Joystiq hands-on: Gears of War (PC)
by Andrew Yoon 
{ Oct 3rd 2007 at 8:30AM }
Of course, we stopped that nonsense and moved to a computer that had a traditional keyboard and mouse set-up. Would we be able to run and gun, take cover and blind-fire like we were able to on the Xbox 360? The answer is yes -- but it will take some time to get used to. Gone is the ability to "press A for everything." Rather, the game uses controls similar to Unreal Tournament 2004. Double tapping a directional button will trigger the appropriate animation, such as running, dodging and taking cover. For example, double tap W to jump forward. If a wall is in front of you, Marcus will cling to the wall and automatically take cover, as in the Xbox 360 version. Once in cover mode, spacebar will perform a context-sensitive action, as indicated by the icon on screen. It doesn't have the same fluidity of a controller, but for WASD fans, this is a perfect solution, as nothing is lost in the translation. Heck, even the "look at cool stuff" button returns as well (this time, mapped to Q).
Using a mouse to aim is liberating, and will allow you to quickly look around the environment, something we're not accustomed to with Gears of War's usually claustrophobic camera. With the mouse, you'll be able to blind-fire at will with a click of the left click button. However, if you want to go in to precision aim mode, you'll have to hold the right-click button. It's a slight change in mentality to use the right-click so often, but the added accuracy of a mouse makes it infinitely easier to pull off the gory, satisfying head shots that Gears of Wars fans love. Will the mouse aim make the game easier? It appears as though it will.
The build we played at DigitalLife showed some glitches that we hope are corrected in the final build. For example, rubble could be seen floating in the air when we faced the Berserker for the first time. An enemy clipped through a wall, and got stuck. A Boomer simply stood still as we launched dozens of bullets into its skull from behind. But, these are glitches to be expected of a game still in development.
What concerns us are the cutscenes. The game is insanely beautiful -- dare we say, noticeably better than its Xbox 360 counterpart. However, for some reason, the framerate drops significantly during cutscenes. Once again, we're sure Epic will fix this before the game's release, but it's worth mentioning. Beyond the cutscenes, the increase in resolution, the improved textures, and the eye-popping character models make Gears of War look incredible. Again. But, we didn't expect anything less from Epic.
'Re-Emergence Day' comes later this year.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Phranctoast @ Oct 3rd 2007 8:35AM
Im sure all issues will be addressed. Looking forward to this game.
Secura @ Oct 3rd 2007 8:40AM
Mouse and keyboard FTW!
glitched @ Oct 3rd 2007 9:57AM
Mouse Aim does not make the game "easier". Its actually that controller aiming on console FPS adds artificial difficulty.
Vidikron (FU) @ Oct 3rd 2007 10:02AM
@glitched
One could argue that the mouse is actually unrealistically fast/accurate. Zeroing in your aim with a stick is mechanically different than aiming an actual gun, but the end result is similar. No one can argue that a mouse isn't more faster, but saying a controller is "artifically" difficult is a matter of perspective. It's just as easy to argue that a mouse is "artifically" easy... like training wheels :-)
Vidikron (FU) @ Oct 3rd 2007 10:04AM
Geeze... I can't believe I just typed "more faster". I started off intending to say one thing but then switched to another and ended up typing a combo of both. LOL.
Chameleon @ Oct 3rd 2007 11:27AM
@vidikron
well said
Spiza @ Oct 3rd 2007 11:51AM
I like to think of it as the joystick makes games slower. I prefer the faster action of mouse/keyboard games.
And I don't want realism in games. I want to be William Munny, Ethan Hunt, or James Bond where I can aim and shoot in an instant, still getting the hit.
sicsided @ Oct 3rd 2007 8:41AM
Can't wait for the Unreal3-Ed to mess with.
James @ Oct 3rd 2007 8:45AM
Thank god for that. I skipped the 360 version as the controls were naff. Might get to see what all the fuss is about now. So does this require Vista or will I be playing the OSX/Cider version?
sambo @ Oct 3rd 2007 8:54AM
What gets me is the pc user, stating his use of what amounts to auto aim by using a mouse to target, thinks that he is better than console aiming, which requires skill with analog sticks...
jsn @ Oct 3rd 2007 8:58AM
yah that makes sense....
Phranctoast @ Oct 3rd 2007 8:59AM
theres absolutely nothing similar to auto aiming and using a mouse. Like consoles, there exists people that are a lot better and m+k than other users with the same control.
PC fps offer a more realistic approach. Typically the first person to see the other wins. I find with consoles, this is not the case.
