Middle East in awe with Xbox 360's Gears of War 2 launch

    Dumped value of 'ID':
'176379';

Dumped value of 'images_loop':
[
    {
        'caption' => 'Gears of War 2.',
        'name' => 'GOW_2.jpg',
        'url' => '/7/67937-GOW_2.jpg'
    }
];

The Middle East saw a great reaction from gamers, when they rushed stores to get their hands on a copy of Xbox 360 blockbuster game for 2008. A total of 20,000 retail locations in 20 countries, including leading retail outlets across the Middle East, opened their doors to the crowds waiting to get their hands on this must-have entertainment experience.

'Gears of War 2', the sequel to the 5 million-selling blockbuster action game, and one of the most popular Xbox 360 games in history, picks up right where 'Gears of War' left, it sees COG heroes Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad fighting to save the last cities on Sera from an engulfing Locust threat, while the mission turns personal for Dominic Santiago as he uncovers clues in the search for his missing wife, Maria.

'For a game to be truly recognised as a blockbuster takes both critical acclaim and commercial success, and Gears of War 2 has topped the charts on both accounts. Looking at the response to the pre-order campaign that we launched at GITEX 2008, we had little doubt that 'Gears of War 2' would be a major hit. But the massive response from Xbox 360 gaming fans in the Middle East and the huge sales have been astounding,'

said Aman Sangar, Product Marketing Manager, Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division Middle East.

Retailers have also expressed their excitement about the launch of 'Gears of War 2'.

''Gears of War 2' was received very well by the customers. Microsoft did a great job of ensuring that we were in sync with the global launch of 7th Nov and that the huge week 1 sales were quite impressive. 'Gears of War 2' is definitely sitting right on top of the games sales currently and with the impeding coming holiday season, we are expecting sales to be quite strong,'said Ahmed Ibrahim, Multimedia Buyer, Virgin Megastore.

'The first Gears of War game was a big hit in the Middle East and gamers have continued to play it well after its release in 2006,' said Kishan Palija, Managing Director, Geekay Games. 'The initial demand we've seen for Gears of War 2 has been nothing short of astounding, and the game is on track to become the number one gaming title for the region.'

'Gears of War 2' is available as a Standard Edition with an estimated retail price (ERP) of Dhs269 as well a Limited Edition with an ERP of Dhs299. The Limited Edition is packaged in a collectible SteelBook DVD case and includes a 48-page hardbound book titled 'Beneath the Surface: An Inside Look at 'Gears of War 2,'' which is filled with character profiles and exclusive concept art. The Limited Edition also includes a bonus DVD containing the making-of documentary and a keepsake photo of Dominic and Maria Santiago.