The Active Reload and Heartrate.

[Mike.Dude]

What one gains in damage output through active reloads, one loses in agility and speed. Acquiring/defending power weapons becomes significantly harder when one is spending their would-be roadie running time making empty space in their weapon. It's a give and take, and no, it is not cheap.

[gotitmemorized?]

yeah active whores with shotty don't annoy me....

active whores with Longshots DO.

[GearHead_Sniper]

If anyone already said this, then ignore the post. But going on:

You do realize you only have to shoot ONE bullet, and press RB and the active reload thingy pops up. You don't have to waste all that valuable ammo. But, I still think it's a weak move that people use all too much. I swear, I see guys use sniper and first thing they do is waste 3 shots and active reload all of them. They get one shot on some guys foot, and he's down. Not only that, but the system is illogical. Reloading faster doesn't affect your bullets impact on enemies in real life. So WTF would Epic put that in this game?

[somecut8]

Well, it doesn't really bother me because while yes, it does make the bullets more powerful, remember, it does not last forever. Wait a little, like the sniper active runs out in about 7 seconds, then go and fight. If you can't, just do the same thing and learn that it is part of the game.

[stslimited84]

It is an aphorism of mine that if a sniper relies on the Active reload, he is a poor sniper. This can be applied to all weapons, as well. I seriously pity anyone who relies on the Boomshot active especially.

Still, it is a valid function, albeit a ridiculously unskilled one, so as long as they don't claim "own," I won't complain.

Why is it unskilled? The objective of the game is to kill the opponent anyway you can (without glitching). Anything else is fair game. If you get killed by it, then you're the one lacking skill, not the person who killed you. Get off your high horse you n00b

[stslimited84]

I find it funny that more people think it's skillful.

If the game intended you to start with an upper hand they would give you an empty shotgun to reload upon seeing your first enemy.

To me Active reload is like kicking someone in the Nuts in the beginning of a fight and the defense is ...

"Well I've got a leg with a foot on it and he's got some nuts that will bring him to the floor if I hit them."

What I posted above to the other guy applies to you too...you're just a bitter n00b

[Mike.Dude]

Not only that, but the system is illogical. Reloading faster doesn't affect your bullets impact on enemies in real life. So WTF would Epic put that in this game?

Real life =/= video games. One Lancer bullet to the head should kill someone - it doesn't. A Hammerburst salvo shouldn't travel as slow as it does - but it does none the less. If you're looking for a game that parallels real life, Gears isn't it.

I find it funny that more people think it's skillful.

If the game intended you to start with an upper hand they would give you an empty shotgun to reload upon seeing your first enemy.

If both teams started with empty weapons then neither would have an upper hand. In spite of emptying most of one's clip at the beginning of a round, one also loses valuable time getting to the power weapons.

The beauty of this concept is that there are multiple ways to start the round instead of just roadie running from A to B.

To me Active reload is like kicking someone in the Nuts in the beginning of a fight and the defense is ...

"Well I've got a leg with a foot on it and he's got some nuts that will bring him to the floor if I hit them."

In MMA and most other fighting leagues, nut shots are forbidden. In Gears, active reloading is not. If I ever trained for a fighting league where applied force to an opponent's bread basket was legal (which I never would, that would hurt WAY too much), I'd use all resources available to me - my legs mostly - to ensure that he hit that floor as fast as possible.

[SnowBallin]

Actually shooting one does not give the whole clip active reload just what you shot.

[Ido]

Weak move...I kick them and their team's asses no matter what.

[TC Angel Of Fury]

It all depend's on who's doing it and how many shot's i only shoot out 3 MAX shell's for the shotgun no more.

[EpicHugs]

mike.dude - well said. I am so sick of people complaining about what is right and fair, and what isnt. People moan when i get a high numer of downs/kills with the lancer in a match "hey quit using that lancer you N00B", and anyone that hosts will always get the "frickin host advantage man, its bllsht" line. The Boomer is a "N00B Weapon", only for "N00Bs", and please for the love of god dont even think about fraggnig or chainsawwing someone "N0000B". People quit, people cheat, just get on with it. This isnt even cheating anyway!!

