We earlier reported that the ‘Gears of War 2: All Fronts Collection’ expansion for the 2008 blockbuster game would be available in late July. Now, we have word that another add-on, Gears of War 2: Dark Corners is available on Xbox Live from today onwards. With 7 new multiplayer maps, this is the largest expansion for Gears of War 2 yet and will feature a new campaign chapter called Road to Ruin. There are 13 achievements worth 325 Gamerscore up for grabs as well.
The Allfathers Garden multiplayer map is set in the sacred grounds of the coalition founders. A variety of powerful weapons found here will keep players and enemies on their toes at all times. The Memorial map is set in the Memorial of the Eternal Flame commemorating soldiers who have lost their lives in battle. Gamers would need to work on their flank formations and evasive tactics as they try to take control of the Boomshot. The Highway map takes the player to the dark depths of the Locust Hollow infested with enemies. Team playing will prove to be a very useful strategy if you are going to make it out alive in this map.
The Nowhere multiplayer map showcases a barren and deserted land where vision is often obscured by sandstorms. The bare landscape is ideal for taking out scampering enemies using the trusty Longshot sniper rifle. The Way Station map is best suited for all out carnage and pits the soldiers in Locust way stations filled with the bodies of fallen comrades and hidden grenades.
An abandoned train station makes up the setting of the War Machine map. The Longshot, Mulcher and Boomshot weapons will be constant companions as players fight their way through enemies while always keeping an eye on the platforms overhead. In the Sanctuary map, the soldiers have to make their way to through Locust-damaged temple corridors in search of hidden weapons. Their path is a treacherous one as they traverse several blind corners and tight winding paths teeming with enemies.
Developer Epic Games also plans to host multiplayer matches on Xbox Live starting this Friday in celebration of the launch of the new expansion. The Gears of War 2: All Fronts Collection contains a total of 19 different multiplayer maps including the Flashback, Snowblind, Combustible and Dark Corners map packs.
Gears of War 2 is published by Microsoft Game Studios exclusively for Xbox 360. The Gears of War 2: Dark Corners add-on is available on Xbox Live from today, July 29, 2009 onwards for a price of 1,200 MS Points. Gears of War 2: All Fronts Collection is now available and can be purchased for 1,600 MS Points.