Players slip into the role of Marcus Fenix, a disgraced former war hero, as he fends off an alien species intent on taking over the planet. It’s the same old story but one that Microsoft and the developers Epic pull off very well.

Rather than rely on taking the hail of bullets that is heading your way, the game allows you to use any solid surface, be it a wall, vehicle or crate for cover.

Here you can either show yourself to take a more precise shot, or do as they do in the movies and fire blindly in the vague hope of hitting something.

Get past the gameplay and Gears of War presents you with luscious cinematic visuals. Combine that with great effects such as the bobbing camera when you run and blood splatting on your screen when you are in close combat, and it’s a visual treat from start to finish.

Coming from the makers of Unreal Tournament, the game always promised much, and having played it solidly for a week, I am delighted to say that it lives up to its promise and more. There’s not much left to do in games after this.

STUART MILES