Gears of War 3

List Price : $149.99
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Product Description

Edition: Epic Edition
From the Manufacturer
Gears of War 3 is the spectacular conclusion to one of the most memorable and celebrated sagas in videogames. Developed by Epic Games exclusively for Xbox 360, Gears of War 3 plunges players into a harrowing tale of hope, survival and brotherhood.
Product Overview
Product DescriptionIn Gears of War 3, players fight on as Marcus Fenix, the grizzled war hero and leader of Delta Squad. Eighteen months after the fall of the last human city, the war against the Locust rages on. Meanwhile, deep beneath the surface, a fearsome new threat is infecting the planet from within. With survivors scattered and civilization in ruins, time is running out for Marcus and his comrades as they fight to save the human race.
The Gears of War series is one of the most popular franchises in Xbox history, with more than 12 million games sold worldwide, an upcoming film, New York Times best-selling novels and more.
Product Features

• Enthralling cinematic story. Experience the epic finale to the Gears of War trilogy and fight alongside Delta Squad to rescue humanity. Discover the fate of Marcus and his surviving comrades in this immersive and emotionally engaging story.
• Unparalleled gameplay. Gears of War 3 builds upon the series' genre-defining gameplay and captivates players in an intimately intense action game. The latest chapter in the saga introduces new playable COG characters and fresh challenges with ferocious enemies.
• Explosive multiplayer action. One of the definitive multiplayer experiences on Xbox LIVE, Gears of War 3 features new cooperative and competitive multiplayer experiences for veteran players and rookies alike.
• Amazing visuals. Gears of War 3 pushes the envelope for stunning visuals on Xbox 360. Through the latest advances in Unreal Engine 3 technology, the game delivers improved graphics, animation and lighting that immerse players in the destroyed beauty of the rich environments.

Game DescriptionGears of War 3Developer: Epic Games, Inc.Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
About Gears of WarPublished by Microsoft Game Studios, the Gears of War franchise has won over 30 “Game of the Year” awards, sold more than 12 million copies worldwide and redefined the third-person shooter genre for this console generation. The game has also inspired a full line of toys and collectibles, apparel, an upcoming film, graphic novels and a book series by New York Times best-selling author Karen Traviss. The Gears of War series is exclusive to the Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system and its riveting multiplayer action makes it one of the most popular titles on Xbox LIVE. More information can be found at www.gearsofwar.com.
About Epic Games, Inc.Epic Games, Inc., based in Cary, NC and established in 1991, develops cutting-edge games and game engine technology, including the multiple million-selling, award-winning Unreal and Gears of War series, and the industry leading Unreal Engine 3 game engine, a four-time winner of Game Developer magazine's Best Engine Front Line Award and Hall of Fame inductee. More information about Epic Games can be found at www.epicgames.com. The information contained in this fact sheet relates to a pre-release product that may be substantially modified before its first commercial release. Accordingly, the information may not accurately describe or reflect the product when it is first commercially released. This fact sheet is provided for informational purposes only, and Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to the fact sheet or the information contained in it.
<p Microsoft's Gears of War 3 is the spectacular conclusion to one of the most memorable and celebrated sagas in video game history. Developed by Epic Games exclusively for Xbox 360, Gears of War 3 plunges players into a harrowing tale of hope, survival and brotherhood. In Gears of War 3, players fight on as Marcus Fenix, the grizzled war hero and leader of Delta Squad. Eighteen months after the fall of the last human city, the war against the Locust rages on. Meanwhile, deep beneath the surface, a fearsome new threat is infecting the planet from within. With survivors scattered and civilization in ruins, time is running out for Marcus and his comrades as they fight to save the human race. The “Gears of War” series is one of the most popular franchises in Xbox history, with more than 12 million games sold worldwide, an upcoming film, New York Times best-selling novels and more. </p <p The gameplay of Gears is focused on a fire team co-op so advanced

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B003O6EEEK
• Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 15.2 x 12.2 inches ; 8.2 ounces
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: September 20, 2011
  

Product Features

• Limited Edition Marcus Fenix Statue: A fine collectible PVC statue
• The Art and Design of Gears of War by Tom Bissell: concepts to the final Act of Gears of War 3
• Octus award box and Octus Service Medal
• Adam Fenix multiplayer character and Infected Omen Weapon Pack: Custom multiplayer skins
• Fenix family mementos and fabric COG flag

 

Gears of War 3

 

