Review: Gears of War 2, Snowblind MapPack Review
By: Reece Heywood
Posted: Mar 27, 2009
Comments Off
The Snow Blind map pack is set to release early next week for Gears of War 2 which features four new maps for the game costing 800 points. The maps are based on Snow, Ice, and Cold Winds which gives a great gameplay atmosphere. Further more Snowblind Map Pack supports all existing game modes including the popular Horde mode with the addition of six new achievements worth 190 points.
The new maps have a great layout for flanking and pushing through to the enemy. In addition, the maps don’t have any environmental hazards such as kryll so there isn’t a need to occasionally hide as before with original maps such as Hail or Avalanche. The four different maps are Court Yard, Grind Yard, Fuel Depot and Under Hill.
Two of the maps are returning maps from the original Gears of War. The first is Fuel Depot which was a fan favorite released back in 2006 with the original Gears of War for Xbox 360. The second, Court Yard that was exclusive at the time to the PC version back in 2007.
Court Yard is an open space for wide open battles with heavy snow blowing in every direction. It is multi-leveled and a constant battle for weapon control featuring the Longshot on the higher portion and the Boomshot on the lower portion of the level. You will need to keep on the move with the majority of the area being exposed giving snipers the chance to pop your head off. Even though the map is quite large and open you will resolve to fast firefights with both opposing teams fighting for weapon control . The only safe destination is to the North of the map between the stairs but still exposed to fire from either side.
The entire area is circular giving you many opportunities to flank the opposing team from either side but be warned the other team will have the same idea. Down on the lower floor you will find the Boomshot but going for it exposes you to enemy fire. If you are able to grab the Boomsht and take cover successfully you can easily take advantage wiping out two to three enemies.
Grind Yard has to be my favorite map yet of from Gears of War. Based on a massive industrial complex with low bunkers the fire fights will keep going until there is only one winner. It features high balconies for sniper positions and access to the Scorcher Flamethrower. Access to the Gorgon Pistol can be found on the opposing side of the Scorcher and can be favorable for yourself in close combat situations.
Below you find access to the Ink Grenade which will give you the ability to flush out snipers within the outer upper decks. Centered on the map on a second floor you will find access to the Mulcher. The setting looks wonderful with mechanical gears working in the background and foundries hanging above. With the addition of the snow plummeting to the ground this map looks not only great but works superb.
One of the original maps I favored from Gears of War, plenty of leeway to run and pop while still taking advantage of the Longshots hidden within containers. You will still find access to the Hammer of Dawn inside of the Hanger and make sure to keep the rear covered from unexpected attack.
Even though this is an original map and plays basically the same as the original it differs in looks quite a considerable amount. Now with a calm and cool sensation you will be constantly waiting for that first bullet to be heard amidst warm evening sky. You also have to be aware of the gas pumps since fire from either team will allow them to burst into flames, so be careful when grabbing for those frag grenade’s.
Quite an unusual layout from the other maps which makes Under Hill a little more tactical. Above the far end upon the high ground you will find the mortar which can easily reach towards the other side so cover is needed down below. Within the center to the map on the outside you can gain access to the Longshot but with both spawn points directly on top of it rushing to get your hands on it is pure suicide unless you’re totally skilled.
On the opposite side of the Longshot within four walls you will find the Scorcher. However, it’s only accessible from the inside at the beginning. Upon reaching the room you may flick the switch to open the gate but only risk this if you know the opposing team is not on the other side or you could be screwed. Once again the scenery looks great with a beautiful cold winter day but not so much snow compared to the other three maps.
Gears of War 2 was slowly dying for me in terms of replayability but now with this release I’ll be playing for a good solid couple of months more. A few visual errors did occur through my game time on the Under Hill map such as split second freezes and taking cover on invisible walls but I’m sure these will be fixed not long after release.
The Snow Blind Map Pack is a worthy addition to the series and is very appealing for only 800 points, if you’re a serious hardcore fan I imagine you’re already set to buy once released and if not you’re going to be missing out some great fun online and offline.
