[Ico.]

Whoa. On July 28, Epic Games is dropping ten s--tloads worth of Gears of War 2 downloadable content into one cute retail package. "The Gears of War 2: All Fronts Collection" will have all the previous DLC for the game -- "Snowblind," "Combustible," and "Flashback" -- as well as seven new multiplayer maps, a “deleted” campaign chapter called Road to Ruin, a premium theme, an introductory video, a poster, AND a strategy guide. Like we said, ten s--tloads.

Road to Ruin -- perhaps the most intriguing since Epic has yet to touch the campaign with DLC -- will have the COG funky bunch (Dom and Marcus) returning to the Locust Hollow. Apparently, this once cut campaign mission will feature some sort of stealth mode, but the option to chainsaw, curse, and shoot your way through the new level is still viable. As you can see from the image above, it appears as though Marcus is dressed as a Theron. Costume swapping is always a plus.

Of course, if you still get your kicks from multiplayer, the seven new maps should make you a happy man. You can view a breakdown of the "Dark Corners" map pack from the press release after the break. (It will be available for download on July 28, when this retail package hits.)

The best part about the “All Fronts Collection” is its price: $19.99. Sorta makes you want to get back into the game, right? Aw, c’mon!

Link

[Satsui_Ryu]

Interesting, I'm up for a new campaign level. Never been able to get into the multiplayer though. On my birthday as well.

[Ico.]

Seems one of the 7 new maps is a remake of War Machine...

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.

[jason g]

while very nice, i wish they would get rid of the match - making system so i can play on maps i want to instead of having to vote.

what's the point in bringing out new maps which u have to buy then vote on and hope u get to play it.

[Yemeth]

This looks excellent.

[Ico.]

Also over on the official Gears pages it states...

Also included are an introduction to “Road to Ruin” from Epic Games design director Cliff Bleszinski, a custom Xbox LIVE theme, and a collectible Gears of War 2 poster and strategy guide. An incredible package valued over 3,600 Microsoft Points, available at retailers on July 28 for just $19.99.

For those of you already rocking the previously released Gears 2 map packs, Gears of War 2: Dark Corners will also be available for individual purchase and download from the Xbox LIVE Marketplace for 1,600 Microsoft Points.

So it seems there is a choice... cheaper as DLC, or shop bought with extra content... a custom Xbox LIVE theme, and a collectible Gears of War 2 poster and strategy guide.

Think I'll have to see prices of the retail version before I choose which to go for...

[Sniper Ash6]

this does indeed look excellent

is the price gonna be sky high due to it involving all the DLC as thatwont be fair for those that have all the DLC

[Ico.]

Originally Posted by Sniper Ash6

this does indeed look excellent

is the price gonna be sky high due to it involving all the DLC as thatwont be fair for those that have all the DLC

See previous post...

[Yemeth]

Basically, if you go with the retail bundle, you will effectively get Snowblind+Combustible+theme,strategyguide,extras etc. for free.

Dark corners = 1600msp = $20.

I'll see how much the conversion rate goes when it comes out in the UK, even though i have snowblind already, i may get the retail version for the combustible map pack.

[Ico.]

And Flashback for those who bought secondhand and so didn't get the code in the box... or whatever.

[Raffboner]

Even though I have all map packs I may still buy the retail if the priceis right

[Ico.]

Originally Posted by Yemeth

Basically, if you go with the retail bundle, you will effectively get Snowblind+Combustible+theme,strategyguide,extras etc. for free.

Dark corners = 1600msp = $20.

I'll see how much the conversion rate goes when it comes out in the UK, even though i have snowblind already, i may get the retail version for the combustible map pack.

Gears of War 2 has done tremendously well, with Epic announcing that the game has sold over 5 million copies. So, how does a company celebrate such a milestone? Enter the "All Fronts" compilation, a $19.99 (£14.99/€19.99 for our European brethren) retail expansion that includes all of the game's previously released DLC map packs (Flashback, Combustible, and Snowblind) plus something new. Epic will also mix in "Dark Corners," a pack that includes seven new multiplayer maps and a deleted campaign chapter called "Road to Ruin.

