We’ve all been anxiously waiting for the new multiplayer details to be revealed, and rightfully so since Gears of War was and still is one of the more popular Xbox Live titles.  Thanks to the good folks over at CVG, we finally have our hands on the new details:

As we reported awhile back, the multiplayer count has been increased from eight to ten players, changing the gameplay to 5 v 5.

There will be a new gameplay mode entitled Wingman, which will allow for up to ten players to compete against one another in groups of two.  One of the other game modes that was revealed would be Epic’s one unique take on the capture the flag game mode, entitled ’Meatflag’.  Meatflag will consist of a character (more than likely CPU controlled) that will run around the center of the map with a flag, while the opposing teams try and shoot him down and drag them to their respective base as a ’meatshield’ (or hostage).

Assassination will be making a return to the Gears of War realm, but this time it will be named Guardian.  Members of either team will continue to respawn until their leader on their team is killed.  The game will only end when the leader of the team is killed, and the rest of the remaining players on that team are killed since they can no longer respawn.

Two new maps are revealed as well: River and Security.  River is a symmetrical map that showcases two houses with sniper towers connected only by a thin path and a river.

Security will feature two laser turrets that guard two major "power weapons" on the map, and can be deactivated for 20 seconds by pressing a switch (similar to Garden).

A new weapon, called the Medusa, is one of the "power weapons" and shoots six shells with each shot, making it seem like a more powerful shotgun.  Bullet-shields - carry-able meat shields to guard you from enemy fire - have also been added.  Players can stick this shields to the ground to create fixed cover for themselves.

There will apparently be weapon specific executions as the sniper rifle, for example, can be used as a club to beat opponents to death.

Grenades now also carry the ability to be stuck to any surface, not just enemies.  A new poison grenade is also revealed which emits a green gas which is fatal to anyone within a close proximity of it.  If a poison grenade is stuck to an opponent, not only will it kill that enemy, but it will damage any opponent near them as well.

Other notable additions:

- A flamethrower weapon is included called the "Skorcher", and it’s not used to roast marshmellows.
- Additional finishing moves are included such as (X) being the traditional curb stomp, (B) being a weapon specific melee attack, (Y) being a UFC style punch-fest, and (A) lets you use your opponent as a "meat shield".
- All weapons have some sort of "stopping power" that slows down opponents who are running and diving.
- Players have the option to span with the traditional chainsaw or the slightly improved Locust hammerburst.
- Chainsaw duels will not occur when a player is attacked from behind, it will only result in a "butt to head" chainsaw execution.  When a chainsaw duel does occur, teammates can help out their partner by shooting the opponent to make him weaker.
- Gears of War 2 WILL feature a Halo-style matchmaking system.

Finally, one of the coolest additions that have been revealed so far would be the screenshot mode which has been added for players who have been killed and can not respawn.  While the players wait, they can fly around the map in a free roam mode and take screenshots which can then be uploaded to an online community source.

It appears as if Epic has been listening to their community, and we have a good feeling that it’s really going to pay off for them.  Stay tuned as we continue to bring you more coverage on one of the most anticipated titles for 2008.