Review: Gears of War 4

Ten years ago, in 2006, Gears of War was released, becoming one of the Xbox 360’s key franchises. The graphically impressive title for its time achieved million-selling success and likely contributed significantly to console sales, bolstering Microsoft’s position ahead of the Playstation 3 launch. Gears of War was remarkably stylish and helped to mitigate the hype surrounding the Playstation 3. While both consoles offered similar core functionality, despite Sony’s claims regarding built-in hard drives, Blu-ray storage, and superior performance, Gears of War presented a visual experience unmatched on Sony’s platform.

J.D. Fenix, the main character of Gears of War 4.

Gears of War was developed by Epic Megagames, who, leveraging a substantial budget, maximized the Xbox 360’s capabilities. The console’s longer market presence also provided developers with more familiarity with the hardware compared to those developing early Playstation 3 titles. Consequently, drawing definitive conclusions based solely on Gears of War‘s impressive presentation may have been premature. Retrospectively, comparing Sony’s and Microsoft’s exclusive titles from that console generation suggests a relatively even playing field, notwithstanding the Blu-ray player’s storage advantages.

Gears of War benefited from a significant budget, but expectations and stakes were even higher for the 2008 sequel. By the time Gears of War 3 arrived in autumn 2011 (reportedly completed earlier, potentially for a spring 2011 release, but delayed due to Microsoft’s scheduling needs), its budget had escalated to approximately $60 million USD – more than triple the original game’s. This constituted a substantial investment, particularly for a single-platform exclusive.

In Gears of War 4’s prologue, we go back to Emergence Day for a short while.

These escalating costs contributed to Epic Megagames’ decision to step away from Gears of War, leading Microsoft to entrust the franchise to The Coalition. Epic had outlined a concept for a fourth installment, but its projected budget raised concerns about profitability. Epic subsequently shifted focus to a more cost-effective Free 2 Play title. Consequently, the Gears of War series remained dormant for five years, excluding the spin-off Gears of War Judgment and the remastered version of the original game featuring enhanced resolution and graphics released the previous year.

After a five-year hiatus, the core concept remains unchanged. The innovations of a decade ago have become established conventions. Cover-based mechanics are now commonplace, evident in titles such as Uncharted, Splinter Cell, and numerous others. The gameplay elements that felt groundbreaking in 2006 now feel familiar in 2016. Gears of War 4 builds upon a solid foundation but introduces limited mechanical innovation. While reinventing core mechanics repeatedly may be unrealistic, and perhaps unnecessary for dedicated fans, the result is a comfortable but not revolutionary experience.

A picture that should feel familiar to anyone who has ever played Gears of War.

The graphics, while impressive, do not deliver the same “wow” factor as the original, which is understandable. However, Gears of War 4 stands as one of the Xbox One’s most visually impressive titles, particularly in the single-player campaign, showcasing remarkable effects, especially in weather and wind rendering. Storms dynamically affect foliage, rain lashes down, debris fills the air, and distant lightning illuminates the scene. Visually, Gears of War has never looked better. Another highlight includes a dramatic airplane crash sequence, with detailed destruction of the airframe and surrounding environment. Fire and smoke further enhance the scene’s impact. Elsewhere, an escape from a burning mansion showcases impressive fire effects. Even the quieter moments are visually appealing. A serene village features a stream, log houses, and a backdrop of mountains and nature. While Gears of War 4 may not quite match the visual fidelity of titles such as Uncharted 4, The Division or Star Wars Battlefront, it remains competitive, and features an interesting design that blends varied architectural styles. This creative freedom allows for diverse environments; some structures resemble 19th-century buildings, while others evoke futuristic cities.

In multiplayer, the graphics are slightly less elaborate, with a greater emphasis on maintaining a stable frame rate. Several maps are derived from the single-player campaign environments.

Ultimately, Gears of War 4 delivers a familiar experience. The game is set many years after the conclusion of the Xbox 360 trilogy, with players now controlling J.D. Fenix, son of Marcus Fenix. J.D. has inherited his father’s physique, though the character design is slightly more realistic. While the angular facial features and stoic demeanor remain recognizable, the characters feel more human and less hardened, reflecting a more peaceful upbringing. J.D. Fenix, for instance, possesses a less gravelly voice than his father.

Kait is the new female lead character. Her mother has a leading role in the village where Kait has spent many days.

J.D. Fenix lives outside the control of the New COG, an authoritarian military state (involved in genetic engineering to enhance newborns), with other outcasts known as the Outsiders. This evokes similarities to the beginning of Hunger Games, where some live simply while others possess advanced technology. The planet Sera has recovered from the Locust invasion that threatened its surface. Despite a period of relative peace following the near-catastrophe (summarized in the prologue), tensions persist between the Outsiders and the government. However, the primary threat comes from a new enemy: The Swarm. This intelligent, non-human enemy provides a serious challenge without making Gears of War 4 feel like a repetitive sequel.

Armor that is passed down to a new generation.

The execution compensates for the sense of familiarity. Gameplay innovations include the ability to pull enemies from cover for a takedown, adding dynamism to encounters. New weapons, such as the Buzzkill (a ricocheting saw blade launcher), offer new tactical options.

While Gears of War 4 is not alone in its cover-based mechanics, the Gears of War series remains a benchmark in the genre. The campaign is familiar yet polished, the characters are more relatable, and the story is engaging. The 25-year gap since the original trilogy allows for significant changes, while retaining familiar elements. The narrative provides sufficient backstory for newcomers without overwhelming them, while rewarding veteran players with subtle details. Gears of War 4 emphasizes tactical combat. Proper positioning, weapon selection, and coordinated attacks are essential for success. However, the gameplay can become somewhat repetitive, with a cycle of defense and offense punctuated by exploration and storytelling. Consequently, Gears of War 4 may not be ideal for extended play sessions. While the environments offer visual variety, the core gameplay loop is less diverse.

Weather forecast for the planet Sera: Increasing storm gusts, which later develop into hurricanes with elements of lightning and thunder. Class G warning is issued.

While the Gears of War series no longer leads in graphics, it remains a leader in the cover-based action genre. Others attempt it, but none execute it better. The series remains a genre benchmark, unsurpassed in its mechanics and execution. Just as J.D. Fenix assumes the mantle from Marcus, The Coalition has successfully honored Epic’s legacy with Gears of War 4. If not for prior knowledge, one might assume the same team developed all four installments.

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