Gears of War 2

Reviewed by Lewis Denby (January 30, 2009)

The gunplay is brutal. But it's also masterfully paced, broken up every so often by a spectacular set-piece or a superb on-rails vehicular section. Combat is as effortlessly brilliant as before, with the landmark cover-system playing a predictably huge role. Particularly on higher difficulty levels, failure to fully utilise the conveniently-positioned walls and boxes that litter Gears 2's battlegrounds results in bloody death, so a more strategic approach is often necessary. Nothing too strategic, mind. You wouldn't want to tax your brain too much, after all.

Reviewed by Gary Hartley (March 15, 2009)

This is to be expected. Some new tweaks works, and I will feverishly recount infinite tales of the fun I’ve had with my shiny new flamethrower, but some, as appreciated as they may be, don’t really bring anything new to the table. What struck me hardest about Marcus’ new war to save mankind seems to have left behind.

Reviewed by ManOWarr (June 22, 2009)

If you played Gears of War 1, then you pretty much know what to expect from Gears of War 2, but more so.

Reviewed by pickhut (November 16, 2008)

Gears of War 2 shouldn't even be considered a sequel, because it really doesn't feel like one. What you're getting here actually feels more like an expansion pack. Upon immediately diving into the title's campaign mode, you'll feel right at home, because the controls are exactly the same as the original Gears of War, with some minor additions. Within the first few minutes of being in an actual gunfight, you'll be ducking behind cover, running and rolling between bullets, and chains...

Reviewed by Suskie (March 14, 2009)

It took me around a week to finish the original Gears of War, while I managed to complete the sequel in less than twenty-four hours. It’s not that I was in any rush to beat Gears of War 2 (I wasn’t) or that the sequel is at all shorter than its predecessor (if anything, it’s a little longer). The game is so intense, so utterly captivating from title screen to end credits, that I had no choice but to keep playing. Its hold on me was that strong.