Gears of War 2 review

Gears of War 2 is the cover shooter that defined the Xbox 360 for many owners. Microsoft announced it at GDC 2008 as the sequel to the 4.5 million selling Gears of War, developed by Epic Games exclusively for the console, with a saga of survival, loss and retribution as Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad fight the Locust Horde. Epic's lead designer Cliff Bleszinski called it bigger and better than the first game. Game Developer reported Microsoft's figure that more than 1.5 million people logged into the game on Xbox LIVE in its first weekend. A used disc lists at $11.99 at DKOldies. It ranks ninth here because the story leans on the first game, the online side relies on Xbox 360 services, and the tone is relentlessly grim.

Who it is for

Players who want cover-based action and a console exclusive from the Xbox 360 era.

Price

Used Xbox 360 disc from $11.99 at DKOldies (regular price, before sales).

Original price: $11.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Continues the story of Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad
• Fight for survival against the Locust Horde
• Third-person tactical action from the genre-defining series
• Developed by Epic Games exclusively for Xbox 360
• Online play on Xbox LIVE

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Sequel to a game Microsoft said had sold 4.5 million copies
• Strength: Only $11.99 used
• Strength: Xbox 360 exclusive at launch
• Weakness: Best enjoyed after the first Gears of War
• Weakness: Online play depends on Xbox 360 network services
• Weakness: Very violent, for adults only

Key facts

• Developer: Epic Games
• Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
• Announced: February 20, 2008, at GDC
• Launch: November 2008
• Genre: Third-person tactical shooter

Where it ranks

Gears of War 2 is No. 10 in our Best Xbox 360 Games of All Time verdict.