View source for Software:Gears of War 2

{{Short description|2008 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
| title      = Gears of War 2
| image      = Gow2 offbox.jpg
| developer  = [[Company:Epic Games|Epic Games]]
| publisher  = [[Software:Microsoft Game Studios|Microsoft Game Studios]]
| producer   = Rod Fergusson
| designer   = Cliff Bleszinski
| programmer = Ray Davis
| artist     = Chris Perna
| writer     = Joshua Ortega
| composer   = Steve Jablonsky
| series     = ''[[Software:Gears of War|Gears of War]]''
| engine     = Unreal Engine 3
| platforms  = [[Engineering:Xbox 360|Xbox 360]]
| released   = November 7, 2008
| genre      = [[Software:Third-person shooter|Third-person shooter]]
| modes      = Single-player, multiplayer
}}

'''''Gears of War 2''''' is a [[Software:Third-person shooter|third-person shooter]] video game developed by [[Company:Epic Games|Epic Games]] and published by [[Company:Xbox Game Studios|Microsoft Game Studios]] for the [[Engineering:Xbox 360|Xbox 360]]. It is the second installment of the [[Software:Gears of War|''Gears of War'' series]], with lead design by Cliff Bleszinski. The game was released in North America, Europe and Australia on November 7, 2008, and was released in Japan on July 30, 2009. The game expands technically on the [[Software:Gears of War (video game)|previous game]] by using a modified Unreal Engine 3. The development team brought in comic book writer Joshua Ortega to help write the plot for the game.

In ''Gears of War 2'', the COG continues its fight against the Locust, who are attempting to sink all of the cities on the planet Sera. Sergeant Marcus Fenix leads Delta Squad into the depths of the planet to try to stop the Locust during the assault upon Locust territory. The player controls Fenix in the main mission campaign, with the ability to play cooperatively with a second player controlling Fenix's best friend and fellow Squad member Dominic "Dom" Santiago. The game includes several existing and new multiplayer modes including five-on-five battles between human and Locust forces, and a "Horde" mode that challenges up to five players against waves of Locust forces with ever-increasing strength. New weapons and gameplay mechanics such as "chainsaw duels" and the ability to use downed foes as "[[Social:Human shield|meatshield]]s" were added to the game.

On its release weekend, ''Gears of War 2'' sold over two million copies, and within two months of release, had sold four million copies. It was the seventh best selling video game of 2009 and received several accolades. The game received similar praise as its predecessor, with the new gameplay and multiplayer modes seen as outstanding additions. ''Gears of War 2'', along with its predecessor, is considered one of the best games ever made. It was followed by ''[[Software:Gears of War 3|Gears of War 3]]'' in 2011.

==Gameplay==

''Gears of War 2'' is a [[Software:Third-person shooter|third-person shooter]] with an emphasis on the tactical use of cover, and retains much of the same gameplay from the first game. The player, playing as either Marcus or Dominic in the campaign mode, or as any of the human or Locust characters in multiplayer mode, can only carry a pistol, one type of grenade, and two other weapons at any time, though they may swap these for weapons found in strategic locations or left by downed foes or fallen allies. Each weapon can be used for normal fire as well as for melee attacks; the game's signature Lancer Assault Rifle can be used to instantly kill foes in melee with its mounted chainsaw bayonet. The game introduces the ability to engage in chainsaw duels should the player attempt to chainsaw an opponent also using the Lancer; the player is presented with a controller button to press rapidly to try to win the duel and avoid death.<ref name="gameinformer preview">{{cite magazine | pages =46–57 | date = May 2008|issue=181 | title = Gears of War 2: Great Expectations | magazine = Game Informer}}</ref> ''Gears of War 2'' rebalances the power of the existing weapons while introducing five new ones: a [[Physics:Flamethrower|flamethrower]], a [[Engineering:Chain gun|chain gun]], a mortar cannon, a "Gorgon" Pistol, and the Ink Grenade. The chain gun and the mortar are heavy weapons, forcing the player to move at walking speed while carrying it in both hands. The Gorgon Pistol is an SMG-like machine pistol that fires four four-shot bursts per magazine. The Ink Grenade doesn't damage with its detonation, but instead temporarily poisons the area it was thrown, making it very useful for driving enemies out of cover. Grenades can be planted on walls or floors as proximity traps that go off when an enemy nears, but only fragmentation grenades have the ability to kill foes when they go off.<ref name="IGN Multiplayer" />

The player's health is represented by a red "Crimson Omen" that fades onto the screen the more damage the player takes; staying out of the line of fire allows the player to recover their health. Depending on the game mode or difficulty, if the player takes too much damage, they enter a downed state where they can crawl around the map to get out of battle and seek help. During this time, a teammate can revive him, an enemy may brutally execute the downed player, or the player may bleed out if too much time has passed. The player can also grab a downed character and use them as a [[Social:Human shield|meatshield]], allowing the body to absorb damage but forcing the player to use a one-handed pistol.<ref name="IGN Multiplayer Details">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/06/03/gears-of-war-2-multiplayer-details|title=Gears of War 2 Multiplayer Details|last=Ahearn|first=Nate|date=July 2, 2008|publisher=IGN|access-date=November 15, 2021|archive-date=November 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116001658/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/06/03/gears-of-war-2-multiplayer-details|url-status=live}}</ref> Explosive weapons will simply destroy the character they strike.<ref name="IGN R"/> Like its predecessor, ''Gears of War 2'' features an optional mature content filter, which, when active, makes blood appear as sparks and removes harsh language from the dialogue.<ref name="Violence Filter">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/08/06/gears-of-war-2-toned-down|title=Gears of War 2 Toned Down|publisher=IGN|date=August 6, 2008|access-date=November 15, 2021|archive-date=November 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115234649/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/08/06/gears-of-war-2-toned-down|url-status=live}}</ref> Furthermore, progress towards most of the Xbox achievements for the game can be earned in either campaign or multiplayer modes.<ref name="gameinformer preview"/>

===Campaign mode===
The campaign mode in ''Gears of War 2'' allows for a single player or two players playing cooperatively as Marcus or Dom. A new "Normal" difficulty was added between the game's "Casual" and "Hardcore" difficulties. There is also an 'Insane' difficulty that is unlocked after the player completes the game at least once. Players in co-op mode can select different difficulties, and a "communal combat system" will adjust the game's [[Artificial intelligence|artificial intelligence]] to give both players a fair challenge.<ref name="gameinformer preview"/>  The co-op campaign can be played in a drop in/drop out manner, with the second player able to join the first player's game in progress.<ref name="IGN Clears Rumors">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/05/16/four-player-co-op-not-confirmed-for-gears-of-war-2|title=Four-player Co-op Not Confirmed for Gears of War 2|publisher=IGN|date=May 16, 2008|access-date=November 15, 2021|archive-date=November 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115234655/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/05/16/four-player-co-op-not-confirmed-for-gears-of-war-2|url-status=live}}</ref> As well as collecting some COG tags as in the first game, players can search other story-based items such as personal letters and medical records, with discovered items being added to a war journal.<ref name="gameinformer preview" />

