Countdown begins for the most anticipated game of 2006

Aug 3, 2006 15:00 GMT  ·  By

Since the first frightening images appeared a little over a year ago, gamers worldwide have felt the ominous rumblings of something approaching that defies all conventions. Sightings as recent as at the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2006 have confirmed its existence, leaving gamers breathless. Microsoft announced what anxious players have been eagerly awaiting: Emergence Day 2006. Available exclusively for the Xbox 360, "Gears of War" will be available in stores in the UK on 17th November, 2006.

One of the most anticipated next-generation console titles of 2006 and the critic's choice winner for the E3 2006 Best Console Game, "Gears of War" will explode onto store shelves with both a standard and limited collector's edition. The limited edition will offer an even deeper look into the graphically stunning and frightening world of "Gears of War," providing an official "Destroyed Beauty" art book and a bonus DVD featuring an inside look at the making of the game - all enclosed in a highly collectible metal box.

"'Gears of War' represents the emergence of a thrilling new franchise for Xbox 360 and is the must-have game of 2006," said Shane Kim, general manager of Microsoft Game Studios. "Combining the best in innovative gameplay, next-generation graphics and interactive storytelling, Epic has harnessed the extraordinary power of Xbox 360 to create an extremely powerful and immersive entertainment experience."

"Our vision is to deliver a one-two punch of cinematic action paired with a thrilling and compelling interactive experience," said Cliff Bleszinski, lead designer at Epic. "With 'Gears of War' we've created a title that will place gamers directly in the shadows of a ravaged world, surrounded by the beautiful remnants of a destroyed city and the horrific dangers that hide in the rubble."