Gears of War 3 doesn't reinvent anything, but focuses on polish, immersion and emotion, presenting an epic conclusion.
Story
The COG has been disbanded, the Locust are supposedly defeated, and groups of human survivors scattered over Sera are defending their selves against the lambent. The player resumes the role of Marcus Fenix once again, as he and his allies fight for their lives, while also attempting to rebuild their civilization on a remote island, two years after the end of the previous game.
This time around, Gears of War embraces a more sympathetic, thoughtful and exciting story. We see emotion with character history, adding to the sense of desperation and it really shows the personalities of the three-dimensional characters - in their best and worse. Even with the macho-man, action-movie cliché's, the story is genuinely interesting as it is dark, gloomy, gritty and, at some points, even depressing. The character's feel like real people, and seeing them collapse with emotional grief really makes you feel something.
Gameplay
The core gameplay remains exciting and satisfying, and while the pop-in and out mechanic and strategy of the gunfights hasn't changed, there are a few additions to keep the combat fresh with each enemy encounter, including new weapons, but also new executions, with each weapon having a different one.
There is plenty of enemy variety; Marcus will go up against the cIassic drones, new lambent variants, and even lambent humans. Gunfights are no longer typically spent in cover shooting at enemies shooting back; the new enemy types will force you out of cover with their close-range dangers, while the smaller enemies will flank attacking from behind, all the while taking fire from drones, boomers, archers, and so on.
Presentation
There are some great set pieces in the game, which is greatly complemented by the outstanding visual design, riddled with variety. Rich and detailed environments, ranging from eerie abandoned towns to locust-infested desert areas, the locations visited throughout the campaign are filled with variety. Even the darkest and greyest of environments are either technically or artistically beautiful, these superb visuals coupled with the great original score makes for some very memorable moments.
Technically, the presentation is remarkable, with the game offering breathtaking vistas, landmarks and lighting, with very minimal pop-in, just a shame pre-rendered cutscenes are as low quality as they are – making the transition from gameplay to cinematic feel a little jarring. We've come to expect this however; it's just the game looks so beautiful it's hard not to feel a little shaken with the transition.
Multiplayer
The multiplayer took a strong step forward, with many improvements absolutely filled with content. The beta really helped the multiplayer for this game. Dedicated servers offer no lag, and the inclusion of AI bots in the casual competitive mode allows the opportunity for lesser-skilled players to find games easily and enjoy it without too much competition or frustration.
Horde and Beast mode can offer hours upon hours of additional gameplay. Horde 2.0 introduces fortifications, which, along with being able to build and repair turrets, sentries, barracks, decoys, silverbacks, etc, adds to the strategic element of the exciting experience. Beast flips roles, playing as the locust executing COG forces and stranded civilians, and while the mode is short, with only 12 waves, it's a great addition.
Every game mode can be played with friends online or off. Campaign, standard or arcade, can be played with up to 3 other players, the Horde and Beast modes can be played with 4 other players, and the competitive multiplayer varies.
Overall
From the story and action pacing, to the story climax, to the smooth, rich and sharp technical and artistic graphics, to the little improvements to gunfights, to the hours upon hours of additional, polished and quality content, Gears of War 3 has an immense value giving a satisfying and action-packed conclusion to the series. The campaign is more grounded and has great direction; no part feels out of place or simply filler. The larger focus on character development and emotion managed to make me feel something for the seemingly-indestructible characters we have grown to admire with their witty dialogue, as their three-dimensional personalities showed how different they can be in desperation. The multiplayer is well-refined and the option to play any mode co-operatively adds to the experience and replay value. The gameplay of the campaign and various multiplayer modes offers strategic yet fun action. The conclusion to the series is an immersive, emotional and highly rewarding and satisfying experience.
Bottom Line
Gears of War 3 is easily the best in the series, taking no steps backwards in any area; the campaign is amazing and the multiplayer is easily distinguished from previous games. This is not only one of the best games of the year, but also one of the best shooters of this generation.
Story – 5/5
Gameplay – 5/5
Presentation – 5/5
Multiplayer – 5/5
Overall Score (Not an average):
9.5/10