GDC08: Gears of War 2 teaser video

by Ludwig Kietzmann { Feb 20th 2008 at 5:25PM }

If you can will yourself to push the "play" button on the above video, you'll see a recording of the brief and maddeningly ambiguous Gears of War 2 teaser trailer shown at Microsoft's GDC keynote. If the close study of Marcus Fenix's armored legs and a brutal chainsaw showdown with a locust don't get you excited, perhaps CliffyB's visit (with a chainsaw bayonet) can quicken your pulse. If, on the other soon-to-be-severed hand, you're wondering what on earth a CliffyB is, there's not much we can do for you. Gears of War 2 releases on Xbox 360 in November 2008.

Video courtesy of our pals at Mahalo Daily.

Tags: Epic, Epic-Games, GDC08, Gears-of-War, Gears-Of-War-2, GearsofWar, Unreal-3, Unreal3

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

NESv1 @ Feb 20th 2008 5:35PM

I doubt anyone was surprised by this announcement. Big no-brainer really. If I still had a 360, I would probably buy it. And I'm not going to get a 360 again just for one game. Hope all you 360-ites love it.

Eggviper @ Feb 20th 2008 5:37PM

aww cliff... what happened to the hair?

Neebs @ Feb 20th 2008 5:43PM

He almost lost one of his chainsaw duels.

WTangoFoxtrot @ Feb 20th 2008 5:37PM

So much for this being the year of the PS3, the game of the year has just been announced ( i kid ;). lets see how this game stacks up against Resistance and MGS4, Epic sure have their work cut out for them but who knows 08 may also be the year of the 360!

A-Troll-Named-Slickback (Yes the A Troll Named part, and yes every time!) @ Feb 20th 2008 5:51PM

lololololololololololololol, I can't wait to laugh

deaftly @ Feb 20th 2008 6:02PM

GOTY would be Ninja Gaiden 2 :P

Sean D. @ Feb 20th 2008 6:26PM

I thought that everyone thought that Super Smash Bros Brawl was going to be GotY...

Todd @ Feb 20th 2008 5:40PM

WOOT WOOT!

This November? Sticking with the fast production schedule. Surprised they have kept this under wraps for as long as they have.

Isaac @ Feb 20th 2008 5:40PM

DO WANT.

rv @ Feb 20th 2008 8:32PM

GEARSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
i love it

VampireHunter Z @ Feb 20th 2008 5:40PM

I knew that was the perfect time for the release. I can look forward to some more fun times.

Mike @ Feb 20th 2008 5:43PM

Not too sure what to think about this one. Single player wasn't my style, but online co-op was awesome.

A-Troll-Named-Slickback (Yes the A Troll Named part, and yes every time!) @ Feb 20th 2008 5:48PM

Can't wait 'tll revolutionary 6 v 6

FidliousWong @ Feb 20th 2008 5:49PM

My main issue is that the game hinted towards a very rich backstory, had an art design they hyped as an elaborate tale of war, and ultimately delivered "awwwww shit" in 5:1.

I dredged through it but to me, I didn't really feel compelled to complete it. And my appetite for a sequel wasn't exactly stirred by the completion of the first. I want a better narative this time, guys.

Otherwise I feel I'm just traveling from Point A to Point B.

Bloo @ Feb 20th 2008 6:14PM

I can't wait until they ban your Sheppy/Sheppy 2.0 ass again. Your constant trolling is sickening. Every 360 post is about how a game is overrated or a service is under promised. Every PS3 post is about how a game is underrated or a service is revolutionary. Your replies to people always finish up with calling the original commentor a fuck-nut or something of the sort. Can't you just stick to PS3fanboy? You're why I enjoy Fernando's posts. You try to pretend to be neutral but your as neutral as the white guy who defends his racism by saying he has black friends.

Lord Chako @ Feb 20th 2008 6:38PM

Since when is a game's enjoyability determined by the depth of it's story/narrative?

If you are really are looking for a in-depth story/narrative, go read a book.

FidliousWong @ Feb 20th 2008 6:53PM

Why thank you... so glad you care... allow me to respond in kind.

