It’s no secret that Epic Games has established a very avid relationship with Microsoft, producing such exclusives as Gears of War and Shadow Complex – both very high sellers for Microsoft’s system, the Xbox 360. However, it shouldn’t come as any surprise that Epic would proclaim themselves as the “unofficial engine” of Project Natal, Microsoft’s upcoming motion-sensing device.

When speaking to Official Xbox Magazine UK in an interview, Mark Rein Vice President of Epic Games talked about the many ways that Unreal technology could be implanted with Project Natal, even going as far as to call it the “unofficial engine” of Project Natal.

“We are going to work with Microsoft to make that available to Unreal Engine licensees who want to make Natal games,” Rein said. “So, if you want to make a game on Natal, you want to get a big head start and use the same tech as Microsoft, come talk to me. We are the unofficial engine of Natal, or maybe the official, I don’t know. In other words, we consider ourselves the ‘economic engine of Natal.’ You want to make money with Natal, come talk to us, we’ll help you.”

Let’s do the math. Natal + ideas = Unreal Engine usage. Sounds good to me.

During the Microsoft keynote, Epic Games revealed their upcoming title Shadow Complex, which is the developers first arcade title, coming exclusive to Xbox Live arcade.

The game combines the best of old-school side-scroller design with modern, cutting-edge gameplay and incredible high-definition graphics. Collect power-ups, discover new abilities and evolve your character into a force of destruction as you explore an original story set in the world of Orson Scott Card’s best-selling novel, Empire.

Yes!!! Mark Rein has confirmed to Eurogamer that Epic Games, the developers behind the Gears of War series, does indeed have “something new to announce at [this years] E3″.

“Yes we will have something new to announce at E3,” said Rein, before apologising that he couldn’t say anything more until the event. “And I’m looking forward to seeing the show back to its former glory.”

The developer is currently finishing up work on the Gears of War 2 expansion Dark Corners, which set to release worldwide on 28th of July.

Well, this holiday season isn’t as white as it should of been for video game publisher and developer EA, but besides all of its problems they processed to try an fulfill the needs of their Mirror’s Edge fans.

Yesterday, EA confirmed that Mirror’s Edge will be seeing a follow-up, but on the downside, it’s sad to see the company announcing this in the face of a disappointing holiday sales rate.

“While we saw significant improvement in the overall quality of our key products this year, we are disappointed that our holiday slate is not meeting our sales expectations,” said EA CEO John Riccitiello to GI.biz. “Given this performance and the uncertain economic environment, we are taking steps to reduce our cost structure and improve the profitability of our business.”

However, despite slow sales the warm critical reception afforded to Mirror’s Edge will ensure a sequel.

“Many times with a new intellectual property, the first edition doesn’t generate the units that subsequent editions could generate,” Riccitiello continued, “Mirror’s Edge is one that was very strongly reviewed, that one’s going to go forward. We’re probably going to look into some issues around the design to make sure strong IP is married with strong business.”

No one can be disappointed with the with the newest title from EA, Mirror’s Edge, but it looks like no one told Cliff Bleszinski that. In an interview with GamePro, Cliff Bleszinski had his normal talk about Gears of War 2, but one thing that stood out at the end of the interview was his lack of understanding of EA’s upcoming game, Mirror’s Edge.

Bleszinski :”I think Mirror’s Edge will be great, too, but they’re showing me too much parkour, I want to see the gunplay. I hope it’s not all just running and jumping. As long as there’s something chasing me… even Mario had Goombas, you know?”

I really don’t mean to be a pain about things like this, Cliffy, but just because a game doesn’t focus on guns doesn’t mean it isn’t a good game. Even if you want more “parkour”. Also many of you may want to know why this would concern him, it’s because the game runs on Unreal Engine 3, which was made by the company he works for Epic Games.

Gears of War design director Cliff Bleszinski has talked against developers handing over their IP to be developed by other studios, saying the Call of Duty-style approach to games means quality is ‘lost in translation’. Just like that movie I saw sometime back. When speaking at an press event for the launch of Gears of War 2 he was asked about his views on franchises that have the popularity of Gears but which have multiple designers. But Bleszinski did say that he wasn’t interested in letting another developer have a crack at designing a Gears episode – and other franchises which try that approach tend to become soulless when a property changes hands.

He goes on to tell the guys at DevelopMag that: “We’ve got a lot of ideas about where the franchise will go. But sometimes I feel a franchise loses something when it’s shifted off to another shop. You get the primary studio that really understands about the franchise, and sometimes the other studio that takes it over can do well, but there’s something lost in translation, like the game’s soul has gone.”

We all know why Gears of War 2 wouldn’t be coming to the PC, not that any of us really care right now, but do you want would make Gears of War 2 more fun? What if you had the chance had the chance to show some Freshmen to the game how to live it up like Seniors to the game. We know that you have been barraged by the Gears of War 2 news today, but this rumor was just to good to past up.

