SYDNEY \u2014 Rivaling the media spectacle and fan anticipation of a blockbuster movie\u2019s opening weekend, the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system is set to launch its exclusive title, \u201cGears of War 2,\u201d this Friday, Nov. 7. Many fans and critics around the world are predicting that \u201cGears of War 2,\u201d available only on Xbox 360, will be the biggest gaming blockbuster of summer 2008.<\/p>\n
\u201cEach summer season in this current console generation, Xbox 360 has led the industry with the best line-up of blockbuster video games, and we are poised to lead the charge again in 2008 with \u2018Gears of War 2,\u2019\u201d said Phil Spencer, general manager of Microsoft Game Studios. \u201cHolding the title of fastest-selling video game of 2006, \u2018Gears of War\u2019 has sold more than five million units to date, and this next chapter in the franchise will raise the bar yet again.\u201d<\/p>\n
Under the creative leadership of Cliff Bleszinski, the team at Epic Games Inc. has pushed the franchise into bold new territory, greatly expanding upon the game\u2019s themes of hope, survival and loss. In \u201cGears of War 2,\u201d the last cities on Sera are sinking, swallowed by a new Locust threat from below. As Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad pursue the Locust, the mission turns deeply personal for Dominic Santiago as he uncovers clues in the search for his missing wife, Maria.<\/p>\n
\u201cEpic\u2019s goal was to create an emotionally engaging experience that will not only satisfy core gamers, but also attract new players who want to experience something akin to watching a heart-pounding movie that draws you in and doesn\u2019t let you go until the very end,\u201d said Bleszinski, design director at Epic Games. \u201cWith \u2018Gears of War 2,\u2019 we\u2019re taking storytelling in the Gears universe to places it\u2019s never been before, and we hope it\u2019ll deeply connect with everyone playing the game alone or with friends.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u201cGears of War 2\u201d is available as a Standard Edition with an recommended retail price (RRP*) of $99.95, as well a Limited Edition with an RRP* of $119.95. The Limited Edition is packaged in a collectible SteelBook DVD case and includes a 48-page hardbound book titled \u201cBeneath the Surface: An Inside Look at \u2018Gears of War 2,\u2019\u201d which is filled with character profiles and exclusive concept art. The Limited Edition also includes a bonus DVD containing the making-of documentary, a keepsake photo of Dominic and Maria Santiago, and a coveted Xbox LIVE token to unlock a gold-plated Lancer for online play.<\/p>\n
In addition, all copies of the game come with an Xbox LIVE token to download the Flashback Map Pack as a bonus. The Flashback Map Pack will be available immediately at launch and consists of five popular maps from the original \u201cGears of War,\u201d including Canals, Gridlock, Mansion, Subway and Tyro Station. Each map has been specially updated with new graphics for \u201cGears of War 2.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u201cGears of War 2\u201d is leading a blockbuster line-up of the best and broadest games that the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system has to offer this holiday season. Whether you are a fan of music, movies, sports, action-adventure, role-playing or games that the entire family can enjoy, Xbox 360 has the highly anticipated games and exclusive content including highly anticipated music games such as \u201cLips,\u201d \u201cRock Band 2,\u201d \u201cGuitar Hero World Tour\u201d and \u201cDanceDanceRevolution UNIVERSE3\u201d; movie-themed titles \u201cYou\u2019re in the Movies\u201d and \u201cScene It? Box Office Smash\u201d; sports titles such as \u201cFifa 09\u201d; games for the family such as \u201cBanjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts\u201d; and role-playing games such as \u201cFable II\u201d and \u201cFallout 3.\u201d<\/p>\n
Additional press materials as well as art and video assets are available at http:\/\/gearsofwar.xbox.com\/presskit.htm<\/a>. SYDNEY \u2014 Rivaling the media spectacle and fan anticipation of a blockbuster movie\u2019s opening weekend, the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system is set to launch its exclusive title, \u201cGears of War 2,\u201d this Friday, Nov. 7. Many fans and critics around the world are predicting that \u201cGears of War 2,\u201d available only on<\/p>\n
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