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Gears 5 is the latest entry in Microsoft’s long-running series of cover shooters. Developer The Coalition has shaken things up a bit this time, though, introducing an RPG-like progression system to its story campaign, along with some wide-open areas that change the series’ traditionally linear approach. A free Battle Pass-like system, expansive progression, and hero shooter-inspired characters also bring the multiplayer portion of Gears 5 in line with modern shooters.
The fundamentals of Gears of War are still here, however, as you hunker down behind cover, shoot at gooey reptilian monsters with a variety of guns, and carefully time your active reloads to get the most out of all that firepower. Critics appear to agree that this is one of the high points for the 13-year-old series. In GameSpot’s review in progress, Phil Hornshaw says the new ideas it brings to the series are all good reasons for fans to return.
Many other outlets have published their Gears 5 reviews as well, so we’ve gathered a smattering of them below to give a view from around the industry. For an even broader look, check out GameSpot’s sister site Metacritic.
- Game: Gears 5
- Platforms: Xbox One, Windows PC
- Developer: The Coalition
- Release date: September 10
- Price: $60 / £49.99 / $99.95 AUD
If you plan on purchasing Gears 5, Microsoft is currently offering a one-month Xbox Game Pass subscription for only $1 USD as part of an introductory rate for new subscribers only. Xbox Game Pass for Xbox One costs $10 USD / £8/ $10.95 AUD per month. Gears 5 is included in the service at no extra cost. Alternatively, you can sign up for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $2 USD / £2 / $2 AUD for the first two months, and then $15 USD/ £11 / $15.95 AUD per month thereafter. Ultimate comes with Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold.
If you want to purchase Gears 5 for yourself, you can currently pre-order it on Amazon for $49.94 (a saving of $10.05). GameSpot also has you covered with all of the details on pre-order bonuses and what’s included in the Ultimate and Collector’s editions of the game.
Pre-order Gears 5 on Amazon
GameSpot review in progress — 7/10
“Gears 5 is very much a return of those best elements of Gears of War, but with a focus on making the game feel somewhat more adaptive to your particular ways of playing. Whether you want campaign or co-op, Competitive or Quickplay, there’s an option for you in Gears 5, and plenty of stuff to reward you for time spent and skill gained. Gears 5 might suffer from some of the same storytelling missteps as its predecessors, and it might not venture far out of the past, but the new ideas it brings to the series are all good reasons for fans to return.” — Phil Hornshaw [Full review]
GamesRadar — 4/5
“Gears 5 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it changes enough to keep its signature style of cover-based shooting from feeling monotonous. Going into this review, I was convinced Gears of War needed to change drastically or risk obsolescence. But the Coalition has found a different way forward, using new mechanics to polish the old, making the whole game shine.” — Mike Epstein [Full review]
USGamer — 3/5
“Gears 5 survives on its solid cover shooting gameplay and a campaign that isn’t afraid to pose difficult questions about problematic topics. But the largely stagnant Horde mode and general mess of an Escape mode really pull the sequel back from being a bold step forward.” — Hirun Cryer [Full review]
Game Informer — 8.5/10
“Gears 5 is exactly what it needs to be. This old war vet still packs a punch. The open-world exploration has issues, but that isn’t enough to steal away the thunder The Coalition expertly deploys on the battlefield. The campaign is a fun ride that concludes with a shocker moment and a hell of a setup for a sequel. I’m already looking forward to that follow-up.” — Andrew Reiner [Full review]
God Is A Geek — 10/10
“This game is to Gears of War and Xbox what 2018’s God of War was for Sony. It’s a bombastic yet heartfelt entry into a beloved series; it’s gorgeous, sounds great, plays brilliantly – it’s at once a showcase for the high-end hardware available, and for where Xbox could be heading with its next console and the games we’ll see on it. One thing that’s for sure, though, is that it’s for the fans. If you didn’t think you needed another Gears of War, you were wrong. Gears 5 stands tall as one of the best games of the year. A barnstorming success, and the essential first-party title the Xbox One desperately needed. Well played, The Coalition.” — Adam Cook [Full review]
Twinfinite — 4.5/5
“Gears 5 might well be up there as one of my favorite entries in the series alongside Gears 2. Having been a somewhat lapsed Gears multiplayer player, I’m excited to really sink my teeth into more of the Versus modes, play Horde with some friends, and truly get to grips with Escape’s map editor, as well as see what those far more talented than I am at level design come up with. With Gears 5, The Coalition took some risks, and it makes for one of the best entries in the series yet.” — Chris Jecks [Full review]
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