Teams will be announced by the end of the day…

*If we don’t hear from you, we will assume you do not want to participate!*

Game Type: Horde
Total Rounds: 50
Map: Nowhere
Difficulty: Casual
Friendly Fire: Off

Note: You have to have “Dark Corners” Map Pack in order to particiapte.

With the release of the “Dark Corners” map pack on July 28th.. I thought why not celebrate its arrival with playing some Horde on one of the maps? For the this “Horde Challenge” we will be playing on the “Dark Corners” Map “Nowhere” (I thought that would be the best Horde map.) Being disrespectful, mean, offensive, etc. to any clan member, will result in a DQ for you. Remember this is all in good fun, and please try not to take it too seriously.

Horde mode challenges will feature teams of 5, all hosted by a Gears of War Addicts Chairman or General. Each team will play with the exact same game type specifications and the matches will begin at the exact same time. The teams will race to see who can complete the goal number of rounds first(50) or until 2 hours has past…(I’ll let you guys decide) The hosting Chairman or General will report to the others when their team has finished all rounds. The times will be recorded and reported by the official. The decisions of the Gears of War Addicts Chairmen & Generals are final and non-disputable.

What’s the prize? The winners of this Challenge.. will all get a Rank UP!!

The Challenge will be open to only clan members! Anyone who wants to particpate in this Challenge leave a reply to this post with your gamertag to let us know that you’re interested. The deadline to let us know is Friday July 31st by 11:59 P.M. After we figure out how many players we have, we’ll set the teams and let you know who you’re playing. The teams will be set Saturday August 1st. After we know how many people we have, we will determine the leader of each team. If people fail to show up.. we will adjust accordingly.

The Challenge will be held Sunday, August 2nd, 2009 @ 9:00pm EST.(Please get on a few minutes earlier if you can) If any one has any sugestions, comments etc. on the rules.. or anything in this post for that matter. Post a comment and give us your opinion.

By posting your Gamertag in the comments section.. You have read the post and understand the rules.

*If we don’t hear from you, we will assume you do not want to participate!*

Allfather’s Garden(N00BiNATR’s Favorite)

This is probably the largest map in the new collection in terms of square footage. Its long sight lines and wide-open spaces should make it a paradise for snipers.I think thats why n00b likes it.. The only thing really going for you in terms of avoiding long-range headshots is the fact that the level is set at night, and the darkness can make it hard to spot movement from a long way away. The level is so big I’m sure horde wouldnt be much fun.

Memorial

While not as big as Allfather’s Garden, Memorial does offer some pretty wide-open spaces for long-range combat. At one end, you have the Eternal Flame, ringed by low cover and with a heavy-weapon spawn just behind it. Usually, the mortar or Hammer of Dawn spawn back here, and since there’s almost no overhead cover nearby, the corner it’s nestled in is the best spot to utilize either one. In the middle of the map is a circular room with the Boomshot in it, but the level above that offers an angle for enemies to shoot down on you.

Sanctuary

A tight map based around one central room with three distinct pathways through it and around it, Sanctuary is set in a bombed-out building that resembles a small cathedral. There’s a weapon spawn in the middle of the room, of course, but a Boomshot can usually be found on the upper-tiered route that goes around the outside. Since the building has been heavily damaged, you can shoot down from that upper route, just as you can shoot down from the room on to the lower route that wraps around the building’s other side. A smallish map compared to the others battles here are fast and hectic, though there are some pretty defensible spots.

War Machine

War Machine should look familiar to those who played the original Gears of War multiplayer. It’s a remake of a map from that game, also titled War Machine. Basically, it’s a large underground train platform that spawns the two teams on opposite sides of the tracks. Obstacles on the platform and on the rails provide plenty of cover, and the wide rectangular design was practically made for flanking maneuvers. Sorry guys theres no Troika.. The Mulcher takes it’s place.

Highway

Highway takes place in a location very similar to the area explored in the “Road to Ruin” deleted scene that makes up the new single-player component of the DLC. The level consists of some twisting hallways on both sides that lead to a more open area, which has two basic levels containing a number of weapon spawns of different types. This is an easy map to get lost in, so game types that center around one particular place (Annex, King of the Hill) are usually the best.

