Emily "Darkcamllama" Hatcher

So like any good gamer, I attended the midnight release for a game series I have enjoyed thoroughly over the years, knowing full well I'd have to get up early for class, have a workout session later in the day, and work immediately after. And instead of taking a nap between class and Pilates, I decided to write about my highly enjoyable Gears of War 3 hangover. I told myself I'd only play...eh...maybe the first chapter or two, just to wet my whistle. I'll be fine if I go to bed at 1:30. 3 AM rolls around, and I'm forcing myself to turn off my 360. "Just...one more chapter?" No. "Give Horde mode a try!" ....Sure thing. And I did, only matchmaking took forever. "Giving up? GIVING UP?!" Well...its...3 in the morning...I need to get up in four and a half hours. "Play competitive." Um...but I need sleep. "No...you need to play."

And so I did. I listened to that niggling little voice, and when I finally went to bed, I had no regrets. I set my alarm for 8:45...that should be plenty of time for me to wake up, dress, grab a V8 and then head to my 9:25 Shakespeare lecture. Romeo and Juliet would have been a thousand times better if Romeo would have a) kept his hormones in check and b)satiated his revenge for Tybalt killing Mercutio by cleaving him in twain with a Lancer. The entire hour and a half long class Gears was on my mind.

Some spoilers ahoy, my good sirs and ladies.
Any fan of the games will be completely enthralled with the continuation of the series. Little tweaks to the gameplay help make the game flow even more seamlessly than before. Graphically, the levels are well done and create the perfect atmosphere of a desolate, dying planet. Yes, critics will say the murky brown on grey-brown on dark brown can be an eye sore, but common sense for me would dictate that a civilization and its cities wouldn't exactly be bursting with bright colors after years of drawn out warfare. Though I must admit...I think Dom could use a splash of hot pink to help improve his mood.

I have yet to try out the co-op campaign, but plan on doing so soon, and perhaps on the harder difficulties (just for the sake of testing the 'glowy gravy' I'm playing normal). My solo adventure is a great way to explore the AI. Cant complain about my allies too much. At times I grew annoyed when one would dart behind the same cover I was in, nudging my aim a hair off, but other than that, I can't begrudge them too much. The banter between characters has a nice feel to it; Cole, Baird, and Samantha Bryne offer some comic relief, Anya serves as a nice middle ground, and Marcus and Dom remain somber, yet determined. I've always found the Gears cast to be likable, and seeing how the characters have grown throughout the series has been a treat.

Now...I think I've rambled on long enough. I have a few more free hours...and I feel my 360 calling out to me. Naturally anyone wishing to join me is highly welcome!