Gears of War: A Comprehensive Look at the Franchise’s Games
There are a total of six main installments in the Gears of War video game franchise. These include four numbered sequels to the original game, along with two prequel titles that further expand the lore and story of the Gears universe. Let’s dive into the specifics!
A History of the Gears Universe
The Gears of War franchise, known for its gritty, cover-based shooting gameplay, has captivated players since its inception. From fighting the Locust Horde to battling the Swarm, the series has delivered thrilling campaigns and intense multiplayer experiences. But navigating the Gears timeline can be a bit tricky, so let’s break it down.
The Core Gears Titles
The core of the Gears of War franchise consists of the numbered installments:
- Gears of War (2006): The game that started it all. Players are introduced to Marcus Fenix and the COG (Coalition of Ordered Governments) as they fight to survive against the emerging Locust Horde on the planet Sera.
- Gears of War 2 (2008): Expanding the scope of the conflict, this sequel sees the COG launching an offensive into the Hollow, the subterranean home of the Locust. It’s often considered a fan favorite due to its compelling story and introduction of the Horde Mode.
- Gears of War 3 (2011): The conclusion to the original trilogy, Gears of War 3 brings the war with the Locust to a head while introducing a new threat: the Lambent. This title resolves many of the storylines introduced in the previous games.
- Gears of War 4 (2016): This entry begins a new saga, focusing on JD Fenix, Marcus’s son, and his friends as they face a new enemy called the Swarm. It sets the stage for the next chapter in the Gears universe.
- Gears 5 (2019): Continuing JD’s story but shifting the focus to Kait Diaz, Gears 5 explores the origins of the Locust and Kait’s connection to them. It also introduces more open-world elements to the gameplay.
Exploring the Past: Prequel Titles
The Gears of War franchise also includes prequels that explore earlier events in the timeline:
- Gears of War: Judgment (2013): This prequel takes place before the events of the original Gears of War, focusing on the trial of Damon Baird and Augustus Cole for their actions during a battle against the Locust.
- Gears Tactics (2020): A turn-based strategy game set 12 years before the first Gears of War, Gears Tactics puts players in command of a squad fighting against the Locust Horde in the early days of the Emergence Day attacks.
Gears of War FAQs: Expanding Your Knowledge
Now that we’ve covered the main games, let’s address some frequently asked questions about the Gears of War franchise:
1. Will there be a Gears 6?
The future of the Gears of War franchise is always a hot topic. While Gears 6 hasn’t been officially revealed, there have been rumors and speculation about its development. Some leaks suggest that The Coalition, the studio behind the recent Gears games, has been prioritizing Gears 6, with potential release windows in 2024 or 2025. Keep an eye out for official announcements from Xbox and The Coalition.
2. What order do the Gears of War games go in?
The chronological order of the Gears of War games is as follows:
- Gears Tactics (2020)
- Gears of War: Judgment (2013)
- Gears of War (2006)
- Gears of War 2 (2008)
- Gears of War 3 (2011)
- Gears of War 4 (2016)
- Gears 5 (2019)
3. Which one is the best Gears of War game?
This is subjective, but Gears of War 2 is often cited as the best game in the series. It’s praised for its compelling story, memorable characters, and the introduction of Horde Mode. However, many fans also appreciate the improvements and innovations in later entries like Gears 5.
4. Do I need to play all Gears of War games before Gears 5?
While it’s not essential to play every game before Gears 5, it’s highly recommended to play Gears of War 4 first. Gears 5 directly continues the story from Gears of War 4, and you’ll miss out on important context if you skip it. Playing the original trilogy will provide additional background and appreciation for the characters and lore, but it’s not strictly necessary.
5. Is Gears of War a AAA game?
Yes, Gears of War is definitely a AAA game. It’s developed by a major studio (The Coalition) and published by Xbox Game Studios, with significant budgets for development and marketing. Gears 5 even received a perfect score for accessibility on caniplaythat.com, showcasing its commitment to inclusivity.
6. Are the Locusts human?
Yes, the Locust Horde are genetically altered humans. They originated from genetic experiments conducted at the New Hope Research Facility, which sought to create a solution to the Rustlung disease plaguing the Imulsion miners.
7. How old is Marcus Fenix in the different games?
Marcus Fenix’s age varies throughout the series. He was around 21 on Emergence Day, placing him at approximately 37/38 during Gears 3. Gears 4 is set 25 years after Gears 3, making him about 62/63.
8. Who owns Gears of War now?
Gears of War is owned and published by Xbox Game Studios. It was originally created by Epic Games but was later acquired by Microsoft. The Coalition is the studio currently responsible for developing the Gears of War games.
9. Did Gears 5 sell well?
Yes, Gears 5 was a commercial success. According to Xbox head Phil Spencer, Gears 5 sold better than Gears of War 4, proving the franchise’s continued popularity.
10. Is Gears 5 repetitive?
While some players might find certain aspects repetitive, Gears 5 introduces more open-world elements and side missions that help break up the linear gameplay of previous entries. This allows players to explore the world of Sera at their own pace and tackle objectives as they choose.
11. Should you save Del or JD in Gears 5?
The choice between saving Del or JD in Gears 5 is a purely narrative one. There’s no gameplay advantage or disadvantage to either decision. The choice impacts the dialogue scenes and ending you’ll experience, so choose the character you feel more connected to.
12. How many humans survived the Locust War?
In the aftermath of the Locust War, the surviving human population numbered in the hundreds of thousands. They began rebuilding their civilization, establishing walled city-states like New Ephyra.
13. Does Gears of War have multiple endings?
Yes, Gears 5 has two different endings depending on whether you choose to save Del or JD. The character you choose to save will live, while the other will die, leading to distinct emotional moments and dialogue.
14. Why is Gears 5 not called Gears of War 5?
The title Gears 5 was chosen for its cleaner and more concise branding. Xbox marketing boss Aaron Greenberg explained that most people had been omitting “of War” from the title for years, making the change a natural evolution.
15. Is Gears 5 difficult?
Gears 5 offers a range of difficulty settings. Insane difficulty is designed for experienced players seeking a significant challenge. It requires extensive knowledge of the game and strategic gameplay to overcome.
Beyond the Games: Exploring the Gears Universe
The Gears of War universe extends beyond video games, encompassing novels, comics, and even a card game. This expanded universe provides even more depth and lore for dedicated fans to explore. The immersive world of Sera continues to evolve, offering new stories and experiences for players and fans alike.
Learning through games has become an important concept in education. Understanding the narrative, strategy, and problem-solving elements of games like Gears of War can provide valuable insights. Organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org promote the use of games in education and research.
Whether you’re a long-time Gear or a newcomer to the franchise, there’s plenty to discover in the Gears of War universe. From the thrilling campaigns to the intense multiplayer battles, the series offers a compelling and engaging experience for gamers of all skill levels.