Nearly two decades after its original release, Gears of War returns once more—this time as Gears of War: Reloaded. Following 2015’s Ultimate Edition, Reloaded polishes up Marcus Fenix’s first outing for modern platforms, including PlayStation 5 for the very first time. It’s both a celebration of one of gaming’s most iconic cover shooters and a reminder that time can’t completely smooth over an aging foundation.
So how does Reloaded hold up in 2025, and is it worth diving back into Sera’s war-torn battlefields?
Gears of War Reloaded Graphics and Performance
Reloaded isn’t a remake—it’s a remaster built on the Ultimate Edition, but with meaningful upgrades:
- 4K resolution with improved textures and HDR support.
- Campaign at 60fps, multiplayer up to 120fps on consoles and even higher on PC.
- Shorter load times and smoother transitions.
- Better lighting, shadows, and reflections, giving environments a more modern cinematic feel.
The game still leans heavily on its mid-2000s greys and browns, but details like rotting food in fridges, cluttered bookshelves, and stronger lighting effects bring more life to Sera.
Story and Co-op Experience in Gears of War Reloaded
The campaign remains the star of the show. You once again step into Marcus Fenix’s boots, leading Delta Squad through collapsing cities, eerie caves, and Locust-infested mansions.
- The cover-based shooting that defined a generation still feels sharp, heavy, and satisfying.
- Iconic set pieces—like luring the Berserker through tight corridors or fending off Kryll in the dark—still deliver tension.
- The story remains straightforward: blow things up, survive the Locust onslaught, and push forward. It lacks the emotional weight of later sequels, but as a grim war tale, it holds up.
Co-op (both online and split-screen) is intact, and it’s still arguably the best way to experience the campaign. However, the AI companions are noticeably weaker compared to the Ultimate Edition, often running into danger or getting stuck, leaving you to pick up the slack.
PlayStation 5 Features – A New Frontier
Perhaps the biggest milestone here is that Gears of War finally arrives on PlayStation.
- The DualSense integration adds adaptive triggers and controller-speaker comms from Anya, creating small but neat immersive touches.
- That said, adaptive triggers can be frustrating during turret or driving sections, and many players may prefer to turn them off.
Cross-play and cross-progression are supported, though progress only carries within the Reloaded version.
Multiplayer – The Same Old Dance
Gears multiplayer remains an adrenaline rush, especially with the improved performance:
- All 19 maps and seven multiplayer modes return.
- Dedicated 60Hz servers replace the older 30Hz ones.
- Visuals and framerate upgrades make matches smoother and more fluid than ever.
But some long-standing issues persist:
- The Gnasher Shotgun still dominates, often reducing battles to shotgun duels at close range.
- No Quick Play option, which may fragment the player base over time.
While veterans will feel right at home, newcomers may find the learning curve—and the shotgun meta—frustrating.
Extras and Collectibles
Reloaded includes a few thoughtful extras:
- Collectible COG Tags unlock full issues of the Gears of War comic.
- Campaign progress rewards you with concept art and other behind-the-scenes material.
These additions won’t change the experience but offer welcome nods to fans who’ve followed the series from the start.
Related Guides You Might Like:
- Does Gears of War Reloaded support crossplay and split-screen co-op?
- How to Beat the Berserker in Bad to Worse – Gears of War Reloaded Guide
- The Knightling Review
Verdict
Gears of War: Reloaded is a polished and faithful remaster that delivers one of gaming’s most influential shooters to a broader audience. The gunplay, set pieces, and co-op design remain thrilling, and the technical updates make it the best way to revisit Marcus Fenix’s first battle.
Still, beneath the modern lighting and smoother framerates lies the same 2006 game—complete with rough pacing, dated storytelling, and multiplayer quirks that haven’t aged gracefully.
Pros
- Crisp 4K visuals and smoother performance.
- Cross-play and PS5 debut expand the community.
- Campaign and co-op remain satisfying.
Cons
- AI companions and bugs can frustrate.
- Multiplayer still dominated by the Gnasher.
- Few new additions beyond Ultimate Edition.
Final Word: Reloaded is the definitive way to play the original Gears of War, but it’s not the reinvention some may have hoped for. For veterans, it’s a nostalgic return; for PlayStation newcomers, it’s a solid—if slightly dated—introduction to the world of Gears. Play Now!