Way Station

The main feature of this level is a long track of mine cars suspended over a pit of molten goo that separates this level into two distinct sides. It can’t be crossed until someone goes down to the control room at the end and hits the button to start up the train, and raise a walkway. Of course, you could just go to said control room and climb up and over it to get to the other side, but opening up that middle crossing can be a good or bad idea, depending on what you’re trying to do.

Nowhere(My Favorite)

Nowhere is a simple map, but a really fun one to play, it’s basically a large open area between low buildings with some rusting cars and a few other bits of cover to get behind. On one side, in the middle, is a building where you can go up to the roof. There you will find a heavy weapon spawn and a perfect view of the parking lot on which to use it.

Across the way are two buildings that you can go inside and it has counters you can take cover behind.There’s also a little spot out behind those buildings that you can see from the original spawnpoint, but can’t get to without going around. Nowhere is a great medium-size map I would have to say its the most unique and probably my favorite.

Overall

Overall the maps are great. I would have to say that this is the best map pack that Epic has ever produced. I think that is well worth the money to get “Dark Corners” map pack. If I had to give these maps a rating out of 10.. I would give this map pack a 9.5. It is everything that I would expect from a map pack and more. The addition of the “Deleted Scene” was awesome as well, its not really as much as I was expecting(It was really short)

GWA’s Rating 9.5

For those of you that are unaware. Microsoft and Epic Games released today the Dark Corners Multiplayer Map Pack, which features 7 new Gears of War 2 multiplayer maps and a bonus deleted single-player chapter, “Road to Ruin,” from the Gears of War 2 campaign. Available for 1,200 Microsoft Points, the Dark Corners Multiplayer Map Pack is the largest expansion for Gears of War 2 yet, and brings with it 13 new Achievements worth 325 additional Gamerscore points.

*SPOILER*

DON’T WATCH IT IF YOU HAVN”T COMPLETED THE STORYLINE

Bust out your Lancer and tune into X-Play on G4 this Tuesday, July 21, for hands-on footage of Gears of War 2: Dark Corners’ “Road to Ruin” deleted campaign chapter! Epic Games’ Cliff Bleszinski and Rod Fergusson show the crew at X-Play why it pays to play it stealthy in the new campaign. Epic also shows off some never-before-seen gameplay footage from ChAIR Entertainment’s Shadow Complex, coming this summer to Xbox LIVE Arcade.

X-Play (G4)
Tuesday, July 21
6:30 P.M. Eastern Time (3:30 P.M. Pacific Time)
Encore at 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time (5:00 P.M. Pacific Time)

As posted earlier some lucky people got there hands on Dark Corners Early.. Heres some footage of the map packs!!

Well we’ve known about these for a while now, but they were made official early this morning on xbox.com and the official list here is now complete.

These of course can’t be unlocked until Dark Corners is released on July 28th (1200 MSP), but you can start working toward at least level 50 online which is required for one of the achievements (and a lesser rank for some of the others).

This weekend is a great time to start or get in some extra time with the Double XP+Winning Bonus weekend going on right now.

Continue reading for the list of the new achievements!!

 My Way or the Highway 25G
Without being detected, complete the “Road to Ruin” deleted scene after choosing the stealth option

 Highway to Hell 25G
Complete the “Road to Ruin” deleted scene after choosing the guns blazing option

 Two for the Road 25G
Complete the “Road to Ruin” deleted scene in co-op as either Marcus or Dom

 Be Careful What You Wish For 10G
Reach level 8 in multiplayer and complete waves 1 – 10 on the War Machine map in Horde

 Ride It All Night Long 10G
Reach level 10 in multiplayer and complete waves 1 – 10 on the Highway map in Horde

 No, But His Face Rings a Bell 15G
Reach level 15 in multiplayer and complete waves 1 – 20 on the Sanctuary map in Horde

 Lost in Transition   20G
Reach level 20 in multiplayer and complete waves 1 – 20 on the Way Station map in Horde

 Like Father, Like Gun 30G
Reach level 30 in multiplayer and complete waves 1 – 30 on the Allfathers Garden map in Horde

 Am I Only Dreaming? 40G
Reach level 40 in multiplayer and complete waves 1 – 40 on the Memorial map in Horde

 Blood on the Sand 50G
Reach level 50 in multiplayer and complete waves 1 – 50 on the Nowhere map in Horde

 Afraid of the Dark 20G
Play a multiplayer match on each of the 7 Dark Corners Map Pack maps (any mode)

 Did Not Go Gentle  30G
Win a multiplayer match on each of the 7 Dark Corners Map Pack maps (any mode)

 Is It Hot or Is That Just You? 25G
Kill 25 Bloodmounts with a Scorcher while playing Horde on a Dark Corners Map Pack map

In just under a month we can look forward to the release of Gears of War 2’s All Fronts collection! Here’s a reminder what’s in the box, which should be with us July 28th.

