Gears of War: E-Day looks darker and more brutal than ever

I spent roughly an hour experiencing Gears of War: E-Day's campaign, which appears to be a fantastic reboot for the Xbox 360 classic. While the campaign doesn't bring anything groundbreaking, it comprehensively delivers what makes Gears of War a beloved series. The story begins with the fictional city of Kalona dealing with the initial stages of the Locust mutant invasion.

Our protagonist, Marcus Fenix, along with his team comprised of Dominic Santiago, Mags Carter, and Lucas Reyes, are holed up in the besieged city hall. They are briefed on the destruction of a massive creature, which is likely the climax of the previous chapter, and are swiftly deployed to reclaim the city. The initial objective is to reach a nearby Thrashball stadium, a familiar in-universe sport resembling a mix of football and rugby, which requires traversing the damaged streets and crossing a massive mechanical bridge.

This is easier said than done, as Emergence Holes (E-holes) continuously open, releasing waves of enemies, some of which are aggressive and employ clever tactics. The basic rifle-wielding drones prefer cover and shoot intermittently, posing a challenge to track in large numbers. Shotgun-toting foes and dog-like Feral Wretches add pressure, forcing players to frequently change cover to avoid being overwhelmed.

The campaign features a steady introduction of new enemy types, from lethal snipers to giant brutes equipped with bazookas, keeping encounters fresh and interesting. While the up-close action is impressively slick, basic gunplay is relatively ineffective and cumbersome. Nevertheless, the Gnasher Shotgun remains a formidable weapon, offering a satisfying reward for successfully eliminating enemies.

As the campaign progresses, players are introduced to one of the new 'open district' missions, allowing them to explore a large section of the city with a limited map and a few optional side missions. The gameplay is reminiscent of the classic formula, with the addition of modding gun upgrades that adjust stats like magazine size or fire rate, offering a unique customization experience.

The game's visuals are simply stunning, with ray-traced lighting, complex geometric models, and flawless textures, creating a lovingly crafted world that feels both familiar and alien. A minor nitpick is the visual contrast with the first Gears of War, which takes place in an entirely different era and location. Despite this, E-Day promises a compelling campaign and a suite of multiplayer modes, offering an enjoyable palate cleanser between large live-service releases.