Platforms: Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X, Playstation 5, PC
Developer: The Coalition
Series: Gears of War
Genre: Action game
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Release Date: August 26, 2025
SPOILERS THROUGHOUT!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- This is the best version of the classic Gears of War
- Playstation fans can now play!
- 4k Resolution 60 frames campaign on Xbox Series X
- 120 fps multiplayer great fun
- Played on Xbox Series X
- Free for me via Ultimate Edition
- Best campaign in the series
- Beat campaign in around 7 hours
- 120 fps multiplayer
- $39.99
Introduction
Gears of war and I go way back. It’s the reason I bought the Xbox 360 after all. Till this day Gears of War holds fond memories in my heart for being the best campaign along with it’s fun multiplayer.
Back in the day I beat General RAAM on insane solo (along with the entire campaign). Gears of War brought third person cover shooting into video games with respect that still rings true today.
Presentation
Gears of War: Reloaded is a third person action cover shooter developed by The Coalition that features 4k visuals along with 60 fps for it’s campaign. The multiplayer side features 120 fps if your tv can afford it.
I played Reloaded on my Xbox Series X for free since I already had Gears of war: Ultimate Edition installed via the Xbox One days. Either way, now Playstation guys and gals can now play it which I’m excited about.
As far as bugs or technical glitches are concerned none stood out during my time with Reloaded. Everything from a technical aspect was really solid on the Xbox Series X.
Story
Gears of War’s story isn’t serious literature. It’s hamburger not steak. It takes place on a fictional planet called Sera where the Locusts (bad guys) came out of the ground one day and started killing the humans on the surface. That day was called “E-Day” aka Emergence Day.
You play as disgraced Gear Cog soldier Marcus Fenix who ends up leading Delta Squad into the depths of the Locusts hollow to activate a Resonator then later a Lightmass Bomb that is capable of destroying the Locusts’ underground stronghold.
Sprinkle in some gore, comedy one-liners. A cast of super masculine buff 80’s soldiers fighting super masculine Locusts creatures and you got Gears of war. To me, the story isn’t good but that’s not why I love the game or series. I love it for it’s gameplay.
Gameplay
This is the video game that brought third person cover shooting to the forefront with respectability. The snappy heavy cover mechanic along with simple crisp shooting of various weapons is the reason Gears of War is Gears of War.
You can also stand up and use weapons while not in cover like the Gnasher Shotgun which turns the Locusts into pink bits. There are various weapons such as the Torque Bow, Boltok Pistol, Chainsaw Lancer which melee saws through Locusts.
The gameplay was always fun to me simple as the that. The campaign along with it’s multiplayer gives you plenty of gore, one-liners and fun. I played some multiplayer which was a blast by the way.
Multiplayer seems to have some old community vets returning atleast early on. I played 2v2 Gnasher Elimination which was fun along with Team Deathmatch, Blitz and King of The Hill.
Visuals
Gears of War: Reloaded is the best looking Gears of War game on consoles. What stuck out the most to me was the lighting system The Coalition implemented which really popped while outside. Also the reflections were upgraded which were noticeable you walked through the Stranded’s Camp.
Sound
I played this on my TV’s stereo so I couldn’t honestly tell you how the sound was upgraded but apparently it was and the Playstation 5 haptic feedback support is a thing which I didn’t get to try out.
Gears of War: Reloaded: This is the best way to play classic Gears of War on consoles. Multiplayer is still a blast. For 39.99 it's worth it. – Jason
