Altergigo
42,214
TA Score for this game: 1,266
Posted on 25 November 11 at 09:12, Edited on 27 November 11 at 15:28 |
This review has 19 positive votes and 3 negative votes. Please log in to vote. |
.:Gears of War 3 - The Review:.
The Gears of War franchise has been at the forefront of the Xbox 360's “must have” gaming experience since its release in 2006. With the latest addition and final installment of the trilogy, Gears of War 3 can only be described as that high school kid who completely excels in a sport at such a high level, that he skips college, scouts, combines and goes directly to the draft and is the overall #1 pick. Yes, this game is that good, and if you read on, you will think so as well.
Gears of War 3 exceeds expectations in so many areas that it is difficult to know where to begin. With that said, I will start with my favorite aspect of the game...
.:The Campaign:.
EPIC does a wonderful job of summarizing what has happened up to this point in the game and explains your objectives and why you are where you are in the story within the opening scene of the Prologue as well as by watching the “Previously in Gears...” cut-scene. They give you a synopsis and make it easy for anyone to jump in and play even if they haven’t played either of the previous installments. With that said, let’s jump right in. I will say that the campaign in this game is absolutely exhausting and I mean that in a good way. Right from the start, you are thrown into battle, and it literally does not stop until the credits roll.
The story or more appropriately noted, the stories are very well written and completely engaging. I have yet to play a game where I felt so connected to the characters’ struggles and triumphs until I played Gears of War 3. Without spoiling any plot lines, there are certain story points that make you laugh, feel joy as well as deep sadness. You finally find out what happened to certain characters in the past that brought them to where they are now, as well as the fate of characters who struggled with loss and guilt in the previous installments. Initially when I watched some of the teaser trailers where the developers conveyed a personal attachment to the story, I got a sense of what they were trying to tell us, and as I finished the campaign, it became quite apparent what they meant. I too had similar experiences to their story and by the end of the game had connected with their message. However, you don’t need to have a similar background as myself or the developers to enjoy the story and feel the emotions of the characters. I don’t mean to sound cryptic, but I am doing my best to review without adding any spoilers to gamers who have yet to play the game or trilogy.
Moving on to Arcade mode, It’s a great way to play through solo or with friends (up to 4 co-op) racking up XP, ribbons and working on medals. Arcade mode also keeps track of your kills and compares your record with that of your friends which keeps the competition level high. Another great feature about Arcade mode is the ability for other players to seamlessly join your session based on your preference settings. I also have to mention the introduction of Stats, Ribbons and Medals which are awarded for performing certain tasks throughout all the game modes. There are also plenty of unlock-ables to obtain such as game mutators, weapon skins, characters, avatar awards and executions. These features definitely add to the replay-ability value and fun factor, and are a must for any perfectionists and those who have their eyes set on the Seriously 3.0 achievement. The campaign is lengthy and with the difficulty achievements in particular, as well as the addition of Arcade mode, the campaign can be a very fulfilling game all by itself for the price.
.:Multiplayer and Co-op:.
I will start by saying I’m not a huge fan of multiplayer in general. I am more of a story driven/campaign style “old school” gamer. With that said, the multiplayer experience which includes modes such as Team Deathmatch, Warzone, King of the Hill, Execution, Capture the Leader and Wingman, is truly fun. With the addition of new maps, the use of the environment in certain maps to your team’s advantage, as well as the addition of some serious and diverse new firepower at your disposal, the multiplayer experience absolutely delivers. Add in the optional “Gears Events”, your multiplayer experience will stay fresh for a long time coming. The other point I’d like to bring up for us gamers who are less inclined to dive into the multiplayer modes, is the ability to enjoy those game modes solo, as well as grind for that seriously-serious Seriously 3.0 achievement.
Moving on to Co-op, let me add that I’m a huge co-op fan, what can I say... Horde 2.0 is addicting. EPIC seems to continually raise the bar with the introduction of Horde mode in Gears of War 2, to it’s sophomore and current version, as well as the newly introduced Beast mode. The addition of fortifications, 10th wave boss fights and the emphasis on teamwork, Horde 2.0 is absolutely brilliant and a lot of fun with friends. In addition to that, putting my “old school” gamer hat back on, with the new functions to Horde 2.0, mainly fortifications, you can now solo all 50 waves of Horde. You want a satisfying gaming experience? Tackle that head on, and I promise you won’t be disappointed. Be warned however, the higher levels tend to get quite hard especially if you move up the difficulty. Nonetheless, it’s still a fun and sometimes frustrating experience, but hey, who doesn’t like a challenge?! Beast mode is the new brainchild, and what a brainchild it is. Who wouldn’t get satisfaction from running around as a Ticker on a suicide mission, or crushing your way through the map as a Berzerker with blurry tunnel vision.
.:In Conclusion:.
There are a few kinks in the game but none that would hinder its cemented greatness. A few I noticed where the fact that sometimes ribbons weren’t awarded for certain tasks performed, as well as kills not recording in Arcade mode and other such minor bugs which could easily be fixed with a patch. The one thing that surprised me and disappointed me at the same time, was the fact that the game did not include a “cut-scene theater” option. I felt as great as the story was presented, not having this option to look back on, really took away from being able to replay the cinematic experience without actually replaying a particular chapter.
Gears of War 3 boasts a fantastic conclusion to the story, a lengthy and engaging campaign, a plethora of multiplayer and co-op options, as well as the introduction of Beast mode. Coupled with a great soundtrack and graphics, seamless controls and gameplay, a talented cast of voiceover actors, very high replay-ability value and just an overall satisfying gaming experience. For the gamer who really has to pick and choose what to spend their hard earned money on, or any gamer for that matter, Gears of War 3 will not disappoint and with its multi play mode functions, will more than pay for itself in many hours of fun and entertainment. Buy it, play it, love it!
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