Review: Gears of War: Reloaded (PS5) – Iconic Xbox Shooter Is the Perfect Intro for PlayStation Fans

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Gears of War: Reloaded is the remaster of a remaster of a game from 2006, and it shows.

A standout game from the Xbox 360 period, it fundamentally shaped how cover shooters were played for years, leaving an indelible impact on series like Uncharted, Mass Effect, and inspiring numerous imitators. In essence, its influence was so profound that many third-person games would not resemble their current form without it.

After almost two decades, the game-changer, or Gears of War: Reloaded, is starting to show its age. Despite the impressive capabilities of the PS5 hardware, it struggles to make the game look and perform like a contemporary title once again. Although it remains an undisputed classic, it’s crucial to acknowledge the experience you’ll have when playing this revamped version.

It may not look like a shooter from 2006 anymore, but it still plays a lot like one.

The game appears to be older, featuring a continuous, approximately 6-hour journey aimed at preventing the Locust from destroying humanity. In this game, you play as the famous character Marcus Fenix, leading a band of COG soldiers in an offensive mission. Although the storyline of the initial game may not have been particularly thrilling, it set the stage for a series that expanded into six more games on Xbox platforms over time.

In the initial version of the game, dialogue and action dominate over narrative complexity, as it sticks to one main storyline across its five acts without any deviations whatsoever. This straight-forward approach was emphasized during the recent promotions for Mafia: The Old Country. Except for infrequent instances where you have a choice between two possible paths, your journey throughout the level will largely be predetermined by the game itself.

Although Gears of War: Reloaded has a fresh look, it still demonstrates its oldness with outdated AI, which can be problematic on both sides. The AI for your teammates might idle during battles, while enemies seem to abandon their safe spots at odd moments.

Currently, Gears of War: Reloaded provides an engaging single-player campaign (which can also be played cooperatively with a friend) for the year 2025. While it may not leave a profound impact, it offers a glimpse into why this series has grown to become one of Xbox’s most prominent franchises in subsequent games. Consider it as an enjoyable introduction to the universe, before Gears of War: E-Day likely arrives on PS5 the following year.

The gunfire is powerful, sharp, and gratifying, while the cover system offers enjoyable manipulation and exploration in its initial design. Even though it’s an older game from 2006, there’s plenty to appreciate about it.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but express my admiration for the stunning PS5 remaster of this game. While opinions may vary about the impact of these visuals on its acclaim, the developer, The Coalition, has truly outdone themselves. They’ve poured their heart and soul into incorporating numerous features and graphical improvements, effectively transferring the Epic Games magic, now synonymous with Fortnite.

As a gamer, I can tell you that the standard PS5 offers me an incredible 4K resolution at a smooth 60 frames-per-second, complete with HDR for vibrant colors, enhanced lighting, textures, reflections, and shadows. Plus, it eliminates load screens between missions, ensuring seamless gameplay. But if I upgrade to the PS5 Pro, I’ll enjoy advanced features like PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution) support, a 25% boost in render resolutions for even sharper visuals, and superior shadows with high-quality screen space reflections.

The effort put into updating Gears of War: Reloaded for today’s standards is acknowledged, however, it cannot be denied that the remaster’s visuals appear similar to a mid-generation PS4 game. Despite its smooth gameplay, the environments and assets lack the quality we expect. Even with a second remaster considering the PS5 Pro hardware, it’s a far cry from the graphically impressive Gears of War we remember.

The PlayStation 5 undoubtedly profits from its compatibility with all DualSense controller features, which encompass adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. Even though the utilization isn’t revolutionary, you’ll tangibly experience the resistance of a chainsaw-bearing Lancer and the force behind a single-shot blast from the Gnasher shotgun.

In the Reloaded edition, improvements apply to multiplayer as well, enabling a smoother gameplay experience with frame rates that can go up to 120fps. The 19 maps have undergone a facelift, while the online infrastructure has been updated to match contemporary standards and includes dedicated servers. These advancements provide PS5 gamers access to one of the most distinctive multiplayer experiences across multiple generations.

In simpler terms, the multiplayer mode in Gears of War stands out as unique compared to other games. The shotgun is particularly powerful, and teams of four strategically use the game’s cover system to unleash gruesome attacks on their opponents. This game requires a high level of skill, making it potentially challenging for new players who may face experienced gamers on Xbox and PC. However, with persistence, you’ll find that Gears of War offers one of the most thrilling and engaging online gaming experiences available.

The game features traditional team deathmatch and objective-focused modes, along with additional ones that embody the legacy of Gears of War, like a mode exclusively centered around the iconic Gnasher shotgun. It caters to both novice players and seasoned veterans, offering a variety of content tailored to current game dynamics and the preferences of its fanbase.

In this game, which is about 20 years old, you won’t find a Battle Pass or an abundance of rewards to strive for. Instead, its classic design might appeal to you because it lacks the fancy skins and extra features commonly found in contemporary online games. Once you join a match, you jump right into the action without any delay.

1. Option A: The game presents a conundrum with its vintage elements being both an advantage and a hindrance to its overall appeal. While there are good parts to the campaign, it may not captivate, especially for new PS5 players without any fond memories of the past. Contrastingly, the multiplayer lacks some modern bells and whistles commonly found in contemporary live service titles, allowing its high-octane action to shine through unhindered. In a way, Gears of War’s age is one of its strengths.

2. Option B: The game finds itself in a delicate balance where its retro aspects are both appealing and challenging. While the campaign has merits, it might not stand out, particularly for novice PS5 players who haven’t experienced it before or have no nostalgic connection to it. In contrast, the multiplayer misses out on some eye-catching features that current online games offer, allowing its thrilling action to take center stage. Interestingly, Gears of War’s antiquity is one of its strongest points in certain aspects.

3. Option C: The game embodies a paradox, with its traditional components being both attractive and challenging. Despite some engaging parts of the campaign, it may not leave an impactful impression, especially for newcomers to PS5 without any sentimental attachment to it. Simultaneously, the multiplayer lacks certain visual embellishments found in contemporary online games, allowing its intense action to make a clear statement. To put it simply, Gears of War’s outdatedness is one of its key strengths.

Each option maintains the original’s meaning while offering a fresh perspective and natural flow to facilitate easy understanding.

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2025-08-26 18:08