James @ Oct 3rd 2007 9:45AM
I think it's time you stopped playing the Hide and Seek Simulator 2007.
chimp o death @ Oct 3rd 2007 10:26AM
I have a crazy theory that mouse and keyboard is LESS realistic than using a controller, mostly due to the ease and speed it provides.
SoulBlade @ Oct 3rd 2007 11:11AM
Most console games give you a bit of aim assistance (i.e. Halo). I think Bioshock was one of the few that didn't, but that's only second hand info. I think devs do it since it's not as easy to be precise with the dual analogs.
xXFenixKnight13Xx @ Oct 3rd 2007 8:49AM
Im just looking forward to all this new content on the 360. They say its not coming out on 360 but we know thats a lie =) Downloadable maps and expansion pack FTW!! Till then Ill be playing Halo3 and COD4, probably Army of 2 also =)
Trev @ Oct 3rd 2007 9:23AM
hahahaha.
no. not happening.
xXFenixKnight13Xx @ Oct 3rd 2007 9:55AM
Trev
You think Epic and Microsoft are stupid? No, they want the PC version to sell!! So of course they are saying all that stuff isnt coming out on 360. So the PC version can sell. After sales of PC slow down, its time to milk the Xbox again. Its just common sense. Ill be in line to give my money away.....again lol!!!
chimp o death @ Oct 3rd 2007 10:20AM
I usually don't mind if ported version have extra content that wasn't in the original, but I am kind of pissed off in this case.
I don't begrudge PC gamers extra content like new weapons, maps, modes, etc. But what is being added into the PC version seems to be additional story/level content that was left out of the 360 version merely because of time constraints due to the delivery date.
Everyone involved with the original 360 has said that the Brumak battle and extra levels were supposed to come between the first Brumak appearance and the train station. As a fan of Gears and the universe created I may not feel ENTITLED to this extra story/game experience, but I do feel disappointed that I'm going to miss out on it.
I've always been a console gamer, and plan to remain one for the foreseeable future. I've put my gaming dollars into my console/home theater set-up, and only have a utility PC for my other, non-gaming needs. I know I could set myself up with a gaming PC for less than I might imagine, but I'd rather spend that money on games or improving my existing set-up. And as far as mouse and keyboard, having used a controller for the majority of my gaming makes me prefer that as my controller solution. Speed and ease of aiming is not an issue for me since I don't know what missing out on!
So no, I'm not able to buy the PC version to get the content. A lot of people carp about microtransactions, but since I feel I've gotten my money's worth out of Gears already, I wouldn't necessarily mind getting a downloadable package at Shivering Isles prices, or a "GOTY" edition. Yeah, I know, I'm a sucker.
So Epic, take note. I don't really feel ripped off, but missing out on this stuff is like getting Empire Strikes Back without Han Solo escaping from the asteroid worm!
Trev @ Oct 3rd 2007 10:23AM
I believe the reason they gave for it was download size. The patch would be significantly larger than the five they've already released. That's larger than all five of them together. That and (apparently) compatibility issues. So huge patch, huge content.
"Unfortunately the [PC version]'s built on is not really compatible with the 360 and so it would involve a massive patch, a patch larger than all five we've done so far, to Gears of War to do that." -Rein
http://360.advancedmn.com/article.php?artid=10886
They'd be selling something people are getting 'free' along with their game, which costs $10 less. It would probably come out free, just like the GRAW2 and R6V packs did, on Live when the PS3 versions launched with all the stuff on disc. I think some people actually got refunded for those.
Face it, 360 lost a huge exclusive which is coming out on another platform with better graphics and tons more content.
Cliff's "Maybe something else" is your only ray of hope.
chimp o death @ Oct 3rd 2007 10:30AM
Like I said, I'm a sucker, so I'd spend $$$ if it was possible to get the extra material in one form or another. I know that's probably not the average 360 users' take on it, but oh well.
Incidentally, I'm also crossing my fingers for a Hellgate:London port. :)
Trev @ Oct 3rd 2007 10:55AM
Yeah, Chimp, though that post was more directed at xxFK13xx.
As a fellow sucker, I loves me some extra content too. I traded in MGS2, MGS3 and DMC3 when the more content-laden versions of those games dropped. Always good to support the franchises you like when they're giving you more stuff.
If they wanted to get around download size issues it could be put on a dvd, but their "we don't have the manpower for it" still would get in the way. It seems like the multiplayer is what keeps people coming back to Gears. They might be able to just patch in the new game modes if they wanted to keep it DLC.
