What's New in GoW2?

New chainsaw animation - check.
New weapon - check.
New locust - check.

While almost annoyingly short in terms of actual footage, it was possible to determine a few of the new features that will be making their way into GoW2. While none of the (some would argue) more important multiplayer gameplay was shown, it seems the core mechanics of the original remain pretty much intact identical to the original.

NEW REVEALS:

The first noticeable inclusion is what looks like a new type of rifle which seems similar to the Hammerburst and Lancer yet less automatic in rate of fire. How that will fit into the world in terms of balance when a vast majority of players seem quite capable with a Longshot remains questionable.

It seems the Locust horde have feelings! A new 'hostage' shooting system seems to be now in play with the player able to pick up a kneecapped foe and use him as protection for some over-the-shoulder firing. Could be useful for when AI Dom once again hopelessly rushes into a crowd of enemies and needs a rescue.

While it could be just another nameless marine, perhaps we're seeing first glimpse of a new character? New characters such as Dizzy have been floated around as a definite new addition, could this be that man under the helmet? Or slightly less exciting is it just a Private Carbine Mk2?

As seen in the trailer released earlier in the year, here's the chainsaw duel mini game. Viscerally exciting, but could endless repetition make this less fun than it appears? Also what's the odds that a chainsaw attack will still be completely hopeless in multi-player?


Finally, Cliff Bleszinski confirms he doesn't like making money by announcing GoW2 is going to remain a Microsoft exclusive just as was earlier reported this year at GDC. Either that's the case or Microsoft have paid Epic a gross amount of money for them to stay loyal after Bungie's recent departure. How long before that amount comes out the proverbial closet do you think?

Despite all this new GoW2 news on display. Perhaps the biggest personal disappointment has to be that there's still no news on a new Jazz Jackrabbit. Come on Cliffy, do it for the kids.