The campaign features a deeper story with new characters, new weapons, and new enemies according to John DiMaggio, the voice actor for Marcus Fenix.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/02/29/marcus-fenix-talks-gears-of-war-2 |title=Marcus Fenix Talks Gears of War 2 |publisher=IGN |author=Patrick Kolan |access-date=February 28, 2008 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924160206/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/02/29/marcus-fenix-talks-gears-of-war-2 |url-status=live }}</ref> New vehicles have been added to the game, such as the Centaur Tank, which lead designer Cliff Bleszinski describes as a "tank with monster truck wheels."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2008/05/24/gears-of-war-2-x360-multiplayer-details-confirmed/link |title=Xbox 360 Fanboy |publisher=Xbox360fanboy.com |access-date=November 3, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080629054754/http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2008/05/24/gears-of-war-2-x360-multiplayer-details-confirmed/link |archive-date=June 29, 2008 }}</ref> Players will also ride a Brumak and Reavers in the game.<ref name="Gears Dated">{{cite web |url=http://ign.com/articles/2008/07/14/e3-2008-gears-of-war-2-dated |title=E3 2008: Gears of War 2 Dated |last=Thang |first=Jimmy |date=July 14, 2008 |publisher=IGN |access-date=April 17, 2009 |archive-date=May 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506174500/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/07/14/e3-2008-gears-of-war-2-dated |url-status=live }}</ref> Cut-scenes use the better facial rendering technology of Epic's Unreal engine, and engage in more dramatic angles for the conversation, as well as using a video screen on Jack (the all-purpose robot used by Delta squad) to talk with their commanders face-to-face.<ref name="gameinformer preview" />

===Multiplayer===
''Gears of War 2'' features an upgraded [[Software:Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] mode that allows up to ten users to simultaneously play in teams of five-on-five.<ref name='omp'/> ''Gears of War 2'' includes most of the multiplayer modes, including Execution, Warzone, Annex and King of the Hill, and adds in three new modes.<ref name="IGN Multiplayer">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/07/08/gears-of-war-2-multiplayer-hands-on|title=Gears of War 2 Multiplayer Hands-On|last=Ahearn|first=Nate|date=July 7, 2008|publisher=IGN|access-date=November 15, 2021|archive-date=November 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115234649/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/07/08/gears-of-war-2-multiplayer-hands-on|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name='omp'>{{cite news |first=César |last=Berardini |title=Gears of War 2 Versus Multiplayer Mode – New Info |date=May 25, 2008 |publisher=TeamXbox |url=http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/16603/Gears-of-War-2-Versus-Multiplayer-Mode-New-Info/ |access-date=June 4, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080527175537/http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/16603/Gears-of-War-2-Versus-Multiplayer-Mode-New-Info/ |archive-date=May 27, 2008 }}</ref> Guardian is a modified version of [[Software:Gears of War (video game)#Gameplay|Assassination]] from the original ''[[Software:Gears of War (video game)|Gears of War]]'', but allows players to continue fighting after the leader has been killed, but losing the ability to respawn.<ref name='omp'/> Wingman splits all ten players into five teams of two, where both members of a team play as the same character.<ref name='omp'/> Submission, formerly known as Meat Flag,<ref name="IGN Multiplayer" /> is a version of [[Capture the flag|capture the flag]] in which players attempt to "down" an enemy controlled by the game's AI and move its body to their team's base or objective to earn points. The 10 maps shipped with the game originally are Avalanche, Blood Drive, Day One, Hail, Jacinto, Pavilion, River, Ruins, Security and Stasis.<ref name='omp'/> A [[Software:Halo 3|''Halo''-like]] matchmaking system has been utilized for the online multiplayer.<ref name="gameinformer preview" /> Players can now engage in multiplayer scenarios with any combination of human players and [[Artificial intelligence|artificial intelligence]] controlled by the game, with the ability to set the AI's intelligence level.<ref name="GameTrailers Gears 2 preview">{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/gametrailerstv_player.php?ep=27&ch=3 |title=GameTrailers TV E3: 2008 Special |last=Keighley |first=Geoff |publisher=GameTrailers |page=1 |access-date=April 19, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220105530/http://www.gametrailers.com/gametrailerstv_player.php?ep=27&ch=3 |archive-date=December 20, 2008 }}</ref> Horde is a new co-op mode for five players, fighting off waves of attacking Locust together, with each wave becoming more difficult.<ref name="Gears Dated" /> Horde Mode does not feature bot support as in competitive multiplayer, and can be played alone.<ref name="IGn Horde">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/07/15/e3-2008-gears-of-war-2-horde-hands-on|title=E3 2008: Gears of War 2 Horde Hands-on|last=Ahearn|first=Nate|date=July 14, 2008|publisher=IGN|access-date=November 15, 2021|archive-date=November 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120091344/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/07/15/e3-2008-gears-of-war-2-horde-hands-on|url-status=live}}</ref>

Players can pan around a map as the camera focuses on areas of intense fighting, and the Ghost Cam allows a player to roam freely around a map. The ability to take photographs is also featured, which enables the player to take a photo, which can be uploaded to the ''Gears of War'' website and is rated on the quality of action in the shot.<ref name="IGN Multiplayer"/>

==Synopsis==

===Setting===
''Gears of War 2'' takes place six months after the detonation of the Lightmass Bomb at the end of the first game. Though most of the underground army of the Locust Horde was destroyed, the explosion also caused much of the liquid Imulsion underground to vaporize, causing a fatal disease called Rustlung to spread among the diminished human population. After months of peace, the cities of Tollen and Montevado suddenly and mysteriously disappear underground, leading the Coalition of Ordered Governments (COG) to suspect the resurgence of the Locust.<ref name="Gears of War series timeline">{{cite web |url=http://gearsofwar.xbox.com/GOW2/TheGame.htm#/timeline |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080717031328/http://gearsofwar.xbox.com/GOW2/TheGame.htm#/timeline |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 17, 2008 |title=Gears of War series timeline |author=Epic Games |publisher=Epic Games |access-date=July 16, 2008 }}</ref> Soon after, the once impenetrable Jacinto, one of the last remaining safe havens for humans, begins to show signs that the same fate awaits it. To stop the fall of Jacinto, the COG responds with a large-scale counter-offensive against the Locust.<ref name="gameinformer preview" /><ref name="Gears of War series timeline" /> Senior Producer Rod Fergusson says "In order to save Jacinto, [the COG] have no choice but to take the war to the Locust."<ref name="gameinformer preview" />