Michael C. Sherrin @ Oct 3rd 2007 8:57AM
I just don't think it's very fair that Xbox 360 owners aren't getting an update or anything for all the extra PC content. I think we deserve it.
*******
Michael C. Sherrin
http://www.prodigeek.com/
James @ Oct 3rd 2007 9:47AM
Well, Michael C. Sherrin, why do you deserve it? Other than having entitlement issues?
SoulBlade @ Oct 3rd 2007 10:36AM
So you also want VF5 on the PS3 to get online?
Service_Games @ Oct 3rd 2007 9:02AM
MY WORD those screenies look BEAUTIFUL! I really wish this would have been the product we received on 360. I'm lookin to upgrade my Windows machine soon. Hopefully before this game hits retail. Wow... just WOW!
SG
eddyk @ Oct 3rd 2007 9:12AM
When are keyboard and mouse finally coming to consoles ??
That's why I hate FPS on consoles : The controller !
When you played a long time with keyboard and mouse, you feel like a cripple with a gamedpad ; that is so frustrating not being able to turn around quickly and precisely, or to make 100% perfect headshots ...
Other than that, consoles are great, expecially for sports games, but god, they need mouse + keyboard for true FPS experience.
Sam @ Oct 3rd 2007 9:22AM
Unreal Tournament 3 on PS3 supports Keyboard + Mouse and SIXAXIS/Dualshock 3
Andrew @ Oct 3rd 2007 1:09PM
M+K better NEVER come to console gaming. It never should because you can't exactly operate a mouse while sitting on your couch without some kind of a table. Aiming with a mouse is way too easy and kind of takes the fun out of the game. As stated before, it basically comes down to whoever sees whom first with a mouse.
Clack @ Oct 3rd 2007 10:14AM
Look into this new console titled the "Wii". I think Nintendo makes it. It actually has a usable control interface for FPS (or anything that would play better with a mouse than DA).
The controls aren't perfect for 3d. Ideally they should have had two analog sticks along with the wiimote pointer functionality. That way you could get analog movement along with strafing or camera control. However its a far cry better than anything that's come before in a home console for FPS playability.
I'm just wondering how long it'll be before Epic and a few of the other big name FPS publishers see the light and announce projects aimed at the Wii. Epic already has a production quality port of Unreal Engine 2 for the Wii, but I'd dearly love to see the original Unreal Tournament given some love with a proper update and port to the Wii. It's still one of the best online competitive FPSs ever released.
Luke @ Oct 3rd 2007 9:21AM
I thought the Gears of War PC version used an unstable cursor to simulate the instability of using dual analog sticks. At least, that's what I remember when I played it back at E3.
Basically you're pointer would undulate a little (kinda like the arm in Doom), so headshots weren't too easy to get, but your shot would be in the right general direction.
It was still easier for me, as I prefer keyboard & mouse over controller. Actually I guess it's k+m, then wii controls (yay Metroid), then dual joysticks.
HEY!!!! @ Oct 3rd 2007 9:31AM
F**K Epic for screwing over there 360 customers, i really wanted to fight the brumak and they took that away for me.
TMGE_rock @ Oct 3rd 2007 10:08AM
Why do I need a 360 if they bring every "exclusive" to PC?
...GoW,Halo,LostPlanet,Bioshock, aso.
melloncollie @ Oct 3rd 2007 10:23AM
No one says you do.
James @ Oct 3rd 2007 10:26AM
Because Windows is more stable than a 360.
Oh wait!
pattyboi @ Oct 3rd 2007 10:30AM
...Mass Effect
SoulBlade @ Oct 3rd 2007 10:55AM
You're kidding yourself if you think Mass Effect isn't hitting the PC - check out Bioware's track record indicates otherwise.
You'd need a 360 if you want to play these games months (if not years) in advance, but are willing to sacrifice tweaks and updated content... and a build that can rely on a guaranteed hard drive... and higher resolutions... and kb/mouse...
SoulBlade @ Oct 3rd 2007 11:05AM
I realize "check out Bioware's track record indicates otherwise." is faulty. Bite me.
Slaziman @ Oct 3rd 2007 11:12AM
Because a 360 is way cheaper than a good gaming rig? On the 360 I don't have to worry about frame rate issues, but on the PC it's hit or miss, since it's not optimized for a particular processor or a particular graphics card.
