The definitive way to dive into this storied franchise.
Disclosure: Xbox and The Coalition provided the game for review.
Back in 2006, Gears of War changed how shooters played. Nearly 20 years later, The Coalition has brought the original back with Gears of War: Reloaded, a remaster rather than a ground-up remake, and it’s a reminder of why this series has such a loyal following. Cover, chainsaws, active reloads and that destroyed-beauty look all hold up, and this is the definitive way to dive into this storied franchise.
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Story
The setting is Sera, 14 years after Emergence Day, when the monstrous Locust Horde burst from underground and devastated humanity just weeks after the Pendulum Wars ended. You play Marcus Fenix, a disgraced COG soldier imprisoned for abandoning his post to try to save his father. His best friend Dom Santiago springs him from prison, and he’s thrown back into Delta Squad with Cole Train and Baird to deliver the Lightmass Bomb into the Locust tunnels.
It plays like a lean, mean blockbuster, packed with set pieces like the train chase and underground battles. It doesn’t bury you in lore, but it hints at deeper stakes, and that cliffhanger ending still lands. It’s the perfect setup for the whole saga.
Gameplay
This is where Gears innovated, and it still feels fresh. The cover system is buttery smooth, whether you’re ducking behind barriers, blind firing or roadie running to flank. Active reload still rules: time it right for a buff, miss it and you jam. Every iconic weapon is back. The chainsaw Lancer is satisfying as hell with upgraded gore, the Gnasher is a beast up close, the Longshot pops heads like no other, and the Torque Bow’s explosive arrows are badass and tactical.
The Locust are smart, taking cover, flanking and swarming, and there are environmental puzzles like shooting gas tanks to light up areas and keep the deadly Kryll away. The Berserker fight is a highlight, a boss you can’t hurt with regular weapons that forces you to use the environment and the Hammer of Dawn. Co-op is a blast too, with branching paths that split players one and two up while still fighting together. We played the campaign both online and in split screen. Multiplayer wasn’t available during our review period, so it isn’t part of this score.
Visuals
For a game this old, Reloaded delivers. The Coalition overhauled the textures with 4K assets, and the gothic architecture, crumbling cathedrals and shattered cityscapes are packed with detail you couldn’t appreciate before. Marcus and Dom’s armor shows every dent and scratch. Dynamic shadows and volumetric effects make the Locust tunnels oppressive, light filters through broken rooftops and reflects off puddles, and the stormy skies look apocalyptic. A few rough edges remain: shadows can snap away unnaturally as you move, and there are no footprints in mud. Cutscene close-ups are crisp, which makes the emotional moments hit harder.
Sound
The audio is iconic. Every weapon has that signature sound fans will recognize instantly, and hearing the Torque Bow charge before you see who’s aiming it is terrifying. The main theme is one of gaming’s most recognizable, and it builds tension perfectly during swarm attacks. John DiMaggio’s gruff Marcus leads a cast that makes the squad’s camaraderie feel lived in. A few music cues feel more spy thriller than gritty war horror, but that’s a small note.
Verdict
Gears of War: Reloaded recaptures what made the original revolutionary while polishing it for modern hardware. Minor glitches aside, it’s a must-play for fans and newcomers alike, and it’s on Game Pass.
Image: The Coalition / Xbox Game Studios
More on OnPoint: Gears of War: E-Day Review: The Coalition Built a Showpiece With a Heart and RUMOR: Gears of War: E-Day Has Sold Over 400,000 Copies on Xbox and Steam, Per Tom Warren’s Source.
The verdict: Great
The definitive way to dive into this storied franchise.
Pros
- Cover shooting and active reload still feel great
- Iconic weapons with upgraded gore
- Big visual overhaul with 4K assets and better lighting
- Fun branching campaign co-op, online or split screen
- Legendary sound and score
Cons
- Shadows can pop away unnaturally
- Some music cues feel out of place
- Missing small details like footprints
Platform played: Xbox
Where to buy
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