Time, once more, for some curb-stomping, chainsaw-wielding fun...

With its global release now under a week away, Gears of War fans worldwide are preparing themselves for battle...one last time. Active reloads are being practised; tactical roll-outs are being perfected; and campaign modes are being revisited. However, for gamers lucky enough to make it into central New York yesterday, a fresh battle of desperation was already awaiting them.

Courtesty of Best Buy Theatre in Times Square, fans and GoW enthusiasts alike were treated to a visual spectacle, combining both authentic CGI and frighteningly realistic Cosplay to welcome to last in this epic series. Despite long lines, fans were kept entertained throughout, with a number of unique and interesting opportunities available courtesy of Best Buy and Epic.

To name but a few, fans were treated to a meet and greet with some very realistic cosplay characters, given some exclusive, GoW swag, and could grab photo of themselves holding a replica chainsaw gun - as a Gears fan, what more could you want?

Now, for those of you who still haven't pre-ordered the game, maybe this will help. In a recent interview with the Telegraph newspaper, Epic's Cliff Bleszinski, a lead designer on the GoW franchise, said: "We've confirmed we'll be doing campaign DLC. One thing I can tell you is that you're not going to see Marcus or Dom or Cole in it. Personally, I believe that DLC should be unique and cool, like Lost and the Damned, Gay Tony, Mad Moxie's Underdome Riot ".

So, as well as an incredible game, Gears of War 3 looks set - judging by Cliff's comparisons to the critically acclaimed add-ons featured within GTA IV and Borderlands - to feature incredible DLC content too?

Ladies and Gentleman, boys and girls, nerds and nerdettes...it's time to cast off the chains of CoD oppression and welcome the wholesome goodness of GoW into your lives...

Pictures are entirely the property of Kotaku.

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