Free Gears of War: Judgment DLC in April

Microsoft will release free Gears of War: Judgment DLC in the form of new multiplayer maps and Execution mode on April 2.

Strangely, the DLC is being sponsored by gentleman's magazine Maxim, which offered the following details about one of the maps (the other is reportedly called Capitol).

• Haven: Formerly a tropical oasis, this ancient monastery in the Azura mountains is now a frozen wasteland, thanks to the tectonic shifts on Planet Sera. Featuring an asymmetrical circular layout, the map is a guaranteed blast – all paths lead back to the center, so no matter which route you take, you’re going to be embroiled in a fast-paced, hectic battle.
• Execution mode: In Execution mode, the objective of each team is to kill all members of the enemy team before the time limit runs out. The catch? Unless hit with a one-shot kill weapon like the Booshka, players go into a "Down But Not Out" state and will revive at the end of the bleed-out timer instead of dying. To finish the job, perform an Execution on a downed enemy.

Earlier this month Microsoft detailed a $20 Gears of War: Judgment season pass which will net buyers new modes and maps at a discounted price, as well as a permanent double experience points boost.

It also confirmed that the upcoming shooter has been leaked to torrent sites ahead of the Gears of War: Judgment release date of March 19, 2013 in the US and March 22 in the UK.

The upcoming Gears prequel will see players taking control of Baird and Cole as they experience the first battles in the war with the Locusts. Get our hands-on impressions of the campaign in this Gears of War: Judgment preview.