Exclusive: We have the cover of Gears 5 and the possible release date

The Taiwanese age rating board appears to have let slip when Gears Of War 5 will be released and what the box will look like.

[TekoIie]

Myrah on the over is a surprising choice if it's real.

[spicelicka]

Can't waittt

[Samus707]

Okay, i’ll bite: Why?
What story beat are you waiting on?
What gameplay evolution?
Or is it just that you love the Gears formula that much, 6 games in (counting Judgement)?

[CrimsonWing69]

He's allowed to be interested in the game. Not every sequel needs an evolution to the gameplay to be a good sequel. Some people are invested in the world and characters and just want to play the game they liked previously in new areas and with more story.

[DaDrunkenJester]

Why? Because Gears of War is fun, one of the best 3rd person cover shooters on the market, and some of the best MP experiences I've had.

What story beat are you waiting on? Well Kait finds out that the Locust Queen (Queen of the monster enemies if you're unfamiliar with the name) is her grandmother. So I'm waiting to see how that plays out, will Kait become the new Queen? Will she turn her back on the Gears? Etc.

What gameplay evolution? Well it already has the best cover shooting on the market, so I'll be on the look out for new cool guns and some improvements to some mechanics. Also the rumors are there will be much more open levels in the campaign that require you to use that sailing vehicle we say in the last trailer to explore the areas. So that is something new to the series if true.

Or is it just that you love the Gears formula that much, 6 games in (counting Judgement)? Yes the formula is still good. Needs a bit of a shake up and The Coalition has already expressed that they're aware. Judgment is obviously the black sheep of the series, but also wasn't one of the main entries.

[spicelicka]

Sure I can answer your questions.

What story beat are you waiting on?

Not much here, the story in the first 3 was really interesting (although not complex), due to the backstory and the raw sense of dread in that universe. Gears 4 did add some layers at the end but overall nothing special. I am definitely looking forward to the campaign gameplay though. The campaigns have always been visceral, action packed, very cinematic, and really fun, featuring awesome boss battles. Yes even Gears 4. They've hinted at more open explorable environments, so that's a big plus.

What gameplay evolution?

Only minor ones tbh. Games of war gameplay is near perfect the way it is. Of course there's a lot to be adjusted, like gnasher damage etc. but I consider those minor. What it doesn't need is new forced gameplay features for the sake of change. We don't need characters jumping, or using jetpacks, or something wild because people forget that it's both a single player and multiplayer game. A lot of features that CAN add would work in single player, but could destroy multiplayer.

Or is it just that you love the Gears formula that much, 6 games in (counting Judgement)?

6 games in almost 14 years is hardly anything, specially with a franchise that has a big multiplayer component. Yes I love the Gears formula that much, there's no other TPS like it. It doesn't bastardize itself with gameplay changing perks/loadouts, it doesn't pander to casual players, it keeps all microtransactions cosmetic, remains competitive based on skill, and extremely rewarding for experienced players. Yes I would love if they can still make changes and keep the core the same, they can add new weapons, new gameplay modes, more players, etc. but anyone who wants to see something completely different and fresh doesn't really understand Gears.

Judgement was a clear low effort expansion turned full game, Gears Ultimate was just a remaster. Gears 4 is the only new one we got since Gears 3 in 2011, and the devs have stated they wanted to play it real safe being a newly formed team working on an established franchise. They have suggested they're exploring many new things in 5, and I am excited to see what.

[King_Noctis]

And your point?

[81BX]

Lol . When you've never played Gears but ask questions, as if you know!!!

[RangerWalk267]

Because it's a game that I continue to go back to time and time again. Has single player story (or co-op) , survival mode (horde), and competitive multiplayer. A lot more value than a game like Days Gone, Good of War, or Quantum Break. While I appreciate the stories those games tell...they are ONE AND DONE

[bluefox755]

Yeah, I don't get it either, this series has largely just been more of the same. I know options are limited on Xbox, but I'd be demanding more.

[alb1899]

This is going to be awesome

[Sgt_Slaughter]

This is the sixth game in the franchise (including Judgement) and there's been a few books as well, why alter the franchise's title now? Even on the box art it looks like a placeholder more than the actual name of the game. Box art is way less intense than previous and looks like a prototype more than the final cover, but that's just me.

The last three Microsoft exclusives (Sea of Thieves, State of Decay 2, Crackdown 3) have been disappointing to say the least, so I'm worried about this game but I'll wait for impressions and let's plays before adding it to the pile.

[spicelicka]

I don't think it has anything to do with MS or Gears of war. Those games were made by different developers who have all released mediocre games in their recent track record.

Coalition has only released Gears of war 4 so far and that was far from mediocre even if it didn't satisfy all the fans. I wouldn't expect any less, although I'm keeping my expectations low just to be safe.

[Sgt_Slaughter]

Gears of War 4 has the lowest score on Metacritic compared to the original trilogy of games, also when a Microsoft company took over Halo (343i), they severely hurt the franchise so Gears of War 5 is on the fence for me right now.

