The official unveiling of Gears of War: E-Day at the Xbox Games Showcase earlier this month has every Gears fan chomping at the bit for more information about the most awaited prequel. While the gritty, action-packed trailer gave us a tempting glimpse of the Locust War’s brutal origins, it’s what the game might include that has fans truly excited: the return of Overrun!
For those who never had the chance to experience the adrenaline-fueled mayhem of Overrun, imagine a mode that takes the best elements of Horde and Beast, throws them into a blender, and cranks the dial up to eleven. It was a mode that kept players coming back for more—even when Judgment‘s multiplayer failed to hit the mark.
The Chance to Revive a Gears of War Favorite
![A screenshot from the Gears of War: E-Day announcement trailer featuring Marcus Fenix facing off a hostile Locust.](https://fwmedia.fandomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/28072331/gear-of-war-e-day-trailer-1024x576.jpg)
Overrun’s appeal lies in its asymmetrical gameplay, which offers players the chance to experience the Gears of War universe from both sides of the conflict. As COG soldiers, you’re tasked with defending a series of objectives against relentless waves of Locust attackers. But here’s the twist – those Locust are controlled by other players, each with their own set of abilities and playstyles.
It’s a recipe for chaos, and that’s exactly what made Overrun so addictive in the 2013 spinoff prequel, Gears of War: Judgment. The constant back-and-forth between the two teams, the strategic interplay of the various classes, and the sheer intensity of the battles made for an unforgettable experience.
On that note, user Agent_Glove recently made a fervent plea to The Coalition on the official r/GearsOfWar subreddit:
The post has quickly gained traction, with fans sharing their own fond memories of Overrun and speculating on how the developers could improve upon the mode in Gears of War: E-Day. For many, Overrun was the saving grace of Judgment:
Some fans even believe that the devs may have been saving the mode for a fresh start in the next-gen Gears title:
That said, The Coalition has the perfect opportunity to not only satisfy long-time fans of the series by reintroducing Overrun in the prequel but also to attract new players who may be drawn to the mode’s unique blend of objective-based gameplay and class-based teamwork.
The Challenges of Bringing Back Overrun in E-Day
![A screenshot from the Gears of War: E-Day announcement trailer featuring a hostile Locust and one of the two protagonists, Marcus Fenix, in the same frame.](https://fwmedia.fandomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/28072318/gear-of-war-e-day-locust-1024x576.jpg)
While the desire for Overrun’s return is clear, some fans have pointed out the potential challenges in implementing the mode in the new Gears title.
One such comment on the same post brings up the issue of balancing and the need for dedicated maps for the mode:
Despite these concerns, many fans believe that the benefits of bringing back Overrun would outweigh the challenges. Noticeably, the passion and enthusiasm for this unique mode have not waned in the 11 years since its debut. And now, with the power of next-gen tech, the developers have the chance to create an even more immersive and engaging Overrun experience.
As development on Gears of War: E-Day continues, it remains to be seen whether The Coalition will heed the call of the fans and bring Overrun back to the frontlines. But one thing is certain – the Gears community is ready and eager to dive back into the fray, chainsaws revving and Locust hordes swarming!
Do you want to see Overrun return in Gears of War: E-Day? What other classic modes or features would you like to see brought back in future titles? Share your thoughts in the comments below!