===Characters===
Returning characters includes the main protagonists of the series Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago and others from the first game, including Marcus and Dom's fellow Delta Squad COG soldiers, Augustus 'Cole Train' Cole and Damon Baird. Also returning in supporting roles are radio dispatcher Anya Stroud and senior officer Colonel Hoffman. Lead designer Cliff Bleszinski confirmed that the character Carmine would be returning, but did not reveal how or in what capacity as Carmine was killed in the original ''Gears of War''.<ref name="Gears Cutscene">{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/player/33954.html|title=Gears of War Cutscene|publisher=GameTrailers|access-date=August 7, 2008|archive-date=August 8, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080808113035/http://www.gametrailers.com/player/33954.html|url-status=live}}</ref> It was later revealed that the original Anthony Carmine would not be present in the ''Gears of War 2'' campaign, but rather his brother, Benjamin,<ref name="Gamespot E3 2008 GoW2">{{cite web |url=http://comic-con.gamespot.com/blog.html?topic_id=26510268&tag=blog;title;1 |title=Xbox Creator's Showcase: Gears of War 2 and Fable 2 |date=July 16, 2008 |publisher=Gamespot |page=1 |access-date=April 19, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219233736/http://comic-con.gamespot.com/blog.html?topic_id=26510268&tag=blog%3Btitle%3B1 |archive-date=December 19, 2008 }}</ref> would make an appearance.<ref name="IGN SDCC">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/07/27/sdcc-08-gears-of-war-2-panel-report|title=SDCC 08: Gears of War 2 Panel Report|last=Ahearn|first=Nate|date=July 26, 2008|publisher=IGN|access-date=November 15, 2021|archive-date=June 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607074452/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/07/27/sdcc-08-gears-of-war-2-panel-report|url-status=live}}</ref> The game also introduces several new characters. They include Chairman Prescott, the noble, yet near-dictatorial military leader of COG; Tai Kaliso, "a spiritual and meditative warrior from a tradition of honor bound fighters;" and Dizzy Wallin, a former Stranded who joined the COG to keep his family safe. Dom's wife Maria also makes an appearance, and Dom's search for her plays an important part in the story.<ref name="gameinformer preview" />

===Plot===
<!--NOTES FOR EDITORS, PLEASE READ:
*Please do not add in-depth plot summaries, speculation, original research, or trivial details to this section.
*This plot section is not meant to be a full explanation of all events in the game, but rather a short, concise summary of the plot's main events.
-->
As ''Gears of War 2'' begins, the COG army mobilizes forces to deploy into the depths of Sera, known as the "Hollow", to assault the Locust directly. Delta Squad, consisting of Marcus Fenix, Dom Santiago, Benjamin Carmine, Tai Kaliso, Augustus Cole and Damon Baird; fight the Locust alongside thousands of Gears. During the battle, Tai is taken prisoner by Locust general Skorge and is tortured to the point of insanity, resulting in him committing suicide after being freed by Delta. They discover that the Locust are using a giant Riftworm to sink the human cities. The Locust plan to destroy the rock structures in the outskirts of Jacinto, the last major human city, in hopes of sinking it underground. Delta kills the Riftworm from within before it can sink Jacinto, but they lose Carmine in the process. 

After returning to the surface, Colonel Hoffman admits the COG failed in locating the Locust stronghold. Chairman Prescott declassifies an intel file that reveals a nearby abandoned COG outpost that has a lead on the location of the Locust capital and their queen. Delta is ordered to investigate. Inside, Delta learns that the outpost is "New Hope", a genetics lab dedicated to studying human children of Imulsion miners suffering from Rustlung, resulting in mutated experiments called "Sires". Delta finds that the scientists relocated to the nearby caverns of Mount Kadar to continue their research. As Delta infiltrates Mount Kadar to infiltrate the Locust stronghold, Dom gets a lead on his missing wife, Maria, located at a nearby prison camp. Dom finds Maria in a vegetative state due to the aggressive and invasive torture techniques of the Locust. Dom euthanizes Maria and continues on the mission. 

Delta locates Locust capital, Nexus, and sets off the beacon to initiate the second wave. The COG sees the Locust have been facing an epidemic against the "Lambent", Locust who have been exposed to Imulsion, and have been forcing the Locust out of the Hollow and onto the surface. Locust Queen Myrrah, who appears human, reveals to Marcus that the Locust are trying to sink Jacinto based on a proposal by Adam Fenix, his father, that the surrounding seawater could flood the Hollow and drown the Lambent. After a battle where they succeed in killing Skorge, but failing to kill Myrrah, Marcus decides to destroy both the Locust and Lambent forces by sinking Jacinto themselves before the Locust can evacuate. Jacinto is sunk by the COG and seawater floods into the crater, destroying the remaining Locust forces. After the credits, the voice of Adam Fenix is heard on a radio transmission, revealing he is still alive.<ref name="IGN R" /><ref name="OXM Review">{{cite web|url=http://www.oxmonline.com/article/reviews/xbox-360/g-l/gears-war-2|title=Gears of War 2 OXM|last=McCarffrey|first=Ryan|date=November 7, 2008|publisher=Official Xbox Magazine|page=2|access-date=April 17, 2009|archive-date=February 21, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221112715/http://oxmonline.com/article/reviews/xbox-360/g-l/gears-war-2|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Development==
[[File:Gears2GDC.jpg|right|thumb|Screenshot from the first ''Gears of War 2'' trailer shown at the 2008 Game Developers Conference, depicting Marcus Fenix executing a Locust with the chainsaw bayonet]]

''Gears of War'' designer Cliff Bleszinski has done several interviews to highlight improvements to the game. Heavy [[Netcode]] optimization has been done to negate the host advantage problem in the first title<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/videos/2008/07/03/gears-of-war-2-xbox-360-interview-multiplayer-reveal |title=''Gears of War 2'' Xbox 360 Interview - Multiplayer Reveal |publisher=IGN |access-date=November 15, 2021 |archive-date=November 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116001700/https://www.ign.com/videos/2008/07/03/gears-of-war-2-xbox-360-interview-multiplayer-reveal |url-status=live }}</ref> and hundreds of tweaks have gone into improving the cover system and movement.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://xbox360.ign.com/dor/objects/14232680/gears-of-war-2/videos/gears2_interview.html |title=''Gears of War 2'' Xbox 360 Developer Commentary - Video Interview |publisher=IGN |access-date=November 3, 2008 |archive-date=October 21, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081021100117/http://xbox360.ign.com/dor/objects/14232680/gears-of-war-2/videos/gears2_interview.html |url-status=live }}</ref> To provide a deeper story, the team brought aboard novelist Joshua Ortega as to incorporate more personal drama within the sci-fi setting.<ref name="gameinformer preview" /> Steve Jablonsky provided the music for the game.<ref name="Kotaku Music">{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5029602/gears-of-war-2-features-backwards-compatible-linked-achievements|title=''Gears of War 2'' Features "Backwards Compatible" Linked Achievements|last=McWhertor|first=Michael|date=June 26, 2008|publisher=Kotaku|page=1|access-date=April 19, 2009|archive-date=May 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526184052/https://kotaku.com/5029602/gears-of-war-2-features-backwards-compatible-linked-achievements|url-status=live}}</ref> Epic Games also considered making the game easier after complaints about ''[[Software:Gears of War|Gears of War]]''. Senior producer Rod Fergusson admitted that — for the first game — "We overshot on <nowiki>[the Casual]</nowiki> difficulty and a game that was a little harder than we intended."<ref name="gameinformer preview"/>

