A week of cruel teasing and cryptical hints has come to an end today, as Microsoft Game Studios and Epic Games have officially announced that the Gears of War "Emergence Day" will be November 12th for North America, and November 17 for Europe. Developed by Epic Games Inc. and published by Microsoft Game Studios, Gears of War tells the harrowing story of mankind's struggle against the monstrous Locust Horde, through stunning high-definition graphics and an intense storyline on the scale of a blockbuster movie.

One of the most anticipated next-generation console titles of 2006 and the critic's choice winner for the E3 2006 Best Console Game, Gears of War will explode onto store shelves with both a standard and limited collector's edition. The limited edition will offer an even deeper look into the graphically stunning and frightening world of Gears of War, providing an official "Destroyed Beauty" art book and a bonus DVD featuring an inside look at the making of the game - all enclosed in a highly collectible metal box.

"Our vision is to deliver a one-two punch of cinematic action paired with a thrilling and compelling interactive experience", said Cliff Bleszinski, lead designer at Epic. "With 'Gears of War' we've created a title that will place gamers directly in the shadows of a ravaged world, surrounded by the beautiful remnants of a destroyed city and the horrific dangers that hide in the rubble."

A new Gears of War screenshot is now up for the taking in our local gallery, and the E3 trailer is also available for those who missed it.

Let the countdown begin! Oh, and Sony - our deepest condoleances...

(N.B. Archive text, links removed)