The Gears of War video has just been released on a new FTP web site. Narrated by Epic Lead Designer Jim Brown, the video displays the Unreal level editor, included with Gears of War on Games for Windows.

“Gears of War,” is a Games for Windows title, and features the tactical multiplayer action found in the Xbox 360 version, that sold more than 4 million units, as well as a variety of all-new content, including three new multiplayer maps, a new multiplayer game type, Game Editor, five new campaign chapters and DirectX 10 support.

With “Gears of War,” Epic returns gamers to the massively scoped worlds, memorable characters, co-operative gameplay, and hyper-realistic combat that gamers have come to expect from the franchise, plus a few new surprises.

According to the company, features include:

• Frag-filled new content. “Gears of War” will feature locations that are unique to the franchise and the genre. Players will encounter all of their favorite foes from the Xbox 360 version; however these intense encounters will take place in some new environments and allow players to manipulate the new game modes and technology found only in a Games for Windows title. Boasting three new multiplayer maps, a new multiplayer game type, Game Editor, five new campaign chapters and DirectX 10support.“Gears of War,” will challenge and push the limits of the PC gaming experience and provide an unparalleled visual presentation.

• Engaging and disturbing cinematic story. Movie-like cut scenes, cinematic camera moves and in-game storytelling bring the brutal, emotionally charged narrative to life. Gamers control Marcus Fenix and his fire team as they pit advanced technology against the overwhelming and horrific Locust Horde.

• Unmatched online gaming. “Gears of War” will tap into the power of Games for Windows — LIVE to deliver online matchmaking for its Gold account members. The service will enable gamers around the globe to connect via their PCs allowing players to experience individualized matchmaking, view player statistics, earn player Achievements, customize games and create personalized profiles.

• New Game Editor. The game will also feature the all-new Game Editor, guaranteeing new user-generated content in the future. The “Gears of War” community will be able to tap their endless creative potential to develop an unlimited number of user-created levels through complete access to the Unreal Editor. Players can now import custom artwork into the engine, create particle systems, scripted encounters, cinematics and more.

• Astounding visuals in next-generation gaming. “Gears of War” ushers in the next generation with incredible visuals, pushing DirectX 10 visual designs and bringing out the smallest details in the largest battle. Gamers experience a rich dynamic world with a supreme level of detail in resolutions up to 1920 x 1200. Characters come to life with unbelievable model quality and a physics-integrated animation system that has them truly reacting intelligently to events as they unfold around them.

• Hyper-realistic and intense combat. In “Gears of War” the battlefield is a lethal place — to foolishly stand out in the open is to invite an untimely demise. To survive, gamers must employ strategy, take cover using the interactive and dynamic environments and suppress the enemy with blind fire, using their weapons and teammates to outwit and outfight their terrifying enemies.

Minimum system requirements:

• OS: Windows XP or Windows Vista
• Processor: Intel 2.4 GHz or AMD 2.0 GHz or higher
• HDD space: 12 GB
• Graphics card: NVIDIA GeForce 6600 or ATI X700 or higher
• Online multiplayer: Broadband Internet connection and Games for Windows – LIVE membership (Gold membership is required for matchmaking and multiplayer Achievements)

Epic Games, Inc., based in Cary, NC and established in 1991, develops games and game engine technology for PC and console. The company has created multiple million-selling, award-winning titles in their Unreal series and their latest game, “Gears of War,” broke sales records on Xbox 360 selling more than 3 million copies worldwide in the first ten weeks and awarded overall Game of the Year for 2006 by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, Game Developers Choice Awards, GameSpot, GamePro and many others. Epic is also responsible for the Unreal Engine, which is the underlying technology for a wide range of games including, Console Game of the Year winner, “Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell” by Ubi Soft; PC Gamer’s Game of the Year, “Deus Ex” from Ion Storm/Eidos; “America’s Army: Special Forces” by the United States Army, and “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (PC) by Electronic Arts. Epic’s Unreal Engine 3 is the current holder, and three-time consecutive winner, of Game Developer magazine’s Front Line award for Best Game Engine. Epic Games was also awarded Studio of the Year at the 2006 Spike TV Video Game Awards and Developer of the Year by Official Xbox Magazine.

The video is available for download, for use on web sites, however, the company asks that no links back to the FTP site be displayed and that the URL not be publicly distributed.

To learn more, please visit: http://www.epicgames.com.