For most Xbox 360 owners, the issue is not whether or not they’ll buy Gears of War 2, but rather which version. While most games feature collector’s editions that offer little more than a single behind-the-scenes feature or an art book, Gears is sweetening the pot a bit, and you’re going to likely find it hard to pass on this one. Included in the set is the following:

• "Beneath the Surface: An Inside Look at Gears of War 2," a 48-page hardbound book including character profiles, exclusive concept art, and foreword by Design Director Cliff Bleszinski
• Bonus DVD including exclusive making-of-the-game video footage, design galleries with audio commentary by Epic Games, and promotional videos including the E3 2008 trailer, "Rendezvous"
• Dominic and Maria Keepsake Photo
• SteelBook™ DVD case
• Exclusive Xbox LIVE code to unlock a gold-plated Lancer Assault Rifle for online play

I was really hoping the gold-plated Lancer would be a real gun rather than simply something to use online, but I suppose that breaks pretty much all of America’s lax gun control laws (something about outfitting a chainsaw to an assault rifle gets people all in a huff), so I guess we’ll just have to make do. Still, all this stuff makes for a pretty sweet package deal, especially considering it is only $10 more than the standard retail release. Yep, all this Gears goodness can be yours for only $70, so why not get the collector’s edition?