It's a rare joy to see developers build and improve on previous iterations of their online creations; such is the cut-throat industry of multiplayer that outstripping your previous idea in ambition and execution is essential to survival. For 3, Epic revamped, rebuilt and reenforced from what came before. The precision of an improved Horde was perfectly countered with the arcade button-bashing of Beast; Deathmatch modes each offered key differentiations in play style, and the story campaign was so heavily filled with stand-out moments that four-player co-op became its own "Best Of" as we stacked essential playlists to relive as a team. For substance and variety, Gears of War 3 was hard to beat this year.
