Gears of War: Judgment pre-order includes early access to OverRun multiplayer mode

Early access to Gears of War: Judgment's OverRun multiplayer mode will be granted to anyone who pre-orders the game online or from any GameStop retailer, Microsoft's Major Nelson confirmed today.

Early access to the new class-based competitive mode will being on Xbox LIVE on March 15 exclusively to GameStop PowerUp Rewards members who pre-order the game. Early access will run from Friday, March 15 at 11:50pm PT through Monday, March 19 at 11:59pm PT. This offer also applies to anyone who has already purchased Gears of War: Judgment.

OverRun is the new mode that pits Locust and COG soldiers in a head-to-head objective-oriented battle. Throughout the match, the five-player teams will alternate between playing as Locusts and COG soldiers; it's also the first time in Gears of War that a class-based, competitive multiplayer experience has been offered. Check out our preview here.

As an added bonus, multiplayer experience points (XP) earned will carry over to the final game for players who purchase and play Judgment in the first week following its U.S. release on March 19 — which is also when the demo becomes publicly available to all Xbox LIVE Gold members.

In addition to early access, fans who pre-order from GameStop will receive the following bonus items:

“Young Marcus” character skin – Decorated war hero Marcus Fenix is the legendary leader of Delta Squad, a small group of COG soldiers responsible for saving mankind from destruction at the hands of Locust and Lambent forces.  This exclusive character skin takes Marcus back in time, six weeks after the end of the Pendulum Wars, and during the chaos of Emergence Day – a time before he was hardened by his long imprisonment.

Lambent weapon skin – This exclusive weapon skin lets you show off your grub-slaying exploits and customize select weapons with the emulsion of your fallen Lambent foes.

Classic Hammerburst – A fearsome and effective weapon that served as the standard-issue assault rifle of the Locust Army.