Gears of War Novel Trilogy Announced

[Andy Chalk]

Gears of War Novel Trilogy Announced

Gears of War [http://www.delreybooks.com/] videogames.

The first book in the trilogy, Gears of War: The Battle of Aspho Fields, will be written by Karen Traviss, whose previous credits include the Star Wars Republic Commando novels as well as her own Wess'Har series of books. As the last human stronghold on Sera readies itself for a renewed Locust assault, will ghosts from the past and a terrible secret shatter the powerful friendship between Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago?

"After finishing the first Gears of War game, players were left wanting to know more about Delta Squad and the events leading up to Emergence Day," said Michael Capps, president of Epic Games. "This trilogy of novels opens up whole new worlds of storytelling opportunities, and will add even more context to the upcoming comic book series, game sequel and motion picture. We loved Karen Traviss' work on the Republic Commando series, and we can't wait to get her Gears book to our fans."

"Playing Gears of War is a kick-ass experienced," added Del Rey editor Keith Clayton. "And the Gears of War books should remain true to the spirit of the game. I'm happy to announce that the marriage of Karen Traviss and chainsaw bayonets is a match made in Heaven - or Hell, if you happen to be a Locust drone."

Following hot on the heels of Gears of War: The Battle of Aspho Fields will be Gears of War 2, the sequel to one of the most popular games of 2006, set to launch on November 7 exclusively for the Xbox 360 [http://www.xbox.com].

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[Jumplion]

Well, it's about damn time they started milking GeOW.

 

[ElArabDeMagnifico]

Now people are going to talk about how "deep" GeOW is because it has books out for it.

 

[shatnershaman]

Well, it's about damn time they started milking GeOW.

Now people are going to talk about how "deep" GeOW is because it has books out for it.

Your hate is strong young Skywalkers.



Woo-hoo Karin Traviss is actually good.

Ironic though that Gears books and The Republic commando books focus on a Delta squad (2 and 3 in RC I know not so much in 1.

 

[tendo82]

If they can get John Updike or Don Delillo to ghostwrite the novels maybe there's a chance for them.

 

[Conqueror Kenny]

Well this is going to go down as well as the Halo books. Hardcore fanboys only, the rest of us will just enjoy the game.

 

[ElArabDeMagnifico]

Your hate is strong young Skywalkers.

Whatever shaman I've been seeing you trying to start a system war or a pointless argument in almost every thread I see you post in. God forbid you and indigo_dingo post in the same thread.

 

[shatnershaman]

God forbid you and indigo_dingo post in the same thread.

Been there done that.

 

[ElArabDeMagnifico]

God forbid you and indigo_dingo post in the same thread.

Been there done that. over and over

I'm aware - hence why I brought it up. It's like a marriage made in hell.

 

[Conqueror Kenny]

Well considering that the reason so many people love Gears is because of the stupid amount of gore and the spectacular graphics. I don't think they would be able to bring that to novel form.

 

[stompy]

Again side-stepping the (possible fanboy) fighting, I'd like to say that it looks interesting.

It's funny should bring up the Halo novels. Everyone slags Halo for having a terrible story, but the books are pretty good. The way I see it, if you want to get the story, get the books and enjoy yourself. If, on the other hand, you just want to shoot some Covenant bastards, play the games.

Like that, the GeOW novels will allow people to get background information on the story, learning more about what events led to the game of GeOW. If you want to just play the game though, don't buy the novel.

It appeals to both the twitchy and the story-lover. Everyone lives happily ever after.

 

[Fire Daemon]

I want to see how he would write the gore. "The locust head exploded" doesn't work too well.

 

[ElArabDeMagnifico]

Again side-stepping the (possible fanboy) fighting, I'd like to say that it looks interesting.

It's funny should bring up the Halo novels. Everyone slags Halo for having a terrible story, but the books are pretty good. The way I see it, if you want to get the story, get the books and enjoy yourself. If, on the other hand, you just want to shoot some Covenant bastards, play the games.

Like that, the GeOW novels will allow people to get background information on the story, learning more about what events led to the game of GeOW. If you want to just play the game though, don't buy the novel.

It appeals to both the twitchy and the story-lover. Everyone lives happily ever after.

-but stompy you always say that games need a good story and "a game can be great, but a good story is what I remember", if the story is in the book then what's the point of having the game?

 

[shatnershaman]

if the story is in the book then what's the point of having the game?

To play it. Even Yahtzee points this out.

 

[stompy]

-but stompy you always say that games need a good story and "a game can be great, but a good story is what I remember", if the story is in the book then what's the point of having the game?

Good stories are great. I love a great story, and any game with an amazing story I willing to ignore a few gameplay issues. Thing is though, I also love good gameplay. Even if the story is average, I don't mind it because I'm having fun with the game.

I see this as a compromise. FPSs, my favourite genre right now, aren't known for their stories. The main demographic is the frat-boy who doesn't give a shit about story, but just wanted to blow shit up. Instead of forcing a story down their throats and perhaps sacrificing some gameplay for its story, they have allowed those who are interested in the story to learn more, and frat-boys to continue to blow shit up.

People like me can learn more about how the Locust came about, the background of Marcus Fenix, Dom's story and what led up to the game. On the other hand, I can put a copy of Gears into my Xbox 360 and enjoy killing some Locust scum. Both sides of me, the idiot and the intellect, are satisfied. Win-win in my eyes.

Frankly, I don't think they are milking the franchise. The novel's purpose is to cater to the more interested fans. I think that Gears has quite a good premise, and I'd rather see Epic allow the novels to expand on the story, unlimited by the short attention spans of some of the audience, then cram the game with story that will turn away some fans and perhaps break the flow of the game.

I hope I've answered your question El Arab...

 

[ElArabDeMagnifico]

You have, I just thought that you would have proffered a more intertwined version.

 

[stompy]

You have, I just thought that you would have proffered a more intertwined version.

In this case, I wouldn't. Like I've said before, games like Gears don't work too well with having a grand story and fantastic gameplay. I'd rather Epic play it safe, using their games to pander to the frat-boys while those who have a vested interest can learn more at their own choosing.

Oh, and did you actually mean 'proffered', as in to give evidence to support the affirmative, or do you mean 'preferred'? I don't mean to be pedantic, but I think I might not be answering your question if you actually meant proffered.

 

[ElArabDeMagnifico]

Typo lol, "pre"ferred. Spellcheck didn't catch me on that one.

 

[Lt. Sera]

Stories of FPS games ported to books.. I never saw that done successfully before, and i doubt it'll ever will.