Gears of War was a true-blue phenomenon in 2006, so of course we should've expected some added content. Starting early on January 10 in the U.S., fans of Epic's fantastic action title can jump online and download a new content pack from the Live Marketplace. And, oh yeah, it's free.

We get two fresh new maps, starting with Raven Down, an environment that sports a shelled city as the site of a downed Raven Helicopter. There's a ton of rubble all over the place, thereby providing plenty of cover options, and it's Delta Force's job to get in and locate survivors. The other map, Old Bones, seems more reminiscent of the survival/horror genre, as you'll find yourself in an creepy old-fashioned museum. Evidently, the Locust Horde swarm the place, attempting to further erase all records of human life, which of course, doesn't sit will with the Force.

Oddly enough, this content pack is sponsored by the Discovery Channel, and they're also presenting us with the gift of two million Microsoft Points (in 400-point increments) for the Marketplace. This promotion goes from January 13-15 at www.readyaimfire.com, even though the site isn't live yet. Well, that's okay for now...all we know is there's more Gears content, and that's just plain sweet.