Gears of War: Reloaded – Review
Gears of War: Reloaded is a project with a very specific purpose: to reintroduce a landmark piece of video game history to a new generation of players while simultaneously honoring the original’s legacy for longtime fans. Developed by The Coalition in collaboration with Sumo Digital and Disbelief, this title is more than just a simple graphical update; it is a full-fledged remaster that brings the original 2006 Gears of War into the modern gaming era. Released on August 26, 2025, it marks a significant moment for the franchise, not only because of its technical upgrades but also for its unprecedented multiplatform launch, making the series available on PlayStation 5 for the first time.
The original Gears of War, from Epic Games, was a revolution for third-person shooters. It popularized the cover-based combat system, introduced the now-iconic chainsaw bayonet, and delivered a gritty, dark, and brutal tone that set it apart from its contemporaries. The core of that experience remains perfectly intact in Reloaded, serving as a testament to the timelessness of the original’s design. This new version isn’t just a simple port; it is built on Unreal Engine 5, providing a foundation for a host of graphical and technical improvements that make it the definitive way to experience the saga’s beginning.
The most immediate and striking aspect of Gears of War: Reloaded is its visual overhaul. The game is a stunning showcase of what a modern remaster can achieve. The Coalition has gone far beyond simple resolution bumps and texture replacements, rebuilding the world of Sera with 4K assets, enhanced textures, and a completely new lighting system. Areas that were once washed out in drab browns and grays are now brought to life with improved shadows, reflections, and HDR support. The grim beauty of the ruined world is more apparent than ever, with light pouring through shattered windows and the subtle details on character models, such as Marcus Fenix’s scarred face and armor, brought into sharp focus. The overall atmosphere, from the desolate urban ruins to the subterranean horror of the Locust tunnels, is more immersive and visually impressive than in any previous iteration.
Performance is equally a highlight. The game runs at a smooth 60 frames per second in the campaign on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, a welcome upgrade over the original’s 30 FPS. For competitive multiplayer, the framerate is boosted to an incredible 120 FPS on consoles and even higher on PC, providing a fluid and responsive experience that is essential for high-stakes Versus matches. The inclusion of new-gen technology, particularly the fast SSDs, eliminates the notorious loading screens of the past. Dying and restarting at a checkpoint now takes a matter of seconds, making the often-challenging encounters feel less punishing and more engaging.
While the game’s appearance has been modernized, the heart of its gameplay remains the same. Reloaded is a cover shooter in its purest form. Players must strategically move from one piece of cover to the next, blind-firing to suppress enemies or peeking out to land a precise shot. The “roadie run,” where characters charge forward with a hunched, gorilla-like gait, is a signature move for quickly closing distances or escaping danger. The “Active Reload” system, which rewards players for perfectly timed reloads with bonus damage, is as addictive and satisfying as ever. For those who find the roadie run’s screen shake too intense, The Coalition has included an option to disable it, a small but thoughtful accessibility feature.
The campaign itself, a five-act journey, remains a compelling and brutal adventure. The story follows Marcus Fenix, a disgraced war hero, as he is freed from prison to lead his squad on a desperate mission to deploy a powerful bomb at the heart of the Locust Horde’s subterranean lair. The narrative is simple and direct, focusing on the dire circumstances and the camaraderie of Delta Squad. Characters like the loyal Dominic Santiago, the boisterous Augustus “Cole Train” Cole, and the cynical Damon Baird are as charismatic as ever, their banter and grim determination providing emotional anchors in a world of constant violence. While some of the more character-driven moments in the story may feel a bit dated by today’s standards, the core plot is a rollercoaster of intense gunfights, tense horror-infused sections, and a few truly iconic moments.
The multiplayer component has been brought up to modern standards and is a major selling point. Gears of War: Reloaded features an updated online experience with 60Hz dedicated servers, a massive improvement over the peer-to-peer connections of the past. The full suite of original multiplayer content is included, with all 19 maps and modes like Warzone and Execution returning with a fresh coat of paint. The most significant addition is the cross-play and cross-progression support across all platforms. This not only unifies the player base but also ensures that progress and unlocks carry over, a feature that makes the game more accessible and player-friendly. The competitive scene is still centered around the Gnasher shotgun, and while some minor weapon tuning adjustments have been made, the core experience remains familiar to veterans.
For PlayStation owners, Reloaded is a landmark release. It is the first time they have been able to experience the franchise on their platform, and The Coalition has ensured a high-quality port. The game takes full advantage of the DualSense controller, using haptic feedback and adaptive triggers to provide a level of immersion not possible on other platforms. This makes the feel of each weapon and the rumble of an explosion a more physical sensation. While some might not consider these features worth prioritizing the PS5 version, they are a welcome addition that highlights the developers’ attention to detail.
Despite its impressive updates, Gears of War: Reloaded is not a perfect game. It is still a nearly two-decade-old design, and some of the original’s quirks and pacing issues remain. The linearity of the levels and the occasional “walk-and-talk” sections, where the player is forced to move at a specific pace while listening to dialogue, can feel archaic. Some early reviews noted minor technical bugs and a lack of multiplayer players during the review period, though these issues are likely to be addressed with post-launch patches.
In conclusion, Gears of War: Reloaded is a masterclass in how to remaster a classic. It pays respect to the original by leaving its core identity intact while making sweeping improvements in visuals and performance. It is a brilliant entry point for new players and a welcome trip down memory lane for veterans. The technical enhancements, from the stunning visuals to the smooth framerate and quick loading times, make this the definitive way to experience the beginning of one of gaming’s most celebrated sagas. The inclusion of cross-platform play and progression is a sign of a new, more inclusive era for the franchise. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, this is an adventure well worth taking.
