[360] Gears of War 2, still no Denise Richards shower scene :(

A bit of a bump to this thread, which doesn't really deserve to have been dead so long. There's a new dev diary piece up talking about weapons in the new game, including the new weapons. Watch it on the official site, or:

YouTube Video

I'm actually getting quite excited about this game now, it's looking to be shaping up quite nicely. Definitely looking forward to doing some co-op and online stuff with people.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Shin

Region locked. Can only play other brits.

Omagnus promptly gets some friends in his own country. He's a real little boy now!

Omagnus has friends in his own country you cheeky sods, just not all of them are gamers, few that are are gamers to the same extent, and of those that do game a reasonable amount not many of them buy the same games as me. So shut it. (Though thinking on it, Gears 2 is probably a title a bunch of them will be getting).

Also, would much rather be stuck playing with only other Brits than only yanks.

Shin: It's worth noting that there will be a larger co-operative multiplayer mode called Horde, which is going to allow 5 people to take on waves of horde, which sounds like it could have potential.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Wretches are fine, it's those exploding bastards that are annoying as all hell.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Originally Posted by RAZGRIZ-1

I pre-ordered my copy yesterday. I'm gonna try to run through this game again on Hardcore difficulty in the next week so I can be primed when it hits shelves.

I had vaguely planned to try and co-op the original Gears with someone, though Skills (who said he was game) has been impressively lame on that front. What with the deluge of new games I don't think that's going to happen now.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Originally Posted by RAZGRIZ-1

If you still want to do that, I'm game to do it, you'll just have to catch me sometime after I get out of work at 7 pm GMT -8.

Dude, I would completely be up for that, however, 7pm your time is insane o'clock my time, so unless we happen to see each other online over a weekend or something I don't see that happening. Shame, because I imagine it'd be lots of fun.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by Encephalon

Horde is STUPID addicting and one of the most surprisingly fun modes in this game. It helps a lot, of course, if you gather a team of 4 or more people on Live to play[

If you fuckers are getting on this at any point this week you better give me a shout, because I want in.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by Terminus

Also recommending Jacinto next time as Horde map because camping behind laser barricades is lulz (thanks russ).

I'm up for doing some Horde since I've not had a chance to play that mode yet, let me know when you're about.

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by Encephalon

I know I'm probably late but I finally beat this game tonight. GodDAMNIT, this game glitches like a motherfucker. That is my single greatest complaint about this game.

I've heard this from a couple of people, and whilst I've witnessed one or two glitches I didn't actually find it bad at all. I certainly wouldn't say it glitches like a motherfucker.

Quote:

I have other complaints about this:

Spoiler:

Some characters that were incredibly well-designed and had the potential to be really great plot threads were killed in the first hour of gameplay. Like Tai. Tai is, by far, my favorite character I've seen in a game in a long time and he was mercilessly left to shoddy plot devices.

Spoiler:

I will agree about this, this did annoy me since it felt like they introduced Tai just so they had someone to kill off. Personally I think it would have worked better, and had more emotional impact, if it had ended up being either Cole or Baird who had died and Tai replace them in your squad, though that would have possibly pissed off fans (and plus killing Cole would be a shame, since he's a funny fucking character).

Quote:

Spoiler:

I get that Dom looking for his wife had the potential to be the flimsiest of plot devices but the fact that it wasn't YOUR character this was being forced upon, as opposed to a secondary character was a massive difference in the delivery. I still think that when he find Maria and she's basically a vegetable is a bitter moment in the game. It worked much better with the idea circling around Dom instead of Marcus. I still want to see how see how interpersonal relationships like Dom and Anya and Dom and his father work out, but this is a fucking good start.

Spoiler:

The Maria moment I could see coming a mile away, but the way they did it fucked with my head. Definitely a down moment, but I thought they did it well.

Also, I take it you mean Marcus and Anya, and Marcus and his father in that last sentence. But yeah, the Locust queen's comment about Marcus's father was intriguing, will be interesting to see how that plays out.

Edit: Also, I want to do a co-op run with someone so I can play the game on insane, so if someone wants to do a co-op run with me this week then let me know.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Originally Posted by Encephalon

When YOU get stuck fighting the Leviathan by yourself because your homeboy Dom was stuck walking on water 600 yards away, THEN you can say you "didn't actually find it bad at all".

Well no, the whole point is I haven't come across instances of glitching like that, which is why I can say I didn't find it bad, because I didn't find it bad. This is as much a statement of fact as it is opinion. If I had experienced a element of glitching as you have described then I would be joining in with your appraisal of the game. Until I do encounter such issues though I'm going to stick with my verdict of not having found it bad at all.