A. sheppy was banned, long ago. The sheppy2.0 account was not banned, but I abandoned it. Mainly it was kept to screw around with some peoples heads and that lost it's charm. One time ban, and since I have yet to banned again, I would think the original behavior which I have since curtailed has long since left.

B. Yes, I use insults. Mainly because, as you clearly demonstrated, I get insulted alot. So am I just to get flamed yet not flame back? Curious...

C. I have never used the term, fuck-nut. Except for right then and there.

D. Just this morning I've been bashing some Wii bashers and trying to get curmeo to shut up about console wars. Also, in case you missed it, I love stirring up crap amongst the hardcore console warriors. Mainly the 360 fanboys are the easiest to get riled up. Sad but true.

E. Early Gears promos hyped a destroyed beauty, alluded to a massive war, and bragged on their top notch writer hired for the project. What we got felt like parts of the story rather than the story. Examples? What had Marcus done to be in prison. Did they ever reveal this? Who was taking care of Marcus if his prison was abandoned for what appears like a long time? What was the war about, between what factions, etc? Why do the nomads detest the military so? Who is the female voice that leads the Locusts, what are the Locusts, and why are their origins hinted towards being related to mankind and the wars they fought? See where I'm going with this? The world and the setting set a huge stage for a great story, something they were bragging about. But we never saw that story, we get to see the end results of that story and the new threat, but never clarification on the back story. And actually, you'll find I have the same bitch in regards to Nathan Hale in Resistance.

F. Eat a dick.... we gotta keep the immaturity level prett low around here. This is the interwebs.

Bloo @ Feb 20th 2008 7:02PM

You get insulted a lot, most people don't - is that a hint maybe? I said fuck-not "or the sort". Glad to see your reading comprhension is as low as ever. The only difference between you and Curmeo is he isn't trying to hide who he really is. By the rest of your whining, I guess Star Wars was a bad movie becuase in it you don't find out who Luke's father is, who Luke's sister is, who is behind Vader's mask, etc.

Lord Chako @ Feb 20th 2008 7:11PM

Why do ghosts chase pac-man?
I don't know, but it doesn't mean the game wasn't fun.

Why do you like to "screw around with some peoples heads"?
Is your life so dull, the only enjoyment you can get is being a shit stirrer on the internet?

You wouldn't get insulted nearly as much if you didn't post with the sole intention to "screw around with some peoples heads" and "I love stirring up crap amongst the hardcore console warriors."

Grow up, jackass.

upz @ Feb 20th 2008 7:18PM

I loved Gears. It was incredible, visceral action - Unreal stripped down to raw grit and adrenaline. Its backstory, however, was far from well-developed.

Sheppy/Fid has his biases, but don't we all? Even if you disagree with his views, it's wholly apparent that he can knowledgeably justify them, something so many of our fellow Joystiq-ers rarely do.

Spartacus @ Feb 20th 2008 8:26PM

Good lord man. How you can hate on such a fun game I'll never know... Oh, wait. Nevermind, you're a PS3 evangelist who pretends to be neutral. If you even really own a 360, I'm pretty sure you only did so in order to "gain credibility" so that your Microsoft bashing didn't look quite as jaded. You probably forced yourself to play Gears of War with firm resolve to hate every moment.

Honestly, Gears is the most fun I've had on a console in a long time. The MP aspect was a bit troubled, but the SP and co-op more than made up for it. I played the campaign 4-5 times it was so much fun. Did it lack some storyline elements? Sure. But who cares? Storyline does NOT equal fun, in fact there are times where too much story (especially in the form of long cutscenes) degrades the gaming experience.

How much storyline is present in Mario games?
How much stroyline is present in Sports games?
How much storyline is present in World of Warcraft?

How much money do these games rake in due to the amount of fun they are for players?

For the love of all that is holy, why the heck do you play video games?! Go read a freakin book, it's cheaper and is generally chock full of "story"! Video games aren't meant to be interactive books, they're meant to be entertaining, and a freakin Lancer with a chainsaw bayonet is amazingly entertaining.

Mr.ESC @ Feb 20th 2008 8:59PM

Actually the full story is printed in the manual. What Am I the only one that reads the manuals?

