Microsoft Announces Gears 2 Dark Corners DLC News

Microsoft has officially announced the previously spotted Dark Corners DLC for Gears of War 2, which will bring seven multiplayer maps and a new main campaign chapter to the game called 'Road to Ruin' on July 28th.

Releasing on the same date as this DLC will be a Gears of War 2: All Fronts Collection retail package, which will include codes for all of the previous Gears of War 2 DLC (i.e. the 'Flashback', 'Combustible', and 'Snowblind' map packs), as well as the Dark Corners DLC itself, for £14.99.

Dark Corners will be made available separately over Xbox Live at the price of 1600 MP (£13.60), adding a deleted campaign chapter called 'Road to Ruin' that places Dom and Marcus back in the Locust Hollow. Additionally, it seems a new stealth mode will allow gamers to play through the scene in two different ways.

Here are Microsoft's details on Dark Corners' seven new multiplayer maps:

• Allfathers Garden: Honor the sacred grounds of the Coalition founders in this explosive map, where powerful weapons catalyze fast and furious action at this COG landmark.
• Memorial: Set near the Eternal Flame, which pays tribute to the fallen soldiers on the battlefield, a hard-fought battle ensues at the Tomb of Unknowns. Putting their flank formation and evasive skills to the test, players will fight to control the Boomshot.
• Sanctuary: Once a peaceful ground for reflection and remembrance, all that remains of the Sanctuary is the chill of death. Feast your eyes on the arsenal of weapons available asyou make your way through the tight paths and blind corners of the Locust-damaged temple corridors.
• War Machine: Inthe abandoned train station that once served as a hub for travel, players will need to master the Longshot, Mulcher and Boomshot weapons to advance the fight while evading fire from the platforms above.
• Highway: Take the fight deep into the Locust Hollow in the complex passages of this underground highway system brimming with enemy vermin. Stick together, separate the enemy and have an exit strategy ready or it'll be a one-way trip.
• Way Station: Sitting in limbobetween death and "processing" are Locust way stations filled with fallen COG soldiers. Tread lightly and practice patience as it's better to sacrifice firepower for stealth while navigating this minefield of hidden grenades.
• Nowhere: Set in the middle of what was once a destination for weary desert travellers, the land is now barren and devoid of life. Pick off your enemies with the Longshot sniper rifle and make your way to the stairwell with a well-fortified team during this intense firefight.

If bought at retail in the All Fronts Collection, Dark Corners will also come complete with a 'Road to Ruin' introduction from Cliff Bleszinski, a strategy guide, custom Xbox Live theme, and collectable poster. All together, the Xbox Live value of these four portions of DLC is 3600 MP (£30.60), so a purchase at retail will save gamers £16 and they'll get extra stuff too!

"So why all the generosity, Microsoft?" we hear you ask. Apparently Gears of War 2 has just passed through the 5 million unit sales milestone, which is more than impressive for a platform exclusive title. This brings lifetime sales for the Gears series up to 11 million.