So over the last week I finished two games I have been playing, namely Gears Of War 2 and Mirror’s Edge, and continuing on from my initial impressions as posted previously – what is my final, closing opinions?

Gears Of War 2

I found it easier than Gears 1, playing it on Hardcore difficulty the same as the last game, and only really struggled during one boss encounter, of which I wont spoil for you here.  Saying that I found it more enjoyable than Gears 1 as it had a better story, more epic locations (especially the crumbling city of Jacinto and the Locust Palace), and the action felt a bit more strategic with the new weapons (the scorcher flame thrower being a particular favourite) and improved enemy, team-mate intelligence adding greatly to the experience.  All in all, it just felt good to play.  I found it bizarre though that sometimes your team-mates, Dom, Cole & Baird could clear an area without you needing to do much at all.  Realistic I suppose – but then, isn’t it supposed to be me playing it, and not the computer?  Then again this happened in Call Of Duty 4.  In addition, I don’t see the point of the vehicle sections – they aren’t as fun as in say, Halo 3 and just feel like padding.  Then again, I can see why the developers put them in – variety.  I personally couldn’t care less.  I prefer my gunning to be on foot.  Take note developers.

Mirror’s Edge

This has come in for a lot of stick, but in my opinion, this was (mostly) a joy to play.  Its one of those games that once you get an idea of what the game wants and how you need to play it – it all falls into place.  This is my tip – are you surrounded by a shed load of cops with guns?  Don’t bother with running and climbing – they’ll get you for sure.  Just try and disarm or (more easily) knock out one and grab his gun, then use it to pick off the rest.  Each gun has very limited ammo, so when you kill a cop, go get his gun, then kill the next, and repeat until area is safe.  You will avoid much cursing at the screen this way, I promise you.  Other than that the game is gorgeous, with some beautiful level design straight out of an art deco catalogue, and when you are trying to figure out where you need to be and how on earth you could possibly get there – thats where the fun lies – and in this respect, the game is unrivalled.  Especially because for the first time, it really feels like YOU are running along that wall, and YOU are climbing and swinging to get onto that ledge.  Stunning.  It also has plenty of replay value, and the story, although a little simplistic, is engrossing enough to keep you playing.  Oh and I suppose it is a touch short, but nine levels is still a decent length for any game in my opinion.

Of course all this means is – what now?  What gaming goodness do I turn to next?  Do I go back to Grand Theft Auto 4?  Maybe.  Do I play online with Gears 2?  Erm, I would if I could get the b****** to update!  Or do I go out and purchase Fable 2?  Its tempting.  Or maybe Tomb Raider: Underworld?

Its a good time to be into games, I can tell you!