I think Gears of war (if you actually read) explained the situation but a lot of things don’t make sense until the end. So technically is deeper than COD4 if you ask me.

dan stabbingworth @ Feb 21st 2008 8:59AM

I like Sheppy because he can express an argument without spewing crumbs on himself, unlike Fernando.

Ted @ Feb 20th 2008 5:50PM

That guy's speech was cringingly cheesy :/

nxtiak @ Feb 20th 2008 5:52PM

Trailer downloadable on XBOX Live.
Also remember how Epic denies anything about Gears of War 2 when that GamePro magazine had the "exclusive".
God I hate game companies.

Zeus.:God @ Feb 20th 2008 7:22PM

Duh they're going to deny it, they're trying to get hype, and hype comes with surprises- moreso than a lackluster article in a crappy magazine.

Mr.ESC @ Feb 20th 2008 9:03PM

Oh yeah the gamepro exclusive.

The article is pretty much like this:
"We don't know but it sounds possible".

*facepalm.

Now I only read Pc gamer and Gamers which is a local magazine and let me tell you its well written and everything, basically they have more information than Gamepro and EGM.I never buy it tho' because is the same exact information you see in the internet, I only buy Magazines when extras are included.

DangerMouse @ Feb 20th 2008 5:52PM

I caught the UE3 Engine update else where a while ago, and it's pretty impressive for an upgrade of an already popular engine.

Orion_of_Chaos @ Feb 20th 2008 6:00PM

I would really like to think that Epic could make a better teaser than that for a game. but it's good to see that Microsoft has something exclusive coming out this year, since I'm ready to be not surprised when Too Human gets pushed to '09.

Orion_of_Chaos @ Feb 20th 2008 6:02PM

Ha, and Ninja Gaiden.

Mr.ESC @ Feb 20th 2008 9:04PM

Ditto.

Compared to Gears of war previous teasers and trailers this is weak.

AssyB @ Feb 20th 2008 6:23PM

While I thought the first game was fun, and am looking forward to the second. Epic needs to do more than just churn out a sequel with the same crap. For starters a wayyy better story, and dialogue that isn't ripped from Stallone's Cobra. Plus, why does everyone kiss Cliffy's ass (cough Joystiq) he kind of forces it, kind of like Nintendo Power, 80's rad cool kind of way.

Lijik @ Feb 20th 2008 8:00PM

I think being the level designer on the best PC platformer ever made (Jazz Jackrabbit 2) warrants ass-kissing.

Maybe I'm wrong and theres another reason.

umm....hello??? @ Feb 20th 2008 6:30PM

am looking forward to this game....really enjoyed the first one...can we get 4-player co-op this time? or is it still 2p-co-op??

Tim Harding @ Feb 20th 2008 6:34PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bPjV4_UOf8

SpekOpz @ Feb 20th 2008 6:40PM

w00t! cant wait baby!! Gears 2 will be AMAZING!!!

wootman @ Feb 20th 2008 6:47PM

i was hoping he was going to say
"im happy to announce gears of war 2 will (he raises the lancer) ship with one of these in our super deluxe package"
D:

Bryan Young @ Feb 20th 2008 6:56PM

Finnaly Bout time Epic. Now what about that rumour bout Microsoft buying you out?

S0uthernC0mfort @ Feb 20th 2008 7:23PM

http://www.petitiononline.com/gearwar2/petition.html Please sign the petition guys! It only takes a couple minutes...Thank You

RoboJoel @ Feb 20th 2008 9:40PM

Gears had a good score (save for the credits *shudder*), would hate to see it's cinematic atmosphere tarnished by Megadeth.

Monge161 @ Feb 20th 2008 7:32PM

that's neat!!!

Squash @ Feb 20th 2008 9:59PM

I'm very disappointed in the Gears2 teaser trailer. I think Epic did a really bad job with it as it just doesn't seem in line with the attitude of the game. Marcus is self-effacing and serious, not the cocky bastard who would flip his chainsaw in the air before a kill. And that dialog - sounds like it was written by a 3rd grader. I expected so much more. And how about a little gameplay footage? We know it's gonna look better.... show us!

