Blood splatter obscures the screen. The cringe worthy sound of metal shredding through leathery flesh clashes against the bloodlust scream of a man who can only be described as a “badass”. It’s the scene which many associate with Gears of War – it’s the scene which helped solidify Epic Games original IP as a premier franchise. Gears of War 2 was on my short list of known quantities – I knew it was going to be good, the only question was, “How good?”

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Take a look at the launch trailer for Gears of War 2. Chainsaws, Brumaks and the Cole Train!

Gears of War II launches November 7^th, 2008.

Fallout 3 and Fable II were leaked early last week and now Epic Games’ Gears of War 2 joins that prestigious list. Some are pointing the finger at bad apples over at the distribution factories and some are saying that these releases are from corrupt reviewers. Whatever the case maybe, I am jealous of the folks who get to play these games weeks before they launch.

I wonder if Microsoft is going to do anything about the folks who’ve played these games early. If these rapscallions are dimwitted enough to use their own Gamercard to play, Microsoft can technically ban their accounts. I’ll let you all know if I see anything.

Really? A trilogy of novels after a single game? Perhaps Gears of War 2 will have a more engrossing story, hell it could even make us cry. Maybe.

I don’t know how many of the millions of Gears fans will be lining up at their local Chapters store for this, but I’m taking this announcement as either:

1. Shameless milking.
or
2. Epic Games wants to turn Gears of War into something more than just a gorefest with pretty graphics.

To those who love their Gears stories and are planning to pick up the first novel on October 28, 2008, tell me how it is. In fact, write up a nice book report for me. I’ll greatly appreciate it!

Press release to follow:

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As we edge closer to E3 2008, another publisher announces their official lineup. Midway’s lineup isn’t very shocking. See for yourself. We know Gears of War 2 will be there, but since it’s published by Microsoft Games Studio, it’s out of Midway’s line-up.

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Apparently, this video below is supposed to be the exclusive Gears of War 2 video bundled with the Xbox 360 version of Unreal Tournament III. It’s a mix of new and old info/footage.

Looks awesome nevertheless.

It’s one part preview and two parts interview with CliffyB and Gears of War 2. Burly men with chainsaws guns shooting the crap out of subterranean monsters. Is there anything more manly? Check out the 16 minute 1UP Special. Lots of details about the game’s multiplayer. All of it sounding awesome.

You can also check out Dan Hsu’s preview from EGM. It includes new screenshots! Oh, and using the sniper rifle as a bad ass club is golden.

Update: Expect the game to release on July 7th, 2008

Better late than never, I guess. That goes to both myself and UT3 itself. These screens were released yesterday. Take a gander if you’re interested. It looks very UT3-ish.

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It looks like the iPhone 3G people have been wanting since day one of the iPhone’s launch is finally launching next month. Well that is if these rumors are to be believed. I’d love to get an iPhone, but the lack of unlimited data rate plans for cheap scare me away.

Hopefully, AMD’s Game! initiative will be more successful than their Live! one. If widly adopted, this initiative will help mainstream gamers pick out games and compatible PCs with relative ease. Just match the logos and you’re good to go. If only it included Intel and NVIDIA components…

Next, it appears that Xbox 360 exclusive, Splinter Cell: Conviction is starting over. Can’t say I cared much for the original concept so this news is welcomed.

Finally, Chair Entertainment, developer of Undertow, is receiving a new beginning under the wing of Epic Games. Hopefully, they’ll continue with creating XBLA games.

It’s official. It’s out. It looks awesome.

“Bigger. Better. More badass indeed.”

I like how much of a statement this game is making.

A.) It’s proving that Unreal Engine 3.0 can do outdoor environments.

B.) It’s proving that Epic can move away from the emo color palette.

Favourite part? When he grabbed that downed Locust and used it as a shield. Chainsaw dueling is ridiculously awesome, though. Now if we can navigate through huge battlefields like that while on foot (not on a predetermined path)– I’d be very impressed. Oh, did I mention how impressed I was with the framerate and lack of screen tearing? Good job, Epic.

November cannot come soon enough.

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