It's the 2006 Game Of the Year For a Reason...

User Rating: 9.5 | Gears of War X360
By skullkrusher13 | Review Date:
After playing Gears of War consistently since its November release, I now feel confident enough that my review can be as accurate as it can get (not to mention I have been lazy). First of all, it is still the best looking videogame that has come out. From the environments to the character models, everything is so easy on the eyes. I still shake my head occasionally, and utter, "man, this game is so freaking beautiful" when, say, I start playing a match online. Since I'm on the topic of online multiplayer, I might as well talk about it. Well, its certainly an incredible experience, there's no doubt about it. However, there are a few mistakes Epic made that must be rectified in the eventual sequel. 1. Take a cue from Halo 2's flawless matchmaking system (include playing with friends during ranked games, individual levels, online stats, etc).
2. Fix the incredibly noticeable "Host" advantage. (The few times I've had it, I have felt invincible, especially with the Shotgun)
3. Clean up the few bothersome glitches some losers exploit to gain an advantage (specifically picking up a weapon and sliding about 10 feet, and the roadie run glitch) These issues do hinder the overall experience at times, but at least not enough for me to stop playing. Its still the best multiplayer on a next-gen console thanks to the top notch gameplay. The exceptional weapon balancing combined with the perfect blend of strategy, yet simple, and fun style of play, the game never gets boring. From hitting an adversary with a torque bow from across the map to blowing off his head with a no-scoped (or scoped) sniper rifle, or getting in close combat with shotguns, pistols, and even grenades, the game is just genuinely entertaining. The violence is certainly grotesque, but in an extremely awesome and satisfying way. Seeing a Locust soldier getting blown to pieces or getting its head popped off while its body topples over lifeless is still as refreshing as it was when I first starting playing the game. Did I even mention the rifle chainsaw bayonet (the Lancer)? Yes, it does sound cliché, but that gun pwns. Like the Lancer, every other weapon take skill to handle. Some have higher learning curves than others, but having a perfect reload certainly helps. Finally, getting to the single player campaign. I have heard many, many reviews saying its “too short”. Well, that may be, however, the main point is that the game has zero filler. Unlike most action games, there are no recycled levels or environments. The action is relentless, and only ceases for a few chapters in the middle, where it becomes Silent Hill-esque paced (cheap scares included). That is why I feel it is the best single player experience since Halo (and even that game had recycled elements previously mentioned). It is definitely a game you’ll want to play more than once, especially co-op (online or offline) on a higher difficulty. To sum up, Gears of War’s top notch graphics, multiplayer, and single player campaign are what they are because of the near flawless gameplay. If it weren’t for a few minor problems with multiplayer, and if the sound was just a little more “epic” (pun not intended) this game would easily be a 10. It already stands as an "Instant classic" as it is.

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