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Gears of War Updated, New Maps Wednesday
Microsoft's biggest seller for 2006 (2.7 million sold in eight weeks) is certain to be a series we'll see around for a long, long time. In the immediate future, though, the game is getting a much-needed update today, with new maps available this Wednesday. The new maps are multiplayer only, and are entitled 'Raven Down' and 'Old Bones'. From the update: "Fixed rare situation where players could get stuck after chainsawing in multiplayer. Reduced Grenade Tag melee distance (Z: thank you!). Enabled 'Strict' NAT check on host to prevent possible connection issues. Optimized server browser queries to return results more quickly and prevent scroll bars from hiding quality of service icons. Reduced number of possible revives in Execution to match Warzone. Removed host name from Ranked match server browser. Disabled security cameras in Ranked matches." It's great that the game is getting an update, but that innocuous looking 'removed host name from ranked match server browser' means it is now even more difficult to hook up with friends for a Ranked match. Boo, Epic. Boo.
The most discussed item of this update is the "Removal of host name from Ranked Matches." The game still has the option to create a Player Match, in which you can invite your friends and play with them to your hearts content. However, for whatever reason this is of no consequence and people are demanding they be able to play Ranked! matches with their friends. The difference between the two game types?
Currently they are as follows:
1) Ranked matches list you on a leaderboard for your individual contribution (not as a team)
2) Player matches allow you to invite your friends, but do not track your statistics
3) Ranked matches usually consist of 1 team of friends led by the host, with the other team being a random selection of people
After the update, things will change as follows:
1) Ranked matches list you on a leaderboard for your individual contribution (not as a team)
2) Player matches allow you to invite your friends, but do not track your statistics
3) Ranked matches will consist of 2 teams of random people
So I'm not sure why everyone is all up in arms about it. If you want to get your precious ranked points, you'll have to be able to communicate with people outside of your circle of friends. I know it may be scary, but if it is too nerve-racking - you can go back to your player matches to work up the courage to do it again.