Surprisingly addicting and fun third-person action game, with superior graphics and an intriguing plot; very few flaws
This game suceeds in part, mainly, because it's an effective and addictive story-driven video game solely for the 360. IMO, even as an FPS fan against third-person games, Gears of War defeats the entire Halo franchise in its single debut. Plus, the sequel has been rumored enough and is unquestionably inevitable, if not soon imminent.
The gameplay itself is fun, destructive, and entertainingly gory. The weapons, characters, and Locust designs are all very original and as eloquent as the milieus are gorgeous.
My only complaints are these: the final battle seems sometimes ridiculously difficult, as does a few more trivial sequences with the kamikazee-Wretches and Theron Guards. Just the same, while these well-integrated difficulties do add truly challenging experiences, sometimes IMO it gets a lil' too much. But, mostly, it is the lack of more abundant checkpoints throughout the game. With that improved and a way of allowing more players (i.e., 4 to the maximum 2) to a single off-line game onscreen, Gears of War would be undeniably immaculate.
Nonetheless, it is practically a perfect game as-is; for while the multiplayer is engaging and even the single-player campaign is marvelously entertaining, all cannot be dimes. I give 9.5/10 to this one, breaking my own rules as "no-third-person shooters"--and being proud of it.