Customer Reviews

Gears of War 3 is the long awaited, long in development sequel to the 2008 Gears of War 2 - Game of the Year Edition which was a sequel, obviously, to the original Gears Of War (which you are better off buying in the Gears of War Triple Pack to save a few dollars if you are getting into the game now).
This review is specifically in regards to the Epic Edition version of the game. For those wondering, the only difference between this version and the Limited edition is that this edition comes in a big box, it comes with the Art and Design book and it also comes with the Marcus Fenix collectible figure. As with the Limited edition it comes with the Adam Fenix Octus Award (an actual METAL cog with inscribed code to have access to the Adam Fenix character in Gears 3 multiplayer), the COG cloth flag, an awesome replica of a photo of Adam accepting the Octus award, a replica photo of Adam sent to his wife Elaine, Adam's last will, a letter to Marcus, award certificate for the Octus award and finally a schematic for the Hammer of Dawn.
In review of each piece, the photographs are nothing short of impressive. They look like photographs (in so much as digital art can be made to look like an old beat up photograph). On the back of each one is a little note that they did an amazing job in making it look like it was actually written with a pen. At first blush I actually thought it was written with pen, but upon close inspection you can tell it was printed. Most impressive.
The flag is a decent quality blue cloth with white lettering and imagery. The "hand written" letter from Adam to Marcus looks just as hand written as the notes on the rear of the photos. The Will looks like a will and appears as if it's actually been signed just like the photos. The Octus Award certificate looks like an official certificate and also appears as if it was actually signed by a pen. It's silly to be as impressed with it as I am, but you can tell that there was a ton of attention to detail that went into crafting these items.
The box that contains the game and all these extras also contains the Octus Award cog with an awesome inscription and on the back includes the Adam Fenix DLC code. High quality, heavy metal was used in making this thing. The box it comes in serves as a replica of the same award seen in the game in Marcus's room in the ship the game begins on. It also has magnets to keep the case shut which is an awesome addition and really continues driving home the point that this thing is high quality from start to finish.
To sum up my words on the Marcus statue, it's amazing. The attention to detail is just as fine as the other collectibles in the box. I was worried that this would be a ceramic or similar figure, prone to breaking. Turns out it's some kind of plasticy rubber that actually has a ton of custom paint work done to it. When I heard it was plastic/rubber/whatever I was worried about how detailed it could actually be, but seeing it sitting on the shelf you can't tell it's plastic at all.
The big box that pulls all these things together is actually quite well planned out as well. When you open the box you see a COG in the styrofoam that you have to lift out to get to the Marcus statue. There's a just to size rectangular cut out for the Octus Award/game box. When you lift the Styrofoam out you see the statue (wrapped in protective plastic) with a wrap around panoramic photo printed on cardboard. When you pull Marcus out, the bottom Styrofoam also has a COG cut into it. All this adds up to a ton of unnecessary detail that adds immensely to the entire package.
The Art and Design book almost makes the $150 price tag worth it. It isn't overly long, but what is included is a breathtaking and detailed look at the design process behind the games, along with some design artwork that isn't available in any other medium. For me, this really makes the Epic Edition worth its weight in gold. If you don't care about the design of the game however and don't care about the artwork, obviously this piece won't hold much interest for you.
Now for a quick review of the game proper.
I've only spent about 3 hours in the game so far and most of that was in the campaign.
Additions to the core campaign most people will like would be 4 player co-op. Always wanted that in the previous games, but the way they were designed it really only felt right with 2 players. This time every mission requires a team of 4, which means real 4 player co-op is possible and quite fun. Playing the campaign alone isn't bad, but as I've read in reviews and agree, it really is meant to be played with real people. Playing with the equivalent of bots allows you to enjoy the game but it won't be as rich of an experience in my opinion.
You still have the cog tag collection hunt, along with the little collectible bits of paperwork strewn throughout the game just as in previous games in the series.
Another cool addition, for those playing co-op, is the arcade mode. In this mode you still play the core campaign but everyone is scored. Depending on amount of kills, rescues and so on you get a score. It doesn't really do much but add a taste of competition to the 2-4 player campaign, but it definitely adds to the fun factor.
Horde 2.0 is a ton of fun. The addition of "buying" emplacements and so on really adds to the depth. For those that love the original Horde from Gears 2 though, the hardcore lovers of the mode, you might be a touch disappointed that it's been changed. For me, it's a change for the better.
There are a ton of other multiplayer modes that I just haven't gotten to yet, but I will update my review when I finally get a chance to play them.
Graphically this game is nothing short of amazing. Unlike previous games in the series there doesn't seem to be any screen tearing in the campaign. I haven't experienced any in the Live modes I've played, but reserve commenting further until I spend more time with it. In the Beta there was screen tearing galore, so I'm hoping they focused on fixing it for release.
Music is Steve Jablonsky (Gears Of War 3 The Soundtrack). If you enjoyed the music in Gears 2, you'll enjoy it here as well. Orchestral, moody and pitch perfect for the scenes in which the music plays. I miss the Gears 2 title screen song, but hey, this is Gears 3 and it needs to be refreshed.
Sound effects and voice work are equally amazing. All the voice actors from the previous games make appearances here as well, including fan favorite Cole. Really high quality work.
Over all I would say the game itself is shaping up to be an amazing final chapter to one of my favorite game series of all time.
The $60, $80 or $150 question stands though. If all you want is the game and don't care about having pretty weapon skins and so on for the game, don't bother with the Limited or Epic editions. If all you want is the extra DLC, spring for the Limited Edition. If you want the most in depth look into the world, the best collectibles and you have a place to put the Marcus Fenix statue, the Epic Edition is, despite the high price tag, truly worth the money.

Nothing gets me excited like opening a limited edition, or in this case, an Epic Edition. The statue is awesome. Looks really cool next to my Halo statue. I do have to say though, for the money it didn't really come with as much swag as many other special editions. Fallout New Vegas was really cool, and so was Black ops with that little car. Dead Rising 2 was a special treat, one of my favorites and of course Bungie went nuts on Reach. All that said though Marcus Fenix just looks so cool which made it worth it. Wanna get the Mortal Combat next.