I also like to play on the couch and not on a desk, preferably on a big ass TV and not a monitor. (I know you can hook your PC up to your TV, but come on, that's hardly convenient if you plan on using your PC for other things)
Badboy1979 @ Oct 3rd 2007 11:40AM
From a gaming perspective, you can take into consider the price difference... plus, LAN parties are easier with consoles (most games allow multiplayers per console)... then there's the fact that consoles are normally easier to hook up to a larger viewing screen for the general public.
SoulBlade @ Oct 3rd 2007 11:46AM
ah yes, and obviously price. if you're in the boat that needed a severe PC upgrade anyway, then things work out for ya ;)
rellik_san @ Oct 3rd 2007 12:46PM
Funny thing about Halo, wasn't it going to be a Mac exclusive before it came to the X-Box?
Pot calling the kettle black me thinks.
plucky @ Oct 3rd 2007 10:59AM
It would have been nice to know the specs of the computer it was played on to gauge current machine capabilities in preparation for this game.
rod @ Oct 3rd 2007 11:14AM
What kind of videocard do this game needs? because I want to buy a xbox and I dont know what is better, to spent $300 on the 360 or on a videocard.
I have very bad experience with videocards, in less than a year they stop working or restarting my PC.
Do I need Vista to play this?
Tukulito-Zakayama @ Oct 3rd 2007 11:33AM
I dont think you need Vista to play Gears of war, BTW get a good direcxt 10 video card for $380.00 like the ATI HD 2900XT that way you are ready for next generation games...the video card include a bundle:half life 2 episode 2,team fortress,portal and a WWII multiplayer game)
KEFIOX @ Oct 3rd 2007 11:26AM
@Trev
You are correct, they did say the only reason that the content wouldn't come to the 360 was because of the size of the patch it would take to do, but there are ways around that as you may have guessed. They could just make the downloads in multiple patches instead of one huge one. I can't be the only one who sees it like this. I'm sure Epic is planning something along these lines themselves, they just don't want to say anything until it's a definite. So if I were you I'd stop saying it's not possible because you know as wel as I do that it is very much so.
Geist @ Oct 3rd 2007 11:29AM
And this is why I don't buy a 360. Any game I'd want just comes out on the PC. Awesomesauce.
Kael @ Oct 3rd 2007 12:05PM
Ah, imagine the perfect world harmony that would result if all developers took the time to implement keyboard and mouse controls in console games. Yeah, they say that not many console players care enough to use it, but we sure aren't talking about a feature that would be difficult to implement. How long would it take to simply tack on KB&M support? Months? Weeks? No one has to rewrite the code that makes these things work; the consoles already support USB keyboards, don't think it would be any more difficult for it to understand a USB mouse. Once that's in place, what more is there to do? A keybinding screen in the options menu... if they're feeling generous! It isn't like a gamepad, where they have to fine-tune acceleration, tracking, and a hint of auto-aim just to get it to the point that it isn't frustrating like in a bevy of lower-tier shooters and Perfect Dark Zero; mouse aiming just works on its own.
I hear you; multiplayer is a problem. We can't have such a gross imbalance without some effort to level the field, and that's where a little bit of effort comes in from the developers to segregate the two schools, but since segregation of players based on any combination of dozens of criteria is already pretty much a standard feature in online games today, the addition of one more filter just won't be a bane for the team.
So, in my possibly-deluded mind, the best explanation for wide-spread (thankfully not total) lack of KB&M controls on consoles has something to do with greed-founded corporate conspiracies and product synergy something-or-other. Meaning it'll never happen, and video game enthusiasts who like console shooters will never be satisfied or silenced.
The Games for Windows initiative strongly encourages/requires all applicable PC games to have out-of-the-box compatibility and functionality with an Xbox 360 gamepad, but no 360 game has any compatibility or functionality with a mouse? I want the Xbox 360 fall update to include USB mouse support, and I want all recent, applicable games to be patched to make optional use of the KB&M combination. I admit I'm no programmer, so I can't know for sure, but this is not the tall order it may seem to be. Well... aside from the corporate conspiracies (we see evidence of in Unreal Tournament 3's control options on the 360), of course.
Thanks for letting me rant, guys. It was a terrible waste of time. Never let me do it again.
Tukulito-Zakayama @ Oct 3rd 2007 12:21PM
lol, HA,ha,ha,your last words are funny.....
Chintz @ Oct 3rd 2007 1:45PM
I'd own a 360 if more games on it supported KB&M. I love shooters and the relative simplicities of console gaming, but I've never been able to get used to analog control.
I can see why Microsoft wouldn't be keen on encouraging KB&M support though - a 360 with KB&M would essentially be a reasonably priced gaming PC, and make upgrading to Vista unnecessary for people like me.