E3 2011: Gears of War 3 preview

Epic Games is upping the ante in its hugely popular Horde mode for the next installment in the Gears of War franchise. In its first incarnation, which debuted in Gears of War 2, the mode pitted you and four players against wave after wave of increasingly difficult enemies. But in Gears of War 3, the Xbox 360 exclusive title scheduled to be released Sept. 20, the development studio has made a number of intriguing additions to what's been dubbed as Horde 2.0.

At the center of the adjustments is the addition of money. Players now earn money for kills, aiding teammates and advancing through each of the 50 total waves of enemies. This cash can be spent in a variety of ways including building fortifications, which are strategically placed obstacles that you can purchase to slow the enemy AI. These fortifications can also be upgraded. Initially, you can purchase spike walls and barbed wire barricades but as you progress you unlock laser fences. Money can also be spent on decoys and sentry guns, each of which can also be upgraded.

These defenses are built around command posts -- a central hub that can be chosen from four to five predetermined locations that you can select at the start of each match. New bases will become available as the matches progress, keeping situations fresh -- something that was a problem in the original Horde Mode.

"The beauty of the fortifications is it slows the enemies down," Epic Games creative director Cliff Bleszinski said at E3. "It's a continuation of stuff that was in Horde 1 but taken to the next level."

Bleszinski and his crew also took Horde to the next level by the myriad ways players can aid their teammates. If one of your comrades is low on ammo, you can now share some of your own and even weapons. This mechanic also works with the money you accrue.

Teamwork will be even more important in Horde 2.0. At the end of each 10th wave you will have to defeat tremendous beasts from the campaign. Unlike the original Horde Mode, the enemy types will vary from wave to wave to increase the difficulty and unpredictability.

Despite spending countless hours playing the original Horde Mode, my hands-on time with the new version married much of what made the original so addictive with the tweaks that breathe new life into the fan favorite. The three-wave demo provided a glimpse into how vital the fortifications will affect Horde 2.0. Strategically choosing your fortifications was key to keeping the enemy AI at bay. But the enemy soldiers were focused on taking down the most lethal obstacles, such as the manned turrets, which amplifies the importance of teamwork. Splitting up and defending both sides of the map was instrumental to success.

With the release date fast approaching, Gears of War 3 is setting up to be a fitting addition to one of this generation's most popular franchises. For more on the game's campaign and Beast Mode, check out GameCore's 2010 E3 Gears of War 3 preview.