Gears of War 2: Combustible Map Pack Impressions

December 29, 2008 -

Gears of War 2 was just released several months prior but already its first map pack has been released. The Combustible Map Pack features three new maps for the game. They each center on an aspect of Imulsion, the fuel source in the world of Sera. Additionally the maps support many of the existing game modes including Horde.

All of the maps are well laid out and work well from a gameplay standpoint. Both Fuel Station and Flood include aspects that create an environment that can morph throughout the match. Epic Games has been doing this with a number of environments found within its original maps such as Hail or Avalanche.

Gold Rush

Gold Rush takes place at an Imulsion refinery and is based on multiple levels and is littered with pipes and other obstacles. Combat is focused on heavy weapons placed within the level. Flanking, and out maneuvering the other team plays a large role during a match. The level works well and keeps the action in a smaller area resulting in fast firefights to decide the round.

Fuel Station

Fuel Station also incorporates varying tiers of play. Within the station an elevator allows players to obtain a superior vantage point on the roof. Trucks and sections of the station are also destructible and go off with a fiery explosion both visual and dangerous. The map works well for game modes such as Submission which is a variant of Capture the Flag. Overall the experience is solid albeit not quite has graphically impressive or interesting.

Flood

Flood is the most visually impressive of the three maps included and is located in the remains of a sunken city. Imulsion provides a real risk to players as any contact with the substance becomes deadly. As the match progresses Imulsion begins to cover the area confining players to a smaller area and intensifying the action. Overall this particular map became my favorite of the group.

As a group the Combustible Map pack is an enjoyable addition for the price of admission. While the content is based on a single theme each map is unique and incorporates different ideas and concepts that continue to make Gears of War 2 a leader in competitive multiplayer.

Gears of War 2 already consists of fifteen maps of great variety. This fact remains the largest issue preventing a full recommendation of this particular piece of DLC. Individuals who play Gears casually will find that the current selection included with the game is more then enough. No doubt that the DLC will go down in price in time.

The Combustible Map Pack is priced at eight hundred Microsoft Points or about ten dollars. In this case the value of the content is based on your enjoyment of the multiplayer within the game.

Gears of War enthusiasts will have no doubt have already purchased the maps. The new content offers variety to an already fantastic game.

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