Slideshow: Why Gears of War Rocks

Exterior shot from Gears.Screenshot: Courtesy of Epic Games / Microsoft Game Studios

Those red dots? Your fallen teammates. Uh oh.Screenshot: Courtesy of Epic Games / Microsoft Game Studios

Enemies can be difficult to hit when they're this close.Screenshot: Courtesy of Epic Games / Microsoft Game Studios

The 'Hammer of Dawn': A laser-sighted weapon draws a satellite death-ray down on particularly hard-to-kill foes.Screenshot: Courtesy of Epic Games / Microsoft Game Studios

Head-to-head machine-gun combat: Not exactly a new invention, but utterly at its finest in Gears of War.Screenshot: Courtesy of Epic Games / Microsoft Game Studios

Make it easy on yourself – aim for the head.Screenshot: Courtesy of Epic Games / Microsoft Game Studios

The Locust: Pretty much like ever aliens you've ever killed before, but slightly creepier.Screenshot: Courtesy of Epic Games / Microsoft Game Studios

Lots of stuff to hide behind in every room – and you'll need it.Screenshot: Courtesy of Epic Games / Microsoft Game Studios

Skulking behind cover: The only way to survive.Screenshot: Courtesy of Epic Games / Microsoft Game Studios