Last week, Microsoft released an all-new set of multiplayer maps for Gears of War, entitled the Hidden Fronts Map Pack. So GameDaily put them to the test and see how well they hold up.

Process, the first map, takes place in a huge abandoned processing plant beneath the troubled city. This map stands out for its excellent environmental detail. Glowing light shines through the panels from below, illuminating the hallways in spurts. Flowing lava can be seen through some of the cracks, with various bridges to cross and structures to duck through. These come in handy for shielding and positioning for good distance kills, although someone can easily sneak up from behind for a chainsaw attack or an up-close-and-personal frag. Process should easily be a favorite amongst Gear fanatics.

Garden takes place in an outdoor setting, with trees and foliage surrounding abandoned outdoor structures. The lighting stands out as one of the best features. The lighting works with a twilight setting, with the sun not completely out but with details still very easy to see. The level provides a lot of hiding spots, along with wide-open face-off points for those eager to engage in a firefight. The poison rooms also deserve noting, mere death traps for anyone who stays inside them for too long. While it doesn't qualify as a full-fledged favorite, Garden still deserves a few play-throughs -- especially to those who prefer a straight-on firefight.

Subway takes place mostly in an abandoned subway (shocker). It starts outside during a rainstorm before the action eventually travels indoors, with players bobbing and weaving around subway cars. The detail doesn't expand as greatly as the other two maps, as it mostly takes place indoors, but it still impresses with its sense of darkness and minimal lighting. Those who like mastering covered environments (for quick kills) should thoroughly enjoy hanging around this Subway.

Bullet Marsh is probably the best of the four maps. The level shifts between wet marshes and dry spots while a thunderstorm looms overhead. The thunder and lightning effects look and sound authentic, causing the screen to flash sporadically. Kryll can fly in to the darker spots for some vicious assaults, so watch out for spotlights and take advantage of them. This locale works because of a sheer sense of balance, with few hiding spots to scope out the enemy team. Look for Bullet Marsh to become an instant favorite in the weeks -- and months -- ahead.

Subway and Garden feel like retreads of previous Gears of War levels, but Bullet Marsh and Process make this purchase worthwhile. Epic kept a watchful eye over the development of these maps, making 800 points more than worth it. To those not interested in paying for the maps, they will become available for free come early September. However, fans of the game and purists shouldn't wait -- two outstanding maps clearly outshine the two average ones.

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Gears of War Game Guide

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