[TekoIie]

"Gears of War 4 has the lowest score on Metacritic compared to the original trilogy of games"

Largely speaking because it played it very safe compared to previous games in the series. Mechanically it is more than a rival and can easily be considered the best gameplay wise but it removed things like Beast mode, 4 player co-op. The story while entertaining was all to reboot the Locust into a new threat and pushed established characters into a secondary position rather than having the new and old cast compliment each other.

"they severely hurt the franchise so Gears of War 5 is on the fence for me right now."

You don't play Gears games that much do you? The game has had the strongest support of any Gears game to date so I don't know how they severely hurt it. They can absolutely do better but GTFO with this ridiculous hyperbole of claiming the franchise was destroyed by them.

[spicelicka]

@Sgt_Slaughter

And it's at 84, which is definitely above mediocre and far higher than any of the games mentioned. Halo 4 and 5 are also in the high 80s.

I see what you're trying to say but all i'm saying is Microsoft isn't a developer, you look at developer history not just publisher history to make arbitrary judgments. Crackdown 3 is made by developer in England, their bad game has nothing to do with Coalition that's making Gears 5 in Canada.

But yes, it's best to wait and see.

[chiefJohn117]

What was disappointing about state of Decay 2?

[DasTier]

War is probably a too masculine word for the developers in 2019

[rainslacker]

Since this isn't a confirmed box art, I wouldn't put too much stock into it right now.

But, on a hypothetical, maybe as a soft reboot like the new God of War. They went a different route with the name than we'd see here, and kept it attached to a serial nature.

Or, it's just that everyone calls it Gears anyways.

Looking at the image though, it doesn't look professional enough to be real. The layout just seems off, and the scale of the different elements is all wrong to really grab one's attention. This looks more like a basic concept layout or some fan created art.

[carcarias]

I only cared about State of Decay 2 and yeah, what a disappointment. All that time and hardly any improvement.
In fact, some things were worse. I loved SoD 1 and the expansion Lifeline. It's like a different team of devs worked on the sequel.

Enemies were nerfed meaning that perma-death lost any real threat or excitement, the way you progress through the story/city was meandering and without any sense of purpose and the extra detail in base building was minimal, restricting to player's creativity and ultimately unsatisfying. The environments were also not as characterful or memorable.

Years of development and it looked half-baked.

[chiefJohn117]

Nerfed enemies? I died once in SOD1 I lost 4 characters nearly 6 in SOD 2 dreadzone mode. I wouldnt even dare nightmare mode. It was better than SOD1 in every way however not by much.

SoD2 is SOD1 with more enemy types new locations and small improvements to base building, Vehicles, melee and shooting mechanics, graphics and assist resources. Far from a disappointment, could done more but I liked SOD 1 so getting it with double the beef and cheese is satisfying enough for me especially at $30

[carcarias]

@chiefJohn11

Oh well, we had different, almost opposite, experiences it seems. Virtually no survivors got killed in my playthrough and the only two that spring to mind involved glitchy gameplay/AI. Anyway, no worries, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

With regards to the nerf comment, until I learned to take molotovs and make sure you always have stamina to break out their grip, ferals in SoD 1 were deadly I thought. Ferals in SoD 2 were nothing. In the first game, if I heard their howl, I'd freeze until I knew where it was. If in a car, I'd steer well clear. My son felt the same way about them in Sod and, as it happens, about SoD 2 also. We were both saddened and thought it could have been so much more.

Maybe I just played so much of SoD 1 that this one didn't do enough?

We both encountered bugs too, really annoying ones. Things disappearing, people walking in place on air, cars getting permanently stuck on little rocks, AI team mates ignoring your stealth and rushing into buildings and getting ganked etc.

[Nodoze]

That is the cover? Horrible.

[Sgt_Slaughter]

I took a look at 1 through 4, and even Judgement, and in comparison this look pretty generic. It's like GameStop placeholder art instead of the official release.

[SyntheticForm]

Please, let this be the last. It's time to put your talents toward a new project.

[gam3r_4_lif3]

I think this team should get a few games under their belt before they branch out. I really enjoyed Gears 4, they did play it safe but I kinda appreciated that. I am looking forward to what this team can do with an extra year and not having to make everything from scratch. I had such a blast with 4 friends playing horde mode on insane difficulty some of my most fun gaming memories this gen.

[gangsta_red]

This will probably be one of the main games MS shows off at E3. Curious to see more of this game, Gears 4 wasn't too impressive, hopefully the dev goes balls out with this next installment.

[Kribwalker]

Yeah, i didn’t play gears 4 like i played the first 3. But i was so into destiny, i didn’t play much of anything for a while. This one looked like it had a lot more of an adventurous side to it, more open worldy during the E3 demo. I think it’s gonna change the direction a bit and i’m totally excited for it

[PlayableGamez-]

Why does Kate look like she about to drop a hot mixtape?

