GOW 2 will blow you away.
Gears of War 2 looks amazing. The only thing keeping this game from a perfect score is the sudden texture popups. While a new chapter or level starts, the game takes a minute to fully loadup the games magnifecent details and graphics.
The gameplay is the same as the first. The cover and the reload minigame are all back. There are more vehicle sequences in this one as well. They may not be as good as the rest, but they give a nice break from the heart pounding fire fights. The only new things added in terms of gameplay are new heavy weapons like the mortar and the "Mulcher" machine gun. They slow you down but pack a punch.
The story in this game is alsso very good. It is not as dark and mysterilous as the first, as you are already more accustomed to the Locust. This sequel focuses more on action set pieces. The last boss fight is way to easy, but also feels epic.
Gears of War 2 expands the popular multiplayer. It adds new game modes that are spin offs of usual game modes like Capture the Flag. There is also the new addictive Horde mode pitting you against 50 waves of increasingly strong enemies. It is very fun and is very challenging.
Gears 2 is an amazing deal. All the new modes and the single player add up to one very great game.