Though cover shooting wasn’t revolutionary by any means at the time, when Gears of War launched back in 2006 it proved just how fantastic and tight such a game mechanic could be. Gone was the traditional run and gun shooter, replaced instead with strategic, thoughtful gunplay requiring a degree of planning and foresight. The very same game that kicked off the successful franchise is getting a complete remake by means of an ultimate edition. I got some hands on time with it at Gamescom, and man, does it look fantastic!
When I say remake, I really mean it. The Coalition, the studio working on the game, have rebuilt the entire game from the ground up – at least in terms of actual assets. The score and voice acting for example, will remain untouched.
The results visually, are simply gorgeous. Gears of War Ultimate Edition outputs at a glorious 1080p, all while running at a buttery smooth 60fps – in multiplayer at least. The campaign is locked to 30fps which still looks amazing regardless. This was demonstrated perfectly with Downpour, one of the maps I got to play on.
It’s a an atmospheric, moody, miserable place, filled with more rain than a summer afternoon in Johannesburg (or like, every day in Cape Town). The wet surfaces reflect everything beautifully, and are even more prominent when lightning decides to flashes casually. My eyeballs were mesmerised, and I found it difficult to battle the locust when I was too busy taking in my surroundings.
Take a look at the header image above. It is taken from the very same map I got to play. See how damn pretty it is? Don’t worry, I know a still image isn’t much to go on, which is why I will be sharing some gameplay footage I captured with you later this week.
The visuals aren’t the only part of Gear of War that have received some modern day loving. The control scheme has been modernised. There’s still that familiarity that fans will appreciate however, including the awesome active reload mechanic that requires precise timing to ensure bonus damage. It took me a while to get used to again, but once I did, nailing it each time was immensely satisfying.
The story itself will be fleshed out further thanks to unlockable comics that can be found in-game. Also, for the first time on console, there will be the five additional missions that follow Delta Squad as they battle their way through Timgad Station – which means it’s Brumak-battling time!
There will be a new difficulty mode, too. Casual is perfect for those who find fighting locusts just a little too overwhelming, but still want to experience the epic campaign in its entirety.
One part of Gears of War that many will be happy to dive back into once more is of course, the multiplayer. Coalition haven’t skimped in this department whatsoever. Ultimate Edition will come with dedicated servers, as well as LAN support. There will be 19 remastered maps to choose from. There are also new multiplayer modes including Team Death Match, King of the Kill, and a 2v2 mode.
Basically, if you couldn’t be bothered with the campaign, and would prefer to shoot opponents controlled by real people instead, there is more than enough multiplayer content to keep you busy for a very long time. Or if you want in on multiplayer that doesn’t involve competitive play, you can opt to play the campaign with a friend instead.
As if that wasn’t all enough, the Ultimate Edition will also come with the Xbox 360 versions of all Gears titles; 1, 2, 3, and Judgement. That really is a ton of content, all for the price of single game.
Gears of War: Ultimate Edition will launch in American regions next week, on August the 25th, and everywhere else three days later. If you’ve missed out on the entire Gears of War franchise, or are a veteran looking to dive back into all the action, this really is the definitive package to grab.
The remake of the first game looks truly spectacular, and the addition of every other title is just a neat bonus. If you’re a fan of third person shooters, you definitely do not want to miss out on this!
Last Updated: August 17, 2015
Alien Emperor Trevor
August 17, 2015 at 14:39
“Gone was the traditional run and gun shooter, replaced instead with” …a run-to-cover and gun shooter. ;P
hairyknees
August 17, 2015 at 14:43
Sssshhh 😛
RinceThis
August 17, 2015 at 15:03
It’s a an atmospheric, moody, miserable place, Cabbage!
Dutch Matrix
August 17, 2015 at 14:55
It’s called innovative ground breaking new and improved gameplay!
Jeremy Freeman
August 17, 2015 at 15:03
Actually it’s called greed, we can’t sell systems, and we are desperate. Not to sound harsh. But true.
Hammersteyn
August 17, 2015 at 15:05
XD
Premature Procrastinator
August 17, 2015 at 16:29
Can’t sell systems? Really? The x1 is way ahead of where the 360 was at this point in its life cycle, and its one of the fastest selling consoles in history. Just because the ps4 has sold more doesn’t make the x1 a failure.
RinceThis
August 17, 2015 at 15:03
lol
SargonTheBatpandaOfAkkad
August 17, 2015 at 15:20
Innovation is just taking an idea and slightly changing it to be something similar, but still different. And innovation after innovation after a long enough period eventually leads to very different core gameplay mechanics. 🙂
Ir0nseraph
August 17, 2015 at 14:48
Well I am pretty much set with all the gears content, and then back to the PS4 for taken king action, should keep me busy till October.
Hammersteyn
August 17, 2015 at 14:49
“1080p, all while running at a buttery smooth 60fps” Not bad for a game released almost 10 years ago. Why I bet they could get the same performance from F.E.A.R 1 or HL2 Episode 1 O_o
WitWolfy
August 17, 2015 at 14:55
This is the best “remaster” I’ve EVER seen, its more a remake then a “remaster” IMO.
Hammersteyn
August 17, 2015 at 14:58
It might be a remake. But is there that much difference from 2006 except for graphics? At least it comes with the Xbox 360 versions of all Gears titles; 1, 2, 3, and Judgement. Sony failed by just releasing God of War 3.
Alien Emperor Trevor
August 17, 2015 at 15:00
Plus the extras mission that was in the PC version.
WitWolfy
August 17, 2015 at 15:01
That mission was kinda meh anyways…
WitWolfy
August 17, 2015 at 15:03
Compared to this The Nathan Drake collection seems like a rip off too!
WitWolfy
August 18, 2015 at 08:05
Exactly.. I feel sorry for the SOB’s who bought that sorry excuse of a “bargain”.
Jeremy Freeman
August 17, 2015 at 15:04
I was playing on those settings on the PC version back in 2007!!! What a cash COW!
shinningserpent
August 17, 2015 at 16:52
but you will play the Nathen fake collection in the same settings you fag.
WitWolfy
August 17, 2015 at 14:55
Talking about smooth, why is this site so laggish today?
Dutch Matrix
August 17, 2015 at 14:57
Such pretty
Jeremy Freeman
August 17, 2015 at 15:02
No one cares, most (like myself) enjoy, dirty, gritty and drab on 360’s version. This looks no better than Gears 3. Microsoft never were very good at remasters. Even with the 3rd party games. HAHA Smooth, shiny, shooting. So is my log. lol Get all 3 gears for about 15 bucks!!! Now that’s some fun.
SargonTheBatpandaOfAkkad
August 17, 2015 at 15:18
No one cares? I bet they make sales. Because a lot of people will care. Graphics matter to a lot of people these days. 😛
IrritibleGamer
August 17, 2015 at 17:26
Microsoft were never really good at remasters eh? Well, apparently they’re the only ones that know what a proper remaster is.
GooseZA
August 17, 2015 at 17:19
Can. Not. Wait.
GEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRSS!!!
Komrad
September 4, 2015 at 04:24
And they still didn’t fix the berserker, which completely ruins the flow of the game. I love running and gunning with cover, I don’t like playing bullfighter with the berserker. My game progress just halts like a race car hitting a brick wall every time there is a berserker in the campaign.