Our Blog: Gears of War 2 Launch Guide: 10 Steps to Get the Most From the Release

Here is a 10-step to-do list just for you from PWNorDIE on how to go about preparing for the imminent release of Gears of War 2 for the Xbox 360.  We are under a day away, and it is time to make sure we are all prepared.  Please study this guide to make sure you get the best deal, the best free stuff, and tips on maximizing the experience to make it most enjoyable for you and your friends.

1.  Complete the original Gears of War game.
This is a difficult challenge, especially since we are so close to the release of GOW 2. (If you're not getting the game tomorrow, then you obviously have more time.) There are probably still a few of you that never took the time to play the original Gears of War game all the way through.  There are probably even some that have never played it at all.  If you are among these people, you have a few hours to get through the game and if you use the Gears of War Video Walkthroughs you have no excuse for not getting it done.  In doing so you will get familiar with the characters, the gameplay, and most importantly the story.

On that note, check out the differences between GOW 1 and GOW 2's maps.


2.  Decide where to buy the game.
It is a no-brainer that on release day you will be able to find your copy of GOW 2 almost anywhere that carries video games.  Really the only exceptions are places that have limited stock or small towns that literally will not have enough copies for everyone in the local store. 

For those people we suggest pre-ordering the game (it is not too late in most cases) to guarantee that you will get your hands on it and not risk being shut out.  We have collected a sampling of not only where to pre-order it but also which retailers are offering special deals.  (Make sure that you read the terms and conditions of all retailers' deals).  It will be up to you to decide where to buy it... also keep in mind there are two versions of the game, the standard and the limited edition that you will need to pick between. Even though we are so close to the release, pre-ordering still has its advantages if the vendor allows it in the next few hours.

GAMESTOP:

Pre-order Gears of War 2 by November 6th at 11am CST with overnight shipping and get guaranteed delivery on the street date of November 7th! If your product does not arrive on the street date, we will fully refund your shipping charge.

Reserve Gears of War 2 and receive an exclusive Gears of War 2 theme built for the New Xbox Experience (NXE). You will be able to update your theme when NXE launches. Offer valid while supplies last. Online and In-store Pick up Customers – Codes and instructions will be emailed on Nov. 7. You will be able to update your theme when NXE launches. Store Customers - Codes will be available at time of pick-up. You will be able to update your theme when NXE launches

BEST BUY:

Free Remote Control Tank with select "Gears of War 2" pre-order. All stores will feature an Xbox LIVE token giveaway for gold-plated in-game gun. Plus, there will be additional giveaways, developer appearances, and more at the Bellevue, WA, and NoHo, NYC stores. Visit the stores for details.

AMAZON: 

Eligible for free shipping

WALMART:

Pre-order and receive a BONUS $10 Walmart.com Gift Card, plus guaranteed street date delivery.

CIRCUIT CITY:

FREE Xbox LIVE 1600 points card with Gears of War 2—a $20 value.

You can even buy the soundtrack, as we noted earlier.


3. Get in line early for "Midnight Mayhem".
More than 20,000 stores worldwide will be opening at midnight on November 7 for the release as part of the "Midnight Mayhem" promotion.  Those picking up their games at the event can expect a token for a limited-edition in-game gold-plated Hammerburst Assault Rifle for use in multiplayer gameplay.

4. Get your gaming fuel.
Every gaming machine needs fuel.  Microsoft and Demon Energy Drink are teaming up to promote the launch of Gears of War 2.  These are limited edition Gears of War 2 energy drinks, people, drink up. 

http://www.demonenergy.com says:

The game hits shelves on the 7th of November at Midnight - and we'll be giving away the first copies of the game then. And if that's not cool enough - just take your Limited Edition Demon can or bottle into any Harvey Norman store before the 7th of November and you'll get $10 off your Gears of War 2 pre-order (we'll accept your hot girlfriend as a thank you, don't forget to wrap her in a nice red bow).

5.  Get your life together.
Adults and teens--pull yourselves together. Stop screwing around--you've got a sweet new game to rock out. You can't have your everyday to-do list getting in the way. Got an exam on Friday? You better study in the meantime. Have to rake leaves?  Get all your chores done in advance. You don't want to feel like a tool because all your friends are playing GOW 2 and you can't play because you didn't hit the front yard in time. Grab your Zune or iPod and grab that rake today, soldier!


6. Did you get all of your freebies?
For crying out loud, get the DLC for the game as soon as you possibly can. 
The gamerscoreblog says you can get:

    * Flashback Map Pack and Xbox LIVE Gold Trial Membership
      Everyone who purchases a copy of “Gears of War 2” will receive an Xbox LIVE token to download the Flashback Map Pack for FREE. The Flashback Map Pack will be available immediately at launch, and consists of five popular maps from the original “Gears of War,” including: Canals, Gridlock, Mansion, Subway and Tyro Station. Each map has been specially updated with new graphics for “Gears of War 2.” In addition, every copy of “Gears of War 2” will include a code for a 48-hour Xbox LIVE Gold membership.

    * Gold-Plated Lancer Rifle
      For gamers looking to distinguish themselves online in multiplayer matches, an Xbox LIVE

    * Get Started with Gamerscore
      The game’s developers will provide helpful gameplay hints and insights in a series of exclusive video interviews with the Gamerscore team available to Xbox LIVE GOLD members on November 7th. Token to unlock an in-game gold-plated version of the iconic Lancer Assault Rifle will be included in the Limited Edition of “Gears of War 2.”

7.  Get your virtual army assembled.
with your XBOX pals.  Make sure you have your friends' gamertags in your XBOX.  Don't be that guy.  Over the weekend, the development team at Epic over XBOX live will be playing against those who bought the game early enough.  Set up a time to meet online. Twitter it, text it, whatever.

8. Batteries, hardware, etc.
Charge 'em up today. (Come on, use rechargeables. All you're doing by not using them is wasting money.) Get those batteries charged, otherwise you'll get kicked off the squad because they have to wait for you...) Make sure the controller isn't janky, make sure the headset works... (Use it.)  Reset the router, and make sure your cables are good to go.

9. Go Boy Scouts on it.
Be prepared... strategically for GOW 2. Watch our collection of videos on PWNorDIE, and get and sense of what strategy you need to run. There are gonna be some new badass enemies, and you can't be caught off-guard. 

Check out these fresh videos:
Gears of War 2 Gamestop Pre-Order Television Commercial

Sci vs. Fi: Gears of War 2 Teaser Trailer

A look at the upcoming SciFi Channel special, Sci vs. Fi: Gears of War 2, a “Gears of War 2”-focused show where industry insiders, celebrities and Epic Games discuss the inspiration and impact of “Gears of War 2.” A few of the interviewees include Cliff Bleszinski, design director of Epic Games as well as Mike Capps, president; Zach Levi of Chuck; Luke Walton of the LA Lakers; Aisha Taylor of The Ghost Whisperer. Sci vs. Fi: Gears of War 2 debuts on Thursday, Nov. 6 at 11 p.m. ET only on the SciFi Channel.

10.  Get psyched.... in the right way.
Last, but not least. Get your gameface on. Get pumped and relaxed at the same time. Sounds like a paradox, huh? Well, the game is going to be a ton of fun, but make sure that you don't lose your cool. Nothing drags down gameplay like getting stressed out. And watch out for trolls online.