Gears Of War 2

Dimrill · **Posted:** Wed Jul 09, 2008 12:22

I was just reading the preview for this in the latest GamesTIM, and a rather neat little feature was mentioned. Co-op play will allow each player to use different difficulty settings. How interesting.

Anyway, anybody else finding themselves warming to the thought of this being released in November?

Cras · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 49240

Looking forward to it indeed. I guess the difficulty just affects how much damage your bullets and the enemy's bullets do, making it fairly easy to implement different difficulty settings?

devilman · **Posted:** Wed Jul 09, 2008 12:25

Craster wrote:

Looking forward to it indeed. I guess the difficulty just affects how much damage your bullets and the enemy's bullets do, making it fairly easy to implement different difficulty settings?

Either that or it adjusts the brown filter. Harder difficulty level=more brown.
/obvious

Zardoz · **Posted:** Wed Jul 09, 2008 12:39

Dimrill wrote:

Co-op play will allow each player to use different difficulty settings.

Hard - More damage
Easy - Less damage

My return visit to GoW was completely underwhelming. I'll probably pick up the new one, but it's not a ZOMG for me.

myp · **Posted:** Wed Jul 09, 2008 12:50

Does anyone fancy doing the first one on co-op? I haven't even touched it yet.

WTB · **Joined:** 27th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 14497

I'll give it a go with you. On the harder difficulty setting, though? I've completed it on Normal.

Grim... · **Posted:** Wed Jul 09, 2008 13:00

I loved the first one, so I'm looking forward to this.

MrChris · **Joined:** 1st Apr, 2008 **Posts:** 30498

"If you like muted natural shades, you'll love this! Now with added taupe."

Pundabaya · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 5016

I want to play co-op GoW! I want to Dom someone!

I enjoyed GoW, and I think all the 's' brahhn, innit' jokes are a little unfair. Sure it often uses a limited pallette, but it can be stunning (level 3, with the rainy, dark beginning, and the underground glowing ooze. And various sunset/sunrise effects)

myp · **Posted:** Wed Jul 09, 2008 13:08

jonarob wrote:

I'll give it a go with you. On the harder difficulty setting, though? I've completed it on Normal.

I don't know - I haven't even played it on Normal yet.

Craig · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 1236

Can you Co-op with more than two players?

markg · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 16619

Pundabaya wrote:

I want to play co-op GoW! I want to Dom someone!

I enjoyed GoW, and I think all the 's' brahhn, innit' jokes are a little unfair. Sure it often uses a limited pallette, but it can be stunning (level 3, with the rainy, dark beginning, and the underground glowing ooze. And various sunset/sunrise effects)

Yes, and besides I always found the whole 'blue skies' argument to be rubbish anyway.

MrChris · **Joined:** 1st Apr, 2008 **Posts:** 30498

markg wrote:

Pundabaya wrote:

I want to play co-op GoW! I want to Dom someone!

I enjoyed GoW, and I think all the 's' brahhn, innit' jokes are a little unfair. Sure it often uses a limited pallette, but it can be stunning (level 3, with the rainy, dark beginning, and the underground glowing ooze. And various sunset/sunrise effects)

Yes, and besides I always found the whole 'blue skies' argument to be rubbish anyway.

Pffft.

It was done before in Killzone.

It's a little dull, to be honest. That sort of palette can work well and be very atmospheric (the old decayed urban area whatsit), but it gets pretty tedious if that's *all* there is to it. Killzone at least leavened it with bits in jungles where it was all muted greens rather than muted greys and browns.

I played GoW a bit, and wasn't hugely impressed. Maybe I missed something, though.

myp · **Posted:** Wed Jul 09, 2008 13:47

Ooh, Mister Xbox Expert now he's got one.

We've made a monster.

Zardoz · **Posted:** Wed Jul 09, 2008 13:51

Mr Chris wrote:

I played GoW a bit, and wasn't hugely impressed. Maybe I missed something, though.

Nope.

I did enjoy playing through it and a little online stuff at the time, but for me it's been blown out of the water by Halo 3 and CoD4 for shooty fun.

Sheepeh · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 2320

I'm always up for some co-op Gears, although I have completed it I only did it on Easy.