Also, just want to say: will people quit bitching about the chainsaw already. Yes it gets perhaps too much priority, but it's a facet of the game, learn to deal with it or shut the fuck up.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by GRAN TURISMO 3 OH MAN UNBELIEVABLE2813308004

I think the major complaint with the chainsaw (and a valid one)

I'm not saying it isn't a valid argument, it is. What I'm fed up about is hearing it all the god damn time. Everyone knows that it has better priority now, and sure I'd happily kill people with the shotgun if it was in my hands. However, when someone is up close to me and I have the Lancer in hand, or if I can attempt a short run at them, you better fucking believe I'm going with the chainsaw. Everyone has the option to have it, everyone should have worked out by now what the deal is, and I'm just fed up with hearing people bitch and moan any time someone gets a kill with it.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by GRAN TURISMO 3 OH MAN UNBELIEVABLE2813308004

Oh, that's been like that since Gears 1.

In which case they really need to stop bitching about it already.

Quote:

In fact I'm sure a very large chunk of my negative feedback has come from that.

Wouldn't surprise me, I know I've had negative feedback from people just because I've been better than them. One guy in Sega Rally wondered how I was beating him when we were in the same car, and didn't take too kindly to me pointing out that bouncing off the walls probably wasn't helping his progress. So yeah, certainly sounds plausible to me, and probably means I'll be getting a few more negative feedbacks from Gears 2 MP then.

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by ENEMY CONTROLLER

You guys need to play a little less horde and kill REAL NIGGAS in MP.

Says the guy who nearly every time I've asked if he's up for some MP says "No. Lol."

Most amazing jew boots

Originally Posted by ENEMY CONTROLLER

I'll try and hang with you guys during the evening more now that you're all (hopefully) finished campaign.

I have indeed finished the campaign, though I want to do an insane run with someone. But I'll be up for jumping on dat MP if people are about.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by Tails

Extra funny one today though. My wingman spawned as Marcus and I spawned as Baird. The entire match. I was too busy laughing to be upset, really.

Lol, what the hell? That's ridiculous.

I know what you mean, when a game is pretty good it's all the stupid little shit that starts to get really annoying. And yeah, Gears 2 certainly has more than its fair share of stupid little shit.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

I'd be down for some more Gears 2 MP at some point.

FELIPE NO

For US based Gears 2 players, you might want to pay a visit to this page and sign up for a new competition thing they're going to be running at the beginning of February: 13 Days of Gears.

Quote:

Starting Feb. 1, Microsoft is going to be giving away $25,000 in prizes (including an HDTV, a Gears of War 2 poster signed by the dev team, and a locust bust, to name a few) to random online combatants in Gears 2 over a 13-day period. ...

Prizes

A Samsung 40" 1080p LCD HDTV
An Xbox 360 Limited Edition Red Wireless Controller
A Marcus Fenix bronze statue from Mindzeye Studios
A life-size Locust drone maquette from TriForce Sales
The "Gears of War 2" video game soundtrack from Sumthing Else
The Gears of War Aspho Fields novel from Random House imprint, Del Rey
Codes to download the golden Hammerburst and Lancer
A "Gears of War 2" poster signed by members of the development team
Five first prize packages every day, which includes the soundtrack, novel, in-game golden weapons and a signed poster

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Originally Posted by Tails

I hope they get Title Update 3 out the door soon. The region filter for multiplayer is really the only thing I'd really like to see now.

There's a Title Update 3 in the works? Is there info floating about anywhere on what might be in that, or are you just saying you'd like a region filter?

Most amazing jew boots

So it looks like Epic are adding XP/levels to the multiplayer, and bots to deal with dropouts:

Quote:

Epic Games will be adding experience levels to Gears of War 2 multiplayer in the next title update, due to arrive sometime in the "near future".

"You would gain experience through your individual performance in Public multiplayer matches - the higher your score at the end, the more experience you acquire.

"Of course the experience gained across the different match types would be balanced so you couldn't just grind on the re-spawning game types to try and level faster. The experience requirements for each level would grow with each level gained (like a typical RPG) and we'd have 99 levels of experience for you to show off your leetness," he adds.

Levels mean nothing but bragging rights at the moment, but Epic plans to tie Achievements to them when the next set of map DLC is rolled out. This will likely cost, but the Microsoft-placed restriction on Achievements as part of DLC makes this an option Epic cannot bypass.

[B]ots will now replace drop-outs during public matches, so giving weakened teams a realistic shot at winning. These will be Insane-level AI and added to every team short of five people - even 4v4 matches will gain two bots. It's not yet determined whether bot kills will increase your end-of-game score and thus experience earned.

TrueSkill ranks will still be included and not wiped or reset, but they will be hidden and used solely to match players of a similar rank.

