An Epic Gears of War 3 Release Party
Being called the “most influential series in the generation,” the Gears of War series has brought the shooter genre to a whole new light. From its emergence day back in November of 2006, Gears of War has been a gaming franchise that isn’t ever afraid to get down and dirty. With two titles already out and allowing players to explore the war-torn world of Sera, Epic has done an amazing job in providing players with a series that will not only stifle their hunger, but bring gamers together in a brand new way.
Gears of War 3 released just yesterday, and we were lucky enough to have been invited to a release event here in our neck of the woods. The local Applebee’s restaurant teamed up with GameStop to offer a party like none other. The restaurant played host to many gamers who were eager to get their hands on the new game, as well as take up arms in a Gears of War 2 tournament for supremacy. The best part of the whole party? Applebee’s made special drinks (which were alcoholic beverages, sorry youngins) that they were calling Imulsion. These drinks modeled perfectly after the liquid fuel in the game, and went down with a slow burn that made them all the more an interesting concoction.
The Gears 2 tournaments played out in 2v2 matches, with the teams taking the best out of three rounds. It goes without saying that these matches were intense, and required some top-notch amounts of teamwork. Gnasher rounds were smashing off cement, headshots were abound, and Roadie Runs were essential for survival. When the tournament came to the final two contestants, tensions were at their highest. After three rounds of bullet-stained carnage, the victor came out winning with the coveted curb stomp!
The winners can be seen pictured above in the gallery, standing with Applebee’s Manager and co-coordinator of the event, Dan McCord. Applebee’s did an amazing job with service, upkeep, and overall management of the party. GameStop came together and did a great job managing the tournament. Everything went smoothly, and the Imulsion kept coming in hot!
After the tournament ended, everyone shuffled on over to GameStop to pick up their copy of Gears 3. Plenty of people were in line since 9 PM, and more arrived to make the line creep along. As you can see above, GameStop was more than ready for the release, keeping the games and merch piled in a pyramid of epic proportions. As soon as the midnight struck, the line ran along and players left with the Epic title in their hand that so many were waiting on for what seemed like an endless amount of time.
I am currently playing through my copy, and it’s amazing so far. The review will be up soon, so keep an eye out!
Applebee’s and GameStop came together to create one great release event, and I am so glad I could be a part of it. With drink specials, half-price appetizers, and tournaments which yield some great prizes, it’s easy to say that the event was a success. Much thanks go out to each entity involved, and I can’t wait to jump on another release party. If you’re ever in the Bloomington area, come on in and get ready for a great time.
Have you picked up your copy of Gears of War 3 yet? If so, how are you enjoying it? Did you head to any release events?
