Gears of War: Reloaded PS5 Review – Blast From the Past

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As a PlayStation user who hasn’t dabbled in the Gears of War series till now, I was thrilled at the opportunity to delve into Gears of War : Reloaded. Reminiscing through this game has been quite a trip, whisking me away to simpler times without intricate mechanics to master or numerous systems to interact with.

In its remastered form, Reloaded is both user-friendly and hard to tear oneself away from. I frequently stayed up past my regular bedtime, curious to discover what fresh adventures awaited Fenix and his comrades as they endeavored to bring a halt to the war raging between the remaining humans and the lethal Locusts.

Epic Games does an outstanding job in keeping the narrative gripping, as the action never slows from the instant Dom opens Marcus’ prison door. The combat stays tense throughout, maintaining a high level of excitement until I finally completed the game by destroying the Locust’s underground network.

Gears of War: Reloaded” is quite enjoyable, despite some minor flaws. These shortcomings are easily overshadowed by an exhilarating journey that leaves me eagerly anticipating what “Gears of War: E-Day” has in store.

It might be a good idea to invite a friend to join you in playing this game, as there is an online multiplayer mode where they can experience the story with you.

In Marcus Fenix’s first journey, one standout aspect is the straightforwardness of its narrative style. You’re immediately plunged into the thick of things, as the game swiftly establishes its mechanics, allowing little time for contemplation before the COG assigns you a task and sends you off on your mission.

For Marcus and his team, nothing ever seems to follow the expected path, as the swarms of Locust creatures consistently present fresh obstacles. The narrative moves swiftly, keeping players on their toes with its unpredictable nature throughout gameplay.

Introducing collectible comics that provide small pieces of background information about the story is an effective approach, as it enables the game to concentrate on its core strengths and avoids leaving players in confusion regarding the placement of main characters within the larger plotline.

In the game “Reloaded“, one of my most memorable experiences, I could envision myself playing it again at a later time. Its fast-paced action and continuous buildup of tension place it above many recent games I’ve played, with its unique and compelling characters being an added bonus.

Instead of playing the story alone, consider inviting a friend to join you through the game’s online cooperative multiplayer feature. Having a live player as your teammate can significantly enhance the gaming experience, particularly during challenging battles, where their skills prove more effective than the game’s AI controlling Fenix’s allies.

In this multiplayer mode, you’ll find a wealth of choices tailored for an exceptional gaming experience. The developers have gone above and beyond to make sure every gamer enjoys it to the fullest. I’m eagerly looking forward to testing it at 120 frames per second on the PS5 Pro, as 60fps already transformed the entire gameplay dynamic into something truly amazing.

The game offers a more strategic, slower-paced multiplayer experience compared to modern shooters, focusing on tactical positioning, careful use of cover, and team coordination rather than quick reflexes. Most maps from the original game are included and remain enjoyable, although players should keep in mind that it’s not a completely updated or revolutionary gameplay experience. Instead, it provides a nostalgic, old-school multiplayer feel for PS5 users that will have a familiar run-and-gun rhythm when taking cover.

On the standard PlayStation 5, the game Reloaded lets you pick between Quality and Performance settings for its graphics. The Quality mode offers a more detailed visual experience but may result in a slower frame rate, while the Performance mode delivers a smoother frame rate at the cost of slightly reduced detail in the graphics.

The promise of cross-platform compatibility and progression makes the game more appealing at launch, as it means a larger player base and fewer empty lobbies across different modes and platforms. Besides split-screen and cooperative play, there are eight competitive modes that range from fast-paced arcade style to more strategic and thoughtful gameplay. For instance, King of the Hill requires continuous position shifts and smart utility usage, while Execution lowers the pace, increases decision-making pressure, and emphasizes time management. Essentially, it’s a return to classic Gears gameplay, but consider it as an enjoyable, nostalgic extra alongside the campaign rather than the main attraction.

The Coalition, Disbelief, and Sumo Digital deserve recognition for making sure that the remastered version of “Reloaded” runs flawlessly on the PlayStation 5. This updated version beautifully revives the original game while seamlessly adapting it to modern-day systems. A smooth frame rate allowed me to effortlessly mow down waves of Locust troops, and various environments presented no signs of pop-in or other technical issues.

