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Hands on: Gears of War: E-Day review-in-progress: "Gears is finally back firing on cylinders – this is the series' Halo 3 ODST moment"
Gears of War: E-Day offers a compelling setting and excellent third-person gunfights, with an adaptive cover system that makes combat dynamically chaotic. The devastated city of Kalona serves as a standout feat of level design, though melee combat and some weapon balance issues are noted drawbacks. The campaign is a triumph, restoring the series to the cutting edge of shooters.
For every two seconds of frustration, there are 10 seconds of euphoria: the Gears of War E-Day campaign is a satisfying, meaty return to form for The Coalition
The campaign for Gears of War E-Day is a satisfying and meaty return to form for The Coalition, successfully recapturing the magic of the original trilogy with improved combat mechanics and engaging setpieces. While the game excels in its curated, bombastic moments, some open-ended sections detract from the overall pacing and tension. The review also notes the recent layoffs at Microsoft, including the story director, impacting the development context.
Gears of War: E-Day campaign review - A spectacular first act
Gears of War: E-Day's campaign is a spectacular return to form for the series, particularly in its opening hour which offers a fresh perspective on Emergence Day. While the latter half settles into more familiar Gears territory, the game's visuals, satisfying combat, and emotional storytelling remain strong. The Coalition has delivered an experience that feels like the best the series has ever been, making the campaign highly recommended even for newcomers.
Gears Of War: E-Day’s Campaign Is Buried In The Past
Gears of War: E-Day, a prequel to the original game, fails to offer a compelling narrative or surprising twists, feeling superfluous for longtime fans. While the core cover-based shooting mechanics remain satisfying with new weapon mods and improved player agility, the open areas are tedious and disrupt the game's pacing. The Coalition's latest entry delivers classic Gears action but ultimately disappoints as a prequel.
After 'Crunching Hard' Through Their Final Months, Gears of War: E-Day Developers Are Reportedly Now Expecting Layoffs
Developers working on Gears of War: E-Day are reportedly anticipating layoffs despite months of overtime, casting a shadow over the game's upcoming release. The team has been 'crunching hard' in recent months, leading to fresh fears of job cuts within the studio.
Gears of War: E-Day Missing Classic Features From Original Games
Gears of War: E-Day will not include classic features like using enemies as meat shields or chainsaw duels at launch. The Coalition stated that these features could not be implemented as the prequel was built from scratch, rather than building upon previous Gears of War titles.
Gears of War: E-Day devs tease "special birthday gift" during Season 1 to celebrate the series turning 20, new…
The Coalition has detailed the initial content for Gears of War: E-Day, launching October 6. Season 1 includes events like Halloween and a special 20th anniversary celebration on November 7, offering unique rewards and modes. The developer also discussed changes to hipfire mechanics and confirmed the eventual return of legacy features like Meat Shields.
As Xbox swings the axe, Gears of War: E-Day developers fear they'll be laid off straight after launch - and right before they'd be due their bonuses
Developers at The Coalition, the studio behind Gears of War: E-Day, are increasingly fearful of imminent layoffs following recent waves of job cuts at Microsoft and Xbox. The departure of the game's story director has heightened anxiety, particularly concerning potential loss of Metacritic bonuses tied to the game's launch.
Gears of War: E-Day Studio Fears Layoffs, Demoralized by Story Director’s Departure – Rumor
Sources at The Coalition report significant fear and demoralization following the departure of story director Juan Vaca and other developers, despite the studio's previous perceived safety from Xbox layoffs. Concerns are high regarding potential future layoffs, restructuring under Activision Blizzard, and the payout of Metacritic-tied bonuses, leading to a somber atmosphere as Gears of War: E-Day approaches its release.
Gears of War: E-Day Lacks Chainsaw Duels, Private Lobbies and More, But They’re Not Gone Forever
Gears of War: E-Day launches without several fan-favorite features like chainsaw duels and private lobbies, as The Coalition rebuilt the gameplay sandbox from scratch. While the studio is monitoring player feedback for potential post-launch additions, they are prioritizing a stable launch experience. The game is available for Premium Edition owners on Xbox Series X/S and PC, with Standard Edition and Game Pass players getting access on October 6th.