A teaser image posted to the ''Gears of War 2'' website on July 8, 2008, suggested that the game was to be released on November 9, 2008, but it was confirmed during the Microsoft E3 2008 press conference that the game would be released on November 7, 2008.<ref name="Gears Dated" /><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/53499 | title = Epic Teases Gears of War 2 Release on Nov. 9 | first = Chris | last = Faylor | date = July 8, 2008 | access-date = July 8, 2008 | publisher = Shacknews | archive-date = November 2, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101102223809/http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/53499 | url-status = live }}</ref> On July 14, 2008, the teaser image was removed and the website relaunched and updated for ''Gears of War 2''.<ref name="Epic Games Gold">{{cite web|url=http://gearsofwar.xbox.com/Templates/Secondary.aspx?id=332 |title=New gearsofwar.com launches, golden age to follow |publisher=Epic Games |page=1 |access-date=April 19, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220082513/http://gearsofwar.xbox.com/Templates/Secondary.aspx?id=332 |archive-date=December 20, 2008 }}</ref>

''Gears of War 2'' was a focal point during Microsoft's E3 2008 presentation on July 15, 2008, which included a "hands-on" demo.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://e3.g4tv.com/e32008/videos/27001/Face_Time_Gears_of_War_2_Demo.html |title=G4 -Face Time: ''Gears of War 2'' Demo |publisher=E3.g4tv.com |access-date=November 3, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081119144531/http://e3.g4tv.com/e32008/videos/27001/Face_Time_Gears_of_War_2_Demo.html |archive-date=November 19, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="G4 E3 08 Coverage">{{cite web|url=http://e3.g4tv.com/e32008/blog/post/686842/G4s_Massive_E308_Coverage_Announced.html|title=G4's Massive E308 Coverage Announced|date=July 11, 2008|publisher=G4|page=1|access-date=April 19, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130123142036/http://e3.g4tv.com/e32008/blog/post/686842/G4s_Massive_E308_Coverage_Announced.html|archive-date=January 23, 2013}}</ref> A second trailer, entitled "Rendezvous," was made available on July 14, 2008, as a part of E3. The Joseph Kosinski-directed trailer,<ref>[josephkosinski.com/main.html J. Kosinski's web page], under 'Works', 'GOW 2 Rendezvous'.</ref> which features the Trans Am track "Diabolical Cracker" from the album Red Line, takes its title and spoken words from Alan Seeger's [[Social:World War I|World War I]] poem ''I Have a Rendezvous with Death''.<ref name="Rendezvous">{{cite web |url=http://xbox360.ign.com/dor/objects/14232680/gears-of-war-2/videos/gears_of_war2_rendezvous_071408.html |title=Gears of War 2 "Rendezvous" Trailer |publisher=Xbox360.ign.com |access-date=March 12, 2012 |archive-date=April 17, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100417120219/http://xbox360.ign.com/dor/objects/14232680/gears-of-war-2/videos/gears_of_war2_rendezvous_071408.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The game's release date was also set, with a worldwide release to occur on November 7, 2008.<ref name="Gears Dated"/> Microsoft and Epic Games announced on October 10, 2008, that ''Gears of War 2'' had gone gold.<ref>[https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/10/10/gears-of-war-2-goes-gold Gears of War 2 Goes Gold] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406061557/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/918/918586p1.html |date=April 6, 2012 }} IGN. Retrieved November 15, 2021.</ref> It was stated by Cliff Bleszinski that, unlike ''[[Software:Gears of War (video game)|Gears of War]]'', the previous installment, ''Gears of War 2'' will not feature a PC port.<ref name="no pc port">{{cite web|title=Gears of War 2 Achievements and More|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/08/29/gears-of-war-2-achievements-and-more|date=August 29, 2008|access-date=November 15, 2021|publisher=IGN|first=Nate|last=Ahearn|archive-date=November 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115234651/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/08/29/gears-of-war-2-achievements-and-more|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Graphics===
[[File:GoW2 screenshot.jpg|left|thumb|Comparison of the map "Gridlock" in ''Gears of War'' and ''Gears of War 2''|231x231px]]
At the 2008 [[Software:Game Developers Conference|Game Developers Conference]] in {{wipe|San Francisco}}, {{wipe|California}}, as a showcase for the functionality of the Unreal Engine 3, Gears of War creators [[Company:Epic Games|Epic Games]] showed various improvements to the engine with specific reference to the sequel itself. The video showed several demonstrations of the improvements, the initial being improvements to the [[Earth:Lighting|in-game lighting]] through Screen Space Ambient Occlusion, in which dynamic shadows could be generated through the use of a [[Engineering:Pixel shader|pixel shading]] technique to render more realistically lit and shaded objects and actors, illustrated through comparison between character and environment models in the original game engine to that of Unreal Engine 3. Also showcased was the ability of the engine to render hordes of actors within the engine, as demonstrated with a large crowd of locust flocking through the "Gridlock" multiplayer map from the original game. Alongside this technology was improvements to "Matinee," an artistic tool used for the rendering and editing 3-dimensional scenes within the game.<ref name=x3ftechdemo>{{cite web|url=http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2008/02/20/gdc08-gow2s-water-is-going-to-be-freakin-hot/|title=GDC08: ''GoW2's'' water is going to be REALLY hot!{{bracket|update}}|date=February 20, 2008|access-date=February 21, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080223081613/http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2008/02/20/gdc08-gow2s-water-is-going-to-be-freakin-hot/|archive-date=February 23, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Other physics-related features included improvements to the rendering of water in which specular light and physical interactions with were displayed more realistically, improvements to soft body entities demonstrated with a "Meat Cube" and a floating ball possessing properties similar to that of [[Chemistry:Liquid helium|liquid helium]]. The largest of these physics engine related changes was the introduction of destructible environments due to the implementation of [[Real-time computing|real-time]] [[Structural analysis|structural analysis]] tools to generate the damage of the materials and subsequently their [[Engineering:Deformation (engineering)|deformed]] shapes based upon resultant forces placed upon them. This was demonstrated with the use of explosive arrows fired from the "Torque Bow" of the original game causing damage to wooden planks, and also revealing rebar present after destroying areas of a [[Earth:Rock (geology)|stone]] structure.<ref name="x3ftechdemo"/>

