If you’re a console gamer, odds are you’ve heard of a little series entitled Gears of War. Meshing together epic single player campaigns and engaging multiplayer components, there should be no surprises as to why the series has been so successful. Now, almost five years after the release of the first game, Marcus Fenix is ready to return to the battlefield in Gears of War 3. And even though the game has yet to be released, a 45 minute walkthrough of the campaign has made its way online.

With its release just around the corner, gamers everywhere have been itching to get their hands on the upcoming title. From the unveiling of a Gears Of War-themed motorcycle, to the release of an official board game, it’s clear that Gears of War 3 is reaching out to more than just the regular video gaming crowd. Which is no surprise considering its stellar reviews.

For gamers though, the wait for Gears of War 3’s release is an excruciating one. Luckily for them though, the latest video should tide them over until launch day. While gamers have already got a look at the game’s opening cinematic, they can now see what they will be up against in the better part of the game’s first hour.

Check out the video courtesy of IGN, but avoid it entirely if you don’t want to have anything spoiled:

While there has been a steady flow of content to keep fans of the series excited about the upcoming release, this newest video proves to gamers that their excitement is validated. As with the other games in the series, Gears of War 3 kicks off with a bang and quickly throws the player into the fray.

Unlike the other games in the series though, Gears 3 opens with a truly stunning dreamlike sequence. This alone shows that the game’s writers are kicking it up a notch, providing the player with even more awe-inducing set-pieces. While many gamers will no doubt flock to Gears of War 3’s multiplayer, it’s still great to see that the single player campaign will be just as much of a focus, providing gamers with an intense experience.

For those who have played a Gears of War game in the past, the feeling of being immediately thrust into the heat of battle as the game begins will be a familiar, but equally exciting one. By the end of the first few minutes, players will have already taken care of more than a few enemies, met multiple new faces and got a glimpse of Marcus’ past. If this is any indication, there will be a ton to get excited about with the rest of the game.

With just a few days left before its release, gamers everywhere are preparing to jump back into the over-sized boots of Marcus and his squad. Whether gamers are looking to brush up on the series’ timeline or checking out each of the game’s multiplayer maps, there’s lots to keep them occupied until the game launches.

What part of the game’s first 45 minutes are you most excited about? Have the past two games managed to draw you in with their narrative?

Gears of War 3 releases September 20, 2011 for the Xbox 360.