I have a confession to make. Though I've had an Xbox 360 for a little while now, I've still been playing my original Xbox. Well, I can tell you all that my private shame is no more. I am now confident enough to say that I will never pick up that sandwich controller again for I have discovered: Gears of War!

I’m cured! And to think, I owe it all to Gears of War!

WARNING: This review contains massive gore and spoilers. Viewer discretion is advised so proceed with caution.

Story Line

When you need a Sci Fi action plot made to order who do you call? Eric Nyland, that’s who! The writer of many Halo novels takes a break from Spartans to concentrate on Marcus. Who is Marcus you ask? The hero of the story, Marcus Fenix, is a criminal. Convicted for the crime of disobeying orders in an attempt to save his father, he has been freed to continue his army service in times of desperation.

You lookin' at me bub?

The fact of the matter is that the COG (Coalition of Ordered Governments) army can use everyone they can get in the war against the enemy. The enemy, also known as The Locust, can best be described as a cross between an Orc and a Strogg (see Warcraft and Quake respectively). They come from underground and apparently have only one mission in life: To eradicate humans (what else?).

Uhh dude? Behind you? This can't end well...(gallery)

Just over a decade ago these pasty beasts emerged from the depths (Mordor?) to wreak their vengeance on humans. After realizing they were fighting a losing battle the remainders of the human race decided to do the unthinkable. Utilizing a scorched earth policy, the remaining governments destroyed the occupied cities and holed up in a last stronghold to await death. Fast forward ten years and here we are!

Descending into Locust territory...

Through an extremely diverse collection of levels it is revealed that Marcus’s father had some weird connection with these Locust and that it will take more than one Gears of War game to kill the bastards. I smell sequel.