Microsoft and Epic Games recently released Fenix Rising, the latest DLC available for the final chapter of the Gears of War trilogy. Featuring a combination of new multiplayer maps and other special items, Fenix Rising is a nice refreshing addition to Gears of War 3.

The bulk of the Fenix Rising DLC offering is the five multiplayer maps, including Academy, Anvil, Depths, Escalation, and Slab. All of the maps offer some unique graphic styles and slight variations of game play, but basically offer the same shotgun blasting and frantic melee action synonymous with the Gears franchise. Thankfully, all five of these maps offer this great action in Versus, Horde, and Beast game types.

Players will take to these new maps with another element to Fenix Rising, which are access to four character skins including Recruit Clayton, Thrashball Cole-Limited Edition, Savage Marauder, and Savage Kantus-Limited Edition. They are available for the Versus and Horde Modes, and add a nice touch to the slew of customizable options currently available.

Also, Fenix Rising allows players to reach level 100 and “Re-up” for another tour of duty. Players will be able to “Re-up” three times, with each “Re-up” unlocking otherwise in-accessible content. However, this will come at a cost, as the player’s experience and rank will be rest each time. Similar to other FPS multiplayer options, this provides a nice way to continue playing and unlocking game content by playing the same game that you know and love.

Fenix Rising is currently available for download from Xbox Live for 800 Microsoft Points, as part of the Gears of War 3 Season Pass of downloadable content. The final installment of the download season will be launched later this year.