{{clear}}

===Downloadable content and updates===
On February 20, 2008, coinciding with the game's announcement at the Game Developers Conference, a free set of gamer pictures and a dashboard theme, as well as a teaser trailer titled "Duel," were made available via the Xbox Live Marketplace.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2008/02/20/free-gears-of-war-2-teaser-trailer-theme-and-pic-pack-hit-live/ |title=''Gears of War 2'' teaser trailer, free theme and gamer pictures hit Xbox Live |date=February 20, 2008 |access-date=February 20, 2008 |publisher=Xbox 360 Fanboy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080222135857/http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2008/02/20/free-gears-of-war-2-teaser-trailer-theme-and-pic-pack-hit-live/ |archive-date=February 22, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The first footage of gameplay from the campaign, highlighting new features of the game, was released online and to the Marketplace on May 9, 2008.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/52608 | title = First ''Gears of War 2'' Footage Debuts Tonight | publisher = Shacknews | first = Chris | last = Faylor | date = May 9, 2008 | access-date = May 10, 2008 | archive-date = May 11, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080511224121/http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/52608 | url-status = live }}</ref> After the Microsoft E3 press conference, the "Rendezvous" trailer and the press conference demonstration was available for download as well as a new free set of gamer pictures and a dashboard theme.<ref name="Rendezvous" /> Upon release, every new copy of ''Gears of War 2'' features a code to download the "Flashback Map Pack," which includes five enhanced multiplayer maps from the original game. Customers who attended the [[Company:GameStop|GameStop]] ''Midnight Madness'' game release event received a code to unlock a gold-plated Hammerburst rifle for use in multiplayer and a code for an exclusive Xbox 360 Dashboard theme optimized for the New Xbox Experience.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/10/03/gears-of-war-2-adds-five-maps | title = Gears of War 2 Adds Five Maps | publisher = IGN | first = Hilary | last = Goldstein | date = October 3, 2008 | access-date = November 15, 2021 | archive-date = November 15, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211115234649/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/10/03/gears-of-war-2-adds-five-maps | url-status = live }}</ref>

The first downloadable content released after ''Gears of War 2'' was the "Combustible Map Pack," which consists of three new multiplayer maps. This add-on was announced and released on December 15, 2008.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/56365 | title = ''Gears of War 2''DLC Releasing at Midnight | publisher = Shacknews | date = December 14, 2008 | access-date = December 14, 2008 | first = Chris | last = Faylor | archive-date = December 15, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081215103110/http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/56365 | url-status = live }}</ref> The second title update was released on January 21, 2009, featuring several adjustments to gameplay and adding additional Achievements, the patch attempts to correct many of the "glitches" that players have discovered since the game's release.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/56863 | title = ''Gears of War 2'' Patch Brings Fixes, Achievements | publisher = Shacknews | first = Chris | last = Faylor | date = January 21, 2009 | access-date = January 21, 2009 | archive-date = January 24, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090124063509/http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/56863 | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/88483-Major-Patch-for-Gears-of-War-2-This-Month | title = Major Patch for ''Gears of War 2'' This Month | first = Keane | last = Ng | date = January 6, 2009 | access-date = January 21, 2009 | publisher = The Escapist | archive-date = February 2, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090202115614/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/88483-Major-Patch-for-Gears-of-War-2-This-Month | url-status = dead }}</ref>

A third update was applied to ''Gears of War 2'' on March 24, 2009. The update added an experience-based ranking system in which the player is given a numerical value based on their number of experience points, which are gained by shooting or killing enemies in public multiplayer. The update also addressed several issues with matchmaking, including adding bots in place of players who have quit or lost connection to the game.<ref name="Snowblind">{{cite web|url=http://gearsofwar.xbox.com/Templates/Secondary.aspx?id=1480 |title=Snowblind Map Pack Now Available |date=March 31, 2009 |publisher=Epic Games |page=1 |access-date=April 13, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090506110033/http://gearsofwar.xbox.com/Templates/Secondary.aspx?id=1480 |archive-date=May 6, 2009 }}</ref>

In early July 2009, Epic Games applied a fourth update to ''Gears of War 2'', which added the ability to gain experience from the multiplayer Horde Mode, as well as applying several more gameplay fixes.<ref>{{cite web|title=''Gears 2'' Title Update 4 Available Now |url=http://gearsofwar.xbox.com/tu4.htm |date=July 3, 2009 |access-date=July 31, 2009 |publisher=Epic Games |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090706041559/http://gearsofwar.xbox.com/tu4.htm |archive-date=July 6, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=''Gears of War 2''Title Update 4 Detailed Release Notes|url=http://gearsforums.epicgames.com/showthread.php?t=686830|date=June 19, 2009|access-date=July 31, 2009|publisher=Epic Games|last=Fergusson|first=Rod|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090802205522/http://gearsforums.epicgames.com/showthread.php?t=686830|archive-date=August 2, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> On July 28, 2009, the "Dark Corners" add-on was released. This add-on consisted of seven new multiplayer maps, and an additional campaign chapter that was originally deleted from the game.<ref name='dark2'>{{cite news | first=David | last=Hinkle | title=Review: ''Gears of War 2'' 'Road to Ruin' (DLC) | date=July 21, 2009 | publisher=Joystiq | url=http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/review-gears-of-war-2-road-to-ruin-dlc/ | access-date=July 22, 2009 | archive-date=July 22, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090722103512/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/review-gears-of-war-2-road-to-ruin-dlc/ | url-status=live }}</ref>  The deleted scene takes place after Maria's death, where the user can choose to either sneak into the stronghold as Theron Guards or charge in as in the original game, though the level is different from the one that appeared in the final game and features a cameo from a Stranded character from the original Gears.

====All Fronts Collection====
On May 6, 2009, Microsoft and Epic Games issued a joint press release announcing the ''Gears of War 2: All Fronts Collection'', to be released on July 28, 2009. The ''All Fronts Collection'' was to be sold as a retail package, and would have included all add-ons released for ''Gears of War 2'', a poster, and a strategy guide for the game.<ref name="All Fronts Announced">{{cite web|url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/press/2009/0506-gow2allfronts.htm |title=''All Fronts Collection'' Unleashes New Campaign and Multiplayer |author=Epic Games |date=May 6, 2009 |publisher=Microsost Game Studios |page=1 |access-date=May 7, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090509061352/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/press/2009/0506-gow2allfronts.htm |archive-date=May 9, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In response to complaints that the ''All Fronts Collection'' had identical pricing to the ''Dark Corners'' add-on, but significantly more content, as well as the ''All Fronts Collection'' retail package not being made available in certain regions, Epic Games adjusted the release plan; the ''All Fronts Collection'' was released digitally via Xbox Live and the ''Dark Corners'' add-on was reduced in price.<ref name="Price Change">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/05/29/gears-2-add-on-gets-price-shuffle|title=Gears 2 Add-on Gets Price Shuffle |date=May 29, 2009 |access-date=November 15, 2021 |last=Brudvig |first=Erik |publisher=IGN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611183521/http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/987/987928p1.html |archive-date=June 11, 2009}}</ref>
{{clear}}

