Gears of War possibly in November
by Alan Rose 
{ Apr 17th 2006 at 3:00PM }
Microsoft should
maintain their console shooter dominance throughout 2006, but with Halo 3 now rumored for a 2007 release, many Xbox 360
gamers were hoping that Gears of War would help fill the void. The good news is that Epic's highly anticipated
sci-fi shooter will be making an E3 appearance this spring. However, EB Games and GameStop are listing a November
release date for the finished product.TeamXbox speculates that this initial release date could be a move on Microsoft's part to counter the PS3's expected launch title, Unreal Tournament 2007. Then again, Midway hasn't confirmed that the next Unreal will make the PS3 launch window, so what gives? Hopefully, we'll have a firm launch date next month at E3.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
bv @ Apr 17th 2006 3:17PM
Most likely a broad projection. If you take a look at the release date for Blue Dragon for the 360, it says June 1st 2006 which is obviously false since the developer went on record stating a release date in JAPAN of late Q4: http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=T000275
Release dates on games tend to be very tentative on ebgames and gamestop.
Huey2k2 @ Apr 17th 2006 3:20PM
Companies like gamestop and ebgames make up false release dates to make money off preorders. Until the developer itself states a release date, I wouldn't believe it.
TeaTom @ Apr 17th 2006 3:28PM
I wonder if UT2007 on PS3 will help attract any Unreal fans. Speaking as a UT fan myself I wouldn't touch any joypad version with a bargepole.
A revolution version however, that would certainly interest me.
Pretty Obvious @ Apr 17th 2006 3:47PM
A revolution version will more then likely never happen seeing how crappy those system specs are and how demanding the Unreal 3 engine is.
Games using this engine are those that will usher in next-gen with a loud bang.
KK @ Apr 17th 2006 3:55PM
The Unreal 3 Engine is very scalable supposedly, so a Revolution release would not be completly out of the question.
Charli3 @ Apr 17th 2006 3:56PM
Gamestop or EB have no idea when Gears of War is gonna drop. A few months ago the had June as the release month. This is just a ploy to get your "reserve-this-game-now" dollars. MS did say Gears would be out later this year but NOT Halo 3. Could they be trying to steal some of the POS3's (that's right Piece of Sh*t 3) thunder? Maybe but not with Halo 3.
Sabre @ Apr 17th 2006 3:56PM
...yea and you can prove and back up those points about the Revolution specs how Pretty Obvious?
Oh right...you can't since all that is known about it is either rumor or developer chat which can't really be 100% verified either.
KwadDamyj @ Apr 17th 2006 4:00PM
I still haven't figured out what the frag is up with the ultra-glowy-reflective-metal look of these next-gen games. They look kinda silly...
TeaTom @ Apr 17th 2006 4:01PM
Pretty Obvious.
Since the unreal3 engine is obviously scalable, and since we have no real idea of the true specs offered by the revolution, plus the fact that Red Steel looks to be quite impressive I'd say you have no idea what you're talking about.
Mal F4c10n @ Apr 17th 2006 4:10PM
This is the game, once released and reviewed (and with a good score) that will make me finally shell out the money for the 360. Yeah, Oblivion is probably gonna be good, but I want that Multi-player joy to keep on going, and going, and going.....
Hopefully Gears of War will be that true "next-gen" experience. I want great team AI and good enemy AI along with completely responding surroundings. If I want to blow a hole in a wall and I have enough ammo to do it, then by golly that is how I am getting over there!
mariofan14 @ Apr 17th 2006 4:19PM
Is UT 2007 also coming to the 360?
AceMilo @ Apr 17th 2006 4:23PM
"Is UT 2007 also coming to the 360?"
Probably not, and thats not a bad thing. XBox always had unreal championship which is deisgned to run on a console. Porting a pc game to a console is rarely a good thing, but having a game built to run on a console is. I'm sure they will have a UC on the 360 and it will play better than ut on the ps3.
Josh @ Apr 17th 2006 4:31PM
"I still haven't figured out what the frag is up with the ultra-glowy-reflective-metal look of these next-gen games. They look kinda silly..."
I'm with you there. That, and this SUV like approach to character design. You know, the "how beefy, tank-like, and equipment laden can we make all our characters look?"
trend (which seems related to the "how much screen space can we make the gun take up" trend).
