Epic have announced the first campaign downloadable content update for the recently released and hugely successful Gears of War 3 (AusGamers 9.5/10). RAAM's Shadow is geared up for a December 13th 2011 launch at 1200 Microsoft Points and according the press release "adds hours of new campaign mayhem".

Starring a cast of characters both new and eerily familiar to the series, “RAAM’s Shadow” will deliver more than three hours of gameplay set in a storyline that precedes the events of the first “Gears of War,” as well as six new multiplayer characters, the Chocolate Weapon Set and an additional 250 Gamerscore.

“RAAM’s Shadow” drops players into the events of Sera post-Emergence Day, as Zeta Squad is enlisted to evacuate Ilima City and protect the citizens against a Locust Kryll storm. Taking on the infamous Locust leader from “Gears 1,” General RAAM, Zeta is led by Michael Barrick (from “Gears of War” comics fame) and comprised of familiar faces such as Lt. Minh Young Kim (“Gears 1”) and Tai Kaliso (“Gears 2”), and also includes a new female comrade, Alicia Valera.

In addition to fighting as a new squad of Gears, players will step into the boots of RAAM himself, and for the first time storm the human stronghold from the perspective of one of the series’ most legendary bosses.

Additionally, RAAM's Shadow and the previously announced Horde Command Pack can be scooped up together if players purchase the Gears of War 3 Season Pass for 2400 Microsoft Points, the first of which will also include the next 2 -- currently unannounced -- DLC for a cumulative discount of 30%. Check out the full announcment for all the details.