One of Xbox’s most important exclusives is coming to PS5 this year, as Microsoft unveil a remaster of the original Gears Of War game from the Xbox 360.
For the whole of the Xbox 360 era, and beyond, the two most important Xbox exclusives were Halo and Gears Of War, two sci-fi shooters that were not only a major selling point for the Xbox consoles but epitomised the brand itself.
Although Microsoft had to buy the franchise from creators Epic Games, in 2014, it has always been an Xbox console exclusive but now, after literally years of rumours, it’s been announced that a remaster of the first game, from 2006, will be released for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Once again, it’s interesting that there is no support for the Nintendo Switch 2, making all Microsoft’s talk of supporting Nintendo formats – which was a key part of its argument for buying Activision Blizzard – seem like so much hot air; especially given there’s no reason why the Switch 2 shouldn’t be able to handle an Xbox 360 remaster.
What’s also curious is how low-key the annoucement has been, once again giving the impression that Microsoft is embarrassed at releasing its games on PlayStation 5, following a similarly perfunctory Forza Horizon 5 reveal and no physical release.
It’s unclear whether Reloaded will get one either but at the time of writing the game doesn’t have a reveal trailer and the news has just been dumped on Xbox Wire, at 5pm on a bank holiday.
Microsoft and Sony seem to be trying to outdo each other with their lack of showmanship recently, but the remaster itself does sound tempting.
It will feature support for 120 fps and 4K resolution, with cross-progression and cross-play on all formats and extensive new multiplayer options.
The early Gears Of War games were much more focused on co-op than competitive play and Reloaded will include split-screen and online options for two-players. Although there’ll also be eight-player PvP, if you want it.
There’re more technical details on the Xbox Wire page but the remaster also includes new HDR, Dolby Vision & 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos, and 7.1.4 3D Spatial Audio options. Plus, the promise of zero loading screens, improved shadows and reflections (but no specific mention of ray-tracing), and 4K assets and remastered textures.
It’ll include all the content ever released for the game, including previous remaster Gears Of War: Ultimate Edition, with all DLC, maps, modes, bonuses. A ‘full roster of classic characters and cosmetics’ is also promised as unlockables.
The remaster has been developed by Sumo Interactive and Disbelief, with oversight from franchise stewards The Coalition. It’ll cost $39.99 (£30 but it’ll probably be £39.99 here) and will launch on August 26.
Of course, there’ll be no additional charge to play it via Game Pass, but it’s also a free upgrade for anyone that already owns Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, i.e. you bought a digital version before 5pm BST on May 5.
Initial rumours suggested that all three initial games would be getting a remaster but there’s no sign of the other two yet, although Microsoft is already hinting at further releases, or at least game announcements, for the series’ 20th anniversary next year.
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