English
Gamereactor
articles
Gears of War 3

Gears of War 3: The Essentials

With Epic's blockbuster title only weeks away from release, we break down everything you need to know - from campaign, multiplayer, DLC and special editions - in one easily digestible package.

Subscribe to our newsletter here!

* Required field
HQ

THE GALLERY

Gears of War 3Gears of War 3Gears of War 3Gears of War 3
Gears of War 3Gears of War 3Gears of War 3Gears of War 3
Gears of War 3Gears of War 3Gears of War 3Gears of War 3
This is an ad:

MUST-SEE VIDEOS

The "From Dust to Dust" Trailer.

This year's E3 presentation in full.

THE CAMPAIGN

This is an ad:

It's four-player co-op action as Delta are joined by some new comrades-at-arms, and the fight moves away from the dank dwellings of levelled cities to the sweltering climbs of the island of Vectes. You'll be fighting both Locust and Lambent - the mutated form of the Locust now with several new strains - on foot and in powerful mech suits. The campaign promises to offer up to seventeen hours worth of gameplay.

READ: Our run-through of the campaign's first Act.
WATCH: The Campaign trailer.

MULTIPLAYER

Multiplayer is back and better than ever, with Epic promising dedicated servers and a whole host of new gameplay tweaks to ensure this trilogy finisher will last in the online arena long after the closing credits of the main campaign. It'll even have a online arena set up specifically for newcomers, meaning a gentle introduction to the world of the cover-based shooter.

READ: Our blast through a handful of the multiplayer maps, and testing the different modes.
WATCH: The multiplayer trailer.

HORDE
The latest game mechanic to cause an industry and genre-wide adoption of similar mechanics as standard in games today returns with so many features newly-built in - there's a Tower Defence element now - that it could be its own standalone title. Horde stacks you and a group of friends against never-ending waves of Locust, and let's you upgrade and buy defences.

READ: Our hands-on with Horde Mode.
WATCH: Horde Mode Trailer

BEAST
Its Horde flipped on its head as you control the Locust looking to wipe out the defenders. Kills earn points, accumulation of which can buy you into controlling the bigger and better beasties intent on wiping out Delta Squad.

READ: Details on how Beast mode will work, and the Locust you'll be controlling.

INTERVIEWS

Microsoft Executive Producer Chris Kimmell talks the march towards launch, and the wider impact of the Gears series on Xbox 360.

Rapper Ice-T talks about his role in Gears 3.

Cliff Bleszinski talks about finishing the fight and the future of the franchise.

THE RELEASE

The game's released in retail stores on September 20th, coming in three different editions.

The standard release will retail for £39.99.

LIMITED EDITION

Gears of War 3

The Limited Edition will retail for £59.99 and include:

An Octus Award Box with Octus Service Medal - A 1:1 match in size and weight, this zinc-alloy cog-shaped medal replicates the award given to Adam Fenix in recognition of his work on the Hammer of Dawn.

Exclusive Unlockable Adam Fenix Multiplayer Character - Each Octus Service Medal replica is engraved with a unique Xbox LIVE code that is the only way to unlock Adam Fenix in multiplayer.

A fabric COG Flag - Proud colors that once flew above the House of Sovereigns.

The personal effects of Adam Fenix, including his "Last Will and Testament," the initial Hammer of Dawn schematic, and other Fenix family mementos.

EPIC EDITION

Gears of War 3

The Epic Edition will run you £99.99, and include, along with everything in the Limited Edition:

A Limited Edition Marcus Fenix Statue - Designed by Epic Games Art Director Chris Perna and expertly crafted by the artisans at Triforce, this fine PVC statue collectible makes the ultimate living room centrepiece for any true "Gears" fan.

The Art and Design of Gears of War by Tom Bissell - Through unprecedented access to the Epic Games team, acclaimed author Tom Bissell (Extra Lives) gives readers an incisive behind-the-scenes glimpse into one of the most celebrated sagas in video game history with 96 pages of interviews, photos, concept artwork and more.

Infected Omen Weapon Pack -- Custom multiplayer skins for the game's five starting weapons; Lancer, Retro Lancer, Hammerburst, Sawed-off Shotgun, and Gnasher Shotgun.

PRE-ORDER BONUSES

GAME are offering an exclusive DLC code for a Dom skin.

Play is offering a DLC code for the "Mechanic Baird" multiplayer skin.

DLC, SEASON PASS

Epic is offering a Season Pass, a one-off payment that'll grant you the first four DLC installments at a reduced rate. The pass will be available online the same day as release - September 20th - for 2400MP, which will be a 33% discount on buying the add-ons separately, and come with an exclusive Liquid Metal Weapon Set.

Related texts

0
Gears of War 3Score

Gears of War 3

REVIEW. Written by Gillen McAllister

"For those holding their breath waiting for it fail: it doesn't. For those hoping for it to innovate: it doesn't. Either way, it's damn fine entertainment."



Loading next content