If things had gone according to plan, gamers everywhere would be only a few months out from enjoying the glorious chainsaw action of Gears of War 3. Unfortunately, Microsoft’s decision to make Gears a strategic fall/holiday release has eliminated any chance of that glorious dream from becoming a reality and gamers are left holding out for a while longer.

Though news of a beta and even something being touted as Gears of War Ultimate are ideas that should hopefully tide gamers over for a fair amount of time, these newly released screenshots should pack a more immediate reaction. Showcasing some of the game’s multiplayer maps, characters and even some skirmishes in action, these screens are very Gears of War, and that’s a good thing.

One thing readers will notice from the outset is the aesthetic of the locations. Packing in an art design that steps away from what players are used to is something Cliffy B has said gamers can expect and it certainly seems to be the case from these latest Gears of War 3 images. There are still the trademark grays and browns, but this time around a few splashes of color break up the monotonous palette gamers have grown familiar with.

Check out the screens below:

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Also breaking up the monotony, the monotony of machismo power lifters, is the introduction of female characters into the Gears team. On the bottom right is Bernadette “Bernie” Mataki, the veteran ace sharpshooter and the other is Anya Stroud, a character who was seen but unplayable in the other Gears games. In an effort to give Gears 3 more universal appeal, Epic Games has decided to let even the females get in on some curb stomping action.

Finally, the screens presented loyal fans with one of the last remaining Carmine brothers in action. Though the Carmine family has suffered some bad luck in the Gears franchise thus far, it looks like this one has a realistic chance of surviving. After raising some $150,000 dollars for charity, the fate of Clayton Carmine was determined by the fans, and the fans, according to our polls, overwhelmingly want him to live.

Gears of War 3 should still have a whole lot more content to get gamers excited, but these screens are certainly a start. With a planned beta in April and a delayed announcement still in the cards, there’s plenty more Gears of War 3 on its way. Stick tuned to Game Rant for any and all details.

What do you think of these new screens for Gears of War 3? Care to make any guesses as to why there’s a character dressed in football pads?

Gears of War 3 releases in the fall for the Xbox 360.

Source: Examiner