[tinman]

Why is it unskilled? The objective of the game is to kill the opponent anyway you can (without glitching). Anything else is fair game. If you get killed by it, then you're the one lacking skill, not the person who killed you. Get off your high horse you n00b

SO if I am fighting two of your teammates on Fuel Depot and they direct you to shoot say HELIPAD and you active reload me, it's SKILL although I was defenseless??? And then you're probably the one yelling "MY KILL MY KILL don't steal it" right?? Of course you're not!! LMAO

[stslimited84]

You're in the minority tinn00b. Don't be bitter b/c you get killed...try again, maybe next time you'll kill somebody, but doubtful, very doubtful...

[stslimited84]

If its not a cheat/glitch, then its legit...learn to adapt or don't play. 'Nuff said

[UpbeatShrimp]

I say skillful because most people who get the active with the sniper miss at point blank. If your good you should know something called smoke grenade, dodging, and advancing step by step.Remember they usually only have like 12 bullets.

[10000000000]

You suck and are a freaking noob if you use an AR to down,thats not the way good snipers play

[ReaverRider]

Has everyone overlooked the Torque Bow Active Reload? its actually as powerful as a frag, and if the right trigger is pulled softly, after achieving an AR, you can lob it over cover just like a Nade. Basically, you have at least 5 Nades to carry...

[AnCiAnTiMeZ]

You suck and are a freaking noob if you use an AR to down,thats not the way good snipers play

I agree with you somewhat, its not really "skilled" to use an AR sniper to down someone but when your a new player its the best way to learn how to play better with the snipe, youll get faster and more accurate as you practice. So if you call people n00bs for being smart and AR thats just straight up DUMB!

[Mike.Dude]

SO if I am fighting two of your teammates on Fuel Depot and they direct you to shoot say HELIPAD and you active reload me, it's SKILL although I was defenseless??? And then you're probably the one yelling "MY KILL MY KILL don't steal it" right?? Of course you're not!! LMAO

1) You're not defenseless. I've seen plenty of people come out victorious in 2v1's.
2)If you don't like getting outnumbered, then don't let your teammates die and play better.

You act as if someone at a legitimate disadvantage should receive compensation for not playing as effective as the opposing team.

[tinman]

1) You're not defenseless. I've seen plenty of people come out victorious in 2v1's.
2)If you don't like getting outnumbered, then don't let your teammates die and play better.

You act as if someone at a legitimate disadvantage should receive compensation for not playing as effective as the opposing team.

Wow if your first comment wasn't way off the mark I don't know what is. I didn't say I can't make it out of two on one. I stated that my attention was drawn away by being in a 2 on one and that an AR is not skillful in that aspect.

Secondly I would love to see you play on a team and "prevent" your teammates from dying. You can revive them but only if you're close enough (or do you play execution constantly?)

Thirdly I never even insinuated that a person at a disadvantage should recieve "compensation" as you say for being ineffective.

And directly to stslimited84, you would DEFINITELY be one of the 80-90 percentile who would pass it by if not for AR. Also your penchant for calling everyone noob makes me think you need to compensate for your own inadequacies.

[stslimited84]

no tinman...Mikedude and myself have brought up very valid points which you continue to deny as not skillful. The OBJECTIVE of the game is to kill the enemy any way (legal way) you can. If you can't deal with it, move on, and stop wasting ppl's time with invalid reasons.

And i do not scream "thats mine"...I actually give them away b/c I'd rather win then get that extra kill, big whoop, its a game. I'm down wasting my time with you. You're just another person who ruins the online experience for other people.

Obviously you scream that anything a person does to you with a weapon in the game is n00bish...such as chainsawing, meleeing...hell you probably think using a shotgun or lancer is unskillful. Get real

[stslimited84]

Also, 72% (the vast majority) of the ppl who took this pole agree with us. 'Nuff said...and just for kicks, you n00b. HAHA!

[SnowBallin]

If a sniper only goes for headshots and refusese to just take a down then they are noobish. B/c alot of times that headshots gonna miss and now their gonna be more carefull. So quit saying ar makes you a noob. It doesn't, learn to adapt and if you can't do that then you are the noob.

