Gears of War 2: Dark Corners Review

***Greenskull*** · July 22nd, 2009

Gears of War 2 was a game that I got bored of far too fast. I disregarded it: tossed it ion my big heap of games to rarely again be played. The new DLC entitled "Dark Corners" brought me back into the fun 'stop and pop' 3rd person shooter that is Gears 2.

Dark Corners is a single and multi-player add-on that brings life back into the game. It features a deleted chapter that was supposed to appear right after Spoiler Below
(Highlight to reveal) Dom finds maria. In the main menu of Gears 2, there is a new option to start the DLC. Select it, and you are greeted by none other than Clif Blezinsky. He explains what the lost chapter is about and what to expect. Then you're off.

After the initial cutscene, you have the choice: go in guns blazin', or sneak in. If you choose to go in guns blazin', you'll experience the action you'd expect out of Gears with a little bit more oomf. The level design and battles are very fun and will not leave you disappointed. Then there's the sneaking in option. This is where Gears takes a whole new twist and feels like a brand new game. Masquerading as Theron Guards, you and Dom are forced to discretely sneak past a whole slew of enemies. Luckily, the sneaking is very forgiving, you can walk fairly close in front of people and your armour keeps them from noticing you. When hiding around corners and objects though, if you are too close to the enemy, they will loudly sniff you out and begin firing. There goes your achievement. At some points, you will need to use distractions to help you. They usually involve turning a wheel, making a block smash to the floor. The enemies then proceed to stare at the block giving you just enough time to run past them.

Dark Corners also comes bundled with some new maps. 7 of them to be exact. All of which are quite enjoyable and compliment the single player chapter perfectly.

Allfathers Garden - Honor the sacred grounds of the Coalition founders in this explosive map, where powerful weapons catalyze fast and furious action at this COG landmark.

Memorial - Set near the Eternal Flame, which pays tribute to the fallen soldiers on the battlefield, a hard-fought battle ensues at the Tomb of Unknowns. Putting their flank formation and evasive skills to the test, players will fight to control the Boomshot.

Sanctuary - Once a peaceful ground for reflection and remembrance, all that remains of the Sanctuary is the chill of death. Feast your eyes on the arsenal of weapons available as you make your way through the tight paths and blind corners of the Locust-damaged temple corridors.

War Machine - In the abandoned train station that once served as a hub for travel, players will need to master the Longshot, Mulcher and Boomshot weapons to advance the fight while evading fire from the platforms above.

Highway - Take the fight deep into the Locust Hollow in the complex passages of this underground highway system brimming with enemy vermin. Stick together, separate the enemy and have an exit strategy ready or it'll be a one-way trip.

Way Station - Sitting in limbo between death and "processing" are Locust way stations filled with fallen COG soldiers. Tread lightly and practice patience as it's better to sacrifice firepower for stealth while navigating this minefield of hidden grenades.

Nowhere - Set in the middle of what was once a destination for weary desert travellers, the land is now barren and devoid of life. Pick off your enemies with the Longshot sniper rifle and make your way to the stairwell with a well-fortified team during this intense firefight.

Overall, Dark Corners combines a fantastic single-player chapter with 7 entertaining multi-player maps. Whether you're playing by yourself or with a friend (co-op is amazing for this), Gears of War 2: Dark Corners map pack will not leave you disappointed.

+ Brilliant single player chapter

+ Great multi-player maps

- 1200 points may be too pricey for a casual player

? Why are Grinders so dense?

BUY
FANS ONLY
DON'T BUY