[TGGJustin]

Release date is possible but man that is one ugly box art. Hope that is fake.

[TopherMan]

Doubt that is the cover. It doesn't look professional at all.

[Sciurus_vulgaris]

Right below Myyrah is what appears to be a berserker. If this leaked cover is fake, who ever created it put in a lot of work.

[TheHateTheyGive]

I honestly hope that gears 5 is a rousing success, Xboxone gamers deserve a true exclusive hit, i hope they push the X graphics to the limit.

[Abnor_Mal]

Agree

[PowerOfTheCloud]

*Console exclusive

[BadElf]

Can't be the real cover. SO bad. She doesnt even look the same. Looks like an MMA fighter now...wonder if thats the point....

[Fishy Fingers]

Ready for the horde.

[DasTier]

Lame

[aaronaton]

Haha female lead!! I knew it. DOA

[gam3r_4_lif3]

Did you say the same about Nier, HZD and hellblade?

[aaronaton]

They're new IP's so it doesn't matter. It just interesting to see a Gears game that has been strictly male orientated switch it up like this. To me its just a political tick box. I'm gunna wager that the lead is a Mexican female whose sexual orientation is ambiguous at best.

But don't worry, i'm just an idiot and a bigot.

[Persian_Immortal]

Enjoyed Gears of War 4 compared to the Epic Trilogy and People Can Fly's Judgement, definitely looking forward to the single player of 5 and the horde besides the box art most of the industry gets it wrong anyway and make generic covers, Japan does a better job with their Box Arts most of them adhering to the golden ratio rule specifically Nintendo.

[chiefJohn117]

I gotta hurry up and play gears 4, couldn't get into the original trilogy but 4 and 5 look good to me. thanks Gamepass.

[KingTrash]

The release date is close. John DiMaggio, who voices Marcus Fenix, spilled it on Jeff Ross’s podcast a couple weeks ago. He said it comes out at the end of the summer on his bday which is 9/4 which is a Wednesday so i assume either 9/3 or 9/6.

[jznrpg]

Seems like forever since Xbox released a game their fans really want . It’s about damn time hopefully it’s really good because the crazy xboxers have been screwed most of this generation. I personally like the first couple games mainly the first but by the third one I got tired of it but I do have a few friends who love it still

[Kribwalker]

Forza Horizon 4 was highly wanted, and although crackdown 3s quality wasn’t there, that was a game a lot of fans wanted too

[KickSpinFilter]

Ya I wanted Crackdown 3 also, it was 1 of four games I thought was going to make me purchase an XB1 at the time. But Inside came to PS4 a month later, Quantum Break was just OK, and Gears. Then Crackdown 3 with it's delays and what it became, never really was enough to justify a XB1. Perhaps next gen, I'll pick up an XB2 to play these two games and what I hope is amazing from new Gears and what ever The Coalition dreams up plus other studios like Ninja Theory (loved Hellblade sooo much). But I will wait and see with XB, but for now a PS5 is an instant jump in at this point for me.

[Nu]

I hope Kait has some big choices to make

[Hedstrom]

Kinda dull! But its not the cover that counts.

[franwex]

Well, I’ll probably get game pass for the month to play this. I like all the other Gears, including Judgement, so I’m looking forward to it.

[HighPlayer28]

The hate for Microsoft is real... you got people even hating their 1st party exclusive box art lol crazy. Can not wait to play Gears 5 it looks amazing.

[TheHan]

I can’t wait to found out more. But wouldn’t it be awesome to have a Gears of War Traditional RTS game as well. Looking forward to it.

[Shane Kim]

Hoping this will be good.

[boing1]

I hope it's a placeholder. Looks like shit.

[IRetrouk]

Not a chance that's the real box art, no way, and why would they drop the of war part of the name? I'm hoping the horror element comes back from the original trilogy, more so the first game, 2 and 3 kinda went a way from that a bit and 4 went even further. As long as they dont mess with the gameplay it's a day one.

[Max_Eckhardt]

4 was crap. Bought it for £5 on the Windows store. Couldn’t even finish it. 130 GB of pointless cutscenes showing characters walk though doorways and the like.

[KillBill]

September 10

[devind]

I cant wait. Going to be awesome!

[ReVibe]

Female torch-bearer is front and center on the box art. Will be preordering.

I don't even own an Xbox, but I must support.

[masterfox]

that's a horrible cover.

[KickSpinFilter]

LOL It kills me how you Xberts are sooooo hypocritical!!!!
BLAA, BLAA, BLAA about SJW's "agenda" in games like TLOU2, HZD, Hellblade (before it came to XB1), BF5, etc,etc,etc. And here is the new Gears with a woman right on da cover...nothin!
Just kills me.

Looks like their spending their time and $ to make a great game. Good

[Longadog]

gears 5? ... oh you mean beating a dead horse?