Gears of War 4 Review: 7 Powerful Reasons This Brutal Shooter Still Hits Hard
Key Takeaways
- Gears of War 4 brings fresh life to the series with new characters and stunning visuals
- Combat still feels heavy, brutal, and satisfying (in a good way)
- The campaign is fun, emotional, and perfect for co-op play
- Multiplayer is fast, competitive, and packed with content
- Even years later, Gears of War 4 is still worth playing
Gears of War 4 is a powerful third-person shooter that mixes classic Gears combat with new ideas, new heroes, and gorgeous visuals. It keeps what fans love while making smart changes that help the series move forward.
Introduction: Back to the Battlefield
I still remember booting up Gears of War 4 for the first time. The sound of the Lancer revving up. The chunky reload clicks. That familiar feeling of “okay, here we go again.”
This was a big moment for the franchise. New studio. New heroes. Big expectations. I was excited… and a little nervous. Gears is one of those series that means something to longtime Xbox fans, including me.
So the big question is simple: Did Gears of War 4 live up to the legacy?
Short answer: yes.
Long answer: let’s dig in.
What Is Gears of War 4 About?
Gears of War 4 takes place 25 years after Gears 3. The Locust War is over. Humanity is rebuilding. Life should be calm.
Of course, it isn’t.
You play as JD Fenix, the son of Marcus Fenix (yes, that Marcus). Alongside your friends Kait Diaz and Del Walker, you’re pulled into a new threat that feels familiar… but different enough to be scary.
Story and Campaign Review
A New Generation of Heroes
Let’s be honest. Stepping away from Marcus Fenix is risky. He’s a legend. But JD, Kait, and Del grow on you fast.
- JD feels like he’s living in his dad’s shadow
- Kait brings mystery and emotion to the story
- Del adds humor and heart (and honestly, steals a lot of scenes)
The dialogue feels natural. The jokes land. And yes, I laughed more than I expected in a Gears game.
Emotional Moments That Hit Hard
Without spoiling anything, Gears of War 4 knows when to slow down. There are quiet moments between the gunfights that actually made me care about these characters.
It’s not just chainsaws and explosions. There’s heart here.
Gameplay: Classic Gears, Polished
Combat That Still Feels Heavy
This is where Gears shines. The combat is:
- Chunky
- Brutal
- Deeply satisfying
Every shotgun blast feels powerful. Every cover slide feels smooth. It’s the same Gears gameplay we love, just tighter and more refined.
New Enemies: The Swarm
Instead of Locust, we get The Swarm. At first, I was skeptical. But they quickly prove they’re not just Locust 2.0.
They:
- Move faster
- Attack smarter
- Force you to change tactics
Some fights genuinely caught me off guard, and that’s a good thing.
Graphics and Visuals
One of the Best-Looking Xbox Games
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Even today, Gears of War 4 looks fantastic. Weather effects, lighting, and character models are top-notch.
Highlights include:
- Windstorms that change the battlefield
- Explosions that feel massive
- Small details like armor scratches and facial animations
This game loves to show off, and honestly, I don’t blame it.
Multiplayer: Addictive and Competitive
Versus Multiplayer
Gears multiplayer has always been intense, and Gears 4 keeps that tradition alive.
- Tight maps
- Fast-paced action
- Skill-based gunfights
Yes, the Gnasher shotgun is still king. And yes, you’ll probably get destroyed your first few matches. We’ve all been there.
Horde Mode: Still a Blast
Horde mode returns and it’s better than ever.
What makes it great:
- Class-based roles
- Strategic base building
- Pure chaos with friends
This is where I lost hours without realizing it.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great story with likable characters | Story starts a bit slow |
| Fantastic visuals | Some enemies feel familiar |
| Classic Gears combat | Microtransactions annoyed some players |
| Excellent co-op and multiplayer |
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Is Gears of War 4 Still Worth Playing in 2026?
Absolutely. Especially if you:
- Love third-person shooters
- Enjoy co-op campaigns
- Are a fan of Xbox exclusives
With Game Pass, it’s an easy recommendation. No excuses.
Final Summary
Gears of War 4 is more than just a safe sequel. It’s a confident step forward for the franchise. It respects the past while building something new, and that’s not easy to pull off.
The combat is as brutal as ever. The characters are memorable. And the multiplayer still delivers those “just one more match” moments.
If you skipped it back then, now is the perfect time to jump in. Trust me, revving up that chainsaw rifle never gets old.
FAQs
Yes. You don’t need to play the older games, though it helps.
Around 10 to 12 hours, depending on difficulty.
Yes, both online and split-screen co-op are supported.
Yes. Gears 4 sets up many story elements for Gears 5.