This often comes from "me-too" developers who can only take what others have innovated with and try to "super size" it somehow. You know, bigger guns, bigger breasts, glowier, shinyer, etc - As amazing as the Unreal Tech can be, in reality it stands squarely on the shoulders of John Carmac's breakthrough(s). In and of itself this is not a bad thing, but it can help explain why Epic's UE games feel a bit generic. Mindy you, its glitzy, shiny generic, but its still generic.
The shiny/glowy, overlay layered look is in now only "because we can". This same thing happened when cell shading first became practical too - everyone's gotta play with their new hardware/software toys; you know, make sure they've used every hardware feature somewhere on their character.
-Josh
epobirs @ Apr 17th 2006 4:36PM
The Unreal Engine 3 is very scalable but it does have certain minimums for its effective use, primarily DirectX 9 (or equivalent) and higher video systems. Without that and other minimal factors such as RAM amounts and CPU performance, it's pointless to use the new product. Systems like the Revolution will still get plenty of mileage out of the Unreal Engine 2. There is still plenty of room between what the GameCube could do with that middleware and its upper limits on more powerful hardware. Even if it is merely a faster version of the GameCube hardware, as suspected, the Revolution will be able to do a good deal while still not offering all the bells and whistles of the latest Unreal Engine.
Sabre @ Apr 17th 2006 4:57PM
I've yet to figure out why some of the characters in the current next-gen games look so "blah." I'm not bashing just the 360 as I'm sure this will happen on the other systems to a certain degree, but having all the detail in the world for a character doesn't mean it looks awesome. Some of the characters in EA's FIFA 360 soccer game look so fake and have no "character."
I hope this isn't a sign of things to come and more of developers just getting the "lets make everything look uber detailed" as opposed to "let's make more dynamic characters with personality."
dsub @ Apr 17th 2006 5:04PM
gears of war will come out when epic is done with it. I don't want this game to be half-assed at all. I personally don't see UT coming the the Rev. just because all epic has done is talk shit on the console since that control scheme and lower hardware specs stuff started flying around.
Granted we don't know the real specs of the Revolution, but I do know one thing. Nintendo has said over and over that it WILL NOT be as powerful as the competition. if it were, nintendo would be supporting HD resolutions, seeing as how that's one of those "if you can do it, there's no reason not to" sort of things, but at there price point, they can't. Will other games be made for Revolution with the UE3 engine? Maybe. But not UT.
I'm with most people though, in saying that UT is without question the one FPS game that I would not want to play with a controller. Now, hook me up with a usb keyboard/mouse and i'm down, but I have yet to see a good wireless keyboard/mouse for gaming that can work at a range that would support me playing 20 feet away from a 50" HDTV. I've tried hooking my wireless MS keyboard/laser mouse up to my PC while connected to my TV, and the range is good for about 5-10 feet with the keyboard. The mouse seems to go further though.
james todd smith @ Apr 17th 2006 5:08PM
Video of old demo
http://www.xbox360cheats.com/media/113477188612.wmv
Charli3 @ Apr 17th 2006 5:21PM
I own a 360, Sabre. Wouldn't consider myself a fanboy, MS has its own issues. Haven't had any problems with my system or games so far (knock on wood). Besides if POS3 is anything like it's predecessors I'm not that far off.
Nick @ Apr 17th 2006 5:28PM
You're being ridiculous if you think companies like Gamestop/EB pull these numbers out of their asses in order to get more customer pre-order dollars, as you say. If that were the case, don't you think they'd be taking money towards Halo 3/PS3/whatever-the-hell-else by now?
These dates are based on a number of things including projected release dates by companies who plan their financial year well in advanced around these things.
I also don't see how anyone thinks companies make profits off of the five dollars they get for a pre-order considering it goes towards the price of the game...they most certainly make money when the game is picked up, however, and that's why these companies push them so hard.
In any event, I'd imagine November is a projected release date that came from SOMEWHERE. At least we know it won't be dropping prior to then.
Sabre @ Apr 17th 2006 5:44PM
If you don't consider yourself a fanboy, using statements like "POS3" make you look and sound really ignorant and biased.
Charli3 @ Apr 17th 2006 5:46PM
Nick, are you kidding?!
