I would have thought that Gears, over Xbox Live, on the Xbox 360, wouldn't exactly be a hotbed of n00b-ness. That's a pretty seasoned triumvirate right there. There must be a few wide-eyed, innocent fawns bumbling around out there, though, because Gamerscore has gone to the trouble of providing what is basically an "Official Microsoft" guide to Gears for new players.

They provide five main tips: using teamwork, focusing on the rush for guns at the start of every match, using roadie-runs to get your butt out of trouble, waiting until somebody is reloading before attacking them (cheap, Microsoft) and ignoring your friends gurgled, blood-spitting screams for medical assistance if there's bad guys around.

All sound advice, but saying "teamwork is key" is a bit rich. It's a bit hard to work as a team when you can't...well, make your own teams. Luke Plunkett

Getting Gears of War Soon? Newbies Listen Up! [Gamerscore]