The Gears of War series has always been known for strong co-op. Gears of War 3 would appear to be continuing that tradition. The folks over at Gamesradar gave us a massive preview, and all sorts of new co-op friendly features show up. In addition to the already established 4 player co-op, a few new weapons look tailor made for teamwork, such as the Silverback armor, pictured above.
The Silverback armor is a transformer of sorts, and acts like mobile cover. Teammates can safely hide behind a Silverback-wearing COG in defensive mode, but must be careful to protect the Silverback's vulnerable backside. Additionally, a super weapon has been teased that will require two players to coordinate effectively in order to use it. Both of these shiny new things feel very cooperative, don't you think?
The entire article is certainly worth a read for Gears fans, but we've got a few co-op specific quotes for you as well.
Even neater, you can now swap weapons and ammo with your co-op buddies (and even some NPCs), so you’ve always got the right tool for the gory job...
As the demo neared its conclusion, we were introduced to the COG’s kickass new weapon in the fight against the Locust and Lambent. Dubbed the Silverback, it’s a heavily-armed exo-skeleton ("Not a mech!" emphasises Bleszinski). The Silverback’s special move is a defensive mode that transforms it into an immobile lump of steel cover...
Teammates can then hunker down behind it, without fear of getting shot up. This brute is pretty tasty on offense too. The manufacturer’s spec is rocket launcher and chaingun, but you can choose your own combos too. Best of all, players can still pull off COG specialities like roadie runs and curb stomps when strapped inside the beast. Though watch out for the Silverback’s rear-end weak spot: there’s no armour plating there in offensive mode...
Co-op is another feature to have come under intense scrutiny in the Gears 3 design doc. As well as the weapon/ammo swap mechanic, a variety of environmental and personal interactions are promised. Stuff like having to team up to open a particularly heavy door, or pull barbed wire apart while a buddy scurries under. Tantalisingly, there’s even a super-weapon that will need two players to operate, though sadly nobody would tell us more...
Source: Gamesradar.com