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.

 Last Updated:
6:10 EST
June 17th

Latest Updates:

• Off-screen footage of ‘Road to Ruin’ from E3
  Click here for the video
• Trailer with all 7 maps and ‘Road To Ruin’ at Gametrailers:
  Click here for the video

Dark Corners DLC & All Fronts DLC FAQ

What?

• Dark Corners contains 7 new maps and the ‘Road to Ruin’ deleted campaign chapter, All Fronts contains all DLC to date (Including Dark Corners) in one compilation package.

When?

• 28th of July, 12:00AM (Midnight) GMT.

Where?

• The Xbox Live Marketplace.

How Much?

• 1200 MS points for Dark Corners, 1600 MS points for All Fronts. 

Dark Corners DLC

Dark Corners consists of 7 new maps and the ‘Road to Ruin’ deleted campaign chapter described below, it will be released on the 28th of July at 12:00AM (Midnight) GMT, and will cost 1200 MS Points.

1200 MS Points converts to approx:

• $15.00 USD

The Maps
 

Allfathers Garden

Don’t get caught up in the beauty—the sacred grounds of the Coalition founders can be a tremendously deadly place. Powerful weapons catalyze fast and furious action at this COG landmark.
Screenshot

Memorial

It’s all about the heavy weaponry in Memorial, set near the Eternal Flame at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Take a moment to remember your fallen comrades before using your flanking and evasive skills to take control of the Boomshot and the battle.
Gameplay Video | Flythrough Video

Sanctuary

Tight paths, blind corners, and an arsenal of weapons—the Locust-ravaged temple in Sanctuary is no longer the haven of reflection and remembrance it once was.
Gameplay Video | Screenshot (From Gears of war 1)

War Machine

In this abandoned train station, players need to master the Longshot, Mulcher, and Boomshot to advance the fight while evading fire from the platforms above.
Gameplay Video | Map Layout (From Gears of war 1)

Highway

Take the fight deep into the Locust Hollow in the complex passages of this underground highway system. Stick together, separate the enemy, and have an exit strategy ready, or it’ll be a one-way trip.
Screenshot

Way Station

In the limbo between death and “processing,” you’ll find Locust way stations like this one, filled with COG soldiers. Tread lightly and practice patience—it’s best to sacrifice firepower for stealth while navigating this minefield of hidden grenades.
No previews as of yet

Nowhere

Set in the middle of the desert, Nowhere is exactly how it sounds: barren and devoid of life. The open air and long lines of sight prove useful for Longshot devotees, but expect some fierce, close combat in the stairwell.
Gameplay Video 1 | Gameplay Video 2 | Gameplay Video 3 | Screenshot 1 | Screenshot 2 | Screenshot 3

‘Road to Ruin’ Deleted Campaign Chapter
 

Interview with Rod from IGN:

Originally Posted by IGN Interview with Rod Fergusson

IGN: Where in the story does Road to Ruin fit? What questions will it answer?

Rod Fergusson: “Road to Ruin” takes place immediately following the death of Maria. We initially intended to give players the choice to don the Theron armor and sneak around the Locust Hollow, or go in guns blazing. But for pacing reasons, we ended up cutting that chapter last summer. It didn’t feel quite right for the flow we were going after, and since so much of the game was taking place below ground already, we decided to focus on the other chapters. That said, there’s some great gameplay moments in there, and even an old friend to find along the way. We really hope that fans enjoy returning to the campaign, getting a look behind the curtains and seeing what might have been.

IGN: About how long will it take players to complete Road to Ruin?

Rod Fergusson: As with all campaign content, the time it takes to complete it will vary based upon the difficulty setting and the player’s skill. We’re not going to put an hour/minute designation on “Road to Ruin” but it’s on par with other campaign chapters. Also, with two totally different ways to approach the content (both playable in co-op) it should have some great replay value, especially if you want the three Achievements for completing it.

