In video games, few titles demand passion and nostalgia like Gears of War does. Ever since its release in 2006, this iconic series has captivated players all around the world with its gritty combat, memorable/iconic characters, and engaging action.
However, it seems like the success of the early titles has kept players playing the recent titles in the series. There are many community tier lists and all of the recent games have been at the bottom. Fans have started asking the question if nostalgia is what carrying the series right now.
Nostalgia Playing a Role in the Evolution of the Gears of War Series
Gears of War series has evolved over the years, each installment bringing new innovations and challenges for players to experience. This third-person shooter series kept giving more and more content to players. However, as years pass by players realize that the newer titles are just following the success of the beloved titles like Gears of War 3 and a few others, not innovating much.
Gears of War 3, released in 2011, was beloved by fans for its narrative depth, stunning graphics, and the completion of character arcs that were built over the preceding games. It set the standard in the series. However, the next title in the series Gears of War: Judgment didn’t follow what makes the series good and went too far away with its innovative idea.
This was followed through with the next few titles, 4 and 5. These 2 titles were praised for introducing new protagonists and innovating gameplay mechanics, but the 5th title wanted to delve deeper into the open world and paid the price as no one liked the idea (diluting the series’s trademark narrative-driven gameplay). Due to this, Both Judgement and the 5th iteration are not liked by fans to this day(from a non-competitive point of view).
Gears of War rankings from a non competitive standpoint.
3 – 9/10
2 – 8.5/10
UE – 7/10
4 – 7/10
1 – 6/10 (nostalgia 10/10)Judgement & 5 – 3/10
— Nick (@icy) June 27, 2024
Some do not agree with the placement of a few titles in the tier list.
Having 4 over 1 is crazy
— Von Maud’dib (@mightbevon) June 28, 2024
The tier list maker saying that people are taken over by nostalgia and asking if it’s even fair.
That nostalgia is hard carrying though, that’s not fair?
— Nick (@icy) June 28, 2024
While some agree that 3rd had everything and is the best.
3 had everything in it..campaign, horde, beast mode, versus, playable RAAM campaign, fleshed out 3 factions war, lots of bosses and mini bosses, variations, shocking sad suprises etc.
— Jon (@Dr_Phoen1x) June 29, 2024
While the tier list can be controversial and sparked a debate, nostalgia is present in some of the comments. Some fans are even calling their success a fake, as they think that nostalgia (From the original trilogy) is what carried these title sales and not the game itself. For many fans, it was the departure from the roots that was the final nail in the coffin.
Fans Looking Forward to The Coalition’s Gears of War: E-Day
The series is developed by The Coalition and they have recently announced that they are working on the new title, with no release date. The new game is called Gears of War: E-Day and it seems like a prequel to the original game.
The whole community is super excited about the unexpected announcement but is also hoping that developers follow the original trilogy and bring back the glorious days of the series with narrative-driven gameplay and engaging action.
In the end, it is clear that nostalgia was the factor, but it was there for good reason as the Gears of War series was that good. Now The Coalition has a chance to regain that status again with the upcoming prequel.
What is your favorite game in the whole series? Tell us in the comment section below.