====Stereoscopic 3D====
In June 2010 during the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2010 Mark Rein (vice president of [[Company:Epic Games|Epic Games]]) was showcasing a tech demo of ''Gears of War 2'' in stereoscopic 3D running on an Xbox 360 thanks to the [[Company:Darkworks#TriOviz for Games Technology|TriOviz for Games Technology]]. "This technology's great because it works on normal HD TVs, as well as the very high end 3DTVs," Rein commented to Computer and Video Games. "We're not planning to re-release this in 3D - unless Microsoft want us to - but I'm sure its technology may be keen to put in the games developed by our partners."<ref>{{cite web |last=Ingham |first=Tim |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/252372/news/epic-makes-3d-gears-of-war-2/?attr=cvg-general-rss&skip=yes |title=E3 2010: Epic makes 3D Gears Of War 2 - We've seen it. It's mega. But retail release not planned |publisher=Computer and Video Games.com |date=June 17, 2010 |access-date=March 12, 2012 |archive-date=July 28, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120728140333/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/252372/news/epic-makes-3d-gears-of-war-2/?attr=cvg-general-rss&skip=yes |url-status=live }}</ref>

In October 2010 [[Company:Darkworks#TriOviz for Games Technology|TriOviz for Games Technology]] has been integrated in Unreal Engine 3, allowing to easily convert in stereoscopic 3D, numerous [[Software:List of Unreal Engine games#Unreal Engine 3|past and upcoming games]] developed with this engine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.epicgames.com/news/darkworks-trioviz-for-games-sdk-brings-3d-capabilities-to-unreal-engine-3 |title=TriOviz for Games Technology Brings 3D Capabilities to Unreal Engine 3 |publisher=www.epicgames.com |date=October 6, 2010 |access-date=March 12, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309110608/http://epicgames.com/news/darkworks-trioviz-for-games-sdk-brings-3d-capabilities-to-unreal-engine-3 |archive-date=March 9, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=JC Fletcher |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/mark-rein-trioviz-interview/ |title=Epic's Mark Rein goes in-depth with Unreal Engine 3's TriOviz 3D |publisher=www.joystiq.com |date=October 11, 2010 |access-date=March 12, 2012 |archive-date=March 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312142947/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/mark-rein-trioviz-interview/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Marketing==
A Limited Edition of the game was confirmed on February 20, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/358821/gears-of-war-2-coming-in-two-flavors|title=''Gears of War 2'' Coming In Two Flavors|date=February 20, 2008|access-date=February 20, 2008|first=Mike|last=Fahey|publisher=Kotaku|archive-date=February 26, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080226022927/http://kotaku.com/358821/gears-of-war-2-coming-in-two-flavors|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 14, 2008, more information about the Limited Edition's contents was revealed. The edition features alternative cover art, a SteelBook case with a bonus content DVD, a book entitled ''Beneath the Surface: An Inside Look at Gears of War 2'', which includes concept art and story-related information, a keepsake photo of Dominic and Maria, and an exclusive Xbox Live code to unlock a gold-plated Lancer for online play.<ref name="Shacknews LE">{{cite web|url=http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/53814|title=''Gears of War 2'' Limited Edition Detailed, Pictured|last=Linde|first=Aaron|date=July 22, 2008|publisher=Shacknews|page=1|access-date=April 19, 2009|archive-date=April 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090403195656/http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/53814|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="IGN Limited Edition">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/07/21/gears-2-limited-edition-content-revealed|title=Gears 2 Limited Edition Content Revealed|last=Ahearn|first=Nate|date=July 21, 2008|publisher=IGN|access-date=February 14, 2022|archive-date=November 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115234703/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/07/21/gears-2-limited-edition-content-revealed|url-status=live}}</ref> As a bonus item promoted by electronics store [[Company:Best Buy|Best Buy]], customers who preordered the Limited Edition also received a bonus Remote Control Centaur Tank replica, just like the new vehicle introduced in the game, free of charge.<ref name="Free Exclusive Tank with Gears of War 2 Limited Edition Offer">{{cite web|url=http://www.bestbuy.com/olspage.jsp?id=pcmcat162600050024&type=category|title=Free Exclusive Tank with Gears of War 2 Limited Edition Offer|publisher=Best Buy|page=1|access-date=July 29, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090819094009/http://www.bestbuy.com/olspage.jsp?id=pcmcat162600050024&type=category|archive-date=August 19, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Reception==