Also, I need the Dom achievements.

MrChris · **Joined:** 1st Apr, 2008 **Posts:** 30498

myoptika wrote:

Ooh, Mister Xbox Expert now he's got one.

We've made a monster.

Ha. No, I played it on a mates Eggbox ages ago. He was considerably better than me on the vs split screen, which may have coloured my impressions of the game.

myp · **Posted:** Wed Jul 09, 2008 14:12

Split screen on games like that are rubbish.

MrChris · **Joined:** 1st Apr, 2008 **Posts:** 30498

myoptika wrote:

Split screen is rubbish.

FTFY

Except Bond games, natch.

Cras · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 49240

myoptika wrote:

Split screen on games like that are rubbish.

Wrong-faced fool head.

MrChris · **Joined:** 1st Apr, 2008 **Posts:** 30498

Craster wrote:

myoptika wrote:

Split screen on games like that are rubbish.

Yes. I agree.

FTFY

devilman · **Posted:** Wed Jul 09, 2008 14:28

Mr Chris wrote:

It's a little dull, to be honest. That sort of palette can work well and be very atmospheric (the old decayed urban area whatsit), but it gets pretty tedious if that's *all* there is to it.

Don't ever play Condemned 1 and 2. Everything is so grim and dark you crave for a little daylight.

Dr Lave · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 5979

I enjoyed playing the first one in single player for £12. For £30 plus I would have felt cheated. So I'll pick it up for about £12 in a year or two.

Also it's the first game that made me realise we've reached the point where incredible graphics (for they are an astonishing technical achievement) become some of the most boring and least impressive graphics I've ever seen due the terrible art direction.

myp · **Posted:** Wed Jul 09, 2008 14:45

devilman wrote:

Mr Chris wrote:

It's a little dull, to be honest. That sort of palette can work well and be very atmospheric (the old decayed urban area whatsit), but it gets pretty tedious if that's *all* there is to it.

Don't ever play Condemned 1 and 2. Everything is so grim and dark you crave for a little daylight.

Isn't that the whole point, though?

MrChris · **Joined:** 1st Apr, 2008 **Posts:** 30498

myoptika wrote:

devilman wrote:

Mr Chris wrote:

It's a little dull, to be honest. That sort of palette can work well and be very atmospheric (the old decayed urban area whatsit), but it gets pretty tedious if that's *all* there is to it.

Don't ever play Condemned 1 and 2. Everything is so grim and dark you crave for a little daylight.

Isn't that the whole point, though?

If you have to turn the gamma correction up to see where you're going its gone too far.

Dr Lave · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 5979

The really strange thing about the graphics though is the conceptual difference between the landscape and the characters. So much so, that I think there was very little communication between the groups working on the game.

The decayed buildings and architecture are quite beautiful and delicate, whilst the character are ridiculous over the top stereotypes.

Regardless of whether the Cole-Train et al, were intentional they just don't fit with the back drop.

I would go as far as to say that the drab color scheme is there as an after thought to try and bind the two oppose art styles together.

devilman · **Posted:** Wed Jul 09, 2008 15:06

myoptika wrote:

devilman wrote:

Mr Chris wrote:

It's a little dull, to be honest. That sort of palette can work well and be very atmospheric (the old decayed urban area whatsit), but it gets pretty tedious if that's *all* there is to it.

Don't ever play Condemned 1 and 2. Everything is so grim and dark you crave for a little daylight.

Isn't that the whole point, though?

You'd think the main character would have more luck investigating during the day though. I suppose you could argue that in the first game, you're on the run for part of it but as most of the game is set indoors anyway, it's a little irrelevant if it's day or night.

NervousPete · **Posted:** Wed Jul 09, 2008 15:56

I really don't like playing as meathead marines, in fact despite the supposed quality of the game I'm not going to bother with playing this one on my housemate's eggsbox. I'm taking a stand against these John-Cena alike shoulderpadded goons and will be sticking to gawky, scrawny or entirely normal looking people you find in such games as Half Life and the upcoming Alan Wake. Ta.

And yes, I played the first level or two and it is indeed too brown.

Dr Lave · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 5979

Also what's with the plot?

