Gears of War debuted in 2006 and has remained a Microsoft exclusive, available on Xbox and subsequently PC. This review focuses on the fifth main installment in the series (sixth if Gears of War: Judgement from 2013 is included). The narrative picks up shortly after the events of Gears of War 4.
The original Gears of War trilogy centered around Marcus Fenix. Gears of War 4 introduced his son, JD, who collaborated with Kait Diaz to combat The Locust.
While many games strive for a cinematic experience, Gears 5 achieves a truly immersive level. The game delivers a relentlessly intense action-movie feel. Environments dynamically crumble, gunfire erupts from every direction, and relentless enemy assaults demand constant vigilance. The Gears of War series has consistently delivered this high-octane experience: pure adrenaline from beginning to end. While the difficulty can be challenging at times, the adjustable difficulty settings offer accessibility for a range of players.
Experiencing Gears 5 in 4K with Dolby Atmos on an Xbox One X, paired with a quality display, creates one of the year’s most compelling gaming experiences. Players are constantly immersed in the action, requiring strategic use of the conveniently placed cover points. Beyond the intense action, Gears 5 also features a well-developed and surprisingly intricate narrative. The pacing of the cutscenes provides brief respite without becoming tedious, effectively balancing the narrative with the gameplay.
Are there any drawbacks? Not significantly. While the cover system is generally intuitive, transitioning over obstacles can occasionally feel somewhat restrictive. Character movement retains a degree of limitation consistent with previous installments. However, considering the characters’ physique, a degree of encumbered movement is arguably realistic.
In conclusion, Gears 5 stands out as a premier action title and a worthy addition to an already exceptional franchise. Highly recommended.