[HanSolo2187]

Its in the game - I'm cool with it. Its not cheating or glitching. Its like people complaining about getting grenade tagged or downed over and over by a sniper.

[stslimited84]

Its in the game - I'm cool with it. Its not cheating or glitching. Its like people complaining about getting grenade tagged or downed over and over by a sniper.

That sums it all up right there!

[tinman]

Also, 72% (the vast majority) of the ppl who took this pole agree with us. 'Nuff said...and just for kicks, you n00b. HAHA!

If you READ my first post I agree AND disagree with you in the same sentence. It can be tactical if used correctly but it can also be cheap if that's ALL you rely is AR to get by.

Also in one of your previous posts you stated you are DOWN? wasting your time with me? Is that new English or are you a spelling tard??

No one started the flame war until you get all the leet wannabes in here spouting n00b left and right. I play this; I've played Halo, Battlefield 2, and Call of Duty 3, and have YET to call someone n00b no matter how well I (or my team) does.

The people that waste their time trash-talking and calling everyone else n00b or blaming themselves getting killed only because the other guy was host is what ruins online gaming.

[stslimited84]

first of all, moron, its called a typo.

Secondly, I can't believe you said something I agree with:

"The people that waste their time trash-talking and calling everyone else n00b or blaming themselves getting killed only because the other guy was host is what ruins online gaming."

[tinman]

as I tried to be polite, I couldn't help but notice the typo. I could not resist the obvious poke.

To the effect that I am a moron, I actually have a degree in Electronics Engineering.

Thirdly this was never intended to be piss and moan but inevitably someone turns it into that (be it you, me, or the guys before us) because of an instigator

The only reason I replied to this post is the fact of statement that you agree with me on. I cannot tell you how many "KIDS" I have had to mute. Kids being a relevant term because some adults make children look like the grown-ups.

[Near Fantastica]

Nah, it's a not a skillfull tactic. What is so skillfull about your getting your active reload before combat? I don't do it. But if you need to do it to get the upperhand, go for it, couldn't care less. But I certainly think that declaring it a skillfull tactic isn't appropriate.

[DeanoFrappacino]

I've read most of the comments in here. And I'd like to put my 2 pennies worth in. Active reloading to me is a smart move. They put it in the game for a reason.. TO BE USED. If you were talking about glitching, fair enough I can't stand cheaters. But something that is legit and legal and can be used by BOTH teams is fine in my opinion. I brought Gears of War on release day and their was NO ONE moaning about anything for a good month or two.. it's only recently people are moaning about host this host that. I agree host power is stupid and they need to sort it out. But now that this Active Reload thing has been used by people and it works, people turn around and say it's " Cheap " no it isn't. My 2 pennies worth haha

[Mike.Dude]

If you READ my first post I agree AND disagree with you in the same sentence. It can be tactical if used correctly but it can also be cheap if that's ALL you rely is AR to get by.

Using an active reload correctly means you are downing people with it. Using it incorrectly would be anything from going for an unnecessary headshot, betraying your teammate, etc. - which is why I don't understand how it can be both cheap and ligitimate when in either case it is being used to down someone.

Nah, it's a not a skillfull tactic. What is so skillfull about your getting your active reload before combat? I don't do it. But if you need to do it to get the upperhand, go for it, couldn't care less. But I certainly think that declaring it a skillfull tactic isn't appropriate.

Agreed. It doesn't necessarily require too much skill, but it isn't a cheap tactic either.

[RJ91classic]

It is dumb when people do that but I don't mind that what I do hate is people picking up the sniper and only active reloading everyone and saying they can snipe.So if you put it to real terms they are just shooting a gun not snipeing.Because sniping uses headshots.

[Ghostx187]

I rarely do it...it wastes ammo.

[Crimson Youth]

I rarely do it...it wastes ammo.

Yeah it does.

[Strokin Man]

it just boils down to whether or not people want to fight the honorable way or not. honorable being not doing the ar at the beginning of the battle and facing your opponent on an even footing. I always fight the honorable way and if I get killed, I died with my honor intact.

[Crimson Youth]

The results of this poll are kind of sickening...

