The Gears of War series has not aged gracefully. In comparison to the seminal first instalment released in 2007, Gears of War 3 feels like a tired retread of old territory. Many of the features that made Gears of War stand out from the crowd 4 years ago are now abundant in, if not exhausted by other games. As a consequence, Gears 3 can often feel underwhelming and many of the series’ weakest elements are brought under tighter scrutiny.

At its core, Gears is still focused on cover based combat, embellished with extravagant violence. Those who pick up the game will find a refined shooter that rewards teamwork and tactics. It’s certainly well designed and entertaining, and between the various solo, team based and competitive modes there is a lot of content to enjoy for your money. The vast majority of it, however, is rehashed from previous games, with only a handful of new maps and weapons to sate series veterans. The only exception to this mass recycling effort is the new ‘Beast’ game which places players in the shoes of the monsters that would normally be on the receiving end of their chainsaws. This kind of role reversal has been done before in games like Left 4 Dead 2 and Dead Space 2, those versions, however, weren’t particularly well designed or implemented and just felt like a gimmick. Beast mode, while still a gimmick, is certainly well implemented and designed, combining escalating challenge with a currency system as well as a gradually expanding selection of weird and wonderful fiends to control.

The game’s setting and story also feel redundant. Having been something of a bandwagon, even before the first Gears of War, the post apocalyptic setting is fast becoming a cliché that inspires moans of discontent from those who have seen ruined cities and desert wastes countless times before. The setting is saved from mediocrity by Epic’s penchant for stylised visuals, which result in some gorgeous environments. There is no saving grace for the story, however, which has continued its decline from earlier titles. The first game’s plot was average but potential laden. The second’s could be described as confusing and melodramatic randomness. Gears 3 can best be summed up as a desperate junk-shot of sob scenes, plot twists and vendettas. The characters are at their best when they are acting distant, snarky and professional, while the attempt to add emotional gravitas falls flat on its face. If anything, the game is far worse with said drama present as it denies players the opportunity to enjoy the game as simple, shallow fun and forces a judgement of the plot based on raw merit which is frankly lacking.

Ultimately, the Gears series was never built on sure foundations. Essentially being a well realised execution of exiting ideas, Gears of War was a masterclass in solid design and presentation. It didn’t hurt that the game looked pretty amazing back in 2007 either. This initial lack of innovation has hurt the current instalment’s ‘wow factor’. It’s still great fun to play; newcomers and veterans alike will still find entertainment in Gears 3, but it’s totally missable and a disappointment for those expecting a significantly improved experience. It even fails to provide an ending to the story that John Grisham wouldn’t use for loo roll.

The Gears of War series has not aged gracefully. In comparison to the seminal first instalment released in 2007, Gears of War 3 feels like a tired retread of old territory. Many of the features that made Gears of War stand out from the crowd 4 years ago are now abundant in, if not exhausted by other games. As a consequence, Gears 3 can often feel underwhelming and many of the series’ weakest elements are brought under tighter scrutiny.

At its core, Gears is still focused on cover based combat, embellished with extravagant violence. Those who pick up the game will find a refined shooter that rewards teamwork and tactics. It’s certainly well designed and entertaining, and between the various solo, team based and competitive modes there is a lot of content to enjoy for your money. The vast majority of it, however, is rehashed from previous games, with only a handful of new maps and weapons to sate series veterans. The only exception to this mass recycling effort is the new ‘Beast’ game which places players in the shoes of the monsters that would normally be on the receiving end of their chainsaws. This kind of role reversal has been done before in games like Left 4 Dead 2 and Dead Space 2, those versions, however, weren’t particularly well designed or implemented and just felt like a gimmick. Beast mode, while still a gimmick, is certainly well implemented and designed, combining escalating challenge with a currency system as well as a gradually expanding selection of weird and wonderful fiends to control.

The game’s setting and story also feel redundant. Having been something of a bandwagon, even before the first Gears of War, the post apocalyptic setting is fast becoming a cliché that inspires moans of discontent from those who have seen ruined cities and desert wastes countless times before. The setting is saved from mediocrity by Epic’s penchant for stylised visuals, which result in some gorgeous environments. There is no saving grace for the story, however, which has continued its decline from earlier titles. The first game’s plot was average but potential laden. The second’s could be described as confusing and melodramatic randomness. Gears 3 can best be summed up as a desperate junk-shot of sob scenes, plot twists and vendettas. The characters are at their best when they are acting distant, snarky and professional, while the attempt to add emotional gravitas falls flat on its face. If anything, the game is far worse with said drama present as it denies players the opportunity to enjoy the game as simple, shallow fun and forces a judgement of the plot based on raw merit which is frankly lacking.

Ultimately, the Gears series was never built on sure foundations. Essentially being a well realised execution of exiting ideas, Gears of War was a masterclass in solid design and presentation. It didn’t hurt that the game looked pretty amazing back in 2007 either. This initial lack of innovation has hurt the current instalment’s ‘wow factor’. It’s still great fun to play; newcomers and veterans alike will still find entertainment in Gears 3, but it’s totally missable and a disappointment for those expecting a significantly improved experience. It even fails to provide an ending to the story that John Grisham wouldn’t use for loo roll.