Xbox Series X Critic Reviews

The Coalition has elevated the franchise to new heights, crafting an engaging, brutal, and surprisingly intimate campaign that’s full of smart gameplay mechanics and wonderful surprises. It’s the best Gears has ever felt to play, and the best it’s ever looked and sounded on the big screen. Gears of War: E-Day? It's a f.cking masterpiece.

Gears of War: E-Day is, for me, the best game in the series and The Coalition's finest work to date. Its campaign brings Marcus and Dom back without relying solely on nostalgia, delivering a darker and more brutal take on the origins of the Locust threat.

Weapons of all kinds, gadgets, and locations brimming with possibilities form the foundation of a story that excels in every aspect. Marcus and Dom return alongside old and new acquaintances in a prequel that feels fresh and invigorating. The story of Kalona’s downfall on E-Day serves as the starting point for a war-torn odyssey filled with unique situations, memorable scenes, and the feeling of experiencing an iconic moment in a saga that, for many, is a must-play. Gears of War: E-Day marks a turning point for the Xbox catalog with a console and PC exclusive that’s determined to raise the bar for Microsoft.

A campaign executed to perfection in terms of both technical aspects and gameplay. A brutal and intense war spectacle featuring the best Gears story to date.

Gears of War: E-Day shines by showing off humanity's perseverance. Every new character stands out, never overshadowed by the legacy of Marcus or Dom. Even with the game taking place in one city over several days, the evolution of that city and its inhabitants has created fleshed-out characters that you're rooting for the success of every step of the way.

E-Day succeeds in telling the story of Emergence Day in a gripping, desperate, and most importantly, fun way. The culmination of 20 years as a franchise, refining everything the series is into a must-play XBOX title that takes you on a gloriously brutal, emotionally-satisfying, and epic, cinematic adventure.

Gears of War: E-Day delivers arguably the series’ strongest campaign, combining mature, restrained storytelling with the return of Marcus Fenix’s charismatic presence. Already among the franchise’s finest entries, it could become a serious Game of the Year contender if its content-rich multiplayer matches the campaign’s quality. Regardless, Xbox players should not miss this outstanding return to form.

Gears of War: E-Day proves, once again, that The Coalition was a top choice to handle this emblematic IP. This prequel expands the gameplay thanks to the clever addition of a dedicated jump button, elevating the moveset and tactical possibilities of the cover-based gameplay. The biggest triumph of E-Day, apart from its gorgeous visuals, is its meticulously crafted and numerous action set-pieces, each one offering thrilling battles. All in all, this new chapter proves that the franchise may be 20 years old, but it remains the pinnacle of third-person cover shooters.

Gears of War: E-Day feels like the first true Coalition Gears of War game. It's a shift away from Gears 4 and Gears 5, and it feels like the game the studio genuinely wanted to make, capturing what made the original trilogy special while finally pushing the series forward in its own way. They've taken the horror, brutality, brotherhood, and incredible gunplay that defined those games and used them as the foundation for something more modern. Expanded movement gives combat more freedom, while perks and modifications add another layer of experimentation, and the larger environments make Emergence Day feel like a genuine catastrophe happening around you. Gears of War: E-Day is incredible. Despite a handful of frustrations keeping it from perfection, it's one of the best games I've played this year.

Gears of War: E-Day is a fantastic experience from beginning to end, regardless of whether you are a fan of the series or not. The storytelling is deeply compelling thanks to the great cast of characters and aptly bleak tone. The gameplay is brought together by satisfying combat and gorgeous visuals. Despite the frame drops, if this is the quality that fans and newcomers can expect from Gears of War going forward, then the future of the franchise is bright.