Can you really not run into a fight without the upper hand?

Can you really not run into an outnumbered fight like a man?

I don't want to flame, but all you people who said it was a "Skillful Tactic," you're the people who tag when the other team is missing two people, the people who still glitch, even though the odds are in your favor. I'd say more, but I have dignity.

[tammy lynn]

The Active Reload: a great idea. Unfortunately, like nearly every other great idea, it is misused. It's great for a heated shotgun battle. You run out of ammo, hit the button at the right time, and suddenly you've got bullets, and they're more powerful! Unfortunately, little kids (and others, sadly) whose heart's still racing from getting blown up last round can't seem to escape that unmanagable twitch to shoot out all of their ammo at the spawn to get an active reload. It's simply infuriating to see the entire other team running into the initial fray reloading, only for them to shoot me once in the foot from way out of a normal shotgun range and blow me up.

For those of you who would respond to this with:
"SHUTUP YOU NOOB! Learn to play the game! You just can't handle me!! You loser! You're just mad when my and my crew roll up on you and blow you up! You suck! Go play something else!"

Please go drink the stuff under the sink.

This just sounds like another person whining because they got killed, and they don't think it's fair. Listen, here's a good way to avoid being raped by active reload...get it yourself, use cover, etc. Or you can simply wait for it to run out, then go in for a kill. Active reloads annoy me when a sniper can only down people and has no ability to get a headshot. On the other hand, that's part of the game, so a smart player will try his best to avoid it. Complaining about part of the game makes you just like every other cry baby out there.

Getting perfect reloads is still a skillful tactic even if it's something easy to do. Tactic implies that you are doing something that gives you the upperhand or puts you in a position to take advantage of the other team; therefore, getting more powerful bullets before a fight means you need to hit less shots to win, HENCE SKILLFUL TACTIC.

[Crimson Youth]

This just sounds like another person whining because they got killed, and they don't think it's fair. Listen, here's a good way to avoid being raped by active reload...get it yourself, use cover, etc. Or you can simply wait for it to run out, then go in for a kill. Active reloads annoy me when a sniper can only down people and has no ability to get a headshot. On the other hand, that's part of the game, so a smart player will try his best to avoid it. Complaining about part of the game makes you just like every other cry baby out there.

Did you read any of my posts, besides the first one? No, I'm not continually getting raped by it, I just think it's a really weak move. If I run into a fight with a guy who is going to play fair and I get raped, good for him. If I win, sweet. But if a guy runs in reloading, in an attempt to get an advantage on me, whether I win or not, I can't help feeling superior to him, because at least I TRIED to do it right. And if I do emerge the victor (which I usually do) then more power to me.

[tammy lynn]

The results of this poll are kind of sickening...

Can you really not run into a fight without the upper hand?

Can you really not run into an outnumbered fight like a man?

I don't want to flame, but all you people who said it was a "Skillful Tactic," you're the people who tag when the other team is missing two people, the people who still glitch, even though the odds are in your favor. I'd say more, but I have dignity.

And you're the kind of guy who whines about a video game just because someone is better/smarter than you at it.

And what the hell does "run into an outnumbered fight like a man" even mean? It's a video game...nothing you do while playing makes you any less or more of a man. It's a game.

[tammy lynn]

Did you read any of my posts, besides the first one? No, I'm not continually getting raped by it, I just think it's a really weak move. If I run into a fight with a guy who is going to play fair and I get raped, good for him. If I win, sweet. But if a guy runs in reloading, in an attempt to get an advantage on me, whether I win or not, I can't help feeling superior to him, because at least I TRIED to do it right. And if I do emerge the victor (which I usually do) then more power to me.

First off, that post wasn't even directed to you, but I'm guessing that you identify with the "whiners" if you felt so inclined to respond. Secondly, you can say that you TRIED to do it right, but if you die, then you did it wrong. There is nothing wrong or right about getting active reloads before heading into a fight. Smarter/better players know when to use them and when to not spend the ammo. It's just a trade off. If you waste the ammo early, you might run out of shots when in a heated fight, or if you don't get perfect reloads early, then you might get killed quickly. No honor is involved in either of these decisions.