This is the game that ruined the launch of the PS3. Gears of War proved that the 360 can pack a mean punch when it comes to graphics. But beyond the gore and graphics, does this game have substance? The answer is yes.

What is Gears about? Another alien invasion tough guy has to save the day all the while saying real tough stuff like he was Clint Eastwood or something? You bet.

So let's forget the rest of the story cause if you played Halo, you pretty much know the story. Although I think these aliens come from under the planet instead of above it. But they're just as ugly.

Once you get passed the cliched story and awful banter, the game gets good. It's squad base gameplay, so no horde of enemies like Serious Sam. And you got to cover because the bad guys love to stick it to you if you don't. This is no Halo where the aliens shot like they're blind. And the aliens will duck and cover. There's real tension as you try and advance on them because you don't have infinite ammo.

So what's the best way to kill the enemy if you don't have infinite ammo? Apparently, a chainsaw stuck on the end of your rifle! Kinda like the original Doom, but well, it's stuck on the end of your rifle. And when you do use it, the blood sprays like no other game since Mortal Kombat for the MegaCD. The blood spraying is kinda ridiculous. Everytime you get hit, you bleed all over the place.

And once you compete the predictable, but extremely short 6 hour campaign, you have a few other things you can do. You can play the campaign in coop mode where you and your friend play together as partners. And then there's the multiplayer online mode where it's basically four on four. The multiplayer is kinda lacking. Kill the other guy and there doesn't even seem to be a capture the flag mode and the arenas aren't very large. This is no Battlefield. Think of Gears of War as a very good rental for most players and a must buy for people who really really like to play, well Gears of War.

Music is pretty standard shooter stuff. If you played any of them, you know what we're talkign about. If you haven't, expect some awful music. Graphics are mind blowingly good. It did knock out the PS3 launch. Just don't expect something in terms of Halo when it comes to the overall mix of story and gameplay and you'll be fine.