Microsoft Corp. today announced the actual date of Emergence Day 2006, itself the viral catch phrase used to denote the release date of the righteously hyped, much-anticipated Gears of War game.

Available exclusively for the Xbox 360, Gears of War will hit North America retail shelves on Nov. 12, 2006.

Developed by Epic Games Inc. and published by Microsoft Game Studios, “Gears of War” is touted as telling a harrowing story of mankind’s struggle against the monstrous Locust Horde through high-definition graphics and, reportedly, an intense storyline on the scale of a blockbuster movie.

As a critic’s choice winner for the E3 2006 Best Console Game, Gears of War is one of the most anticipated next-generation console titles of 2006. It will come in two flavors: a standard edition for $59.99 USD or $74.99 Cdn, plus a limited edition, replete with bonus DVD, art book and a shiny metal box cover (oooh, shiny metal) for the price of your first born, or $69.99 USD/$84.99 Cdn., whichever comes first.

Not coincidently, this is also the time frame for Sony's new PlayStation 3 launch. Essentially, as Gears of War is considered the next Halo--or is expected to sell millions, at any rate--the clever placement of "Emergence Day" is clearly designed to steal a whole lot of thunder from Sony and the freakishly pricey Blu-Raytamax, aka the PS3.