bit-tech Shopping: Microsoft Gears of War Collector's Edition (XB360)

Rating: 10

Time with product: 4 Days

Strengths: Top-notch gameplay and story.Beautiful metal case.Excellent hardcover, illustrated book.Tons of achievements to unlock.Co-op mode.Multi-Player.Bonus Disc.

Weaknesses: Short storyline.

Summary: My friend first introduced me to this game back when it first came out in 2006. I played a few rounds of multi-player with him and thought it was no different from the Halo or Call of Duty multi-player mode, so I thought I'd wait for it to go on sale. Well, his 360 got stolen along with everything he had for it and I lost interest in picking it up. Well, fast-forward to Oct. 2007, I was shopping at our local Circuit City and noticed a cool looking metal case that had Gears of War on the cover. My interest for the game was renewed and when I returned home, I decided to read up on the game and decide whether or not to purchase it or Rainbow Six: Vegas(I played a demo and loved it.) Well, after reading about the story and gameplay, plus how difficult it was to find Gears in a metal case, I decided to pick it up. The new play like hiding behind walls and shooting , took me a little while to get used to since all the other shooters didn't allow you to do such things. But after a few battles and many deaths, caused by me used to rushing headlong into combat, I mastered the art of hiding and waiting for the right moment to rush. After a few hours of gameplay, I realized I couldn't stop playing. I just had to get through to the next checkpoint, and then the next, then the next. This game is so addictive. And, once I finished the game on casual mode, which was tough. I had to move on to Hardcore(Hell), then Insane(You have to be Insane.) When I picked it up, I couldn't believe it was still going for $50 even after a year. Well, after playing it in single-player and co-op campaign mode, and a little bit of multi-player combat, I'd have to say it was the best $50 I spent this year. The metal case is beautiful. The hardcover mini-book, Destroyed Beauty, is a must have. But, most of all Gears of War is a great game. So, don't be like me and wait a year to play Gears of War. If you can find the metal GOW, buy it or else just pick up the regular edition, you won't regret it. I can't wait for the sequel.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 90 Days

Strengths: Collector's Edtions are always coolAward winning acclaimed masterpieceBest multiplayer game since Halo 2

Weaknesses: Short story.. that's it.

Summary: I haven't actually played alot of this game, so the weakness I put for it is only from what I've heard from my inner circle. However I've played quite a bit (well not alot but more than an hour) of the multiplayer mode and I haven't had so much fun in a newer title in a VERY VERY long time. It's a great game and if you don't own it you aren't doing your xbox 360 justice. As far as the collector's Edition goes, it's no different in actual gameplay but for fans of games or people who actually collect it is a nice set to have including an artbook and a making of DVD. You won't be disappointed!