They were taking money for PS3 and Rev since the first of the year! Before there was any idea of a release date for either system!!!!!!! And yes you can walk in to Gamestop/EB and pre-order Halo 3 not know when the hell it's coming out and they will gladly take your five bucks! They were trying to get me to pre-order Gears in Feb. saying it would be out in June! You get enough die-hard gamers dropping five dollars to preserve a title and tell me you profits won't add up fast! PLUS when they take your five bucks that pretty much guarantees you are going to spend the remaining $45-$64 with them! That's almost like money in the bank for them for a product you don't have in hand. Tell me that ain't a sweet deal for Gamestop/EB?!
calthaer @ Apr 17th 2006 5:55PM
Given Epic VP Mark Rein's juvenille and silly comments regarding the Nintendo Revolution, I highly doubt that any games using the Unreal engine will make a showing on the Rev. And, frankly, given the quality of most of Epic's recent offerings, I doubt anyone will be missing much. They shone brilliantly for a brief moment in time when the original Unreal came out, and then forever faded until their glow was but dull.
Brandon @ Apr 17th 2006 5:56PM
The gamestop monopoly makes 100x that five dollars by you giving it to them early. They take money and give you nothign in return, with no overhead, they invest that 5 dollars in high yeild stocks that all corporations control, and earn daily compounding interest on that money until release, so on average, 6 months, they make the profit of 300-400 games on just your individual 5 dollars, multiplied out to every as*hole who gives them the money, and it is teh driving force behind there profits. They actually make only a small fraction of there money on used games, which is the bulk of there liquid buisness. Talk to any regional manager at a n eb or gamestop, they RAKE it in, and almost none of it is from selling games, but sellign games that aren't out yet.
Charli3 @ Apr 17th 2006 5:56PM
Sabre you're intitled to your opinion, just am I. I hope you don't have to count the number of screws on the bottom of your POS3 and check serials to see if you have a "good" system when you buy it.
Vezquex @ Apr 17th 2006 6:05PM
@#8,
That "ultra-glowy" look is HDR, and although I'm sure it's more complicated, it is effectively a gamma correction. I welcome it, as it gives a brighter, more Nintendo-esque look to these dreary shooters.
Paranoised @ Apr 17th 2006 6:10PM
Re: Brandon
"They actually make only a small fraction of there money on used games, which is the bulk of there liquid buisness."
I thought that selling used games was their bread and butter since they get very high margins on them.
Sabre @ Apr 17th 2006 6:10PM
Uhh...Gamestop/EB has NOT "officially" taken any money for the PS3 (or Revo.) I've been to 4 different Gamestops stores (one of them is in a very popular mall in Southern California) and they are only collecting phone numbers right now to call people when it does start.
As for Charli3...anyone else here think that making statements like "POS3 (Piece of Sh-t 3)" makes you sound like an ignorant and biased fanboy?
Sabre @ Apr 17th 2006 6:12PM
Well the whole HDR/bloom lighting is starting to get over done now I think. In Guild Wars I turn it off b/c it's annoying after a while.
What I think KwadDamyj was referring to was the shiny effects that were used all through Perfect Dark Zero (it was overkill in that game.)
freecajunlove @ Apr 17th 2006 6:19PM
Charli3,
Keep saying POS3.
Sabre,
Stop trying to pick a fight. I hate when people say "XBOX 1.5," "M$," or "Gamecrap" But I won't go on a hissy-fit because of it. Grow a pair, and shut up.
All my love,
Cajun
Charli3 @ Apr 17th 2006 6:26PM
Sarbe...Not "Officially" huh?! Now that's believable. I guess thats what theyre telling all those people they unofficially took money from. I know for a fact they have are where I live on the east coast. And why you all bent outta shape about my POS3 joke? Are you getting kickbacks from Sony or something? And why are you "campaigning" to get everyone on the "Hey, I don't like Charli3's comments so let's boo him" bandwagon?! Everyone comes here, reads stories and make comments. A lot of people say worst stuff about Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo than that! You're not going to like what everyone has to say all the time. That's life...DEAL WITH IT like an adult instead of trying to start a hate campaign.
Brandon @ Apr 17th 2006 6:33PM
RE:Paranoised
yes, they pay only a small percentage to purchase used games, and they do make a double or triple profit on them, but in conjuncture with the amount of revenue from pre-order investments, it's only 35-45% of there buisness. It sounds high, but 55-65% of there buisness is NOTHING, they don't do anyhting to earn that money, other then ensure they order the game, which gives them yet more revenue, when your 5 dollars has paid for that game 300x over.
Sabre @ Apr 17th 2006 6:36PM
I'm trying to pick a fight...it would be better if people were able to express their opinions without sounding like 15 year old fanboys who can't express their likes/dislikes in an adult manner.
What's funny is that you are telling me to be adult about the situation, yet you are the only making fanboy-ish statements. IF you want people to take your comments seriously, then you surely aren't trying.
