Grooski on 30 September 2008
I think everyone believes that Gears2 will sell a truckload, but will it shift systems? The reason I ask is a couple of Australian hands on of Act 1. There was a lot positive, but these really stood out.
Gameplayer:
http://www.gameplayer.com.au/gp_documents/GoW-Act1.aspx
"Indeed, it’s not about to win over new fans. A few weapons and enemies aside – not to mention slight gameplay additions like the ability to use fallen foes as locust shields, and drag yourself across the ground once wounded – the core gameplay is close to a carbon copy of the original, right down to the split level design paths for co-op. If you hated GoW1, you’ll hate this.And there could still be reason to hate: we found ourselves sticking to pretty much the one gun throughout – so it looks like no new tactical depth has snuck into the arcade action - and there were a few moments that erred a little too much on the side of frustration and tedium - in particular a ‘quest’ to shoot incoming mortars out of the air before they crushed our ride into metal dandruff. Plus, it took approximately an hour on normal difficulty to complete the act, which would suggest a five to six hour experience if the game continues with the five act narrative seen in the original. Simply not long enough to excite fans who didn’t get into the niche multiplayer component like they did Halo or Call of Duty... or who simply aren’t online."
Or from Ausgamers:
http://www.ausgamers.com/features/read/2663499
"Does it work in favour of the game? Unfortunately no. The outside areas look nice when peering off into the distance, but up close, seeing sprite-based branches and leaves on trees from a company like Epic just seems wrong. Moreover, despite a seemingly intended desire to 'brighten' up the experience with said forest and countryside areas, it's still as drab and saturated as ever. Replacing grey blue and black with green, brown and black isn't giving anyone anymore stimulation that what we've already seen. Finally, while there is definitely a greater sense of scope with more enemies gracing the screens and portions of the immediate environment being interactive in a destructible sense, it all still very much looks the same"Like I said, I think it will probably sell close to 5mill LTD, but will it only preach to the converted?
