The Dude has been playing some Gears of War 2 lately.  I didn’t go out and get it on release day although I’m a fan of the series.  I’m just finishing up the second Gears game and enjoying it.  Well…Maybe not really enjoying some of the boss battles that I frequently get stuck on.  Come on guys!  I’m more of a casual Gears fan than most.

Gears of War 3 was announced on Xbox Live the other day probably by mistake.  Cliff Bleszinski the series creator was supposed to be on the Jimmy Fallen show the other night to announce a new game.  Most likely his Gears of War 3 game.  The television spot was yanked at the last moment for unknown reasons.  Maybe they had time constraints?  Then, someone at Microsoft pulled the switch and let it slip on Xbox Live that Gears 3 will debut next year April 2011.

The final chapter in the Gears of War series of games will feature mech suits, underwater combat, new weapons, and a new cover system.  Gears 3 will use the new Unreal 3 engine which Cliff showed off at this years Game Developers Conference, GDC 2010.  The new engine does great work  rendering liquid metal and jungle foliage environments.

Loved the first game, and immensely enjoying the second as we speak.  Not worried if the third will be any good.  Of course it will be.

The Xbox Live Halo hub for everything Halo is getting released on November 5.  Mark your calenders reads the official tweet from Microsoft. 

Halo Waypoint is “THE” Halo destination featuring audio, video, and your Halo career by tracking your games and achievements.  You’ll also be able to check out new free episodes of Halo Legends amine.  All should be accessible from the 360 dashboard.

Will this be the jump off point for Microsoft and Bungie for a future Halo MMO?  Very speculative, but very possible.