Gears of War: E-Day Launch Trailer Brings the Action, Advanced Access Now Live
The Coalition has released a new launch trailer for Gears of War: E-Day, celebrating the start of advanced access for Premium Edition owners. While Premium Edition players can jump in now, Standard Edition and Game Pass users will gain access on October 1st. The game's campaign has received praise for its combat and visuals, though some aspects like side content and writing were noted as inconsistent.
Gears of War: E-Day Needs More Than Nostalgia to Get This Right
This article discusses the potential of Gears of War: E-Day to recapture the magic of the original trilogy by returning to the conflict's origins. While the premise of making the Locusts threatening again and exploring the early bond between Marcus and Dom is promising, the author cautions that the game must avoid relying solely on nostalgia and ensure its combat and narrative systems are robust enough to justify its existence as a prequel.
The Biggest New Game Releases Of October 2026
October 2026 is set to be a massive month for game releases, with numerous titles launching before the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6. The month features a diverse lineup including remasters like Dynasty Warriors 3, new entries in established franchises like Ace Combat 8 and Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, and promising new IPs such as Hellraiser: Revival and Phantom Blade Zero. The releases span across PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch, offering something for every player.
What's the intended difficulty for Gears of War: E-Day? "I can tell you right now, it's Hardcore" says The Coalition creative director
The Coalition's creative director, Matt Searcy, revealed that the intended difficulty for Gears of War: E-Day is Hardcore, aiming to provide a challenging yet fair experience. The game will feature split difficulty options for co-op play and emphasizes strategic combat over pure reflexes.
Best Xbox And Game Pass Games Coming In October
October 2026 is set to be a busy month for Xbox players, with a diverse lineup of games releasing on console and PC, many of which will be available on Game Pass day one. Titles include high-speed racing in ACE COMBAT 8, the origin story of Gears of War: E-Day, horror in Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival, and simulation in Planet Zoo 2. The month also features cooperative puzzling in We Were Here Tomorrow, a remastered The Wolf Among Us, and the latest Call of Duty installment.
Is Gears Of War: E-Day On Steam?
Gears of War: E-Day will be available on PC via Steam, in addition to the Xbox Series X|S console and Xbox PC storefront. The game will launch simultaneously on all platforms, with Premium Edition owners receiving early access on October 1 and the Standard Edition on October 6. The title is also confirmed to be optimized for PC gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally.
Gears of War story director laid off mere days after E-Day went gold
Gears of War story director Juan Vaca was laid off by Microsoft as part of a wider Xbox reset, just days after Gears of War: E-Day went gold. The Coalition studio was not explicitly mentioned in the announcement, but Vaca confirmed his layoff on LinkedIn. This incident highlights the precarious nature of employment in the games industry, even after significant contributions.
Gears of War: E-Day Review Embargo Lifts on October 1st, 6 AM PT
The review embargo for The Coalition's Gears of War: E-Day will lift on October 1st, the same day Premium Edition owners can begin playing. The game returns to the series' horror roots, featuring Marcus Fenix and Bravo Squad fighting the Locust on Emergence Day. Gameplay introduces new mechanics like Weapon Mods and Active Reload, while removing wall-bouncing. PC players will require hardware ray tracing capabilities.
Gears Of War: E-Day Roadmap After Launch Is Starting To Take Shape
The Coalition has outlined its post-launch plans for Gears of War: E-Day, focusing on a robust multiplayer experience with a seasonal roadmap. The game will feature updated modes like Horde Siege and various Versus modes, with a strong emphasis on earning customization items through gameplay rather than pay-to-win mechanics. While some premium cosmetic items will be available, the developer assures players that core gameplay and extensive cosmetic options will be unlockable by playing.
The Xbox reset doesn't have an end date | Opinion
The ongoing Xbox business reset, initiated by CEO Asha Sharma, has extended far beyond its initial 100-day target with no clear end date or vision. The extensive layoffs and studio closures, including the likely shuttering of Ninja Theory, have created an atmosphere of instability and uncertainty, raising questions about Microsoft's long-term strategy for the Xbox brand.
