Xbox Gaming in South Africa

Microsoft and Epic Games have finally detailed the first downloadable content pack for Gears of War 3, with the Horde Command Pack featuring three new maps, new playable characters, weapon skins, additional achievements worth 250 Gamerscore, as well as new fortification upgrades to combat the Lambent and Locust threats in Horde mode.

Check out the full details below:

New maps:

• Blood Drive – The Jacinto Medical Plaza was overwhelmed by evacuated citizens after the government-sanctioned Hammer Strikes, and the ensuing riots quickly turned this safe haven into a dangerous inferno. An abundance of high ground and funneled choke points make this map a returning favorite to Horde.
• Rustlung – Once the pride of the Royal Tyran Navy, the foredecks of this decommissioned battleship are now riddled with bullet holes. Any team with the fortitude to hold the exposed central torpedo bay will find that the ship’s Loader has been replaced with a battle-ready Silverback mech suit.
• Azura – This island resort was once the exclusive domain of Sera’s educated elite, but the tranquil water gardens and lush foliage have become a hotly contested combat zone. Dual snipers overlook a powerful explosive weapon, while the defensive central platform may be your last resort of retreat.

New fortification upgrades:

• Command Center – A brand new type of fortification that allows you to call in fire support from sniper teams, mortar strikes and even multiple Hammers of Dawn.
• Decoy Upgrade – A new fortification level that turns your decoy into an Onyx Guard bot that will fight in your defense.
• Sentry Upgrade – This upgrade adds a fire bolt sentry that deals much more damage and is very effective against Berserkers.
• Silverback Upgrade – This advancement allows you to upgrade your Silverback exo-suit with devastating rockets and extra levels of repair cost reduction.

New characters:

• Onyx Guard
• Big Rig Dizzy
• Bernie

New weapon skins:

• Team Plasma
• Jungle Camo

The Gears of War 3 Horde Command Pack DLC will be available on Xbox LIVE on 1 November for 800 MS Points, and will automatically download for those who've purchased the Gears of War 3 Season Pass which offers a discounted rate on all Gears 3 DLC.