===Critical reception===
{{Video game reviews
<!--Formatting-->
| state = <!--plain/collapsible-->
| align = <!--left/right/none/inherit-->
<!-- Aggregators -->
| GR = 93.32%<ref name="GRANKINGS SCORE" />
| MC = 93/100<ref name="METACRITIC SCORE" />
<!-- Reviewers -->
| 1UP = A<ref name="1UP R">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3171066&p=4 |title=Gears of War 2 Review at 1UP.com |access-date=November 3, 2008 |date=November 3, 2008 |last=Ford |first=Greg |publisher=1UP.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090225135949/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3171066&p=4 |archive-date=February 25, 2009 }}</ref>
| CVG = 9.3/10<ref name="cvg review">{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/200880/reviews/gears-of-war-2-review/|title=Gears of War 2 Review. Gears of War Grows Up|work=Computer and Video Games|publisher=Future plc|date=November 3, 2008|access-date=October 16, 2014|first=Andy|last=Robinson|archive-date=December 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209074905/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/200880/reviews/gears-of-war-2-review/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| Edge = 9/10<ref name="Edge Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/reviews/review-gears-war-2 |title=Review: Gears of War 2 |last=Staff |first=Edge |publisher=Edge |page=1 |access-date=April 19, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002233841/http://www.next-gen.biz/reviews/review-gears-war-2 |archive-date=October 2, 2011 }}</ref>
| EuroG = 9/10<ref name="eurogamer review">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/gears-of-war-2-review|title=Gears of War 2 Review|work=Eurogamer|publisher=Gamer Network|date=November 3, 2008|access-date=October 16, 2014|first=Christian|last=Donlan|archive-date=October 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022021421/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/gears-of-war-2-review|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GI = 9/10<ref name="Biessener">{{cite web |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/D030748B-F473-4745-9945-D802E906ACD4.htm |title=Gears of War 2 Review at 1UP.com |access-date=April 16, 2009 |last=Biessener |first=Adam |publisher=Game Informer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090323014945/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/D030748B-F473-4745-9945-D802E906ACD4.htm |archive-date=March 23, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| GamePro = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="GamePro">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamepro.com/games/xbox360/140321/gears-of-war-2/|title=''Gears of War 2''Page|publisher=GamePro|access-date=November 10, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080827113922/http://www.gamepro.com/games/xbox360/140321/gears-of-war-2/|archive-date=August 27, 2008}}</ref>
| GameRev = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="game revolution review">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/gears-of-war-2|title=Gears of War 2 Review. More ways to kill, more things to kill|work=Game Revolution|publisher=Net Revolution Inc.|date=November 7, 2008|access-date=October 16, 2014|first=Adam|last=Pavlacka|archive-date=October 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021030048/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/gears-of-war-2|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GSpot = 9.0/10<ref name="GSPOT R">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/gears-of-war-2-review/1900-6200486/ |title=Gears of War 2 for Xbox 360 Review |access-date=November 6, 2008 |date=November 3, 2008 |last=Cocker |first=Guy |work=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |archive-date=August 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821074841/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/gears-of-war-2-review/1900-6200486/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GSpy = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="GSPY R">{{cite web |url=http://xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/gears-of-war-2/926309p1.html |title=Gears of War 2 Review at GameSpy |access-date=November 3, 2008 |date=November 3, 2008 |last=Tuttle |first=Will |publisher=GameSpy |archive-date=August 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813032445/http://xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/gears-of-war-2/926309p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GT = 9.5/10<ref name="GTRAILERS R">{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/gamereview.php?id=6236 |title=Gears of War 2 Review at GameTrailers |access-date=November 3, 2008 |date=November 3, 2008 |publisher=GameTrailers |archive-date=November 14, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114141243/http://www.gametrailers.com/gamereview.php?id=6236 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GB = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="giant bomb review">{{cite web|url=http://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/gears-of-war-2-review/1900-74/|title=Gears of War 2 Review. Gears of War 2 intelligently builds on the successes of the first game, resulting in an immensely appealing sequel that is better in almost every way|work=Giant Bomb|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=November 3, 2008|access-date=October 16, 2014|first=Jeff|last=Gerstmann|archive-date=January 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150130003454/http://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/gears-of-war-2-review/1900-74/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| IGN = 9.5/10<ref name="IGN R" />
| OXM = 9.5/10<ref name="OXM Review"/>
| XPlay = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="X-Play R">{{cite web|url=http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/reviews/1860/Gears_of_War_2.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102192943/http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/reviews/1860/Gears_of_War_2.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 2, 2013|title=X-Play: Gears of War 2 Review|publisher=g4tv.com|author=Mr. Sark|access-date=November 6, 2008}}</ref>
<!-- Custom Reviewers limit is set to 10-->
| rev1 = PC Advisor
| rev1Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="pc advisor review">{{cite web|url=http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/reviews/software/106505/gears-of-war-2-review/|title=Gears of War 2 Review|work=PC Advisor|publisher=International Data Group|date=November 4, 2008|access-date=October 16, 2014|first=Sid|last=Shuman|archive-date=October 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016165718/http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/reviews/software/106505/gears-of-war-2-review/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''The Daily Telegraph''
| rev2Score = 9/10<ref name="telegraph review">{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/3394830/Gears-Of-War-2-video-game-review.html|title=Gears Of War 2 video game review. The second installment in Epic's dark and brutal sci-fi shooter justifies the incredible hype surrounding it|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=November 3, 2008|access-date=October 16, 2014|first=Tom|last=Hoggins|archive-date=October 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023053433/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/3394830/Gears-Of-War-2-video-game-review.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
<!-- Awards No limit -->
}}

''Gears of War 2'' received widespread critical acclaim. It currently holds a 93.32% aggregate review score at GameRankings,<ref name="GRANKINGS SCORE">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/938611.asp |title=Gears of War 2 Reviews at Game Rankings |access-date=July 23, 2011 |date=November 3, 2008 |publisher=Game Rankings |archive-date=February 13, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213095420/http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/938611.asp |url-status=live }}</ref> and a 93/100 from the aggregate review website Metacritic.<ref name="METACRITIC SCORE">{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/xbox360/gearsofwar2 |title=Gears of War 2 Reviews at Metacritic |access-date=November 19, 2008 |date=November 19, 2008 |publisher=Metacritic |archive-date=February 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212212227/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/xbox360/gearsofwar2 |url-status=live }}</ref>

While the game has been praised for the addition of a deeper plot than the original ''[[Software:Gears of War (video game)|Gears of War]]'' and being highly polished, reviewers noted that the multiplayer experience did not resemble the previous game especially in its quick pace and enjoyability. ''IGN'' noted that while the first four acts of the game were satisfying, in the final act "the last boss is a complete joke and the ending feels just a tad too abrupt," and that there were some bugs and lag in the online multiplayer. Overall, ''IGN'' stated that "[Gears of War 2] has its flaws when it comes to the technical side of multiplayer and the last act of the campaign and the voice acting might turn some off. Still, none of that comes close to holding back Gears of War 2 from its destiny: being one of the best games available on the Xbox 360."<ref name="IGN R">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/11/03/gears-of-war-2-review |title=Gears of War 2 Review |publisher=IGN |author=Nate Ahearn |date=November 3, 2008 |access-date=November 15, 2021 |archive-date=November 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115234658/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/11/03/gears-of-war-2-review |url-status=live }}</ref> Also, even though the new plot was praised, critics such as ''Official Xbox Magazine'' scrutinized the game's middle acts saying that most of the plot "falls flat."<ref name="OXM Review"/>

Both ''IGN''<ref name="IGN R" /> and ''Eurogamer'', among others, positively mentioned the new "Horde Mode" feature, with Eurogamer saying that "Horde is a weighty slab of fun that can turn almost any of them into a time-sink, and the leaderboards are likely to be as compelling a reason to stick with ''Gears of War 2'' as the leveling system has been for ''[[Software:Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare|Call of Duty 4]]''."<ref name="EURO R">{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=281039 |title=Gears of War 2 Review at Eurogamer |access-date=November 3, 2008 |date=November 3, 2008 |last=Donlan |first=Christian |publisher=Eurogamer |archive-date=December 16, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216153549/http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=281039 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''X-Play'' praised the game for its "polished cover system" and cooperative campaign mode. X-Play also praised the new weapons and characters and its "brilliant" multiplayer experience.<ref name="X-Play R"/> ''Game Informer'' called the single-player campaign "satisfying" and called the co-op campaign amazing and goes on to call online multiplayer "an outstanding contrast to team deathmatch or capture-the-flag scenarios."<ref name="Biessener"/>

