Contrary to expectation, The Coalition actually kicked off the Xbox Games Showcase with Gears of War: E-Day, revealing its first-ever gameplay. But before we get to that, XBOX CEO Asha Sharma confirmed that it would be an Xbox console exclusive, wiping out any hopes of a PS5 release. At least, for now.
As for the gameplay, it’s essentially Gears in the best way possible, kicking off with Marcus handing out weapons to civilians and Dom, taking out Locust on the streets of Kalona. The Active Reload system returns, and with weapons like the shotgun, you can actually see the number of bullets reloaded.
Eventually, a massive train derails, showcasing even more Locust, but by now, the team has acquired some Retro Lancers. Seamlessly sliding into cover, bayonetting a Drone to death – it’s all pretty smooth. As the team ventures to help a Gear who’s stuck, they get caught up in another skirmish against the Locust. Some of the more detailed visuals include realistic glass breaking depending on where your bullets land.
It all ends with Marcus saved from death by the classic chainsaw, foreshadowing what’s to come for the Lancers. Aside from Xbox Series X/S, Gears of War: E-Day is also coming to PC and Game Pass on day one.
