In fact, if Duke were to tone down the wise-cracking, cocky attitude and don a bandanna - he'd fight right in with Marcus and Friends; there's not going to be another testosterone-fuelled third-person shooter good enough to rival Gears Of War any time soon. Fenix's gravelly voice, impossibly-muscular physique and happy band of comrades have all led to the formation of the series' 'Dudebro' image. Despite the negative connotations such a term conjures in the mind, Marcus, Dom, Baird, Cole and the always-unfortunate Carmine family should wear the label with pride. Marcus' mug has become synonymous with male camaraderie and platonic love between a squad who's only desire in life is to chainsaw Locust Drones in half. Epic Games' smash hit had Sony running for the hills for more than one reason back in 2006. Aside from the obvious reason - that Gears Of War revolutionised its native genre and belonged exclusively to the Xbox 360 - Gears' almost astronomical success meant that Microsoft had yet another iconic mascot to champion the Xbox brand alongside Master Chief. But then Sony hit back...
Joe is a freelance games journalist who, while not spending every waking minute selling himself to websites around the world, spends his free time writing. Most of it makes no sense, but when it does, he treats each article as if it were his Magnum Opus - with varying results.
