Gears of War’s art direction has become so influential that the market is now flooded with achromatic games. After having recently played the Gears of War 3 beta, I noticed considerably more variation in the color palette than prior titles in the series. Epic Games must have noticed the trend they started.

Video Blips:

• Gears of War 3 features some iconic imagery that will likely stick with gamers for quite a while. As far as I’m concerned, Art Director Chris Perna is a freaking genius. I would love to score an interview with this guy; I have a soft spot for socially awkward artists.

After the break, be prepared to “F**king Run!” in F.E.A.R. 3, check out the cinematic opening to Infamous 2, and do battle against the monsters of Mars in Red Faction: Armageddon.

• The “F**king Run!” mode in F.E.A.R. 3 pits you against walls of enemies while you avoid an ever-approaching cloud of death. I think I had a dream like this once, but instead of Alma’s nightmarish creatures, I was pitted against Lady Gaga’s flamboyant “monsters.” And I was in my underwear.

• Infamous 2 features a lot of the same flare from the original game, including its comic-style narrative. I’m hoping they kill off Cole’s obnoxious friend, Zeke. The moment I first heard him say, “That sucks donkey balls,” was when I realized they really wanted him to be the plucky comic relief. He’s not.

• It’s been 50 years since the liberation of Mars, but Red Faction: Armageddon shows that the colonists’ problems are far from over. Our beloved red planet has suffered from war, famine, crazed beasts, and endless storms. The Red Faction series makes the Middle East look like a Disney resort.