Gears 2 was also about upping the scale and performance more than increasing the graphical detail. You're fighting in a collapsing building, and the building doesn't look more detailed than any of the areas in Gears 1, but it's obviously a lot more dynamic than any of those areas.
A flashy-first game is awesome when it comes out. A great-first game is awesome forever.
Plus, just for the hell of it: Kelly Brook at the 2008 BAFTAs








