It’s still a shock to see Gears of War: Reloaded loading up on my PS5. The game industry is evolving, and Xbox titles heading to the PlayStation 5 is part of that evolution. Seeing that the game was coming, I had to jump in to experience it. I had gotten to play the third entry on the Xbox 360 and wanted to see how the series started. A classic third-person shooter with unique weapons and iconic characters is an exciting game to play. Moreover, with the game being advertised as an upgrade, I was curious to see what had changed. However, what I was met with was a fun and straightforward story, which was the highlight; there was a lot to be desired. From jarring audio problems to bug and AI issues. There were many times this title felt like the gears were grinding.
Classic shooter gameplay revisited
Gears of War: Reloaded features a classic third-person shooter perspective mixed with cover-based action. Players must fight through various enemy sections while using cover to try and outflank and shoot down foes. At a time before The Division, Gears of War was at the forefront with this hybrid experience. Whether you want to go around to surprise the enemy or stay behind cover, Gears of War: Reloaded brings this to the current generation.
While in some cases this can feel outdated, it still feels relevant and fresh to enjoy. Throughout my time with Gears of War: Reloaded, it was great playing both aggressively and defensively. The game has you try out different options to be able to outsmart the enemy. Something that feels like it lacks in some modern games. With a group shooting at your allies, you can find ways to give yourself the upper hand. It’s refreshing and a great way to feel like you are back in the days of classic shooter gameplay.
Moreover, when playing on higher difficulties, the game makes you rely on these mechanics even more. Rather than blazing through encounters, I had to tactically use cover to make sure I wasn’t gunned down. The Locust would then try to surround me, and I needed to adjust my position. Therefore always keeps me on my toes. It’s a simple gameplay style. One that reminds me that even back in the day, games could be made with unique ways to challenge the player.
Down with the Locust
For new players, Gears of War: Reloaded takes place on the planet Sera, 14 years after E-Day. A time when the mutated human race, the Locust, came from underground and attacked. You play as Marcus Fenix, broken out of prison by your best friend Dom. Players are tasked with leading Delta Squad to deploy the resonator to map the Locust’s underground network. Furthermore, deploy the Lightmass Bomb to destroy said tunnel network.
The story of Gears of War: Reloaded is a great time. It’s straightforward fun with an easy-to-understand story. It showcases the old era of gaming, where players are easily caught up in a narrative. You get the idea right away of what is going on, and why you are on the mission you are on. Plus, the characters of Delta Squad themselves make the story even better. Whether it’s Marcus, Dom, Baird, or Cole. While it doesn’t feature crazy twists, the story is simple and a blast to take part in.
Another win for the story is being able to experience it on different difficulties. Each one provides a different feel with being harder. Not just that, but putting you to the test on your skills. Something that adds to the replayability. I played on Casual with some missions on Insane, and the difference was big. I finished it in over 12 hours, and it didn’t overstay its welcome. Some shooters’ campaigns can be weak with a focus on multiplayer. But to me, the story experience shines bright, especially with some friends to enjoy it with.
A reloaded game that feels jammed
Gears of War: Reloaded doesn’t come without its faults, however. Its tanky controls feel very outdated. Every time I turned Marcus, it felt like turning a massive car with a pirate ship wheel. I had many times where enemies, especially on Insane difficulty, would gun me down cause it took forever to turn around. For an updated version of a classic, it would only make sense to update the controls to feel better. That way, it appeals to newer players used to more fluid control schemes.
Furthermore, many of the bugs within the game are present. I had times when I saw straight through the map because it wouldn’t load. Or, in sections where enemies had to be cleared to move on, many would be stuck in their spawn. Which makes it unpassable, as I couldn’t take them down. Therefore, causing me to restart and leading to more frustration stacked on the tank controls. Adding to this were AI teammates. In both Casual and Insane, they feel completely brainless. I had many times where Dom was stuck in a corner, running on the spot, or not covering me. And in a harder difficulty, this is painstaking to deal with. So if you have others to play co-op with, you are better off.
The purpose of Gears of War: Reloaded was to spruce up a classic and make it better. However, these bugs and outdated controls make it feel like it’s stuck in the past. The AI not being helpful only adds to the pile. It had me questioning at times what exactly had been done to it to make it modernized. When, instead of being tuned up, it feels just like a casual port from an almost 20-year-old game.
Decent looks, not so much with the sounds
When it comes to the visuals of Gears of War: Reloaded, the biggest touch-up was to the characters and the frame rate. The armor on Delta Squad looks cleaner and clearer. For a game developed for the Xbox 360 era, it’s a glow-up on something you see a lot of. Moreover, playing the game itself is smooth, with a constant 60 frames per second throughout the story. Something that should be more consistent in a generation that boasts about console performance.
But this is essentially where the buck stops on fidelity. Many of the backgrounds and environments feel barely touched or not even updated at all. The cutscenes in the story are poorly rendered. With many instances of them running at a much lower frame rate than the actual gameplay. A clear sign that the cutscenes were just copied over. It’s kind of disappointing to see, cause it took away from the focus on the story at times. I felt more interested in wondering why the quality was so much lower than the narrative.
Audibly, things are not any better. The sound on many effects is off and quite jarring. I adjusted my volume at the beginning, and character dialogue and music were nominal. However, they get drowned out in combat from the massive spike in headshot audio. Enemies like the Wretches screaming are also deafening over anything else. The audio is just all over the place and sometimes feels like jumpscares in a game that isn’t a horror. With headshots being so prominent in multiplayer, I can only imagine how rough that can be on your ears.
If you want Gears of War, be aware
Overall, Gears of War: Reloaded is a disappointing first endeavor on the PlayStation 5. While getting to experience the story is something I enjoyed, it’s not the best part of this title. In an age of remakes and remasters, this doesn’t fit the profile. With the visuals getting only some touch-ups, the audio is not great. Plus, the controls feel as old as before, making this feel just like a one-to-one port. Many PlayStation players may get turned away by the lackings that this title offers.
Additionally, I was not able to review the multiplayer section of the game before launch. Something that was a shame to realize, as it is another iconic part of the series. So it’s impossible to currently know how the servers or the game feel when playing against others. However, with the way it feels and sounds, it’s something that only the brave may be able to bear. Furthermore, with how the weapons all feel underwhelming, I can only wonder how it translates into a competitive scene.
Being able to see Marcus perform a Lancer execution is memorable, but not at the cost of what this port brings. If you are looking to dive into Gears of War as a PlayStation player, this is your best way to do so. The game has some hiccups that can dampen the experience. Although seeing Gears of War: Reloaded is still a unique experience in gaming, it’s hard to justify that with the title as is. Because it doesn’t feel like something that is “reloaded.” Rather, it seems more rehashed and a disappointing way to reach a new stage in gaming and console exclusivity.
Gears of War: Reloaded is available now on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X|S.
The Review
Middling
