Gears Of War - What's the story?

OK so I haven't played Gears of war (yes I know) and I really want to get Gears 2 when it comes out. So can anyone explain to me the story of Gears 1? Is it necessary to play Gears 2?

As far as a story there isn't much. The plot of the game though starts out with delta squad rescueing fenix from prison who then joines delta and goes insearch of alpha. after finding alpha they must plant a device called the resonator in the home of the locust to map their tunnels so they may destroy them all. thats pretty much the breif description with out giving the entire thing away, you really should rent it and playthrough the single player if your that interested as its a very good one.FLzthvikings87

Thanks man. The problem is that I live in Israel and we cant rent games here (go figure...).

thanks anyway all

gears of war is all about the action, chainsawing ppl, curb stomping and all that. the stories just kinda there bc i guess they felt they needed to put one in. and no, you dont need to know it b4 gears 2.