EnLiven @ Apr 17th 2006 6:43PM
Get a room ladies. The bickering and childish name calling is really spoiling this site.
And on to the topic at hand!
Gears of War is one of the few titles that may sway me towards buying a 360. I'd rather Epic take their sweet time and release a quality product.
If by Q1 07 there are enough quality titles for the 360 the PS3 won't get a look in. UT2007 will be great i'm sure but it's not a make or break title for me.
Matters @ Apr 17th 2006 7:00PM
Keyword here is projected. Maybe not quite "pulled out of their ass" but pretty much. It's a guess and the reason they want a date on display is because nobody is going to pre-order a game that is "TBA 2006-2007".
We already know the dates aren't always right because.. uhh.. they aren't always right. How many times have those projected dates on their sites been wrong? Like 80+% of the time? That'd be my guess. They aren't exact that's for sure. I bet that date will be updated several times before the game comes out.
Shit how much do you want to be that even Epic doesn't know *exactly* when the game will come out at this point?
When the games are closer to being complete they'll be able to give you a more accurate time.
Matters @ Apr 17th 2006 7:02PM
oops that was meant for post #18 by Nick by the way.
Charli3 @ Apr 17th 2006 7:21PM
I apologize to you all for getting off the subject. I feel compelled to defend myself and my comments. I'm done with this back and forth stuff...
Carry on...
Gears of War, everything that Ive read about, seems very much like a title that will produce the kind of results MS is looking for. The shininess seems to be produced by dramatic lighting. It remains to be seen whether this will actually carry over into gameplay.
Darth Pixel @ Apr 17th 2006 7:23PM
Gears should be the second hit for the 360 after Oblivion.
I can't wait to see what they can do with the 360 hardware.
Even more so since every game that tried to push the envelope so far has had serious frame rate issues.
I wonder if the 360 is as powerful as I thought.
nate @ Apr 17th 2006 10:31PM
to brandon....uh there's no f'in way they make $2000 off peoples $5 deposits..try again...they presell games to ensure sales in their stores..then hopefully get trades on those sales, which they give u 20 bucks for and then mark it up to 45 dollars..thats how they make their money
Rare Hare @ Apr 17th 2006 11:20PM
"I've never had problems with my consoles. It's just morons that don't know how to handle theirs."
yes! this is what i preach CONSTANTLY. all you have to do is treat your console(s) like you're SUPPOSED to treat electronic devices and they'll last.
i also find it funny how all the Xbox fanboys have had so much trouble with all FIVE of their PS2s..
anyway though, i'm really looking forward to Gears of War. hopefully i will have an Xbox 360 by the time it coems out :)
Smellslikepie @ Apr 18th 2006 2:06AM
#36?
Frame rate issues? I can't remember coming across frame rate issues in any of the 360 games that I own... Btw I have Oblivion, GRAW, PGR3, DOA4, COD2, and Tiger Woods.
boots (former bd (former b)) @ Apr 18th 2006 9:15AM
Smellslikepie,
He meant to the trained eye. Compare the PC version of Oblivion and you'll get a much better frame rate. The same thing with Quake 4.
Maybe it isn't helping the 360 the fact that it has no hard drive. Microsoft screwed it on this one.
boots (former bd (former b)) @ Apr 18th 2006 9:17AM
Oh, and why the hell did my comments get deleted? I just wanted to say that I agree with Sabre's opinion on Charli3, that's all.
smellslikepie @ Apr 18th 2006 9:23AM
The 360 does have a hard drive... And games use it for caching data!
he claimed that "Even more so since every game that tried to push the envelope so far has had serious frame rate issues." which isn't true, Oblivion didn't have serious frame rate issues and I don't know about Quake. There have been many games that have pushed the envolope as far as graphics go that haven't suffered at all.
Charli3 @ Apr 18th 2006 11:57AM
I agree with smellslikepie. I have Need for Speed Most Wanted, Madden 06, NBA 2K6, Perfect Dark Zero, DOA4, And Fight Night Round 3. I haven't had any frame rate issues. And my eye is pretty "trained."
Smellslikepie @ Apr 18th 2006 12:20PM
You know, DartH Pixel, if you are having serious frame rate issues with the majority of the games then I think you should get your 360 checked out. I don't know if that sounds condescending, but it's really not meant to be. it's just every single game I've played has played fine, I mean, look at Fight Night Round 3, that definitely pushes the 'envelope' and doesn't suffer. Unless you're talking about the downloadable demos, I know when some of them are first released they do have issues. Hope this helps.