IGN: How will the new stealth mechanics work for the campaign mission?

Rod Fergusson: We can’t share any details just yet, but look for more information to be revealed at E3.

Click here for the entire interview

IGN’s preview from E3:

Originally Posted by IGN

Like in other parts of Gears of War 2, you can choose one of two paths at the beginning of the Road to Ruin chapter. If you choose the option to go in guns blazing, the gameplay proceeds as normal. Marcus and Dom move forward through what appears to be a bridge section flanked by flaming columns and must clear out a number of Locust enemies before reaching a large door. In the middle of the bridge section is a troika gun emplacement, which you can use to help clear out more of the stage.

The more interesting bit of the stage is when you choose the stealth route, something that seems odd simply because being stealthy isn’t something you’d really associate with Marcus and crew. Going this route brings you through the same sections, but Marcus and Dom are dressed up in Theron armor, including a helmet, to conceal their identities. The ensuing gameplay requires the two to weave through patrolling Locust guards without getting too close. If you enter within a certain proximity of the enemy they’ll catch on to your scent and start sniffing around, eventually blowing your cover.

Should you get caught either that way or by accidentally firing your weapon the stage doesn’t end, though. Instead, a fight will just start up between you and all the enemies in the bridge section. You’ll likely be surrounded too considering you’re wading through enemy ranks, meaning it’ll be a tough battle if you want to survive. If you do manage to wipe out all the opposition in that particular bridge section it’ll remain clear as you go up to the next large door. By pulling a lever and opening the way to the next section, the stealth mechanic will reset, as Marcus and Dom will put back on their helmets and you’ll try and sneak through the next section. If you’re able to move all the way through without getting spotted, then you’ll be rewarded with one of the new achievements.

Click here for the entire preview 

All Fronts DLC

All Fronts consists of the 5 Flashback maps, the 3 Combustible Maps, the 4 Snowblind maps, the 7 new Dark Corners maps (Thats 19 maps!), and the ‘Road to Ruin’ deleted campaign chapter described above, it will be released on the 28th of July at 12:00AM (Midnight) GMT, and will cost 1600 MS Points.

1600 MS Points converts to approx:

• $20.00 USD

Title Update 4 & Achievements
 

Title Update 4 has been confirmed to be out before the new DLC (28th of July), along with various fixes, new features, and support for the DLC, it will contain 13 new achievements that add up to 325 Gamerscore (bringing Gears 2’s total to 1,750) to tie in with the Dark Corners DLC:
 

Afraid of the Dark 20G
-Play a multiplayer match on each of the 7 Dark Corners Map Pack maps

Did Not Go Gentle 30G
-Win a multiplayer match on each of the 7 Dark Corners Map Pack maps (any mode)

Blood on the Sand 50G
-Reach level 50 in multiplayer and complete waves 1-50 on the Nowhere map in Horde

Am I Only Dreaming? 40G
-Reach level 40 in multiplayer and complete waves 1-40 on the Memorial map in Horde

Like Father, Like Gun 30G
-Reach level 30 in multiplayer and complete waves 1-30 on the Allfathers Garden map in Horde

Lost in Transition 20G
-Reach level 20 in multiplayer and complete waves 1-20 on the Way Station map in Horde

No, But His Face Rings a Bell 15G
-Reach level 15 in multiplayer and complete waves 1-20 on the Sanctuary map in Horde

Ride It All Night Long 10G
-Reach level 10 in multiplayer and complete waves 1-10 on the Highway map in Horde

Be Careful What You Wish For 10G
-Reach level 5 in multiplayer and complete waves 1-10 on the War Machine map in Horde

Is It Hot or Is That Just You? 25G
-Kill 25 Bloodmounts with a Scorcher while playing Horde on a Dark Corners Map Pack map

Two for the Road 25G
-Complete the “Road to Ruin” deleted scene in co-op as either Marcus or Dom

Highway to Hell 25G
-Complete the “Road to Ruin” deleted scene after choosing the blasting option

My Way or the Highway 25G
-Without being detected, complete the “Road to Ruin” deleted scene after choosing the stealth option 

More info to come in the weeks leading up to the “All Fronts Collection”