Gears of War 3: Fenix Rising DLC

By Michael Shelton / January 20, 2012

Have you even been playing Gears of War 3 still? If you haven't, it's probably the insane amount of video games that are still left over from the holiday season, but that's okay, really it is. If you're still interested in being pulled back into the the Gears universe there's still more beauty to be seen, and this time it's not all destroyed. The Fenix Rising DLC pack is intended to be a dedication of sorts to the protagonist of the trilogy, Marcus Fenix. By adding 5 new maps that each reflect a point in his life. Academy, Anvil, Depths, Escalation, and Slab. Capable of being played in Horde, Beast, and Versus, they add a great amount of value if you're looking for some new sights. Also, included in the DLC pack are four new multiplayer skins: Thrashball Cole (Limited Edition), Clayton, Savage Marauder, and Savage Kantus (Limited Edition). Three new multiplayer skins become unlocked through each tier of "re-upping". This process is essentially Gears of War 3's version of Prestiging from Modern Warfare. Choosing this option drops you down to level one , unlocking one new weapon skin, and altering the display color of your level during in-game menus. So, no you are not crazy for seeing green numbers instead of white. Personally, I think this is a great addition for the hardcore players, but I can't see myself losing all that progress once I finally hit level 100. The color green just doesn't seem worth it. At it's beating visceral heart, the maps are a welcome addition to the online playlists. Academy presents you with a glimpse into Marcus Fenix's academic life, offering gorgeous visuals. Some great close quarter combat happens in the back of the map inside the library, with a center choke point offering up the main hub of action. Great variations in elevation also help to keep you on the move. Flanking is encouraged, as is the usual in Gears. Anvil gives you a glimpse into a locale from the main campaign, after nature has taken control. Gorgeous green vines stretch across sections of the map, as brilliant light from the sun pours across. While this map offers three main points of action, I found that most of the action typically centers around the artillery section of the map which offers great flanking and cover opportunities. Depths quite possibly takes the throne for most unique map in the pack. Set underneath the sea, as combat takes place you can watch as the underwater life swims around above you. With a main staircase that oversees a good portion of the map, check out the left side for a great sniping location to keep the staircase in check. Escalation is a re-imagining of a classic map from the original Gears of War. Spanning out across the map you can see the glow of city lights in the distance, and is really a sight to see. One team begins at the base of an enormous set of stairs and must fight upwards. While those starting on the stairs have the advantage of the higher ground, many of the power weapons are available at the base of the stairs. It's merely a matter of play style, if you know how to use the majority of the power weapons you may be at the advantage. Slab calls back to time Marcus Fenix did in prison. Hands down this map is the grittiest of the new set. Offering up walls lined with graffiti, and when I spawned near the showers I swear it smelled like sweaty men. Slab is my personal favorite of the new maps offered. Allowing for some continuous CQC, this map keeps the action tense. Just don't get distracted by the thrashball easter egg. If you figure it out post it underneath in the comments! All in all, the new content is enough to keep me going back to Gears for awhile longer. Luckily, my season pass will keep me coming back until the last round of dlc. If you haven't picked up the season pass and you're interested in any of the dlc, I recommend picking it up. At 2400 Microsoft points you're entitled to the first four dlc packs, ending up saving you 33%.If you've been a fan I'd recommend picking it up, if you're looking for some new sights in multiplayer. If however, you've already moved on to bigger and better games, there may not be much left to see. See you online, and stay frosty.