Microsoft started its E3 press conference with a thunderous explosion of gore, violence and mayhem with a live demonstration of the much-hyped [i]Gears of War[/i]. The footage shows off a part of the first-level where the protagonist, Marcus Fenix, is released from his imprisonment and begins tearing through aliens with a hail of bullets.

There was a lot of talk about [i]Gears[/i] when it was unveiled last year, and so far the Xbox 360 title looks like it's living up to the hype. The action is frenetic, but seems to rely on the use of cover and strategic approaches to the enemy. The most exciting feature that was shown off in the video demonstration was the use of the saw-blade melee weapon that appears to be attached to Marcus' rifle. In a gasp inducing moment when Marcus comes in tight on an alien invader, he takes the saw right to the chest of his opponent and proceeds to shred him in a spectacular display of blood and guts.

[i]Gears of War[/i] is shaping up to be a must-have title, and Microsoft certainly made people take notice that the console wars, not even in full engagement, are going to be one hell of a fight.