This award-winning game has, besides the single-player story mode, two multiplayer modes which are playable on Xbox LIVE -– co-operative and versus. In co-operative mode, you can team up with a friend. In versus mode, up to eight players are divided into two teams. The object is to eliminate the opposing team.

Pros
~ The online action is fast and action-packed, and the graphics and environments are some of the best ever seen in a console game.
~ There are constant map packs and updates to give the game legs and provide users with newer challenges.
~ Gears of War is relatively easy to play. The controls are simple but it could take a while to learn the strategies and tactics that are vital for success in the online spectrum.
~ The online co-op mode allows your friends to assist you in clearing levels that you may find difficult by yourself.

Cons
~ One of the biggest negatives is that you can't have more than eight players in online versus. Four-a-side seems a little low for a shooting game.
~ Microsoft's Xbox LIVE isn't free. You will need to buy a subscription to be able to play online.

Fun factor
Unlike many team-based shooting games, Gears of War lets you throw caution to the wind and go out all guns blazing. While this may reduce the realism, it sure makes for some exciting, adrenaline-pumping action that will keep you hooked for a long time.