PGC NEWS

The Coalition faced a daunting task: concluding one trilogy while simultaneously launching another within the iconic Gears of War franchise. This legacy, deeply ingrained in the Xbox 360 and the seventh console generation, defined a subgenre of third-person shooters, inspiring countless imitators who often failed to grasp its essence. With Gears 5, The Coalition takes a bold step forward, streamlining the title and refocusing the narrative. Does this new direction successfully honor the past while forging a new path for the future?

A More Personal War

The omission of “of War” from the title reflects a significant shift in narrative focus. Twenty-five years after the Locust and Lambent wars, and mere months after the events of Gears of War 4, Gears 5 eschews the large-scale conflicts of the Pendulum Wars and Emergence Day. Instead, it presents a more intimate story, exploring the lingering trauma of a world scarred by decades of war and the simmering discontent within both the Outsider population and the COG itself. This new direction might disappoint those seeking the bleak, desperate atmosphere of the original trilogy, but it offers a compelling exploration of the complexities of peace in a world defined by conflict.

Kait Diaz in Gears 5

The narrative centers on Kait Diaz’s quest to uncover her Locust heritage. This personal journey unfolds alongside a generous dose of fan service, reuniting players with beloved characters, resolving lingering questions from Gears of War 2, and intricately weaving together the stories of Niles Samson, the Locust, and the Swarm. The Kadar mountain segment, in particular, stands out as a high point in the series’ storytelling.

Surprisingly, the introduction of open-world elements proves to be a shrewd decision. While the Kadar and Vasgar desert regions aren’t meticulously crafted open worlds, they effectively showcase moments of tranquility amidst the overarching despair, particularly during exhilarating skiff rides.

Gears 5 environment

Refined Gameplay, Familiar Feel

Gears 5 retains the series’ signature gameplay, which distinguishes itself through its distinct approaches to single-player and multiplayer. Single-player encourages precision and strategic use of cover, while multiplayer demands lightning-fast reflexes and mastery of movement. This dichotomy creates a unique skill curve, and players adept in one mode might find surprising depth in the other. Regardless of the mode, the visceral gunplay remains a core strength.

The introduction of JACK, a versatile support robot, adds a new layer to the single-player experience. JACK offers a range of abilities, from stunning enemies to providing temporary shields and cloaking. Upgrading JACK by collecting components scattered throughout the environment encourages exploration, as does the search for powerful Relic Weapons with unique properties.

Gears 5 gameplay

Escape, a new three-player co-op mode, dials down the action but ratchets up the tension. Players must escape a Hive, navigating procedurally generated rooms and facing limited resources. The emphasis on evasion over brute force creates thrilling chases and a unique sense of vulnerability.

Gears 5 Escape mode

Versus mode continues to shine, though the limited number of maps at launch is a drawback. The Coalition’s efforts to diversify the weapon meta are somewhat successful, with the Lancer and other weapons receiving buffs. However, the Gnasher shotgun remains a dominant force in close-quarters combat.

Gears 5 Versus mode

Horde Mode: A Work in Progress

Horde mode, unfortunately, suffers from several significant issues. The arbitrary assignment of classes to characters and the flawed matchmaking system create frustrating situations. The scarcity of ammunition, even for offense-focused classes, is perplexing and undermines the core gameplay loop. Finally, the intrusive post-round scoreboard disrupts the flow of the game. While some positive changes, such as the refined Engineer role and the removal of loot boxes, are welcome, the current state of Horde mode requires significant improvements.

Gears 5 Horde mode

Conclusion

Gears 5 represents a bold new chapter for the franchise. While the narrative shift and open-world elements might not appeal to all longtime fans, the core gameplay remains as satisfying as ever. The introduction of JACK and the Escape mode offer fresh experiences, while Versus mode continues to deliver competitive thrills. However, the significant issues plaguing Horde mode detract from the overall package. With some much-needed adjustments, Gears 5 has the potential to solidify its place as a worthy successor in this beloved franchise.

System Requirements & Information

Developer: The Coalition
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Genre: Action
Release Date: September 6, 2019
Platforms: PC, Xbox One

Minimum Requirements:

• OS: Windows 7 SP1 64-bit, Windows 10 64-bit
• Processor: AMD FX-6000 | Intel i3 Skylake
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: AMD Radeon R9 280 | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760 (Windows 10) | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 (Windows 7)
• DirectX: Version 12
• Storage: 80 GB