This is... interesting. Microsoft has found a great way to get your money for new and old content, and you better pay up if you want to keep playing with the big boys in Gears of War 2. The company is releasing a retail package that includes all the previous map packs for the title, as well as seven new maps and a new campaign mission that features an all new "stealth mode." The package is called the All Fronts Collection, will be sold at retail for $20, and is a great deal for people who want to get caught up with all the downloadable content and be up to date with long-time players.

After the jump, we'll describe all the new maps, as well as tell you how MS is going to royally annoy long-time fans of the game.

Here are the new maps:

Allfathers Garden : Honor the sacred grounds of the Coalition founders in this explosive map, where powerful weapons catalyze fast and furious action at this COG landmark.

: Honor the sacred grounds of the Coalition founders in this explosive map, where powerful weapons catalyze fast and furious action at this COG landmark. Memoria l: Set near the Eternal Flame, which pays tribute to the fallen soldiers on the battlefield, a hard-fought battle ensues at the Tomb of Unknowns. Putting their flank formation and evasive skills to the test, players will fight to control the Boomshot.

l: Set near the Eternal Flame, which pays tribute to the fallen soldiers on the battlefield, a hard-fought battle ensues at the Tomb of Unknowns. Putting their flank formation and evasive skills to the test, players will fight to control the Boomshot. Sanctuary : Once a peaceful ground for reflection and remembrance, all that remains of the Sanctuary is the chill of death. Feast your eyes on the arsenal of weapons available as you make your way through the tight paths and blind corners of the Locust-damaged temple corridors.

: Once a peaceful ground for reflection and remembrance, all that remains of the Sanctuary is the chill of death. Feast your eyes on the arsenal of weapons available as you make your way through the tight paths and blind corners of the Locust-damaged temple corridors. War Machine : In the abandoned train station that once served as a hub for travel, players will need to master the Longshot, Mulcher and Boomshot weapons to advance the fight while evading fire from the platforms above.

: In the abandoned train station that once served as a hub for travel, players will need to master the Longshot, Mulcher and Boomshot weapons to advance the fight while evading fire from the platforms above. Highway : Take the fight deep into the Locust Hollow in the complex passages of this underground highway system brimming with enemy vermin. Stick together, separate the enemy and have an exit strategy ready or it’ll be a one-way trip.

: Take the fight deep into the Locust Hollow in the complex passages of this underground highway system brimming with enemy vermin. Stick together, separate the enemy and have an exit strategy ready or it’ll be a one-way trip. Way Station : Sitting in limbo between death and “processing” are Locust way stations filled with fallen COG soldiers. Tread lightly and practice patience as it’s better to sacrifice firepower for stealth while navigating this minefield of hidden grenades.

: Sitting in limbo between death and “processing” are Locust way stations filled with fallen COG soldiers. Tread lightly and practice patience as it’s better to sacrifice firepower for stealth while navigating this minefield of hidden grenades. Nowhere: Set in the middle of what was once a destination for weary desert travellers, the land is now barren and devoid of life. Pick off your enemies with the Longshot sniper rifle and make your way to the stairwell with a well-fortified team during this intense firefight.

So the package will contain those seven maps, plus the “Flashback” Map Pack, “Combustible” Map Pack, and the winter-themed “Snowblind” Map Pack. You also get a poster, strategy guide, an Xbox Live theme, and a new video with Cliffy-B. So your $20 is well spent, looking at everything you get in the retail package.

But what happens if you already own all the previous map packs? The "Dark Corners" map pack with the seven new maps and campaign chapter will be available as a download through Xbox Live. The price? 1600 points, or $20. Yup, no matter how you buy it, you're paying for the old map packs.

I don't know what the thought process behind this pricing could be, but man, that seems greedy. That's $2.85 a map, approximately. No poster for you, either.

The retail package is a find if you're playing catch-up with all the older maps, but everyone else is getting scammed. Both the download and the retail product will be available for purchase on July 28 for $19.99.