Gears of War 2 set to explore Dark Corners

Microsoft today announced that Gears of War 2, Epic’s blockbuster exclusive for the Xbox 360, has sold 5 million copies worldwide. Microsoft also states that the overall sales of the Gears of War franchise have now eclipsed the 11 million unit mark. That’s a lot of chainsawing – and there’s more to come!

To commemorate these milestones, Microsoft Game Studios and Epic Games will unleash the Gears of War 2: All Fronts Collection, a compilation that combines all previous Gears of War 2 Game Add-ons with brand new multiplayer and campaign content for $22.99. Available only at retail, the new collection invades store shelves worldwide on July 28th, 2009.

Included in the Gears of War 2: All Fronts Collection is the Gears of War 2: Dark Corners game add-on, which features seven new multiplayer maps and a deleted campaign chapter titled Road to Ruin. In Road to Ruin, Marcus and Dom return to the Locust Hollow in a scene that can be played two ways, guns blazing or in an all-new stealth mode. The seven new multiplayer maps in the Gears of War 2: Dark Corners game add-on are:

• Allfathers Garden: Honor the sacred grounds of the Coalition founders in this explosive map, where powerful weapons catalyze fast and furious action at this COG landmark.

• Memorial: Set near the Eternal Flame, which pays tribute to the fallen soldiers on the battlefield, a hard-fought battle ensues at the Tomb of Unknowns. Putting their flank formation and evasive skills to the test, players will fight to control the Boomshot.

• Sanctuary (from Gears of War): Once a peaceful ground for reflection and remembrance, all that remains of the Sanctuary is the chill of death. Feast your eyes on the arsenal of weapons available as you make your way through the tight paths and blind corners of the Locust-damaged temple corridors.

• War Machine (from Gears of War): In the abandoned train station that once served as a hub for travel, players will need to master the Longshot, Mulcher and Boomshot weapons to advance the fight while evading fire from the platforms above.

• Highway: Take the fight deep into the Locust Hollow in the complex passages of this underground highway system brimming with enemy vermin. Stick together, separate the enemy and have an exit strategy ready or it’ll be a one-way trip.

• Way Station: Sitting in limbo between death and “processing” are Locust way stations filled with fallen COG soldiers. Tread lightly and practice patience as it’s better to sacrifice firepower for stealth while navigating this minefield of hidden grenades.

• Nowhere: Set in the middle of what was once a destination for weary desert travellers, the land is now barren and devoid of life. Pick off your enemies with the Longshot sniper rifle and make your way to the stairwell with a well-fortified team during this intense firefight.

Already enjoying the previously released Gears of War 2 collection of map packs? Released day-and-date (July 28th, 2009) with the Gears of War 2: All Fronts Collection, the Dark Corners game add-on will be available for download via the Xbox LIVE Marketplace for 1600 Microsoft Points.