The plot condensed:

ZOMG Spoiler! Click here to view!

Gears of War: The Script: By CliffyB/Lave Station

Dom: Hey I've bust you from jail!
Marcus: Yeay!

*Escape - shoot - escape - shoot.*

Marcus: Why did you help me escape?
Dom: To help me drop a 'map bomb' in their underground nest in order to make a map of it to allow us to find a weak point for massive damage type situation!
Marcus: Ah, Ok, Death Star Plans Plot. Got you.
Dom: Oh look these people will help us, say hello
Cole Train: Hello I am what a white person imagines a black person is like!
Marcus: Oh Hello!
Mr Head of Miltary: Oh and Marcus, I'll put you in charge, though it doesn't make sense for me to do so, and it goes against the little characterisation I have!
White guy: Hello! I'm here to be annoyed about that decision!

*A few minutes later*

Dom: Oh it didn't work
Marcus: No worry my dad has a map already!
Dom: What?
Marcus: Quick to my dad's house!
Dom: What!

* A few minutes later*

Marcus: Look it's my house!
Dom: Marcus, under no surcumstances would you ever have lived here, this makes no sense.
Marcus: Here's the map! Yeay!
Dom: Why would your dad have a map, why would you live in a mansion, this doesn't make any sense!
Marcus: Rightey oh then, lets leave. Off to the train station.
White Guy: OK, but I wish I was in charge.
Dom: ... grumble, grumble...
Cole Train: Did I mention how black I was?

They get on a passing train. The scene changes

Marcus: Shit the trains going to blow!
Dom: What!? Since when!?
Marcus: We need to get to the bomb!
Dom: WHAT?! What Bomb! Did I miss something!?
Cole Train: I AM BLACK - I PLAY SPORTS!
White Guy: I have grudgingly excepted your authority, well I guess I have, It's kinda just been forgotten about.
Marcus: Yeay we've found the bomb!
Dom: No one mentioned any fucking Bomb, what are we doing here! This was just a passing train. Are we meant to diffuse it?! What, the fucking fuck is going on?!
Marcus: Oh no it's the Enemy General I have a history with!
Dom: Since when!?
Marcus: Yeay I killed him! I've fired it the bomb into their nest! Yeay!
Dom: FUCK THIS SHIT
Cole Train: I'M BLACK SO I'LL RAP THE THEME TUNE!

* Congratulations you've completed Gears of War, have like 50 gamerpoints. *

Grim... · **Posted:** Wed Jul 09, 2008 16:59

That's excellent.

MrChris · **Joined:** 1st Apr, 2008 **Posts:** 30498

That's a mini article for The Site, I reckon.

Mr Dave · **Posted:** Wed Jul 09, 2008 17:09

Mr Chris wrote:

I played GoW a bit, and wasn't hugely impressed. Maybe I missed something, though.

You did - co-op, It comes into its own. (Played it through with my housemate, Grim..., Grim... again and Dimrill. And each time it was excellent. Single player, not so good)

Dr Lave · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 5979

Thanks Grim... and Mr Chris, If people like it I would be over the moon for it to be a mini-article thingy. Despite it being some nonsense I guffed off to avoid work.

Dr Lave · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 5979

Mr Dave wrote:

Mr Chris wrote:

I played GoW a bit, and wasn't hugely impressed. Maybe I missed something, though.

You did - co-op, It comes into its own. (Played it through with my housemate, Grim..., Grim... again and Dimrill. And each time it was excellent. Single player, not so good)

Thats a good point, I wouldn't mind giving it a go co-op stylee. It seemed to have some good set pieces that would have worked well with two people. I might try and convince the Bezzie mates to play it with me After The Thesis.

Mr Dave · **Posted:** Wed Jul 09, 2008 17:46

I would obviously be up for it, but there are people who haven't played it through 4 times who are as well, and it would be more fair to let them use and abuse you. (Although, I would let you 'be' Dom)

Dimrill · **Posted:** Wed Jul 09, 2008 18:02

I also need to complete it on the highest difficulty :'(

myp · **Posted:** Wed Jul 09, 2008 18:05

Right, so who hasn't played it before who wants to play it with me on Normal difficulty?

sinister agent · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 7046

Craster wrote:

myoptika wrote:

Split screen on games like that are rubbish.