According to a post on the Evil Avatar forums, Gridlock, Subway, Canals, Mansion, and Tyro Station will be available to download off Xbox Live Market Place the day that the is release. But, here’s where they get you. It will only be available for people who purchase a new copy of the game.

First it was Gears of War 2 now it seems like we’ll be adding one more game to the list. Capcom has announced that Resident Evil 5, a zombie horror game, has been cut for the Games Convention. The game has been cut for the same reason as Gears of War 2 because of the law on violent video games in the country that the event is being held in. But, the game will be presented at another event next month, TGS.

While we are still preparing for the 2008 edition of the Games Convention in Leipzig, which is scheduled for next week. Today, we have learned that the much anticipated video game, Gears of War 2, will not be part of the show. Indeed, Microsoft and Epic Games have simply decided not to present the game on the spot for the simple reason that the game will not be sold in the country. Go figure.  “Microsoft doesn’t show Gears 2 at Leipzig because they don’t sell the game in Germany,” says Mark Rein, President of Epic Games.

Let’s say you really want to play Gears of War 2, but due to the fact that it is plagued filled with hardcore violence some people may take an offensive. But, as you know, the people at Epic Games are smart and they where kind enough to help all it’s Gears fans out with this issues. MCV revealed today that, the same non-violence feature that was in the first Gears, will be placed in Gears of War 2. This feature will basically removed all violence from the game that will appeal to a younger audience. Also adding to the fact that when this feature is activated blood will become sparks and all swear words will be turned into mild curse words. Gears of War 2 will be released for the Xbox 360 on November 7th and will ship with all it’s parental controls out of the box.

By now we aready know that Gears of War 2 is one of the must have games of the holiday season and we’re all pretty excited to see what Epic has cooked up for us.

GameStop has just revealed the limited edition box-art for Gears of War 2, the limited edition of Gears of War 2 will feature a collectible SteelBook™ DVD case (which is viewable in the picure), a Beneath the Surface: An Inside Look at Gears of War 2 and a 48-page hardbound book. Along with the hardbound book it will feature a:

• Bonus DVD including exclusive making-of-the-game video footage, design galleries with audio commentary by Epic Games, and promotional videos including the E3 2008 trailer.
• “Rendezvous.” An exclusive gold-plated Lancer Assault Rifle available during online play.

Today, Epic Games revealed the official box-art for their upcoming game, Gears of War 2. If you don’t know by now, Epic Games is all about the amazing and everything attached to them is nothing short of amazing or in others words this Box-Art may win over the hearts of Fanboys a-like. Please don’t forget to put what you think of the Box-Art below.

When you first lay eye’s on the trailer you will notice that lighting is just amazing, as the camera slowly comes up and you see Marcus holing one Locust in his left hand while walking and the way the shadows interact with the light makes for one great beginning. Then you start hearing a voice that kind of reminds you of something from BioShock saying “I have a rondevu with death” makes the game look even more amazing. Then right after that when you see Dom laying down on the left side concord sleeping you notice all the shadow that interact with Dom’s face right when he get’s up.

I really don’t need to say much more but this word should cover it “AMAZING” .

But, there was something missing in the trailer, yet they didn’t put it in there, the trailers was missing some Lucost on chainsaw action. Other then that everything in the trailer was done to the best of Epic’s ability from the voicing to the light Epic did a great job.

The game maybe all about Marcus but, have you ever wonder who was that strong female voice in all those trailers for gears of war? Well, looks like Cliff Bleszinski wants you to stop wondering because in an interview revealed by Danish gaming website, Game Reactor, that the wonderful female voice would be finally revealed.

Here’s what he had to say "Several Boomers scream “For the Queen!” in the game, while General RAAM encourages to “Serve the Queen!” This led to believe that this female voice is The Locust Queen, but her identity has yet to be revealed. Now we know it will be revealed this November." Could this mean that The Locust Queen is set to make an appears in gears 2? Well, i hope so. Just as was state in the quote you will be able to play as Marcus once again in gears of war 2 this "November."

Announced for November 2008 by Microsoft, today we can assure you that Gears of War 2 leaves precisely to Europe on 17 of November. Also if you can’t wait to get your hands on Microsoft Games Too Human in Europe, you’ll be getting your hands on the game in current August, August 2008.

As of now there is no official North American release date for Gears of War 2  but it’s rumored for a November 16 release window .

SEGA of America today announced that it has extended its relationship with Epic Games by signing a new Unreal Engine 3 licensing deal for an unannounced, cross-platform game. SEGA entered into its original licensing agreement to develop multiple titles with Unreal Engine 3 in May 2007. Details of the project in development will be released at a later date.

“The great capabilities of Unreal Engine 3 make it possible for our developers to deliver incredible gaming experiences,” said Dave Cobb, Vice President of Development for SEGA of America, Inc. “Unreal Engine 3 provides superior power and flexibility enabling SEGA to bring original and exciting next-generation multi-platform titles.”