On the standard PS5 version, the game “Reloaded” offers two graphic modes: Quality and Performance. The Quality mode provides a more detailed visual experience but at the cost of lower frame rates. Conversely, Performance mode delivers a smooth 60 frames per second which I found significantly enhances the overall gaming experience. I’d suggest trying out both to see what suits you best. Moreover, the game boasts quick loading times that make returning to action feel almost immediate.

Although the narrative and game mechanics remain engaging even after all these years, the graphics could have been better given the opportunity. Despite their high-quality appearance, they might not meet modern standards.

To add to my previous statement, it’s important to note that this version of the game shares similarities with the Ultimate Edition released for Xbox One in 2015. The content in this remastered edition surpasses what was available in the original title, offering a vast array of new material. In essence, this remaster could practically be considered a remake because the 2015 version underwent significant updates compared to the initial release. These enhancements encompass not only visual upgrades but also the addition of fresh maps and chapters, and many other notable improvements.

Though the plot and game mechanics still captivate players even after all these years, the graphics could be more advanced than they are now. Despite their exceptional quality, they might not meet modern standards. On the audio side, Fenix’s growling voice and menacing persona contribute significantly to his intimidating presence, adding an air of authority to the character.

In my time playing Reloaded, the story was certainly a standout, but what truly captured my attention was the engaging gameplay. The Locusts were relentless and testing my defenses was no easy feat, even on the simplest difficulty levels.

In “Reloaded”, the focus shifts towards strategy and mastering the Active Reload feature, which allows Marcus to quickly re-enter combat with increased speed and enhanced damage on his next attack, provided he times his second reload correctly after initiating the animation. This technique proves particularly valuable when dealing with relentless enemies.

Experience revolves around hiding behind cover and occasionally firing off some shots. Initially, controls might seem clumsy, but they become comfortable once you get accustomed to them. However, the selection of enemy types is rather limited, with just a few kinds of common grunts appearing in the game, leading me to repeatedly encounter and eliminate the same ones.

On the contrary, this doesn’t apply to bosses. Giant Locusts are incredibly formidable and lethal, making it necessary for you to adjust your strategies swiftly to avoid being squashed completely. The first encounter with a Berserker will likely make you yearn for a break after an exhilarating series of events that involve luring it outside so it becomes vulnerable to the COG’s Hammer of Dawn – a weapon that’s quite impressive but has limited applications.

“If this is going to be your first time as a COG Gear, you’re definitely in for a treat.”

Discussing weaponry, it’s worth noting that they sometimes share a similar monotony with the game’s standard foes. Although there are exciting introductions such as the Torque Bow, you tend to stick with pistols, shotguns, or assault rifles for the majority of the game. You switch between them according to your ammo supply or the circumstances in the heat of battle.

With continued use, all the weapons started feeling similar due to slight adjustments in their damage or ammunition capacity being the only significant differences. This uniformity becomes even more noticeable when you handle distinctive weapons such as the Torque Bow, which left me yearning for a wider array of weapons offering unique features that would prompt me to experiment with different gameplay styles.

In simpler terms, I often preferred using the Long Rifle due to its impressive range and high damage, enabling me to shoot targets from a secure distance. There were several occasions where I persisted in holding onto it, even when I had no ammunition, opting instead to search for bullets rather than picking up a decent assault rifle conveniently placed nearby.

As someone who’s been a part of this gaming franchise since its debut in 2006, I can assure you that the transition to a different platform doesn’t compromise the solid gameplay experience you remember. It’s like revisiting an old friend, filled with nostalgia. Plus, you can invite a few friends over for some good old multiplayer action, thanks to its robust multiplayer system and cross-platform compatibility.

If you’re new to being a COG Gear, you’re in for an enjoyable experience. The remastered game, titled “Gears of War: Reloaded, is a testament to the longevity of a classic title. Its continued popularity over the years is evident, and the game that started it all remains captivating even today. I highly recommend you give it a try.

2. Once you’ve wrapped up with Marcus Fenix and his tough-as-nails squad, they’ll stick in your mind long after the main story’s done. Similar to our protagonists, Gears of War is a trustworthy, reliable game that keeps things interesting from the get-go! (Paraphrased)

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 5.

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2025-08-27 12:45