Gears of War revolutionized the third-person shooter genre in 2006 through its popularization of cover-focused gameplay. Its vast array of unique weaponry was also innovative and exciting to use against the impressive Locust Hordes. Fans of the franchise have long praised these features which, combined with the frantic action-packed gameplay, make Gears of War one of Microsoft’s most popular first-party franchises. Gears 5, released in September 2019, made one major change to the franchise: adding a semi-open world.
Many other developers have also chosen to bring open world elements to their previously linear franchises. For example, Halo Infinite added an open world, and Elden Ring will allow Soulsborne fans to also experience this freedom for the first time. Gears of War fans, however, have been divided on Gears 5‘s semi-open world sections. Some argue that it dilutes the cover shooting mechanics and tight area design that had made previous games so successful. However, these elements remain at the forefront of the game. Gears 5‘s semi-open world actually improves the game’s pacing while allowing players to witness more natural character development and experience more of the franchise’s world and lore.
Gears 5‘s semi-open world gives players the freedom to explore at their own pace in between longer stretches of more linear, traditional gameplay. It only becomes accessible after certain story checkpoints in the game. As a result, it acts as a nice change of pace, where players can breathe easier in between the all-out action of the linear sections. None of the side missions found in these parts of the game are compulsory, so players can choose to take as much or as little time as they please completing them, before diving back into the main story.
The characters, too, find time for a little reflection during these open world moments. Away from the constant life-or-death encounters they face for the majority of the game, Delta Squad can talk more naturally. The deep discussions that the group share, alongside the friendly jokes, show them in a new light. Gears of War‘s narratives have always done a good job of showing the characters as real humans with flaws and emotions. The semi-open world gives players a glimpse into how they interact and think when away from the heat of battle, without the need for cutscenes. Again, it doesn’t revolutionize anything, but it adapts the age-old Gears of War formula by showcasing a different way of telling the characters’ stories.
Gears 5‘s semi-open world isn’t overly packed with icons and areas to explore. It doesn’t distract too much from the core linear gameplay on which Gears of War prides itself. However, it does offer players the option of mixing up the previous gameplay with a few small side missions. Although these are all relatively similar in their design (arrive at a checkpoint and clear out the enemies), they do give players some more insight into the game’s universe and lore.
One set of side-quests, for instance, tasks players with helping struggling Nomads, which expands upon the story of ex-Gear Garron Paduk and his role as the Nomad’s leader. The semi-open world also allows players to take control of their movement around the newly expanded world for the first time. For example, players can see the remains of crashed Condors (the COG’s military aircraft) and see how the environment itself has been impacted by the events of the previous games.
Gears 5 won’t be remembered as a great or revolutionary open-world game. It doesn’t offer anything new, and its side-quests are limited and simple. However, these apparent shortcomings are also why it worked so well. Gears of War has always been at its best when players are enjoying its tight, cover shooter gameplay, and Gears 5‘s world doesn’t detract from this fact. It simply adds a new dimension to it by subtly expanding upon the franchise’s world, lore and characters, and pacing the game well. The addition of the semi-open world gives players time to reflect on Gears 5‘s captivating story while preparing for the next round of classic Gears of War action.
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