KEY POINTS:
Herald rating: * * * * *
Pros: Raises the bar for gaming in every category - graphics, storytelling and game play. Gears of War pits a group of men against an army of locust soldiers. It's dark, action-packed and ingeniously conceived.
Cons: It explores the same dread-filled territory as Doom and the two Halo games. More seasoned first-person shooter fans will spot the few holes that exist.
Verdict: Tramples over previous favourites to become my pick for Xbox 360 game of the year.
Censor's classification: 16+