Vegeta (aka Ska Oreo) @ Feb 20th 2008 10:19PM

1. It's a fucking teaser, what the hell do ya expect? Epic doesn't need to show any gameplay to have us cream our pants.

2. Not in line with the first game, are you kidding me? Last I checked, Gears of Wars is about manly men fighting in a goddamn war. I think the teaser perfectly showed that. I mean dude, fucking dueling chainsaws. How manly can you fucking get?

wootman @ Feb 20th 2008 11:17PM

heres what i want, a motion sensing lancer controller, you you can actually chainsaw dudes like in the video/lazer tag gun.

FidliousWong @ Feb 20th 2008 11:49PM

Mr Esc, thank you for being one of the few people who didn't just vote me down and move along. Actually checked the manual... sure enough, there it was. A war hero sentenced to 40 years in prison because he disobeyed orders to try and save his dad. Question then, if this was in his past, why did only one character have an attitude towards him as a deserter? I like the hinting towards why the war was started. And I know it was announced as a trilogy long ago, I simply want to know more. Which is why, in my original post, I demanded more story.

Lord Chako,

What can I say? It's the same reason fernando hangs around (trust me, I chat with him in MSN... he loves the shit he stirs up). Sometimes I debate for fun, I do like to argue and I can take any position on an arguement. It's my nature. Sometimes I hope I find an interesting debate partner and I go from there.

And is a story important? Nowadays? Yeah, to me at least. If gaming has left it's era when your warp point would be a flying fish you ride into the next level in and attempt to explain away everything, yeah it's important. Especially when such an emphasis is placed on a deep story (Gears of War commercials). Sorry, I'm a sucker for a story. A game that has little story I will play, hell, I may even enjoy, but I rarely go back and play it again. If I have to wave goodbye to an era that spawned Rocket Knight Adventures in favor of realism, we really gotta step up game writing. Even if it's just little scraps scattered throughout the world (loved Bioshock for those tapes they scattered).

Bloo,

Actually, Star Wars was a story centered around Vader. Luke was nothing more than a story driver. And it was intentional that Vader remain very vague and unknown. That was it's purpose. So Star Wars reference = teh fail.

Spartacus,

WHERE DID I SAY GEARS SUCKED? I said what I wanted for the sequel. I said where the first one fell short for me. You don't have to agree, hell. I encourage disagreement. You forget, I once had a conversation with a friend over the potential game balance flaw in the spell Creeping Death in D&D 3.0. Hell, try to get a job in the industry and one of the main things any application will ask you is two pronged attack...

What is your favorite game?
What was wrong with that game?

Based upon how you can pick apart what worked and what didn't is a valuable asset for anyone to have. When I playtested for Volition, I really did have to explain my top three games and then had to find their flaws. After I playtested, I had to explain what worked and didn't work for what I playtested. Parts I liked, parts I didn't, etc. Most Beta's I've been in, I've give at least three page reports on what I felt about the game and considering I keep being invited to betas from those companies, that is an asset.

You're accurate on one thing (or just observant since this isn't hidden info), I don't currently own a 360. Had one, at launch, it died. Got my replacement, it died. Got another one, drive died. Got a replacement, it died. Got yet another, it died halfway through Bioshock, three days before Halo 3 but I had several holiday hits preordered and snagged them up anyway. Late October, got it back, sold it, and said fuck it til the jaspers dropped. Of course my Live membership expiring in October was a major factor in that decision. If I seem kind of jaded, well fuck, man. You're talking to a guy who missed out on two of the holidays biggest hits because, apparently, the fifth time wasn't the charm. Halo 3, Mass Effect, and Lost Odyssey all are lent out to friends who are telling me how awesome those games I'm not playing are. Sucks, but as I said, I refuse to buy until I know I'm getting a Jasper.

But here's the thing, when I first saw Gears, I liked the style, just didn't know the game. My Halo firend was hyping me and since we always disagree on games, I wasn't hyped. But he brought it over, we played the first two chapters and the next day, I was at Circuit City buying my copy. And I really had a blast with it. One of my favorite sequences in a game in recent memory was having to shoot the propane tanks to progress through the city or pushing the burning car down the road and rushing to keep up. My interest just kind of leveled off in the underground and I had to force myself through the mansion. I still talk about the night city sequence as a way a designer can create an original yet still linear experience.