Late last week, Gears of War went on sale in Japan. If early (albeit isolated) indications are anything to go by, Gears *could* be a hit. While the title racked up an impressive Famitsu scores and sports truly impressive graphics, some believed that the game's blocky very American-style characters wouldn't fly with gamers used to more slender Final Fantasy-type heroes. (Interesting to note: There is a population in Japan who are extremely interested American games just as there's a Western segment who fetishize Japanese titles. Kindred spirits!) Though, move several million copies abroad, and bet your ass, Japan listens. While the title sold flat out at Sofmap, the Gears demo at retailer a-Too reportedly drew a crowd. Mind you, this isn't just for an Xbox 360 game, but a CERO Z-rated Xbox 360 game so I am interested in seeing those sales figs. Like I said, isolated, possibly meaningless, but in Japan, still impressive. Brian Ashcraft

Gears Sell Out [Ota Road]

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