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.

Chill & Wii-lax (Until the GoW2 footage).

Yes everyone's waiting for the GoW2 footage, with such quotes as 'Made of Win!' & 'Woop! Woop!" summing up the community buzz. While gametrailers seem to have an 1/2 hour exclusivity deal, yes that's right a whole 30 minutes (as if the children aren't obsessed with re-posting everything they see on Veoh/YouTube within 30 seconds of broadcast). It'd seem everyones all excited like a group of spazzy sherbet dipping infants at the prospect of a chainsaw dueling Marcus Fenix returning in his gruff voiced, hunchbacked wonder.

To ease the stress of such a prominent evening in our lives, how about enjoying the BG music for Wii Sports in fabulous midi? Or maybe more relevant for the 360 that delightful matchmaking music menu you hear during Halo 3?

In someways I feel midi unites us all in that no matter what budget system you have, no matter white or black, rich or poor it'll always sound like guaranteed crap. That is apart from the Corneria theme from Starfox which will always be awesome (even more so in Mario Paint).

Anyway, back on topic. Enjoy this delightful countdown timer to GoW2 footage provided by 1up.com. Indeed, It's like millennium eve for us all over again with the reassurance that no matter how awesome the evening could turn out, the next day we'll all still be that little bit closer to death ♥.

Gears Of War 2 - Gameplay Footage Premiere Expectations

As a friendly reminder, it's worth pointing out that gametrailers will be hosting the exclusive premiere of Gears Of War 2 game-play footage tomorrow (Friday night). Considering how much of a heavy-hitter the sequel to the multi million selling title should be when released this Christmas time, expectations for what fans of the original want from this game are running rampant.

A sneak peak into what Cliffy B & Epic have in store was released earlier this year at the Game Developers Conference with the infamous 'meat cube' demonstration. Here however is a list of expectations that should (and most likely will) be announced tomorrow with this latest iteration of the series;

• At least one new weapon on display, more than likely chemical/fire orientated.
• One new locust enemy character render.
• New chainsaw kill animations (similar to the GOW2 teaser trailer).
• Battlefield: Bad Company style destructible environments (as shown at GDC).
• Halo 3 style multi-player match video replay.
• Online stats similar to Bungie & Rockstar social club.
  

Although an interview with Cliffy B is supposedly coinciding with the game-play footage, it's unknown what form of announcement's he'll make concerning the game itself. Perhaps most shocking would be a release this time around on the PS3 with it's newly strengthened user-base since '06 providing suitable financial incentive?