Countdown Begins for Gears of War 2 Release
Targeting holiday gamers, the video game for Microsoft Xbox 360 will be
launched on Nov. 7 at 20,000 retailers in 20 countries. The Standard
Edition will come with a price tag of $59.99 and the Limited Edition
with $69.99. Large scale celebrations are planned for the launch.
"Each
holiday season in this current console generation, Xbox 360 has led the
industry with the best lineup of blockbuster video games, and we are
poised to lead the charge again in 2008 with 'Gears of War 2,'" said
Phil Spencer, general manager of Microsoft Game Studios. "Holding the
title of fastest-selling video game of 2006, 'Gears of War' has sold
more than 5 million units to date, and this next chapter in the
franchise will raise the bar yet again."
Under
the leadership of Cliff Bleszinski, the team at Epic Games Inc. has
pushed the franchise into a new territory, expanding upon the game's
themes of hope, survival and loss. In "Gears of War 2," 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.
"Epic's
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't let you go until the very end," said Bleszinski, design director
at Epic Games. "With 'Gears of War 2,' we're taking storytelling in the
Gears universe to places it's never been before, and we hope it'll
deeply connect with everyone playing the game alone or with friends."
To
launch "Gears of War 2" in the United States, over 10,000 retail stores
will open their doors at 12:01 a.m. local time on Nov. 7, says
Microsoft. At Midnight Mayhem flagship events in Los Angeles, New York
City, and Bellevue, Wash., attendees will have the opportunity to win
limited edition "Gears of War 2" Xbox 360 consoles and other prizes,
receive autographed copies of the game, and meet the creators from Epic
Games.
In
addition, fans who purchase "Gears of War 2" at any participating
retailer during Midnight Mayhem will receive an exclusive Xbox LIVE
token to download an in-game, gold-plated Hammerburst for use during
multiplayer gameplay.
To
celebrate the launch, Xbox LIVE is hosting the "Gears of War 2" Xbox
LIVE Weekend Assault, sponsored by the movie "Transporter 3" and
delivering 48 hours of special events beginning at 12:01 a.m. EST on
Friday, Nov. 7. Xbox LIVE Gold members will have the chance to download
videos, participate in a Game with Fame with Epic Games, and play in
online tournaments to win exclusive "Gears of War 2" prizes.
It is
available as a Standard Edition with an estimated retail price of $59.99
as well a Limited Edition for $69.99.
