Gears of War (Xbox 360) Review
Posted by Joshua Richey on 11.22.2006
After all the hype that this game has generated, does it soar or fizzle?
If it seems like just about everyone has been talking about Gears of War since even prior to the 360’s launch… well then, that’s because they have. Gears of War is supposed to be the game that showcases the power of the 360. It’s supposed to do for the 360 what the original Halo did for the X-box. No pressure or anything, right?
Its Goal: Sell consoles, sway people from buying a Playstation 3, and show current 360 owners what the machine is really capable of.
Given all the hype that this game has generated, gamers had the right to be a bit skeptical. I mean when was the last time that a huge release like this lived up to the hype that had previously surrounded it? The bar was set very high for Epic, but in the end they managed to do pretty well for themselves. How well? Well, the game is not only good… it’s great. Wait, I don’t even think that the word great truly captures the appeal of this game. Gears of War isn’t just good. It isn’t just great. Gears of War is the tits.
GRAPHICS
Gears of War looks just as good as the early screenshots that we’ve been shown. It’s the best representation to date of what the 360 is actually capable of producing. The environments are large, detailed, and they really add an element to the overall gameplay. The environments play such a crucial role in Gears of War. You’ll constantly feel the need to seek protection behind a variety of walls, blocks, and other ruins just to stay alive. Given the dark depressing story that Gears of War tells—the game’s levels really capture that, and make it seem daunting and almost real.
Aside from the environments, Gears of War also offers up some of the most beautifully menacing looking characters that we’ve ever seen in a game. Your team of militants (known as The Gears) are badasses in ever sense of the word. They’ve got the ruggedness that just oozes with charisma. Their nemeses are equally as thrilling. The Locusts’ that you’ll encounter in this game are creepy, merciless, and god dammit, pretty damn cool as well.
GAMEPLAY
Gears of War borrows a lot of the gameplay elements that made other games so great. Within minutes you’ll be able to notice that the developers took a lot of inspiration from the Halo franchise. Your general controls are nearly identical. This is a real plus because everyone is well accustomed to Halo’s amazing control scheme. It also allows people to pick up the controller and be comfortable almost immediately. Gears of War also uses Halo’s innovative health system. Like Halo, you’ll have a shield that once it’s depleted—will result in your death. To keep this from happening you’ll need to take cover for a few moments as your shield rejuvenates.
Gears’ also includes a new camera system that really makes you feel like you’re in the thick of battle. The better part of the game is done within 3rd person. But as you’ll race through the battlefield the camera will race along with you—creating an adrenaline rush like sensation.
While some people are going to criticize Epic for ‘stealing’ these gameplay elements, I overwhelmingly approve. Gameplay should never be that difficult of a task. Look at what has worked for other games, and build off of that. It’s in the best interest of the player; and that’s exactly what Epic has done here. Bravo!
SOUND
Sound is another area in which Gears of War really excels. The games story has you misplaced in the middle of a war between the Gears and the Locusts. It’s a fight for all life, and the sound depicts that as well. The sounds of explosions, crying-screams, chainsaws ripping through flesh… they’re all there; and they are all superbly executed.
LASTING APPEAL
Once you place your Gears of War disc into your 360, you won’t have any desire to remove it for a very long time. The actual game itself is rather short, but its online play is extraordinary.
The online features to Gears of War offer even more good times than the actual game does. And that’s saying something. If you need something to cure you from that let-down of Halo 2, or just need something to hold you over until Halo 3… then Gears of War is the game for you.
FUN FACTOR
As mentioned above, the online Clan Play that Gears of War features is straight up tremendous. Is there anything better than running around and blasting n00bs? Now, yes! Now you can run around and slice n00bs to little bits via your chainsaw. That’s the epitome of fun, folks.
THE 411
If it sounds like I’m gushing over Gears of War, it’s because I am. This game is nearly flawless. My only complaint is that the Campaign Mode is a bit too short for my liking. Any dedicated Gamers should be able to finish it within one sitting. But luckily the games fun enough to play another time through and there is always those great online features to keep you occupied.
I think that it’s pretty safe to say that a new dominant franchise has been born. It’s rare that a game makes such a positive impact in its debut release. I have no doubt that Gears of War is going to be mentioned in the same breath along with franchises like Halo, Metal Gear, and Resident Evil as the most ‘money’ franchises.
A great debut for Gears of War, and a very promising future.
Graphics
10.0
Considering that these are the best graphics that any console has ever produced, I'd say that a 10 is only logical.
Gameplay
10.0
Incorporating a lot of Halo's gameplay elements was a great move by Epic... but they've also added enough of their own elements to make the game unique, and not a Halo rip-off.
Sound
10.0
The sound matches up with the theme of the game about as well as you could possibly imagine.
Lasting Appeal
9.5
While the actual game itself is a bit of the short side, the game is stacked with features and online play that'll keep you bust for months.
Fun Factor
10.0
Game of the Year. Anyone that says differently is a hater, or hasn't played GoW. It's the flat out most fun you'll have playing a game all year.
