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Microsoft’s brutal third-person shooter had a big showing at E3 with two new games. MCV looks at the tie-in products set to raise cheers for Gears
Gears of War was back with a bang at this year’s E3.
Microsoft rolled out two big reveals for the IP during its press conference. Gears remains one of the most popular and prosperous Xbox series of all time, having made more than $1 billion since 2006.
Gears 4 will be the first all-new title in the franchise following Microsoft’s acquisition of the brand from creator Epic Games in January 2014. The Xbox One exclusive is being created by the newly-founded Microsoft studio The Coalition, set up to focus solely on expanding Gears of War.
Gears 4 is the first instalment since 2013’s Judgment, which sold more than one million units worldwide. It will additionally be the next numbered Gears entry following 2011’s Gears of War 3, which shifted over three million copies in its first week on sale – outpacing its two predecessors.
Before Gears 4 lands in 2016, the original Gears of War is returning in the form of a spruced-up HD remaster for Xbox One. Gears of War: Ultimate Edition will also mark the series’ return to PC; the first Gears was launched on PC to poor sales, leading to the absence of Gears 2 from the platform.
Gears of War was the fastest-selling video game of 2006. It also helped to establish the Xbox Live online platform, becoming the second-most played game on the service in 2007. The game remains the eighth-best-selling Xbox 360 title to date, closely followed by its direct sequel, Gears of War 2. Both games have sold in excess of five million copies each.
A long-discussed film spin-off to the series has been in production since 2007, which has been outlined as a prequel to the first game. Licensed by Lord of the Rings studio New Line Cinema, the movie was most recently attached to Stuart Beattie, writer of the original Pirates of the Caribbean and I, Frankenstein.
Gears Of War 3 Action Figure: Series 1: Marcus Fenix
This detailed model of lead hero Marcus Fenix is a brand new design resculpted entirely for enhanced realism. The figurine features more than 30 points of articulation and a completely new costume and armour based on Marcus’ in-game appearance. The character-specific weapon included is the iconic retro Lancer chainsaw-gun hybrid. Additional weapons can be pegged on the character’s back. The figure stands almost seven inches tall.
SRP: 12.95
Manufacturer: NECA
Distributor: Star Images
Contact: 0207 249 4662
Gears Of War Meccano King Raven Construction Set
This build-it-yourself model allows fans to recreate the COG army’s transportation and assault helicopter. It features rotating propellers, two mobile doors and retractable belly-mounted wheels, plus a machine gun. The set comes with figurines of Marcus Fenix and Clayton Carmine, plus a Locust Drone and Locust sniper for them to battle against.
SRP: 39.99
Manufacturer: Meccano
Distributor: SpinMaster
Contact: 01628 535 000
Gears Of War Belt withCrimson Omen Buckle
Fans of Gears can keep their trousers up while ducking behind cover with this belt and buckle branded with the striking Crimson Omen logo.
SRP: 17.99
Manufacturer: Bioworld Merchandising
Distributor: Gaming Merchandise UK
Contact: hello@gamingmerchandiseuk.com
Gears of War Plasters
These packs of 24 assorted plasters will let players express their fondness for Gears even when wounded.
SRP: 3.99
Manufacturer: Boston America
Distributor: Boston America
Contact: sales@bostonamerica.com
Gears Of War Locust Bandana
Gamers who side with Gears’ reptilian baddies can pop on this headwear to mimic their fearsome visage.
SRP: 4.99
Manufacturer: NECA
Distributor: Star Images
Contact: 0207 249 4662
Gears of War Metal Dog Tags
Engraved with ‘property of the COG’, these metal tags are the perfect way for players to show off their love for Gears – with gears.
SRP: 9.99
Manufacturer: NECA
Distributor: Star Images
Contact: 0207 249 4662
Gears Of War Black Backpack With Crimson Omen Logo
Whether it’s a chainsaw-equipped machine gun, or just some books and clothes, this backpack will fit in plenty of belongings.
SRP: 29.99
Manufacturer: Bioworld Merchandising
Distributor: Gaming Merchandise UK
Contact: hello@gamingmerchandiseuk.com
Gears Of War Velcro WalletWith Logo
Gears fanatics can keep their shrapnel safe from shrapnel with this branded wallet; the ideal place to stash cash until Gears 4 arrives.
SRP: 10.99
Manufacturer: Bioworld Merchandising
Distributor: Gaming Merchandise UK
Contact: hello@gamingmerchandiseuk.com
