Gears of War: Reloaded

Gears of War: Reloaded is the perfect way to experience one of the finest games of all time, with superior combat and a cover system that still hasn't been matched.

While Gears of War: Ultimate Edition launched a decade ago, Gears of War: Reloaded feels like the actual ultimate way to experience this timeless classic that has aged well and looks on par with many modern games due to its visual and gameplay enhancements.

Gears of War: Reloaded breathes new life into a classic, delivering upgraded visuals, smoother performance, and all the brutal cover-shooting action that made the original legendary. From the chilling horror elements and iconic boss encounters to the witty squad banter, it proves just how well Gears of War has aged nearly 20 years later. With 4K, HDR, high frame rates, and full cross-play multiplayer, this is the best way for veterans and newcomers alike to experience the start of the saga.

Gears of War: Reloaded is a great way for PlayStation owners to get into the series or for returning players to scratch that nostalgia itch.

One of Microsoft’s biggest Xbox-exclusive franchises has finally made its way to PlayStation. If you told me when the Xbox Series X|S era started that we’d be seeing Gears of War and other Xbox first-party games on the PS5, I would have called you crazy. But here we are, and the first Gears of War is now available on PS5.

Taken on its own merits some nineteen years since its original release, Gears of War remains a blast to play, only showing its age in minor ways which do little to detract from what is a seminal piece of work. Though not too far removed from 2015’s Ultimate Edition, the lower price of entry makes this easier to stomach for PlayStation owners tempted to dive into the series that defined a generation of Xbox fans and that few games have bettered in the proceeding years.

We’re back. Your loadout is prepared with power armour, Chainguns and Roadie Runs readied, and Sera is under attack again, but where there was once the reassuring feel of an Xbox controller in your hand, you look down to find a PlayStation 5 DualSense instead. Is this some Locust trick? No, this is gaming in 2025, and while it’s likely proof that the console wars are basically over, Marcus Fenix can never rest, with a new battleground to protect.

Updated review: Another day, another (remastered?) remaster. What’s really notable about Gears of War Reloaded, formerly Gears of War Ultimate Edition, formerly Gears of War, is that this is another instance of a former Xbox exclusive heading to PlayStation.

Gears of War: Reloaded brings a nearly 20-year-old classic back to life in stunning fashion. The remaster sharpens the action and polishes the visuals, but while the gunplay is timeless, clunky AI and a barebones story remind you this is still a product of its time.

Gears of War’s second remaster isn’t a substantial makeover, and some rough edges linger, but small improvements pile up to make Reloaded the best way to experience a modern classic.

Gears of War: Reloaded is a great way to experience the original Gears game with a friend if neither of you has played it before. Otherwise, it is notable to see a flagship Xbox title on PlayStation, but the gameplay feels especially clunky in 2025.

In my memory, the Carmine brothers stand out as prominent figures of the original trilogy, but Anthony – who I don't think is ever referred to by his first name in-game – dies quickly and unceremoniously from a Longshot bullet through the head in the campaign's first act. Anthony Carmine's greatest contribution to the game's story is saying, "Are you the Marcus Fenix, the one who fought at Aspho Fields?" It's an interesting tidbit that holds significant meaning for me as a longtime fan familiar with Marcus' backstory, but Aspho Fields is never mentioned again.