Gears of War: E-Day is set to evoke the original Xbox 360 trilogy's distinct atmosphere and gameplay, for better and for worse, according to early impressions. The Coalition's prequel aims to recapture the grim, visceral tone and gameplay that defined the series' initial run between 2006 and 2011.
Set during humanity's first encounters with the Locust horde, the game places players in the boots of Marcus Fenix as the subterranean, humanoid race begins its assault on the surface. The demo, set early in the game's narrative, features intense scenarios on inner-city bridges and transport hubs overrun by the enemy. Players experience the confusion and disarray as civilians and the military grapple with the unknown threat, with Fenix and his resistance crew pushing back against the onslaught.
Despite a lack of significant departures from the established formula, the return to the series' roots appears to be a deliberate and welcome move for fans. The core gameplay loop of cover-based shooting, roadie-running, and brutal close-quarters combat, including the signature chainsaw executions, is present and accounted for. Mechanics such as cover-to-cover wall bouncing, a divisive element since the series' inception, also return. The developers have focused on refining these core elements, ensuring that the tactile feel of combat remains intact.
"If you like Gears back then, you're going to like this. If you didn't, precious little has changed," the preview notes. The single-player demo showcased a balance between intense, claustrophobic encounters and more strategic, open-ended combat sequences, a pendulum of panic and peace reminiscent of the original trilogy.
The game's visual presentation, built in Unreal Engine 5, has been praised for harmonizing with the series' established art direction. While some might find Unreal Engine 5 games visually homogeneous, Gears of War: E-Day manages to look like a modernized version of the original trilogy, retaining its characteristic grit and detail. The vocal performances and motion capture for characters like Marcus Fenix and Dom also contribute to the authentic feel.
Players can expect familiar weaponry, including the Lancer, Gnasher shotgun, Snub pistol, and Boomshot, alongside a new bolt-action DMR-like weapon. Each weapon reportedly feels impactful, with engineers credited for ensuring they retain the satisfying feel of their predecessors, despite the engine upgrade. The introduction of a jump button is noted as a minor addition, serving primarily as another tool for repositioning Marcus Fenix rather than fundamentally altering gameplay.
Gears of War: E-Day is scheduled for release on October 6th for PC (Steam) and Xbox Series X/S.