Gears of War is a 2006 military science fiction third-person shooter video game developed by Epic Games and The Coalition, published by Microsoft Game Studios released for the Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows.  It is the first installment of the Gears of War series and set on the fictional planet Sera, focuses on a soldier named Marcus Fenix and the troops of Delta Squad as they attempt to save the remaining human inhabitants from a genocidal subterranean race known as the Locust Horde.

Positives:

• Great story
• Great score
• Good voice performances
• Great gameplay
• Competitive multiplayer
• Great characters

Negatives:

• Linear campaign

Campaign: Gears of War features a very extensive campaign which tells a very compelling story of humanity’s fight against a subterranean species known as the Locust. There are a lot of really thrilling moments that even dive into horror. There are great and memorable characters filled with background and personality. Marcus is the main protagonist, a hardened and serious soldier, leads Delta Squad, comprised of Dom, Baird, and Cole into battle with the Locust. General RAAM is a menacing antagonist. One bad quality of the campaign is the fact that it is really linear. And I mean REALLY linear. (4 out 5)

Gameplay: Gameplay is pretty fun and even challenging especially considering the multiple difficulties. Players are allowed to either play co-op or play single and in single mode are able to command their companions which is pretty cool when it comes to utilizing certain tactics to overcome certain enemies. The cover system is unique and works for the game although there are some bugs with it whether it’s jumping over, moving to the next one or just diving to the side. However, it does make for very immersive combat system. (3 out of 5)

Graphics: Visually the game’s graphics are decent. The characters do have a bit of depth to them as well as the costume , creature, and the environment designs which in some areas does feel more vibrant than others. The cinematics are good and help to flush out emotional depth to both characters as well as certain scenes.  Also, there’s a very dull and gritty look to everything that helps emphasize this escalating war and its effects on people and the environment. (3 out of 5)

Score: The game’s score is rather good. The soundtrack is pretty memorable and does help to emphasize either some very fast paced action or sets a good mood for some of the darker sequences. The voice performances are terrific and definitely give that to the characters. Also, the sound effects are on point, especially the weapons. (3 out of 5)

Replay Value:  The game does have a certain level of replayability despite the linear campaign. There is hidden content throughout the campaign which will lead to probably a second and a third playthrough with a couple of split decisions to change up some bits of the story. However, the game’s replayability is mostly emphasizing its multiplayer which is highly competitive. Harder difficulties will challenge more hardened gamers. (3 out of 5)

The Verdict: In the end, Gears of War is a great game. Despite how exceptionally linear the campaign it is, the game has a great story, great immersive gameplay, great characters, a great score, good voice performances, and competitive multiplayer. Gears of War gets 3 out of 5.