CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- So just how do you follow up an ultra-successful, critically-acclaimed smash hit like "Gears of War"? Well if you're Cliff Bleszinski and the gang at Epic Games, you take everything that was great about the original "Gears" and crank it up a couple of notches, then toss in one of the most addictive multiplayer modes ever created for good measure.

"Gears of War 2" picks up not long after the events of the first "Gears." The lightmass bomb intended to destroy the Locust Horde failed to accomplish its goal and the ensuing counter-attack has pushed the human race to the brink of extinction. It's up to Marcus Fenix, Dom and the rest of Delta Squad to take the fight to the Locust before humanity's last stronghold, the city of Jacinto, falls.

If I had to pick one aspect of "Gears of War 2" that's been improved upon the most, it has got to be the story. The narrative in the first "Gears" served little purpose other than to give you a reason to curb-stomp some scary-looking bad guys. That's not the case with "GoW2."

While it's not a story-driven game like "Metal Gear Solid," it does contain more cutscenes. And yes, there's still plenty of cheesy dialogue; but there's also actual character development this time around. It's rare that a shooter allows you the opportunity to form emotional bonds with its characters, but "Gears of War 2" succeeds in doing just that.

The gameplay remains virtually unchanged. It's still a third-person over-the-shoulder FPS that relies heavily on cover. But Epic has fine-tuned the game to eliminate many of the problems of the original "Gears." One of the few complaints I had with the first game was that I would constantly get sucked into cover behind objects when I didn't want to. This was especially true when dashing from place to place. I'm happy to say that I did not experience this once in my time with "Gears 2." I also found it somewhat easier to pull off Active Reloads.

While I recommend everyone experience the campaign mode (which can also be played cooperatively with up to four people), it is the competitive online multiplayer modes that will keep "Gears of War 2" spinning in consoles for months and years to come.

"Gears 2" offers up 15 maps, including five downloadable ones, and several new game modes like Wingman and Submission. There is also a new matchmaking system that makes it easier to get into a game quickly. But the highlight of the online multiplayer component is, without a doubt, Horde. In this mode, you and four of your friends battle wave after wave of Locust. With each wave (there are 50 total) the enemies get more difficult. It's a simple premise, but it's unbelievably addictive and a ton of fun.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- So just how do you follow up an ultra-successful, critically-acclaimed smash hit like "Gears of War"? Well if you're Cliff Bleszinski and the gang at Epic Games, you take everything that was great about the original "Gears" and crank it up a couple of notches, then toss in one of the most addictive multiplayer modes ever created for good measure.

"Gears of War 2" picks up not long after the events of the first "Gears." The lightmass bomb intended to destroy the Locust Horde failed to accomplish its goal and the ensuing counter-attack has pushed the human race to the brink of extinction. It's up to Marcus Fenix, Dom and the rest of Delta Squad to take the fight to the Locust before humanity's last stronghold, the city of Jacinto, falls.

If I had to pick one aspect of "Gears of War 2" that's been improved upon the most, it has got to be the story. The narrative in the first "Gears" served little purpose other than to give you a reason to curb-stomp some scary-looking bad guys. That's not the case with "GoW2."

While it's not a story-driven game like "Metal Gear Solid," it does contain more cutscenes. And yes, there's still plenty of cheesy dialogue; but there's also actual character development this time around. It's rare that a shooter allows you the opportunity to form emotional bonds with its characters, but "Gears of War 2" succeeds in doing just that.

The gameplay remains virtually unchanged. It's still a third-person over-the-shoulder FPS that relies heavily on cover. But Epic has fine-tuned the game to eliminate many of the problems of the original "Gears." One of the few complaints I had with the first game was that I would constantly get sucked into cover behind objects when I didn't want to. This was especially true when dashing from place to place. I'm happy to say that I did not experience this once in my time with "Gears 2." I also found it somewhat easier to pull off Active Reloads.

While I recommend everyone experience the campaign mode (which can also be played cooperatively with up to four people), it is the competitive online multiplayer modes that will keep "Gears of War 2" spinning in consoles for months and years to come.

"Gears 2" offers up 15 maps, including five downloadable ones, and several new game modes like Wingman and Submission. There is also a new matchmaking system that makes it easier to get into a game quickly. But the highlight of the online multiplayer component is, without a doubt, Horde. In this mode, you and four of your friends battle wave after wave of Locust. With each wave (there are 50 total) the enemies get more difficult. It's a simple premise, but it's unbelievably addictive and a ton of fun.

It's hard to believe, but "Gears of War 2" surpasses its predecessor in every way imaginable. Without a doubt it deserves to be included among the greatest games of its generation. Don't let this one pass you by.

"Gears of War 2"

Developer: Epic Games

Publisher: Microsoft

Available for: Xbox 360

Rating: M for mature

Score: 9.7/10