2011 is definitely the year of the threequel when it comes to video games.  We’ve already seen the third chapters in the Killzone and Resistance sagas thus far, and later this year we’ll take part in third renditions of the Modern Warfare, Resistance and Battlefield.  In-between all these releases, however, stands a game that will be an instant seller no matter what the press has to say about it – Gears of War 3.  The avid following behind this series, well fueled by Cliff Bleszinski and his talented team at Epic Games – has been well earned by the first two parts of the series thus far…but estimate all you like, nothing can prepare you for the captivating journey that awaits you the third time around.

There’s a pretty good story behind the action here, mostly dealing with Marcus Fenix.  Following the decline of Jacinto from Gears 2 (18 months later), he’s still haunted by the fact that his father Adam has perished due to the uprising of the Locust Horde, but as the game begins, he receives a startling piece of information indicating that his dad is, in fact, alive.  Using every bit of strength he’s got left in him (along with his team of trusted brothers in arms), Marcus sets out to find Adam and crush every piece of Locust trash that gets in his way.

That could be a satisfying arc in itself, but Gears of War 3 also focuses on other members of Delta in the game, making it feel like a real team effort.  For instance, you get a better idea of what’s going through Baird’s head as you travel alongside him, and for a lengthened period of time, you get control of a series favorite – I won’t say who, but you’ll know exactly who I’m talking about once you hear him speak.  It’s great that Epic Games has refused to make this a one-man show, instead focusing on the team as an entirety.  After all, no man (or woman) wins a battle on their own.  Especially one of this magnitude.

This ties in to one of Gears of War 3′s biggest improvements – expanded co-op.  Instead of just teaming up with one buddy to take down Locusts, you instead have openings for three others, working as a team of four.  Though miscommunication may occur in this mode (especially for inexperienced players who ask, “Hey, how do you saw a guy in half?”), we have no complaints in regards to how well it runs.  Get yourself a well-oiled team of pros and you can tackle the world, whether it’s going through story missions or trying your luck at the ever-going onslaught of enemies that come at you in Horde 2.0.

Yes, it’s called 2.0 for a reason.  Horde is greatly improved over the last rendition, even though it didn’t really need it.  Instead of just going wave after wave with pre-set weapons and conditions, you can actually adapt your experience with each passing wave.  See, you earn cash depending on how many enemies you kill per wave, which you can easily turn around on new defensive toys to place around your chosen command post, including turrets (both automatic and manual), laser fencing and the new Silverback mech, which can either…
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