Gears of War 4 Beta Impression

I started Gears of War 4’s Beta with high anticipation. Diving into my first match I immediately started choosing my loadout, choosing the Lancer and Gnasher without second guessing my choices. Heading straight into the middle of the field I was greeted with a hail of gunfire and finally the muzzle of an enemy Gnasher, my body turned into a puddle of meat chucks. After respawning I went straight back into combat and chainsaw an unexpected COG, my first kill and a realization. This was the same game I played back in 2006, 2008, and 2011.

The Gears of War 4 Beta was a thrilling and intense experience. Combat was quick and demanded me to play an optimum efficiently or face death. Executions were brutal and leaping from cover to cover required precision control. Everything felt the same like other entries, too much so that muscle memory took over after my first match based on my prior experience playing Gears of War. It’s more of the same with new character models, map designs, and a new weapon.

The Beta didn’t attempt to cater to newcomers or convince those who avoided the series, this was a game for Gears of War fans. Minor changes such as the ability to actively reload a full clip at the beginning of a match and bounties does attempt to give Gears of War 4 it’s own face. However it’s hard to ignore the developer’s intention to maintain the same formula with very little variation. 

The beta gave me a distinct taste of what to expect for Gears of War 4’s multiplayer. More of the same intense combat that many fans clamor for. Attempting to convince those who’ve avoided or have no interest the franchise to purchase Gears of War 4, or even an Xbox One for this game, is a difficult task. It plays just like Gears of War should, if that doesn’t appeal to you than this is a pass. If you love the franchise that Gears of War 4 will be more of what to expect from this series.

Adam Siddiqui, NoobFeed
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