===Sales===
''Gears of War 2'' has achieved significant success after its release. In its opening weekend, the game sold over two million units,<ref name="Sales">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/11/12/gears-of-war-2-sells-in-huge-numbers |title=Gears of War 2 Sells in Huge Numbers |date=November 12, 2008 |access-date=November 15, 2021 |last=Ahearn |first=Nate |publisher=IGN |archive-date=November 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116000156/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/11/12/gears-of-war-2-sells-in-huge-numbers |url-status=live }}</ref> and set a new record for the number of simultaneous players on Xbox Live, with over 1&nbsp;million people logging on to play the game.<ref name="First Sales">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6200949.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=hot-stories&tag=hot-stories;title;1 |title=Gears 2 Opens to Double Platinum Sales |date=November 12, 2008 |access-date=November 14, 2008 |last=Jenner |first=Laura |publisher=GameSpot |archive-date=December 19, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219225918/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6200949.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=hot-stories&tag=hot-stories;title;1 |url-status=live }}</ref>  The game went on to sell over three million copies worldwide within the first month of its release,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/56283 | title = Gears of War 2 Breaks 3 Million Units Sold | first = Chris | last = Faylor | date = December 9, 2008 | access-date = December 9, 2008 | publisher = Shacknews | archive-date = December 10, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081210181356/http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/56283 | url-status = live }}</ref> and pushed past four million in sales within the first two months.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamedaily.com/games/gears-of-war-2/xbox-360/game-news/gears-of-war-2-eclipses-4-million-sold/ |title=Gears of War 2 Eclipses 4 Million Sold |last=Radd |first=David |date=January 15, 2009 |publisher=GameDaily |access-date=January 15, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090117013649/http://www.gamedaily.com/games/gears-of-war-2/xbox-360/game-news/gears-of-war-2-eclipses-4-million-sold/ |archive-date=January 17, 2009 }}</ref> It was the sixth best-selling game of December 2008 in the United States, selling in excess of 745,000 copies.<ref name="gamedaily">{{cite web|title=NPD: Nintendo Drives '08 Industry Sales Past $21 Billion |url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/news/npd-nintendo-drives-08-industry-sales-past-21-billion-/?biz=1 |publisher=Game Daily |access-date=January 15, 2009 |date=January 15, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090117013042/http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/news/npd-nintendo-drives-08-industry-sales-past-21-billion-/?biz=1 |archive-date=January 17, 2009 }}</ref> It was also the tenth top-selling game in the United States in 2008, with over 1.3 &nbsp;million copies sold.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/56786 | title = NPD Reveals 2008's Best Selling Console Games | publisher = Shacknews | date = January 15, 2009 | access-date = January 15, 2009 | first = Chris | last = Faylor | archive-date = January 16, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090116151821/http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/56786 | url-status = live }}</ref> It received a "Double Platinum" sales award from the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA),<ref name=dpelspa>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090520070249/http://www.elspa.com/?i=3945 |url=http://www.elspa.com:80/?i=3945 |title=ELSPA Sales Awards: Double Platinum |work=Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association |archive-date=May 20, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> indicating sales of at least 600,000 copies in the United Kingdom.<ref name=gamasutrasales>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918063107/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/112220/ELSPA_Wii_Fit_Mario_Kart_Reach_Diamond_Status_In_UK.php |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/112220/ELSPA_Wii_Fit_Mario_Kart_Reach_Diamond_Status_In_UK.php |title=ELSPA: ''Wii Fit'', ''Mario Kart'' Reach Diamond Status In UK | author=Caoili, Eric | date=November 26, 2008 |work=Gamasutra |archive-date=September 18, 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> As of May 7, 2009, ''Gears of War 2'' had sold over 5&nbsp;million units worldwide, bringing the franchise total to 11&nbsp;million units sold.<ref name="May 2009 Sales">{{cite web
 |url         = http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6209234.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=newstop&tag=newstop;title;7
 |title       = Gears of War 2 Sells over 5 million mark
 |date        = May 7, 2009
 |access-date  = May 7, 2009
 |last        = Dave
 |first       = Egg
 |publisher   = IGN
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20110511010346/http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6209234.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=newstop&tag=newstop%3Btitle%3B7
 |archive-date = May 11, 2011
}} 
</ref>

===Awards===
''Gears of War 2'' won several awards following its presentation at E3 2008. ''IGN'' gave it the awards Overall Best Shooting Game and Overall Best Graphics Technology of E3 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/07/26/igns-overall-best-of-e3-2008-awards|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080726152225/http://games.ign.com/articles/893/893833p1.html|archive-date=July 26, 2008|title=IGN's Overall Best of E3 2008 Awards|author=IGN Editorial Staff|date=July 25, 2008|publisher=IGN|access-date=November 15, 2021}}</ref> Game Critics Awards gave the game Best Action Game of E3 2008.<ref name="GCA 2008">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/winners.html|title=2008 Winners GCA|year=2008|publisher=Game Critics|page=1|access-date=April 20, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702064755/http://gamecriticsawards.com/winners.html|archive-date=July 2, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Gears of War 2'' also won Best Shooter<ref name="Spike Awards: Best Shooter">{{cite web|url=http://www.spike.com/event/vga/page/vote/category/29522 |title=Best Shooter |publisher=Spike |page=1 |access-date=April 19, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090407093248/http://www.spike.com/event/vga/page/vote/category/29522 |archive-date=April 7, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and Best Xbox 360 Game at the 2008 Spike Video Game Awards.<ref name="Spike:Best 360">{{cite web|url=http://www.spike.com/event/vga/page/vote/category/29410 |title=Best Xbox 360 Game Spike |publisher=Spike |page=1 |access-date=April 19, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090413011847/http://www.spike.com/event/vga/page/vote/category/29410 |archive-date=April 13, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

During the 12th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences nominated ''Gears of War 2'' for "Console Game of the Year", "Action Game of the Year", and outstanding achievement in "Animation", "Character Performance", "Game Direction", "Game Design", "Online Gameplay", "Sound Design", and "Visual Engineering".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2009&idGame=1039 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details Gears of War 2 |publisher=Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences |website=interactive.org |access-date=15 November 2023}}</ref>

==Sequel==
{{Main|Software:Gears of War 3}}
On April 13, 2010, on ''Late Night with Jimmy Fallon'', Cliff Bleszinski announced ''[[Software:Gears of War 3|Gears of War 3]]'' and debuted a trailer, titled "Ashes to Ashes." The game is set 18 months after the events of ''Gears of War 2.'' It was originally going to be released on April 8, 2011, but was delayed and was finally released on September 20, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fragland.net/news/Gears-of-War-accidentally-unveiled-oops/22947/ |title=V4 :: Gears of War accidentally unveiled... oops! |publisher=Fragland.net |date=April 9, 2010 |access-date=March 12, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227150052/http://www.fragland.net/news/Gears-of-War-accidentally-unveiled-oops/22947/ |archive-date=February 27, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Sara Schaefer |url=http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/blogs/2010/04/gears-of-war-3-video-game-world-premiere-trailer-ashes-to-ashes/ |title="Gears of War 3" Video Game World Premiere Trailer: "Ashes to Ashes" - Show Clips |publisher=Late Night with Jimmy Fallon |access-date=March 12, 2012 |archive-date=February 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226031806/http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/blogs/2010/04/gears-of-war-3-video-game-world-premiere-trailer-ashes-to-ashes/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==

{{Epic}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gears Of War 2}}
[[Category:Cooperative video games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Post-apocalyptic video games]]
[[Category:Third-person shooters]]
[[Category:Unreal Engine games]]
[[Category:Video game sequels]]
[[Category:Video games set on fictional planets]]
[[Category:Video games with stereoscopic 3D graphics]]

{{Sourceattribution|Gears of War 2}}