Gears is BACK

After playing every Gears of War game (yes, even Judgment), of course I was eagerly anticipating Gears of War 4. With some of the original Gears creators working at the game's new developers, The Coalition, I figured this entry would be a return to form for the series.

Now, after playing several hours of the campaign, horde, and multiplayer, I remember what I loved the most about the series: blowing things up, of course. 10 years later Gears still has some of the most satisfying third-person shooter elements and weapons that make you feel like a powerhouse of death and destruction. The story and characters are fun and the game is really nice to look at.

Most of the Horde mode's changes are welcome (like the fabricator), although I'm not a fan of some aspects. I'd rather fail three waves in a row any time than fight two Snatchers. Almost stationary, low-damage dealing bosses are more my speed. Kestrels, all day, please

Despite my love for the other game modes, multiplayer is where I truly realize how much I enjoy Gears of War. I still go back to it after my point-blank Gnasher shots fail to damage my opponent and he/she turns around and makes me look like an idiot. For me, Gears of War 4 multiplayer does it all. I laugh, I cry, I get scared, I get angry, I do some deep-thinking. It's like a full day's worth of emotions condensed into a five minute match. I think the fact that I keep coming back to play multiplayer--despite its flaws--shows either a.) how much I love the game or b.) how well-made the game is. Or maybe I just love punishing myself.