Reviews for Microsoft's long-awaited and highly anticipated Gears of War 4 have arrived.
We've collected some review scores and editor opinions and rounded them up below, to help you decide if the Xbox One and PC game is worth your time and money.
Gears of War 4 is the first new entry in the mainline series since 2013's Gears of War: Judgment. It's also the first game in the franchise made by Microsoft, as Epic Games worked on the original trilogy, while People Can Fly made Judgment. Microsoft acquired the Gears of War franchise from Epic in 2014.
It is an Xbox __play Anywhere title, so buying it digitally on Xbox One gives you access to the PC version and vice versa. All progress moves between platforms.
Additionally, people who buy the $100 Gears of War 4 Ultimate Edition can start playing on October 7. The Ultimate Edition is also included with the $450 2 TB Xbox One S Gears of War 4 bundle that comes out that day, featuring a cool design that includes laser-engraved claw marks and more.
For more on the critical reaction to Gears of War 4, go to GameSpot sister site Metacritic.
In terms of story, Gears of War 4 starts a new chapter in the saga. The main protagonist of the original trilogy, Marcus Fenix, shows up, but the new heroes include his son, JD, as well as the characters Kait and Del.
- Game: Gears of War 4
- Developer: The Coalition (a Microsoft-owned studio)
- Platform: Xbox One, PC
- Release: October 11 (October 7 for Ultimate Edition owners)
- Price: $60
GameSpot -- 7/10
"This is a shooter teetering on the edge of something greater, but despite the improvements it makes to the storied franchise, its missteps hold it back. There is inspiration here, and creativity in the way Gears of War 4 rethinks its multiplayer modes. But the lackluster campaign and technical issues are blights on an otherwise exhilarating shooter. The result is a whole that doesn't reflect the quality of its often stellar parts." -- Mike Mahardy [Full review]
Polygon -- 9/10
"Gears of War 4 is a remarkable complete package. When I was finished with Gears of War 4's campaign, I remember wondering why it didn't do more. The next morning, I was playing the game again, not out of obligation, but because I wanted to. Taken all together, Gears of War 4 doesn't completely reinvent the genre, and it's not always 'bigger.' But it's a remarkably consistent, complete package with the kind of refinement and focus few other games can manage, providing excellent solo, cooperative, and competitive options that rank it as one of the best action games of 2016." -- Arthur Gies [Full review]
Windows Central -- 5/5
"Gears of War 4 just feels great. It feels like the return of an old friend, and The Coalition masterfully weave that nostalgia into the game without smothering us in it exploitatively--which is something they very easily could have done. Gears of War 4's greatest moments can be found in between the lines. They're in the shadows of familiar silhouettes, in the tones of nostalgic sound effects, in every COG tag you find scattered around the battlefield, and every ridiculous, over-the-top set piece." -- Jez Corden [Full review]
Trusted Reviews -- 4.5/5
"Gears Of War 4 does everything required to get the franchise roadie-running into 2016 without losing what made it so good to begin with. One of the best games on the Xbox One." -- Simon Miller [Full review]
Destructoid -- 8/10
"The nature of Gears of War 4 is that we won't know its legacy until there are more games in the canon. That's frustrating now but it'll hopefully be exciting later. This was a fine first showing but it'd be nice to see The Coalition carve its own identity for Gears of War. Using Epic's foundation is understandable and expected, but it often feels like a crutch. Marcus' boy had grown up just like him." -- Brett Makedonski [Full review]
The Jimquisition -- 7/10
"Nevertheless, the campaign is flimsy, and despite claims of signifying a new generation for the series, Gears of War 4 is ultimately an upholder of the status quo." -- Jim Sterling [Full review]
US Gamer -- 4/5
"The Gears of War series returns in fine form. The well-scripted and fantastic-looking campaign ends rather abruptly, but while it lasts, it's an exciting thrill ride of intense firefights and over-the-top set pieces. It can feel a little repetitive and relentless at times, but overall it's a lot of fun. The game's six-mode multiplayer PvP feels refined and well designed, and offers plenty of long-term potential, while Horde 3.0 is ideal for those who want to join friends in a long, and very challenging firefight." -- Jaz Rignall [Full review]