The Gears of War series, or simply Gears as it has been known lately, has been missing for years. After the release of Gears 5 in 2019, all we’ve had are some rumors about a possible sixth installment. However, the truth is that almost half a decade has passed since the last release, and we not only haven’t seen anything new but also lack any information about it.
After such a long time without knowing any details, there are quite a few voices discussing the problems the series is facing, including that of its original creator, Cliff Bleszinski. Although he has been away from the industry for years, especially after the failure of his own studio, Bleszinski still has a soft spot for his former darling. He is calling for a reboot in the purest style of God of War.
“I think Gears needs a little reboot, like God of War’s. I’ve always said that Phil Spencer has my phone number, and I would be happy to advise on the game. Gears will always be in my heart,” he emphasized in the interview. Now, the question arises: does Gears need a reboot?
Indeed, Gears 4 and Gears 5 didn’t resonate as much with fans of the series, and a clear indication of this is that, among all the numerical entries, these two are the lowest rated by critics. Gears 4 played it safe and didn’t bring much innovation, while Gears 5 was praised for its semi-open world approach with small open spaces and freedom in objectives. However, both games were far from capturing the essence of the original trilogy.
Perhaps now is a good time for a reboot in the series, returning more than ever to its roots, possibly exploring parallel moments with different characters. But how do you go about rebooting it? It’s not just about deciding which point in the series’ history to focus on; it’s also about the gameplay approach. Looking back at God of War, the new Kratos emphasized the relationship with his son Atreus more than the cycle of ruthless violence, although in the end, he still embraced his nature. Removing Gears from the realm of over-the-top AAA action might not be an easy task, but infusing it with a more human touch and distancing it from excessive testosterone (as it happened with Kratos) could fit into a universe where destruction, chaos, and violence coexist. However, there’s also the challenge of perpetuating the formula of the original trilogy that enamored so many fans – count me as one of them – and enhancing it with unique moments. In this regard, the reboot of Modern Warfare serves as an excellent example: it remains true to the Call of Duty essence but delivers incredible campaigns with memorable gameplay moments, preserving what made the franchise great.
Regardless of the approach chosen, the reality remains that yes, Gears might need a reboot. The question lies in how to execute it.
