Im part way through the game, I think its just before we go underground as im at the Factory. I've had this game for ages, but I never got around to playing it because it gave me a bad first impression when I tried the campaign.

Gameplay

The game revolves around the cover system which is really well implemented along with the controls. The AI seems to know how to take care of itself and can actually score a few kills without having to be babysat all the time. Sitting back and watching them I can see how they help each other and me out, they really made themselves worthwhile members of the team and not just some dead weight that I have to keep alive in order to finish the game, like a perpetual escort mission.

Im finding the cover system and combat to be both really intense and satisfying. This doesn't feel like a game I've played a million times before and to be honest I've probably played about a million games.

I expected a mindless shooter, but instead its incredibly tactical. You can't just stick your head up and return to cover willy nilly because the next time there will be a few rounds whizzing at your head. From from the first moment it forced me to engage my brain I realized theres something special about this game. The enemies are aggressive and proactive and you have to take the initiative if you want to beat them. This isn't a game where you can sit back and think, winning and losing is about a judicial use of aggression. Sitting in cover isn't going to keep you safe, thats for sure. If you get hit often you're going to die because they are going to come up to you and put a few rounds in your face as you hunker up behind cover trying to regenerate your health.

Story

The story is interesting enough to make you want to hear more of it and the game is mean enough that you only get glimpses of it. However this isn't the type of game for that, as it would break up the action. For what little story i've glimpsed so far, it is actually quite well delivered. The character interactions and the voice acting really tell the story of whats going on, its a typical action game. Afterall theres no need to show Baby Godzilla growing up.

Graphics

Look nice.

Overall

The game is really well put together, there aren't any slowdowns or glitches and the overall design of the game is class. The pacing is excellent, gameplay is great, the overall level design is also pretty good and so are the production values.

I wasn't personally expecting much but this game has to be easily the best game I've played this year. It deserves its 90+ AAA rating, because it just does everything it sets out to do so well.

not a 360 fan, but I really enjoyed playing through the game aswell. Definitley an AAA title

A bit late, but all true i guess

I agree with everything you said. The only minor point is that I sometimes get some small amounts of texture pop-in.

Other than that though, this game rocks.

Very true--and if you had played it at the time of release you would have said it was the best-looking game you'd ever played

Imagine how awesome it was in 2006! I'm going to replay the campaign soon too. I'm waiting until we get closer to Gears 2's launch, though. Definitely give online co-op a try.

thekitchensink said: Very true--and if you had played it at the time of release you would have said it was the best-looking game you'd ever played

Probably!!!

@d21lewis: My friend was playing it Coop with me, it was actually really good. He left the game here so I could play it... :) I definately want to improve my skills so I can play it on Hardcore.

I completely agree. I only recently played through it, but it's an awesome game. Can't wait for the sequel.

If you can find a decent group of characters to play with, 4 on 4 execution is loads of fun also. Two years later and this is the online multiplayer I still return to. Nothing quite like pulling off a 1 on 3 (or 4) comeback when you know the rest of your team is watching you. Good stuff.

If you are interested in trying multiplayer you can add me to your friends (TRios Zen), the group I play with normally keeps the smack-talking to a fairly jovial level, with (mostly) no ill intent. I think the time difference and lag might kill the possibility of having a good connection but jumping in as a new player, with some of the psychos that play this game, could totally ruin the experience for you.

Thanks... but I don't have Live yet!