[ source ]

Most amazing jew boots

So Title Update 3 is on its way soon, 11 days in fact, and soon after will be some new maps:

Quote:

Epic has announced that it will release an expansive free patch for Gears of War 2 on 24th March, introducing a new experience system and associated Achievements.

This will then be followed by a new premium map pack, called Snowblind, on 31st March, introducing three new maps and a remake of Fuel Depot from Gears 1.

Once the patch goes live, players will earn experience in subsequent matches that helps them advance through 100 levels, with significant milestones each getting their own unlockable Achievement. Along with four others introduced in the Snowblind Map Pack, these will account for an extra 250 gamerscore points.

As for the map pack, there's no word yet on pricing, but the last outing - the Combustible Map Pack - sold for 800 Microsoft Points (GBP 6.80 / EUR 9.60), which seems like a safe bet.

Fergusson has said that the four maps are Grindyard, a winter-themed junkyard processing plant and spiritual successor to Gears 1's Gridlock; Under Hill, a highway junction leading into a mountain, with an exposed mortar spawn to consider; and Courtyard, which features long sight lines and recalls Embry Square.

Fuel Depot, meanwhile, will be spruced up with a new wintry theme.

[ source ]

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

It would seem that to Microsoft charging 800 points and piece for 2 (light on the maps) map packs isn't quite taking the piss enough, so they have more up their sleeve with some new DLC heading to Gears 2 in the near future (July 28th):

Quote:

This is... interesting. Microsoft has found a great way to get your money for new and old content, and you better pay up if you want to keep playing with the big boys in Gears of War 2. The company is releasing a retail package that includes all the previous map packs for the title, as well as seven new maps and a new campaign mission that features an all new "stealth mode." The package is called the All Fronts Collection, will be sold at retail for $20, and is a great deal for people who want to get caught up with all the downloadable content and be up to date with long-time players.

So the package will contain [the] seven [new] maps, plus the “Flashback” Map Pack, “Combustible” Map Pack, and the winter-themed “Snowblind” Map Pack. You also get a poster, strategy guide, an Xbox Live theme, and a new video with Cliffy-B. So your $20 is well spent, looking at everything you get in the retail package.

But what happens if you already own all the previous map packs? The "Dark Corners" map pack with the seven new maps and campaign chapter will be available as a download through Xbox Live. The price? 1600 points, or $20. Yup, no matter how you buy it, you're paying for the old map packs.

[ source ]

So anyone foolish enough to have paid for both those current map packs is about to get a swift sharp kick to the bollocks (and wallet) if they want this new DLC too.

I also have a feeling that $20 is going to translate to a slightly less reasonable £20 (or more) over here in the UK, making it slightly less value, and still only really worthwhile if a whole bunch of us were to get it.

How ya doing, buddy?

Yeah, I stayed away from the map packs because they were way too pricey. £15 for all fifteen maps and all the extra stuff is ney bad, so I might give that a pop. But yeah, the lack of interest as Tails points out is the real issue it faces.

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by Tails

Also can they stop making all these shit new maps and just re-release War Machine already.

You clearly didn't click on link Tails. Anyways, I'm guessing this chunk from the quoted article might appease you:

Quote:

Here are the new maps:

* Allfathers Garden: Honor the sacred grounds of the Coalition founders in this explosive map, where powerful weapons catalyze fast and furious action at this COG landmark.

* Memorial: Set near the Eternal Flame, which pays tribute to the fallen soldiers on the battlefield, a hard-fought battle ensues at the Tomb of Unknowns. Putting their flank formation and evasive skills to the test, players will fight to control the Boomshot.

* Sanctuary: Once a peaceful ground for reflection and remembrance, all that remains of the Sanctuary is the chill of death. Feast your eyes on the arsenal of weapons available as you make your way through the tight paths and blind corners of the Locust-damaged temple corridors.

* War Machine: In the abandoned train station that once served as a hub for travel, players will need to master the Longshot, Mulcher and Boomshot weapons to advance the fight while evading fire from the platforms above.

* Highway: Take the fight deep into the Locust Hollow in the complex passages of this underground highway system brimming with enemy vermin. Stick together, separate the enemy and have an exit strategy ready or it’ll be a one-way trip.

* Way Station: Sitting in limbo between death and “processing” are Locust way stations filled with fallen COG soldiers. Tread lightly and practice patience as it’s better to sacrifice firepower for stealth while navigating this minefield of hidden grenades.

* Nowhere: Set in the middle of what was once a destination for weary desert travellers, the land is now barren and devoid of life. Pick off your enemies with the Longshot sniper rifle and make your way to the stairwell with a well-fortified team during this intense firefight.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

So the Dark Corners map pack and additional Road to Ruin stuff is out tomorrow on the Marketplace, any one planning to grab it all for 1600?

FELIPE NO