I will start off by saying I am a huge Gears of War player. I have played through the game in full, logged many hours on the multiplayer portion, and know almost everything there is to know about the game. So it goes without saying that I am completely psyched for the sequel. Once GTA4 releases, all the heat will be put on Gears of War 2, and that may not be the best possible scenario. Before the ramblings of angered readers start taking over, I have a explanation behind my worries for Gears of War 2.
A simple rehash, or the sequel we dream of?
We can all mutally agree that as much as Gears of War was a hit, it was a fairly cloudy title. It did not have near the attention that GTA 4 has. But what does that have to do with the quality of the title? Surprisingly, alot. As we know, pressure can be an blessing, and it can be a curse via a case of aids. It has the possibility of ruining the title, or making it the best it can be. I am not saying Epic Games will crack. What I am saying is that they didn’t have near as much media attention with Gears of War as they will with the sequel. It doesn’t take a genious to figure out that Epic Games is under a lot of pressure to make Gears of War 2 good. I believe they can and will make Gears of War 2 a hit despite the media pressure.
In my opinion, the biggest thing holding up my anxiety to play Gears of War 2 is the Tom Clancy syndrome. Yes, they actually have a name for it now. What I mean by that is Gears of War came out in November of 2006. Gears of War 2 is releasing exactly 2 years after release of the first itteration. While that may sound like alot of development time, when you count in that they also were working on Unreal Tournament 3, it doesn’t give them too much time to release a quality sequel. The Tom Clancy series of video games has become well-known for releasing a game, then released a sequel a year or so later with minor features added, creating the same overall experience. While it does make fans happy, it also makes the sequel less like a sequel and more like an expansion pack. This is why I’m worrying that Epic Games will not have enough time to produce a quality sequel that can exceed the first itterations standard.
Not only am I worried about the lack of time they have, I’m also worried if they can even top Gears of War. Being a Game of the Year in 2006, its not easy to top a game of that caliber. A lot of unsure about Gears of War 2. It may turn out that the sequel will exceed Gears of War by a longshot, or it may faulter without the ability to be original. One thing is for sure, if Epic Games doesn’t make any significant changes and take Gears of War 2 to the next level of godliness, I know alot of fans who aren’t going to be happy. Including me.
Another thing the sequel won’t have going for it is the WOW factor. There is little doubt that while you were playing Gears of War, you had to stop and say.. WOW. Whether it was the graphics, the smooth controls, or just the fun of the game, you had to say it atleast once. I’m not saying that Gears of War 2 won’t look pretty, or be fun. I’m saying that it will not surprise people with as much as the first did. We already know what to expect, and if anything isn’t up to standards, your going to hear about it.
As much as it may sound that I am anti-Gears of War, I can assure you that I am not a hater. As far as I can see, Gears of War 2 has the potential and the tools to be the sequel that the series deserves. Does the horizon match the future? Well, its hard to see with the high traces of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, but if you ask Al Gore, I’m sure he can help you out. Don’t let my worries worry you. Gears of War 2 will be big and better than ever.
