New Gears of War DLC, Forces of Nature, Announced

A new DLC pack for Gears of War 3 has been announced via GameTrailers; a decent-sized pack offering up three new maps, two old maps, four new character skins and a collection of weapon skins. On top of that, there'll be four hidden weapons that allow you to utilize the power of nature and a set of new achievements.

Due for release on March 27th, the new maps – Aftermath, Artillery and Cove – offer a look at a world transformed by the elements. Artillery sohwcases a huge storm, including tornado, which kicks up dust and throws debris around the map. Aftermath shows, well, the aftermath of a tsunami, complete with quakes and flooded areas. As you play futher, more of the map becomes closed off and it gets harder and harder to be stealthy. Finally, Cove, a map covered in fog. A single sniper's nest exists but a bright light behind you means you'll always be highlighted when peering into the bleakness below.

Also returning is Jacinto and Raven Down, two favourite maps from Gears 2.  The pack also contains a set of new characters, pictured above, and five new weapon skins. New elemental weapons will be placed around the "Forces" pack and will allow you to  do things like stun enemies from a distance with the Snow Cleaver. Three other elements will be available as well and, 25 kills with each weapon will net you an Achievement.