“SEGA has cultivated some of the world’s most treasured game franchises, and we are thrilled that they have decided to make more games with Unreal Engine 3,” said Mark Rein, vice president of Epic Games. “Epic is committed to supporting SEGA with exceptional tools and technologies so it may continue to build upon its successes.”

Developers and publishers around the world have licensed Unreal Engine 3 for PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Since Epic has shipped its internal titles across all supported platforms, the engine’s content pipeline and technical capabilities have achieved unprecedented levels of maturity and accessibility. These advancements, combined with the continual incorporation of top quality middleware libraries via Epic’s prestigious Integrated Partners Program, present Unreal Engine 3 as a superior offering for cross-platform game development.

Through this licensing agreement, SEGA will be able to take advantage of Unreal Engine 3’s latest technological enhancements, including dynamic ambient occlusion, destructible environments, an advanced crowd system and much more.

The people at Xbox360 fanboy have post a very cool list about what they have learned about Gears of War 2. Posted after the break, they compiled a rather complete list of new GoW2 facts, tidbits and information we discovered after giving the latest video a good watching analysis.

Things Learned From Gears of War 2 Gameplay Trailer
• The Locust now have the ability to sink entire cities with giant emergence holes.
• To defend against the Locust onslaught, the COG transport vehicles called Derricks bring tunnel machines called Grind Lifts to Locust occupied areas. Underground combat ensues.
• Campaign level act one, chapter three is named “Assault”.
• Reavers are back for GoW2 and they are trouble.
• Both the cover system and active reload look to stay true to their Gears roots.
• Overall combat is much more open and expansive, it truly looks like you’re in the middle of a war.
• Brumaks are back and yes, you will be gunning them down. Take that Gears of War PC!
• The ability to generate hundreds of Locusts on screen looks (as we expected) to be used to set the mood of the battle and make it more frantic. Think of these hundreds of Locusts as interactive decoration.
• We’re introduced to a new Lancer style weapon that shoots ammo in bursts.
• We’re also introduced to a new pistol weapon that sort of looks like Halo 3’s Brute Spiker.
• When a Locust falls to his knees you’ll be able to use him as hostage cover.
• Locust neck snapping is now an option.
• They’ve added a new chainsaw animation that was seen in the teaser trailer. Basically, the chainsaw is flipped over, stuck into a Locust’s back and is forced up vertically through the torso. Bloody disgusting.
• Chainsaw duels are real! The chainsaw victor is the one who can press “B” the fastest in the mini game.
• Assault Derricks pack a lot of firepower and do a pretty good job at running over Brumaks.
• Gears of War 2 is going to be incredible!

[Things learned from the GoW2 gameplay video via Xbox360Fanboy]

You have been waiting for along time and it’s finally here, the first and hopefully not the last time we will see gameplay for Gears Of War 2. If you ask me the gameplay is nothing short of amazing and it’s not something you will want to miss. Gears of War 2 takes place 6 months after the Lightmass Bomb at the end of the first game. Gears 2 is a third-person shooter video game exclusively for Microsoft’s Xbox 360.

Epic has released another screenshot for there upcoming game Gears of War 2, the screenshot first appeared in this months issue of GameInformer. Gears of War 2 will take place six months after the detonation of the Lightmass Bomb at the end of the first game, Gears of War. Gears 2 is a third-person shooter video game  exclusively for Microsoft’s Xbox 360.

Removed as request of Microsoft

DC Comics, the largest English-language comic book publisher in the world, in partnership with Epic Games, Inc., announced plans today to publish a comic book series based on the hugely popular action video game franchise Gears of War. The series is slated to debut from DC’s WildStorm publishing imprint in October. More details about the series, including the creative team, will be released at a later date.

The winner of over 30 Game of the Year awards, Gears of War for Xbox 360 and PC features amazing tactical action and multiplayer excitement. The plot thrusts gamers into a deep and harrowing story of humankind’s epic battle for survival against the Locust Horde, a nightmarish race of creatures that surface from the bowels of the planet. Gears of War 2, which continues the story of Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad in an epic saga of survival, loss and retribution, is the sequel to the blockbuster game that sold over 4.5 million copies and redefined the third-person tactical action game genre. Gears of War 2 is being developed exclusively for Xbox 360 and will launch this November.

"We are thrilled to be working with DC Comics to further bring to life the Gears of War universe. A lot of our developers are huge comic fans, and have loved the personas and chronicles unique to DC Comics since childhood," said Dr. Michael Capps, president of Epic Games. "The Gears of War storyline and characters that millions of gamers have come to cherish will be a perfect fit under the WildStorm imprint."

"Big guns and monsters — what a perfect comic book for WildStorm! We have an opportunity to work closely with Epic to add to the canon of the Gears of War mythos, so you can imagine how excited we all are, said Hank Kanalz, VP – General Manager, WildStorm. "Epic sets the bar very high, in graphics, story, and gameplay — and expect no less from our series, starting with our lead-in arc that fills in the gaps between the first game and the upcoming sequel."

Please Note: this is a presss release from DC comics and Epic games