Gears of War Reloaded brings back the shooter that made cover-based combat a big deal nearly twenty years ago. The Coalition handled the remaster, while Xbox Game Studios published it, giving the original game a sharper look and smoother feel.
For the first time, the series shows up on PlayStation. That means a whole new group of gamers can finally jump in and see what Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad are up against. The Locust threat is as relentless as ever. Reloaded doesn’t reinvent the formula, but it does polish it. Visual upgrades, cross-play, and better performance make the return feel worthwhile in 2025.
Gears of War Reloaded details
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC
Developer(s): The Coalition, Sumo Digital, Disbelief
Publisher(s): Xbox Game Studios
Genre: Third-person shooter
Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
ESRB Rating: M (Mature 17+)
Delta Squad’s fight against the Locust
Gears of War Reloaded retells the original 2006 campaign, putting you in the boots of Marcus Fenix. Alongside Delta Squad, you’re thrown into a desperate struggle for survival against the Locust Horde, an enemy that feels endless in numbers and ruthless in execution.
The campaign’s structure remains straightforward, but it’s filled with memorable moments. From the chilling first encounter with a Berserker to the climactic introduction of General RAAM, the story still hits hard. Even nearly twenty years later, these moments carry a weight that makes them easy to remember.
The writing shows its age, leaning into heavy action tropes, but it still works. What really carries the story is the bond between Marcus, Dom, Baird, and Cole. Their back-and-forth makes the darker moments easier to handle, because it always feels like the squad has your back.
I still remember the squad’s first descent underground. On Xbox 360, I remember being glued to the screen during that section, waiting for Locust to pour out of the darkness. Playing it again in Reloaded instantly took me back to those nights, headphones on, trying not to flinch at every sudden attack. It was like picking up a controller with an old friend again.
Cover, chainsaws, and classic chaos
At its core, Gears of War Reloaded stays true to the cover-based shooting that defined the series. Every battle pushes you to move from cover to cover, using the iconic active reload system to keep the pressure on the Locust. The classic Lancer chainsaw still brings brutal satisfaction when you close the gap on an enemy.
The game’s pacing is deliberate, punishing you if you leave cover for too long. That design hasn’t changed, and it still creates a sense of urgency in every firefight. Co-op has always been one of the best parts, and it’s still my favourite way to play. Playing in co-op, either split-screen or online, still feels great. Working with a partner to push through Locust fights never gets old.
When I replayed the opening city battles in Reloaded, it all came flooding back. I was right back on the couch with a friend on Xbox 360, yelling over who should toss the next grenade. Playing those same fights on modern hardware felt familiar. And, it reminded me why I loved this gameplay loop from the start.
Reloaded also offers an updated control option alongside the original setup, giving you flexibility depending on your comfort level. Combat feels responsive, but some movements, like sprinting or snapping into cover, show their age. These small issues don’t break the experience, but they stand out more now compared to modern shooters.
A sharper look at the war
Gears of War Reloaded makes the original look sharper than ever. Environments have more detail, lighting effects give each level new mood, and textures feel cleaner across the board. Character models, particularly Marcus and the squad, show noticeable upgrades, though background NPCs still feel flat compared to the main cast.
I played Reloaded on PS5, and performance holds up really well. The campaign runs at 4K and 60 frames per second, while multiplayer can reach 120 frames per second. Matches feel smoother, and quick load times mean you’re never waiting long to jump back in. Audio also plays a big role in setting the tone. The roar of the Lancer’s chainsaw, booming explosions, and the growl of Locust enemies all sound impactful. One detail I liked was how comm messages came through the DualSense controller’s speaker. It’s a small touch, but it gave the campaign a more personal feel.
Reloaded looks and sounds impressive overall, but you can still see its 2006 roots. The colour palette leans heavily on grey and brown, and some animations feel stiff by modern standards. Even with these limits, the remaster captures the grim tone that has always defined Gears.
Multiplayer brings the fight on and offline
Multiplayer has always been a major part of Gears, and Reloaded makes sure it stays that way. The game includes local split-screen co-op, online co-op, and a wide mix of competitive modes. Team Deathmatch, Execution, King of the Hill, and smaller 2v2 battles all return, giving you plenty of ways to jump in.
Cross-play between PlayStation, Xbox, and PC is a huge win. It keeps matches full and lets you team up with friends no matter what they play on. Multiplayer can also hit 120 frames per second, so firefights feel smooth and hectic all at the same time. I’ve spent countless hours playing Gears multiplayer back on Xbox 360, yelling across the room with friends during close shotgun duels. Reloaded brought that feeling back the first time I booted into an online match. The maps may be familiar, but competing against real opponents still carries the same rush I remember from those early days.
Even with the upgrades, a few old quirks still stick around. Movements can feel stiff during busy matches, and some animations don’t match what you’d expect from newer shooters. Still, the mix of modes and the addition of cross-play give multiplayer plenty of staying power.
Gears of War Reloaded balances nostalgia with upgrades
Gears of War Reloaded is a good reminder of why the original made such an impact. The campaign still delivers big moments, from taking on a Berserker to battling General RAAM. Co-op remains a highlight, and cross-play makes it simple to jump in with friends.
Visually, Reloaded looks sharp and runs smoothly. The sound design, from the chainsaw roar to Locust growls, carries the same punch it always has. Still, some of the original game’s age is noticeable. Some animations still feel stiff, and the grey-and-brown look makes a few areas feel old.
Here’s a snapshot of Gears of War Reloaded’s pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cross-play keeps the community connected across platforms. | Some animations still look stiff compared to modern shooters. |
| Visual upgrades make the world sharper and more detailed. | The heavy grey-and-brown colour scheme feels dated. |
| The campaign is packed with big moments that are just as fun to play now as they were years ago. |
For me, Reloaded felt like stepping back into my Xbox 360 days, only now with the boost of modern hardware. Running through firefights I remembered from years ago, but smoother and sharper, was both fun and nostalgic. It doesn’t change the formula, but it keeps what made Gears work while opening it up to more people.
Overall assessment of Gears of War Reloaded
Gameplay: 4.5/5
Graphics: 4/5
Sound: 4.5/5
Lasting appeal/Replayability: 4.5/5
Overall rating: 4.4/5 (88%)
Gears of War Reloaded shows that some classics still hold up today. If you’re ready to fight alongside Marcus, Dom, and the rest of Delta Squad again, or for the first time, this remaster is worth your time.
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