See its funny you mention Gears and Halo in the same sentence as they are two of the best games ever.

But not from a gameplay point of view (although I am a fan of both). The over arching story, the universe they've created, the ridiculous detail and the books are simply incredible. I'm reading "The Slab" which is the last Gears book at the moment

If you want ridiculous shooters...I assume you played Bulletstorm last year?