If that price is right I'll buy the retail version. 1600 points works out at £13.60 so for the extra £1.39 I'd get the theme, poster and strategy guide.Link

[kopchoir]

Another attemp to rip us off again the game is dying and they go and release more dlc ill probably get it though as like the previous dlc im a gluten for punishment
Just narks me when they said before release we made this for the fans when they didnt and all the dev time in releasing new maps and new content could of gone into making the game work for the fans,i know all those who like the game will be drooling over this announcement like i used to do with the first but it just sounds like milk it as much as we can

[rooftopgambler]

Sounds like a bargain to me...

[Zzebedee]

Seems bargainous to me too. With it being basically chunks of dlc on a disc i'm gonna assume it will transfer to the hard drive and be run from the original Gears 2 disc. The Oblivion re-release with the DLC included worked that way.
That would mean that all i need to do is add it to my Lovefilm list and basically get it for free, or if i can't wait buy it and flog it on straight away after transfering .
As a person who hasn't yet forked out for the map packs this is a big for me

[shagaboopon]

Well this is crap for those of us who have bought every map pack until now. How about rewarding those who stuck by Gears 2 through the worst of the crap buying every DLC instead of shafting us on price. This should have been 1200 points max for the seperate pack for those that have all the other content.

[Yemeth]

Originally Posted by shagaboopon

Well this is crap for those of us who have bought every map pack until now. How about rewarding those who stuck by Gears 2 through the worst of the crap buying every DLC instead of shafting us on price. This should have been 1200 points max for the seperate pack for those that have all the other content.

This is exactly my thoughts. The standalone should be 1200, not the same as the entire collection+extras. Its a good thing i didnt get combustible, will be getting it "free" alongside the retail dark corners.

Its a major kick up the backside for dlc buyers. The lag is still a major problem in this game. Been having some decent cod4 and fifa online experiences though...

[Gazelle]

Originally Posted by shagaboopon

Well this is crap for those of us who have bought every map pack until now. How about rewarding those who stuck by Gears 2 through the worst of the crap buying every DLC instead of shafting us on price. This should have been 1200 points max for the seperate pack for those that have all the other content.

I fully understand where you are coming from and I agree with you but Epic will defend this by saying that the DLC maps were going to be free at some time anyway (like Gears 1 DLC maps) and you paid to play them early.

Lets face it, Epic are trying everything to keep people playing their game. They had to bring in a crappy XP system, which wasn't part of their original plans, to keep people interested and now this latest DLC.

[Crovon]

Originally Posted by shagaboopon

Well this is crap for those of us who have bought every map pack until now. How about rewarding those who stuck by Gears 2 through the worst of the crap buying every DLC instead of shafting us on price. This should have been 1200 points max for the seperate pack for those that have all the other content.

Wooaa there Shagga!

Are the Epic tinted spectacles finally coming off?

[Codehead]

This has made its way to the left of my gaming drawer along with Saint's Row and Tomb Raider. Just can't be bothered to play it.

New camapaign DLC is interesting though.

[Ico.]

Epic has also said that Dark Corners will offer new Achievements - "in fact, more than any previous Gears DLC" according to producer Rod Fergusson, taking the total available from Gears 2 and its add-ons to the ceiling of 1750G.

Inevitably though, with an unusually high Xbox Live price, there's been some debate on the boards. Fergusson explained: "In the past, like other games, we've charged 800 Points for 3-4 multiplayer maps. This time we are doubling that to 7 maps and including a new single-player chapter (a deleted scene if you will) for the price of 1600 Points. As a one to one comparison that seems fair."

Link

[Billy Goodgun]

Originally Posted by shagaboopon

Well this is crap for those of us who have bought every map pack until now. How about rewarding those who stuck by Gears 2 through the worst of the crap buying every DLC instead of shafting us on price. This should have been 1200 points max for the seperate pack for those that have all the other content.

