expand

good game

Hype has the potential to ruin games, it almost ruined Halo 2 for me, because Halo 2 did not live up. This one does.

This game, as the developers are called, is truly Epic. The cover mechanics, the strategies required, the immersity of it, the fun, laughter and tears you will have with this game, will be truly unforgettable. If you do not have this game, I suggest you buy it NOW! Have fun killing Locust! See ya on live!

This game is utterly insane. The graphics get a 10, the sounds get an 8, the gameplay 8, a 7 for originality, and 6 for the story. (but who cares about the story, anyways?). In bombed out inviroments that restrict your ability to go anywere, the game compansates by leting you interact with the invioment you CAN reach. Blind firing from behild a fallen pillew is awsome and new. The in-game talking is snappy, rude, and funny. The sound are coll, a bit repedative, but still sound good. It's alittle annoying how the game never gets in-depth about how the locusts are being made, or even what planet you are on relative to earth. Confusing? I think so. Forgeting the sparce storyline, the graphics were killer. Literaly. The inviorment was nice and detailed, and there werent any spots where you could get stuck or small little bits of rubble that were uncrossable. As the the gun effects, the were cool, but not neccesarly orriginal. (which guns are, now-adays?). The coolest feature of this game were the chainsaw and stuffing-a-live-grenade-into-his-chest features. Summing up. The game was funny, awsome to play (who doesnt like cutting things in 1/2 w/ a chainsaw), and scared the crap out of me. Good job, Epic Games, for makinging this awesome third person shooter.… Expand

I bought the PS3 with Resistance: Fall of Man and Madden. I also bought Gears of War. There is no comparison - Gears of War is amazing and much better than the disappointing Resistance. I have never seen better graphics or atmosphere. PS3 is a big let down. Gears of War is the real next generation. People should stop comparing it to the masterpiece of Halo as well. Completely different games and different times.… Expand

I had recently purchased a Wii with all the most wanted titles, and had an overall alright experience with it (as you can read from my other reviews on this site). Last night I traded my Wii for a 360 and Gears of War, as I heard from many it is one of the best gaming experiences they have ever had. After playing this game for 3 hours with my brother on co-op, I must join in the hype. This is one of the best gaming expierences I have ever had. Just seeing true next gen graphics (in 1080!!!) with such fun gameplay (OH YES CO-OP!!) is awesome. This is what we all dreamed of Contra becoming someday, and I haven't been this blown away by a game/system since I got a Dreamcast with Soul Calibur II 6 years ago. Amazing! If you even doubt the Wii is for you, sell it and buy this. It's worth every penny. No regrets.… Expand

Gears of War is absolutely the best looking game I've ever seen in my life. While you can find more realistic character models in Fight Night Round 3 and Table Tennis, the amount of detail on the entire screen at any given time is jaw-dropping. Now, don't bet me wrong... the character models are still definitely up there amongst the best in any game. But the textures, the animation, the smoke, the dust, the "destroyed beauty" in this game is like nothing you've ever seen in a game. The controls are outstanding. There is a learning curve and there have been a couple of times I've been frustrated but once you get the hang of them, you'll be rocking it like the pros. The cover system is so smooth and useful and the active relaod system is one of the best creations for a shooter in recent times. Way to go Gears of War... you've made my 360 my best friend.… Expand

This game does everything right. From the first moment you exit your jailroom, seeing the face of your mate Dominique Santiago, you know this ll be a thrilling experience. And it is. Gears of war offers you great graphics, even grater gameplay and a better story then the other comments on this site suggest. The only shortcoming Epic coudnt evade, is that the game only takes you 7 hours of gameplay on Hardcore-modus. But then again, you'll restart, to kill one of those Berserkers on Insane-modus, or to just run throught the game with one of your friends, enjoying the great split-screen mode. Gears of War is what I call a Testosteron Game: you feel like a little boy, who just has seen ninja turtles on telly, and imitates all their moves on the school's playground. Another example of a game that makes you feel like this, is PS2's God of War. God of War, Gears of War: both of them are superb. So run to the neares gameshop en ask for Epic's Testosteron Game!… Expand

Firstly this game is not perfect but giving it 0 points because it is not Halo 2 is asinine. Anyone that makes that statement is not an avid gamer and most likely only owned Halo 2 for the previous console. Secondly giving it 0 because it gave you 4 year old brother nightmares is just moronic. The fact that you play mature 17+ game in front of a small child is only a credit too your stupidity as well. Okay, now for my review. This game is fast paced and gorgeous. Initially the control scheme seemed a tad akward, but learning it was quick and rewarding. The game does have some graphical hiccups here and there, I believe this is similar to the system used in Halo 2 to reduce loading screens. Online is where this game really shines. People can really sneak up on you & the paranoia factor is through the roof. Definitely give this one a try, unless youre sleeping with a master chief stuffed doll or have a house full of small children! =P… Expand

A 9.5 to say the least. From the graphics, to the slick cover system. I have yet to try the multi player, and I'm sure it's the just the icing on the Cake. Gears is pure fun weather it being alone, yelling to someone next to you, or playing online with your buddies, it's all here, in one package. Gears is the fuel for your 360.