When Gears 2 was announced I was really excited.  One of my favorite games of 2006 was getting a sequel!  There were a few details released shortly after the announcement, but none mentioned a change to the host advantage.  The excitement quickly died.  If you've been lucky enough to avoid the frustration that comes with a host advantage here it is in action:

    John Gaudiosi at Gamepro posted an interview with the Cliffmeister today.  The most important quote comes from Cliff when asked what the feedback received was like from the Gears 1 multiplayer,

 "People loved it but they didn't like the host advantage. They got tired of the shotgun inconsistencies. We're fixing all of that."

HUZZAH!  My worries about Gears 2 have been laid to rest. 

    Cliff continued to reveal more details: 

- There will be no character customizations as Gears isn't "that kind of game."

- The roadie run and cover system have been revamped to prevent sticking and other annoying unintended cover mistakes. 

- They've added a cover system similar to Uncharted if people prefer that instead.   

- Chainsaw duels are faster than last demonstrated.  "In multiplayer, the length within maybe 200 milliseconds or so is basically the same as if you were to chainsaw and win somebody." 

- Chainsawing a foe will no longer grant invulnerability. 

    Gears 2 looks and sounds great so far.  It will be hard for this one to displease fans.

Full interview via NeoGAF