Image: The Coalition
It's been a while since we last stepped into the boots of Marcus Fenix and friends, and the anticipation for Gears of War 5 was certainly high. The latest installment in the Gears of War franchise by The Coalition aims to bring back the raw, visceral action that fans have come to love while introducing some new elements to keep the series fresh. After spending countless hours battling the Locust Horde and delving into the expansive campaign, I'm here to present a review of Gears of War 5.
Story (8/10) The narrative in Gears 5 takes us on a personal journey, as we follow Kait Diaz, who is grappling with her identity and the unsettling truth about her family's connection to the Locust. The story is well-paced and engaging, with enough twists and turns to keep even the most hardened Gears veteran on their toes. However, some of the dialogue can feel a bit forced at times, and there are a few plot points that seem to lack depth. Overall, though, the game's story provides a solid foundation for the gameplay experience.
Gameplay (9/10) Gears 5 retains the series' trademark cover-based shooting mechanics while making some notable improvements. The controls feel tight and responsive, allowing for seamless transition between shooting, melee combat, and using the infamous chainsaw-equipped Lancer. The new open-world sections add an exploratory aspect to the game, giving players the freedom to roam and complete side missions. While these open-world sections can sometimes feel empty and sparse, they provide a refreshing break from the intense, linear combat scenarios.
Graphics and Sound (9.5/10) The Coalition has done a remarkable job in terms of graphics and sound. Gears 5 is visually stunning, showcasing detailed character models, intricate environments, and impressive weather effects. The game's sound design is equally as impressive, with the iconic grunts and growls of the Locust Horde bringing the world to life. The score, composed by Ramin Djawadi, complements the action perfectly, setting the tone for each encounter.
Multiplayer (8/10) The multiplayer in Gears 5 offers a variety of modes, including the returning Horde and Versus modes, as well as the new Escape mode. Horde mode remains a fan favorite, pitting teams of players against increasingly difficult waves of enemies. Versus mode has received some balance updates and new maps, but it can still feel repetitive after extended play sessions. Escape mode is a fresh addition, challenging players to work together to escape a hive before time runs out. While the multiplayer is enjoyable, it doesn't quite reach the heights of previous titles in the series.
Conclusion Gears of War 5 delivers an intense, action-packed experience that stays true to its roots while taking some calculated risks. The single-player campaign is emotionally engaging, and the game's presentation is top-notch. While the open-world sections and multiplayer modes may have some shortcomings, they don't detract from the overall experience. For fans of the franchise and newcomers alike, Gears 5 is a worthy addition to the series and a testament to The Coalition's ability to carry the torch.