Wrong-faced fool head.

Quite.

Also, why does everyone still insist on banging on about how brown GoW was? Did you all have some super-special colour edition I missed out on, or what? It was GREY. Nothing but fucking grey.

Was fun on co-op, but otherwise shit.

Incidentally, does anyone play Rainbow 6 Vegas 2 on the PS3? It updated the other day, and to my joy became considerably clearer and less smudgy, to the point where long-range fire is actually possible in split-screen without a scope. This joy was abated, however, when I realised that they'd shoved in an idiot-proof grenade indicator like in Call of Duty. And you can't switch it off. It's really defeated the point, I reckon - only cack-handed muppets who don't pay attention get caught out by grenades more that once every eight or nine times. If you don't spot the enemy chucking them or see them sail through the air, you'll hear them rebound or bounce nine times out of ten if you're paying attention. Bah. I hate the way consoles force you to update, whether you want the new content or not. It should be optional, especially for offline play.

Mr Dave · **Posted:** Wed Jul 09, 2008 18:49

Dimrill wrote:

I also need to complete it on the highest difficulty :'(

You only need to do the first 4 levels, as we did 5 on insane. Again I am willing (and obviously able)

Cras · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 49240

I thought Vegas 2 was a corking game in Co-op. So many improvements over the first.

DBSnappa · **Posted:** Wed Jul 09, 2008 19:27

myoptika wrote:

Right, so who hasn't played it before who wants to play it with me on Normal difficulty?

Normal might be a bit easy in coop. But I'll give it a go seeing as the Gaywood has given up on trying to get through it with me - I have played it through a couple of times and I've done all the levels in insane by myself, apart from the last, which I don't think is humanly possible without someone to cover your arse.

Craig · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 1236

I WOULDN'T MIND DOING IT WITH SOMEONE ON A HARDER LEVEL.

'IT' BEING GoW CO-OP.

Dimrill · **Posted:** Wed Jul 09, 2008 20:47

Right eveybody, Craig wants it hard. By the caps, I should make it fast too.

myp · **Posted:** Wed Jul 09, 2008 21:13

Ok, I'm up for hard. I didn't realise there were three difficulty levels. I'd prefer to play with someone who hasn't played it through before, but as the game's been out ages that might be asking a bit much.

Craig · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 1236

It was so long ago I can't remember it.

myp · **Posted:** Wed Jul 09, 2008 22:38

Craig wrote:

It was so long ago I can't remember it.

You're on, then.

WTB · **Joined:** 27th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 14497

I think "Insane" only unlocks when you complete it on the easier modes, doesn't it?

Anyway, earlier I said Hard, I meant Insane. For the achievements and whatnot.

sinister agent · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 7046

Craster wrote:

I thought Vegas 2 was a corking game in Co-op. So many improvements over the first.

Oh, it is. I loved the first one too, but the second did improve things (although the guns have been subtly altered - in the first I was unstoppable on any silenced assault rifle on semi automatic and never used automatic, and the only pistol I used was the '92. Come the second, I find it far easier to pepper them in full automatic and use nothing but a desert eagle because the rest of the guns are weak or just crap. Hmph. Also, since they added a silenced sniper rifle, there's literally no point in ever using any other sniper. And the unlockables are mostly crap, and the shield isn't as good as it was. Bah).

I look forward to palying it with some of my chums when I get my funsquare fixed and move, but I still have great fun with my housemate even if he does have no concept of tactics (little things like "Covering fire" and "Don't throw grenades in the room with the hostages". Petty, I know) . It's great fun. But that grenade thing just means you're not punished as much for being careless. Hmph.

Mr Dave · **Posted:** Thu Jul 10, 2008 2:27

jonarob wrote:

I think "Insane" only unlocks when you complete it on the easier modes, doesn't it?

Anyway, earlier I said Hard, I meant Insane. For the achievements and whatnot.

Yes, but only the host needs to have done that.

WTB · **Joined:** 27th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 14497

Sweet!

Be Excellent To Each Other

Gears Of War 2
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Be Excellent To Each Other

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Gears Of War 2
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