Gears of War 3 Gamestop editions include retro lancer

Epic Games has announced two spanking Gamestop-exclusive Gears of War 3 editions, each of which include a full sized Retro Lancer replica.

The Lancer replica was modelled from Epic's 3D assets by NECA, and has its own backstory:

Dubbed the Retro Lancer during the Lambent Invasion, the Pendulum Wars Lancer Assault Rifle was the preceding model to the Lancer Assault Rifle. Used primarily in the Pendulum Wars as the COG soldier’s primary choice weapon, it was abandoned about a year after Emergence Day because the weapon was ineffective to the Locust Horde’s fighting tactics. However, following the Sinking of Jacinto when supplies started becoming sparse, the Retro Lancer started cropping up in fighting forces once again.

At over three and a half feet, the Retro Lancer is hand-painted, and has a machine gun sound effect linked to the trigger.

Both the Limited Edition - $160.00 online - and the Epic Edition - $230 - include the Retro Lancer when purchased from Gamestop, along with other bonuses.

You can also purchase the lancer on its own, for $99, from September 13.

Gears of War 3 is due on Xbox 360 in late September.

Thanks, Kotaku.