Gears of War 2 Gets Retail DLC

Kris Erickson • May 8, 2009 • Comments (0)

Have you been enjoying Gears of War 2? You are not alone -- according to Microsoft, more than 5 million other Xbox 360 owners have bought the title so far. To commemorate this massive achievement, the developers are releasing a compilation of every bit of DLC ever released, plus some exclusive new content. The new expansion pack is called the "All Fronts Collection", and it is available as both a digital download and as a standalone purchase at retail. The add-on will sell for $19.99 both online and offline, although the offline disk includes more value for the money.

Included in the "Gears of War 2: All Fronts Collection" is the "Gears of War 2: Dark Corners" Game Add-on, which features seven new multiplayer maps and a deleted campaign chapter titled "Road to Ruin." In "Road to Ruin," Marcus and Dom return to the Locust Hollow in a scene that can be played two ways, guns blazing or in all-new stealth mode.

The seven new multiplayer maps in the "Gears of War 2: Dark Corners" Game Add-on are:

• 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.

In addition to the new content, the "Gears of War 2: All Fronts Collection" also contains an introduction to "Road to Ruin" from Epic Games design director Cliff Bleszinski, along with a custom Xbox LIVE theme, collectible "Gears of War 2" poster and a strategy guide. Containing over 3,600 Microsoft Points worth of content, the "Gears of War 2: All Fronts Collection" is somewhat of a bargain at $19.99.

That kind of sucks for people who've already paid full price for the earlier DLC, but hey, at least you get a strategy guide.