I also agree with this. I bought both map packs and will have nothing to show for it if I buy the proposed DLC, other than an emptier pocket.

This is not a criticism I can level directly at Epic, either: the same will be true when Bungie releases Halo: ODST, as every single Halo 3 DLC pack will also be on that disc. I have paid for all the map packs (Heroic, Legendary, Mythic). Perhaps I am just a mug. Perhaps I should also just suck it up and get on with it, as it was my choice to buy the map packs.

But I still feel slightly hard done by.

[Ico.]

It may just be me but... although I've paid for the maps already I think this is a good bit of DLC, and don't mind the price at all. No one is forcing anyone to buy this are they. I've had chance to play the maps for months already... Lots of people (you know who you are) paid for Gears 1 maps when they knew they would be free in a matter of months.

If you wait things tend to get cheaper or there are better deals. The "All Fronts DLC bundle-in-a-box" is reported to be £14.99 retail price with a pemium theme, poster and strategy guide. I would be surprised if you couldn't pick this up for nearer £10 online.... which doesn't sound bad.

[shagaboopon]

Originally Posted by jimihifi

Wooaa there Shagga!

Are the Epic tinted spectacles finally coming off?

Not really mate but I say things like I see them and I think the pricing sucks for the seperate pack compared to the full one .

[Crovon]

Originally Posted by shagaboopon

Not really mate but I say things like I see them and I think the pricing sucks for the seperate pack compared to the full one .

couldnt agree more.

[Crovon]

Originally Posted by Ico.

Link

Hmm

Oh yes, totally fair......

[Yemeth]

I enjoyed reading this post from the epic forums:

How are we getting shafted? Just because the retail with the other maps is the same price as the download doesn't mean we're getting shafted. If this was download only without the maps, you would be paying exactly the same price for 7 fricken maps and new SP content.

People need to wake up and realise that, either way, you'd be paying the same price for this content with or without this retail set. On top of that, isn't the retail version a good thing? The more people that buy the retail edition because it's such a great price means the more people that own the DLC. That also means more chance of getting to play on DLC maps in every playlist. How is that, in ANY way, a bad thing?

Stop acting like your being shafted, when really, your paying the same price as you would anyway, just with "free" DLC for the people that put down the money for the retail version. But don't forget, Epic aern't shafting you by making the DLC free, they are giving the DLC free to people who buy the NEW DLC at retail. So technically, although it's not the same price, they are still buying the DLC but at a discounted price.

Gears 2 was £40 at launch, you can now pick it up for £20. Do you complain your getting shafted there, because you previously payed £40 almost 6 months ago so you could play it earlier? Exactly. All this "we're being shafted" stuff really needs to stop. If you honestly believe that, then you have no understanding of how sales and business works - some of you really do need a wake up call to the real world.

[Ico.]

I also liked form the Gears forums...

Now let's talk about All Fronts. Yes at $19.99 it has some value over the 3600 points you would have to pay online to buy the same content and there's nothing stopping you from getting the content that way. In order to get people off the couch and into the stores you need to provide a value add and it's not just a poster. And remember that even though this was announced today, it's not being offered till the end of July. That means you'll have had 4 months of playing Snowblind before All Fronts even shows up in stores.

\

BTW it's worth mentioning that All Fronts is a limited time offer.

[sim667]

Im confused?!?!

Ive got flashback, combustible and snowblind map packs

Is this another one? or is it all those bundled together?

[Ico.]

It's 7 new maps and a single player section cut from the game. It also includes all the previous map packs.

It'll be available on xbox live entitled "Dark Corners" if you want to just but the new maps. 1600 MS points

And on the same day a disc version is released with the same maps ie: all previous map packs and the new Dark Corners map pack along with a strategy guide, premium theme and poster for £14.99.

I'll be getting the disc version for the extra content and a cost difference of a £1 or so... might even get delivered a day or two early like my Gears 2 did.