New multiplayer maps extend Gears of War 2 fun

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This article was published 13/08/2009 (6256 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Anyone who played Gears of War 2 online when it first launched knows the problems it had with its multiplayer mode. There were glitches, there were long waits for matchmaking, then there were more glitches. It was a disappointing time for anyone who enjoyed the original game.

Fortunately, most of the problems have been fixed and players have been enjoying smoother online play. With the Gears of War 2: Dark Corners DLC, fans can extend that fun with seven new multiplayer maps: Allfathers Garden, Memorial, Highway, Nowhere, Sanctuary, Way Station, War Machine.

There’s also a deleted scene included, Road to Ruin, which begins with Gears of War design director Cliff Bleszinski explaining why it didn’t make the final cut. The level occurs after a certain character dies and leaves Dom emotionally drained and spoiling for a fight. You’re then given a choice to go in guns blazin’ or put on Theron armour and eventually meet a character from the past.

The Dark Corners DLC costs 1200 MS points. However, if you missed out on any of the previous map packs (Flashback, Combustible and Snowblind), you should probably go for the upgraded All Fronts DLC (1600 MS points), which will include those maps and Dark Corners.

 

The Good

"ö The deleted scene is a mixed bag. More than likely, you’ll play through the level once on each of the two different paths and never return. The guns blazin’ option is more fun than going stealth.

 

"ö The new Dark Corners DLC includes those seven entertaining maps, ranging from the long-range Allfathers Garden to a more wide-open Memorial and an all-out fragfest with Sanctuary — providing plenty of variety for fans.

 

"ö The maps are all of excellent quality and look fantastic. Gears of War fans will recognize the oldie but goody map War Machine, which is redone with some new textures and touch-ups, while Nowhere (an oddball map) takes place in a very un-Gears-like desert and boasts great-looking dust effects.

The Bad

"ö The stealth option in the deleted scene is unintentionally comical. You’ll see Marcus and Dom dressed up in Theron armour as they try to sneak around. They look ridiculous: it’s clear why the scene didn’t make it into the final cut.

 

Final Word

The Dark Corners or All Fronts DLC offers good value if you’re into the online aspect of Gears of War 2. The deleted scene is fun but forgettable.

— Canwest News Service

1. Wii Sports Resort (Nintendo Wii)

2. UFC 2009 Undisputed (Xbox 360)

3. G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra

(Xbox 360)

4. Prototype (Xbox 360)

5. G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra

(PlayStation 3)

6. UFC 2009 Undisputed

(PlayStation 3)

7. Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen (Xbox 360)

8. Call Of Juarez: Bound In Blood (Xbox 360)

9. Infamous (PlayStation 3)

10. Fight Night: Round 4 (Xbox 360)

 

— Rogers Video, week ending Aug. 9

 

 

 

Gears of War 2: Dark Corners DLC

Platform: Xbox 360

Rated: Mature

Rating: Three-and-a-half stars out of five