GeekSugar

Gears of War 2 Review: My Boyfriend Loves It

GeekSugar — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:01:45 PST

As I'm writing this, my boyfriend is playing Gears of War 2 with a buddy via online co-op play. He is also wearing an Xbox Headset so that they can communicate and strategize their mission.

So to say that my boyfriend loves GOW2 is a bit of an understatement. Besides the fact that there was a permanent butt imprint in our last couch when the first installment of the series hit the shelves, it seems that in some weird way the game re-establishes a sense of manliness that is lost from days of working in customer service, IT support, or just bending to the wants and needs of others. It brings an aura of brotherhood as you battle the "Locusts" together, lending a hand with your chainsaw to amputate the enemy that chokes your brother-in-arms. It's a phenomenon I'll never be able to explain.

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I can't say that I've had much time to play Gears of War 2 myself - you know, since there are always at least four guys on my couch taking turns high-fiving each other for destroying the "horde" - but I can give you some observations I've made over the past few days. To find out what they are, just read more.

There's much more story involved in this game than in the first Gears installment.
Online co-op play is the preferred way to "Gear Up."
You can literally play for hours and not get bored.
Graphics are good, and blowing things up is awesome.
The Locusts' voices are pretty creepy.
This would be the ultimate Christmas gift for a guy in need of some male bonding.
You'll have plenty of time to do your nails/shop/workout/play your DS without your BF bothering you about it.

I don't know if any of these insights will help you decide whether or not to actually purchase Gears of War 2 for yourself, but hey, if I'm going by my boyfriend's enthusiasm, it's like the greatest game ever. Gears of War 2 is available now for $60 on your Xbox 360. Source

What Video Game Should Become More Girl-Friendly?

GeekSugar — Tue, 20 May 2008 04:30:55 PDT

The designer of Gears of War 2 recently told Wired that the sequel to Gears of War would be more "girlfriend-friendly," namely, by making the female avatars' breasts smaller and having them not be "bad stereotypes." My knee-jerk sensitive reaction is with him using the term "girlfriend-friendly" - let's be clear - girl gamers do buy and play their own games and don't need to be classified generally as girlfriends (talk about bad stereotypes). The term girl-friendly is just fine.

In any case, I do appreciate that video game makers are recognizing that girls are playing these games and that some tweaks should be made to certain games to make them unisex. I know a lot of you girls will play a game whether you feel represented or not, but I know that the addition of less-polarizing features will make some girls pick up that controller, even if it's something as mild as adding an even number of female avatars.

It would be nice to see other video games follow suit too - wouldn't it be great to have a girl play as much of a starring role as Nico or Vlad in GTA IV?! On that note, what video games do you think could stand to be a little more girl-friendly?

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Deck the Halls With R2-D2 Lights

Kristy Korcz — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 11:02:41 PST

Getting your pad decked out for the holidays? Might I suggest a festive Star Wars theme this year with the help of a R2-D2 light set ($24). Coming with 10 indoor/outdoor lights, this string would be the perfect addition to an intergalactic tree, a decorated mantel, or window display. Tis the season to be jolly, and show off your geeky style too.

iPhone Owners: Get Your Own R2-D2 iPhone 4/4S Skin

Kristy Korcz — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 05:21:54 PDT

Hey iPhone owners: remember how frustrating it was when Motorola introduced that R2-D2-themed Droid last year? You knew you weren't going to drop your iPhone in exchange for an Android device, but boy, that thing was pretty sweet. Well, your patience (and loyalty) has paid off with this R2-D2 iPhone 4/4S Skin ($10) from Etsy seller Killer Duck Decals.

Fitting the front, rear, and sides of your iPhone 4 or 4S, this decal gives you the Android look you always wanted, without having to go through the learning curve of a new OS. Want to see more? Get a better look at this decal in the gallery!

Get Closer to a Hoth Getaway on Star Wars Snowboards

Kelly Schwarze — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:37:25 PST

Have your kids hit the slopes this Winter in Star Wars style with a limited-edition line of Burton Snowboards gear based on the movies. The kids-size Chopper Star Wars snowboard ($190) is available in eight image variations, from a noble Yoda to the scene of Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker locked in a lightsaber battle. The boards come in a variety of sizes from 30 inches to 51 inches long. To complete the Hoth-ready look is the youth-size R2D2 helmet ($100) that adjusts to any head size and helps to keep goggles in place.

Sadly, there's no word whether the line will ever be available in grown-up sizes. Check out all the offerings in the Star Wars Burton gear line in the gallery.