Gears of War: Reloaded – Can a Double-Remaster Actually Be *That* Good, Or Is It Just More Chainsaw Spam?
AI Gaming News Author · IGN South Africa ·
Gears of War has received its second remaster, *Reloaded*, which surprisingly justifies its existence with significant visual and performance upgrades (4K/120Hz, 60-120fps) and a debut on PS5, despite minor bugs and some hilariously incompetent AI companions. It's a fantastic re-entry point for new players and a welcome polish for returning fans, especially with its dedication to co-op and cross-platform play.
Right, so you know that feeling when you dig up an old game, dust it off, and think, "Man, this could do with a bit of a polish?" And then it gets a remaster. And then, ten years later, it gets *another* bloody remaster. Yeah, that’s the wild ride we’re on with *Gears of War: Reloaded*. My initial thought was, "Fair dinkum, do we really need to rev up that Lancer *again*?" But after delving into what our mates over at IGN South Africa have been saying, it turns out there might be more to this digital resurrection than just a quick cash grab.
Now, for those who’ve been living under a rock (or perhaps just outside the spray of a Brumak’s acid attack), the original 2006 *Gears of War* wasn’t just a game; it was a phenomenon. It slapped down the blueprint for third-person cover shooters, made us all fall in love with chainsawing aliens in half, and somehow – despite the testosterone-fueled cover art – delivered a genuinely gripping story with some cracking voice acting. It’s the gaming equivalent of a grizzled, muscle-bound wizard who secretly writes poetry. Ten years back, it got its first facelift with *Gears of War: Ultimate Edition*, and that was pretty darn good. But now? We’ve got *Reloaded*.
What’s genuinely curious here is that, unlike some games that get a "remaster" a mere week after launch (looking at you, a few recent titles!), *Reloaded* seems to justify its existence. IGN South Africa’s review update reckons it’s a "noticeable improvement" – which, for a second remaster, is saying something. And credit where it’s due: Xbox Game Studios developer The Coalition has apparently pulled off some magic, rolling out the crimson carpet for PS5 and Steam players too. "Xbox on PlayStation?" I hear you cry. "Bloody hell, the apocalypse must be upon us!" But honestly, seeing these platform walls crumble is a sight for sore eyes, especially for a series as iconic as Gears.
So, what’s actually new under the hood of this Locust-slaying machine? Well, for starters, *Reloaded* is strutting its stuff in 4K with up to 120Hz output if your screen can handle it – which, let’s be honest, for a game that’s already got such a distinct visual style, is a lovely bonus. Console players get a sweet 60fps in the campaign (a proper upgrade from the original 30fps), and multiplayer hits a silky-smooth 120fps. That’s the kind of framerate wizardry that makes snapping to cover and popping heads feel even more satisfying. Plus, they’ve chucked in more options for controls and audio, which is always welcome. More ways to fine-tune your alien-mutilating experience? Don't mind if I do!
Visually, The Coalition has apparently gone full colour-correction spellcaster. The original *Gears 360* was famously a symphony in grey and brown (fitting for a dying world, I suppose), and the *Ultimate Edition* started to lift that muddy fog. *Reloaded*, however, takes it a step further, with a "more lively color palette and better lighting that resembles what we saw in *Gears 5*." I’m picturing more vibrant blood splatters during those glorious chainsaw kills and actual blue skies peeking through the smoke. They’ve even added extra environmental details – paintings in legal buildings, rotting food in fridges, more corpses. Because nothing says "post-apocalyptic chic" like carefully placed decaying groceries, right?
Now, for the really interesting bit: *Reloaded* has landed on PS5. Holding a DualSense while an Xbox Game Studios logo flashes up still feels a bit like stepping into an alternate dimension, but the cross-platform move seems to have been a net positive. IGN’s review specifically highlighted the DualSense’s adaptive triggers and the controller speaker piping out dialogue and sound effects (like that satisfying *clink* of a perfect active reload). That’s proper immersive stuff, like your controller is whispering tactical secrets directly into your soul. Although, I’ve got to admit, my gentle skepticism kicks in when the review mentions those adaptive triggers sometimes feeling a bit… maxed out. Apparently, firing a Troika or driving a vehicle can make your fingers feel like they’re doing a gym workout. "I got tired of it in the second act during a long driving section," the review notes, which just makes me wonder if developers are still figuring out the sweet spot for these new haptics. Good thing you can turn 'em off if your digits start aching!
The screen shake from the iconic "roadie run" also gets a mention. It’s apparently a bit more exaggerated by default in *Reloaded* compared to later *Gears* games, and while it encourages tactical use – you’re not meant to just sprint around like a headless chicken – it's another one of those things you can switch off if it’s not your cuppa tea. Options, eh? They're always a good thing.
Of course, no game launch (or re-launch) is without a few gremlins in the code. The review spotted some minor bugs: checkpoints occasionally teleporting you, character voices dropping out, and enemies getting stuck in cover. Nothing game-breaking, apparently, and the kind of stuff a good patch can iron out. What *did* raise a bit of a digital eyebrow, though, was the AI companions. On Hardcore difficulty, Delta Squad apparently turns into Delta *Dud*. "They go down constantly," the review laments, with Dom seemingly having a death wish by waltzing into Kryll-infested darkness. "I love Delta squad, but I'm not reviving them every encounter only to put myself in danger." Sounds like you might want to bring a real mate along for anything above Normal difficulty, which, thankfully, *Gears* has always encouraged.
Speaking of mates, *Reloaded* includes a proper Extras section, which is a nice nod to us long-time fans who might be buying this for the second (or third!) time. Unlocking pages from the *Gears of War* comic series by grabbing those collectible COG Tags? Yes, please! Concept art is always a bonus, and even multiple sets of credits (for *Reloaded*, *Ultimate Edition*, and the original) are a cool, respectful touch for the development teams. It's the little things, you know?
Multiplayer hasn't seen a massive overhaul in terms of content compared to *Ultimate Edition*, but the technical upgrades are solid. We're talking 60Hz dedicated servers (a step up from the old 30Hz), beautifully remastered maps with better lighting and effects, and those glorious 120fps console framerates (240fps on PC!). Weapon tuning is still apparently "in flux" post-launch, which means The Coalition is listening to beta feedback – always a good sign. Fingers crossed for that Gnasher to feel just right!
Honestly, if you’re new to *Gears*, or if you just fancy a proper trip down memory lane with a genuinely well-executed modern polish, *Reloaded* seems like a pretty cracking shout. It’s a game designed for co-op, and bless The Coalition’s digital hearts, they’ve kept couch co-op alive and well – a rare gem these days! Add in online crossplay and cross-progression, and you’ve got absolutely no excuse not to wrangle a buddy for some good old-fashioned Locust extermination. Whether you’re on Xbox or PS5, you can dive back into Sera and relive the glory, or discover it for the first time. I reckon I’m ready to dust off my Lancer and jump back in. Just don't expect Dom to cover your flank on Hardcore, alright?
*This article was inspired by and repurposes content from an original review update by IGN South Africa.*
Tags: Gears of War, Remaster, Xbox Game Studios, PS5, Co-op
Original article: IGN South Africa