Xbox has always been a company and console defined by the 21st century. While Nintendo and PlayStation had a pre-2000s presence, Xbox has a different energy since the 2000s. Starting with its first special, Halo: Combat EvolvedThe Microsoft-owned console made one thing abundantly clear with its release: Xbox is the new home for great action games. Since then, the gaming landscape has changed dramatically. The console wars seem to be over. Xbox Game Pass makes it the go-to place to try out many games, and even major franchises hello They are losing their special status. It's the dawn of a new era for Xbox, and whether that's good or bad remains to be seen.
When I think of the early days of the Xbox, I think of the original hello Trilogy and Mountain Dew commercials. When I think of the Xbox 360, I also think Gears of War. in between hello and Gears of WarThe Xbox's two major features make it the obvious choice for shooter fans. It wasn't until the latter that the Xbox felt like an adult, especially as it brought in younger players.
I will never forget watching the trailer Gears of War. I was only 10 years old at the time, but as Marcus Fenix rolled around in a ruined Serra playing Gary Jules' version of “Mad World,” I knew this game was going to be something special. Fast-forward to its launch, and my friends and I gathered around the Xbox 360 to play Gears of War For the first time. playing Gears of War As a kid, I felt like I was experiencing a new level of mature-rated video games. MPreliminary thoughts about Gears of War was, “Great. It's something adults play with.” Looking back 20 years later, it's a different story.
I still hold a special place in my heart for Gears of War, but there's a reason I thought it was so deep as a kid.
With the launch of Gears of War: Reloaded Last year, I jumped again. Before that, it had been almost 15 years since I replayed the first game. When I returned to Marcus Fenix's story, it didn't take long for me to realize that I had matured a lot since the first time I played. Gears of WarWho's influence on gaming can't be understated, but it certainly wasn't the gritty and deep story that I remembered it to be. I still thoroughly enjoyed replaying it, but after two decades of improvements in not only the gameplay, but the writing and storytelling in gaming, it's now far from the “adult” feeling of playing with my childhood friends.
If anything, I felt like I was back in middle school and not because of nostalgia. now, Gears of War Sounds like a 13-year-old's idea of what a deep war story is. I'm not really saying this as a bad thing either. I was a tomboy growing up, so teenage macho energy is nothing new to me. After many years, I just built it Gears of War Something like a very mature and layered story in my mind Saving Private Ryan of video games. Frankly, it was just terrifying to see it with fresh eyes. Marcus, Dom, and the rest of the crew are incredibly one-dimensional with cookie-cutter tough-guy personalities. Since then, there have been many Gears of War Games that helped the series grow. The early days of the franchise were only planting the seeds for more to come because, as the series progressed, the writing and characters improved as well.
This isn't the first time he's been returning to an old favorite. Not necessarily with the game's story, but with other aspects such as mechanics and the overall gameplay loop. Sometimes, you forget that your memories of the game are based on your understanding of the world at your age and time. Of course, a 10 year old idea Gears of WarThe story was a revolutionary moment in storytelling. I barely survived.
Gears of War being a product of its time is no bad thing
Although I mistakenly expected a thought-provoking story, cutting down alien enemies is a blast regardless of the story. Returning to Gears of War My rose colored glasses may have been crushed under Marcus Fenix's comically large boot after all this time, but the action is still as solid as ever. Gears of War Still one of the best action games around, even if some of its controls are dated.
In the game's defense, it tries to say something profound, but struggles to break through the surface of what it says. Gears of War's themes delve into the bonds of brotherhood and the psychological toll of war. With the Alliance of Governments shortened to COG and the soldiers called Gears, the metaphor is clear, so there's at least something there. My ability to understand stories has changed dramatically since I was 10 — thankfully.
After rewatching Gears of War, Gears of War: E-Day is hopefully what I'm craving
I love tear-jerkers. From the first day of Gears of WarGaming is no longer just about great gameplay. It has become a medium of storytelling on a par with film and television. Some of my favorite sports stories of the past few years have been heartbreaking, e.g The Last of Us Part 2, god of war (2018), and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. when Gears of War: E-Day Announced in 2024, it definitely hit me the same way the original game's “Mad World” trailer did. There is a deep air of melancholy that I hope is seen. Because it's a prequel Gears of War This is the perfect opportunity to bring forward the annoying E-Day event Gears of WarThe most emotionally complex story ever.
Gears of War: E-Day There is no official release date yet, but it is expected sometime in 2026.
What happens on E-Day is a defining moment, especially for characters like Dom Santiago. Gears of War: E-Day, Occurring at this moment, indicates a lot of emotional intensity. After two decades of storytelling in gaming becoming stronger and more well-rounded, a prequel to the franchise will hopefully hit the deep notes I first felt as a 10-year-old. Gears of War.
