The cake is a lie the cake is a lie the cake is a lie the cake is a lie

[Raditzu]

So, GoW and Orange Box are the same price (basically, I didn't actually check it). Here is what you get with each:

Gears of War
-Gears of War

Orange Box
-Half Life 2
-Half Life 2: Episode 1
-Half Life 2: Episode 2
-Portal
-Team Fortress 2

So... there ya go. Both are First Person Shooters, true, but they play very differently. HL2 features some great AI, some pretty neat puzzles, a great physics engine, and a slower storyline (nice for those who like to really invest in the game). GoW is fast-paced, has great co-op, is incredibly cinematic in its telling of the story, features some great characters that don't require a lot of emotional attachment to enjoy, and is a lot more "pick up and play" (in my opinion).

Just my two cents. I've greatly enjoyed both.