Gears Of War PC Review

Not exactly new, but still totally relevant Gears of War is a port from console to PC that got lost amidst the launch of some major PC titles. Being on the market for some time already for consoles hurt it's publicity as well.

This review will look at it more honestly, rather than a comparison to the console (though for the sake of comprehensive information references to the console version will be needed). Let us get this started.

Getting it out of the way immediately, Gears of War is very beautiful. Graphically it is downright stunning. However it does have a distinct style to it. That style is bland. Grey and washed out brown are the colours of the hour and you had better get used to it. It fits though being a bit of a drab view of the future. You are Fenix a human soldier with ridiculously huge arms and a penchant for being an equally stereotypical grizzled warrior who has his own way and doesn't care what you think. You start off in prison, but are set free to help win the war against monstrosities emerging from the very earth itself.

You are quickly put into action. Straight away you can either go into heavy action or go through a bit of a training session to learn the controls, which consist of mouse and W.A.S.D. You learn to kick down doors press buttons and move around. You are also introduced to the fighting style of Gears, which is find cover, then fire from cover. It's a fairly elegant system that does keep you interested. I do have my gripes though. Being used to the gaming style of PC only titles with their complex controls and in depth interactivity, I was a little bit saddened by the level of automation. It all seemed a bit too scripted and simplified to me. That's not to say it's not damned satisfying powering up the bow and pegging an enemy, only to see him totally explode a second later. Good times. I only wish I could have more say in how it happened.

the He-man arm river crossing

Once you get into it though, it becomes a very smooth style of gameplay. The pacing is good, and the action is well played out. There is a main group of enemies, which are very much the same. You'll face weak soldiers, and stronger soldiers later on. You'll face 'boomers' which are big dumb tank versions of a soldier that shoots rockets, and take a shit load of damage while moving slowly. Other enemies show up here and there, but for much of the game it's trench warfare. It's not bad though, it's fun. It works very well for the campaign and is truly unleashed during online play with a few very interesting gameplay modes that are more fun than roman candles in a gasoline refinery.

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