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Gears of War: E-Day is a brutal, atmospheric campaign with vivid characters and satisfying combat, but its semi-open exploration and uneven pacing sometimes blunt the impact. That is the early campaign verdict—not a review of the complete game: the Windows Central review build did not include Siege or Versus multiplayer.
What this review does—and does not—cover
Jez Corden’s Windows Central review in progress assesses the campaign only. Siege and Versus were unavailable in that review build, so its judgments cannot establish how the finished multiplayer package performs. PC Gamer also reported that multiplayer was unavailable for its review and that its scored update would follow.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Gears of War: E-Day | Standard Edition | XBOX Series X | $69.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Gears of War E-Day | Premium Edition | XBOX Series X|S and Windows Digital | $99.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Gears of War 3 (Renewed) | $14.17 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Xbox One - Gears Of War 5 - [PAL EU - NO NTSC]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51duB8cYpdL._SL160_.jpg)
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Xbox One - Gears Of War 5 - [PAL EU - NO NTSC] | $16.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Gears of War 3 | $3.81 | Buy on Amazon |
The distinction matters if you are deciding whether E-Day is worth playing for its story, atmosphere, and shooting, or whether it delivers a complete package across modes. The available assessment supports the former conversation; it does not settle the latter.
What works best in the campaign
Kalona gives the horror a convincing setting
Corden’s strongest praise is for the campaign’s presentation and tone. He highlights the detailed city of Kalona, the horror-laden atmosphere, and cinematic moments that make the Locust invasion feel brutal and immediate. The setting gives the prequel’s destruction a human scale rather than treating it as a succession of combat arenas.
#1 Best Overall
- AN ORIGIN STORY BEGINS — Fight alongside Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago in the gripping origin story of Emergence Day, as the Locust Horde erupts from below.
- A DARKER, GRITTIER THREAT — Face reimagined enemies and a terrifying underground invasion that restores the fear, dread, and intensity at the heart of the Gears of War series.
- MULTIPLAYER EVOLVED — Battle in Horde Siege for large‑scale PvE action or prove your skill in refined Versus PvP with greater precision and competitive depth.
- CLASSIC COMBAT, MODERNIZED — Experience signature cover‑based gameplay enhanced with updated movement, traversal, and controls that feel like Gears while playing like something new.
- CO‑OP YOUR WAY — Play online with up to four players across Campaign, Horde Siege, and Versus, or team up locally with 2‑player split‑screen co‑op on console.
Character work adds weight to the spectacle
The review also singles out character performances and development. That helps the campaign’s harrowing moments land as more than visual spectacle: the story has room to show how the invasion affects its central characters.
The shooting retains Gears’ visceral appeal
The cover-based gunplay and chainsaw kills remain satisfying in Corden’s account. He also points to more responsive movement, including sprinting, climbing, vaulting, and the use of low cover. The official Gears of War gameplay update says cover and movement were rebuilt, with movement representing the most substantial change; that is the developer’s description of its design goals, distinct from the reviewer’s judgment of how those changes feel.
Rank #2
- PREMIUM EDITION — Includes Bravo Squad Signature Weapon Pack, five Seasonal Customization Packs starting with the Emergence Pack, plus 1,000 Iron to unlock additional in‑game content.
- AN ORIGIN STORY BEGINS — Fight alongside Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago in the gripping origin story of Emergence Day, as the Locust Horde erupts from below.
- A DARKER, GRITTIER THREAT — Face reimagined enemies and a terrifying underground invasion that restores the fear, dread, and intensity at the heart of the Gears of War series.
- MULTIPLAYER EVOLVED — Battle in Horde Siege for large‑scale PvE action or prove your skill in refined Versus PvP with greater precision and competitive depth.
- CLASSIC COMBAT, MODERNIZED — Experience signature cover‑based gameplay enhanced with updated movement, traversal, and controls that feel like Gears while playing like something new.
Where execution gets messy
Semi-open exploration can interrupt the campaign’s momentum
The central criticism in Corden’s review is structural. E-Day’s semi-open areas can feel more constrained than rewarding, and detours for side objectives or collectibles sometimes interrupt the stronger linear sequences. Rather than consistently adding meaningful discovery, exploration can make the campaign feel like it is asking the player to pause its best-paced moments.
Pickups and repeated spaces weaken the payoff
Weapon-mod pickups are among the interruptions Corden finds can feel like busywork. He also notes repeated locations, which reduce the sense that side paths are taking players somewhere genuinely fresh. The issue is not simply that the campaign has optional content; it is that the review finds the rewards and variety do not always justify the diversion.
Rank #3
- Disc only. Original case and manual not included. Will come packaged in a generic case.
- This renewed game has been cleaned, tested, and shows minimal wear.
Large enemies do not always sell the impact of combat
Against the satisfying feel of ordinary gunplay, Corden identifies a specific weakness: some larger enemies absorb fire without reacting convincingly. When an enemy barely responds to hits, even forceful weapons can feel less effective than they should. That is a focused criticism of enemy feedback, not a claim that the whole combat system fails.
How E-Day changes the familiar Gears formula
The official gameplay update describes E-Day as “a brand new game, built from scratch to feel like Gears but play like new.” Corden’s review points to changes that fit that aim—more responsive traversal and a horror-forward presentation—alongside a structure that mixes linear sequences with semi-open spaces.
On the axes the available coverage actually addresses, the trade-off is clear: movement and traversal are more prominent, while exploration sometimes competes with the set-piece pacing that makes Gears campaigns hit hard. The review still describes a polished and often thrilling combat loop; its reservations center on repeated areas, the limited payoff of detours, and the reaction of some larger enemies.
Release, platforms, and access as of October 3, 2026
Xbox Wire’s October 1 launch announcement lists worldwide release for October 6, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. Pacific (15:00 UTC) on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and Steam. Early access began October 1. Cloud play is listed through Game Pass Ultimate and GeForce NOW.
Best Value
- This item does not work outside US. We cannot guarantee compatibility. You can contact the call center for more information on compatibility.
- Enthralling cinematic story. Experience the epic finale to the Gears of War trilogy
- Unparalleled gameplay
- One of the definitive multiplayer experiences on Xbox LIVE
- Gears of War 3 pushes the envelope for stunning visuals on Xbox 360
According to Xbox Wire’s September 17 edition and Game Pass announcement, the game joins Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on launch day, October 6. Premium Edition buyers can start up to five days early; that early-access period is not the standard Game Pass start date.
The cited Xbox listings give U.S. prices of $69.99 for the standard game and $99.99 for the Premium Edition. These are listing prices, can change, and may differ by region; check the store for the current price and terms.
Optional physical editions and companion material
Collector’s Edition
Xbox Wire’s Collector’s Edition announcement lists a 15-inch Marcus and Dom statue, replica COG tags, a photograph, a Feral Wretch art print, and the Premium Edition. The Xbox Series X version includes a physical disc. Xbox says quantities are limited and availability varies by region, so edition contents and stock should be checked with the seller before ordering.
Official art-and-making book
The Art and Making of Gears of War: E-Day is the official companion book from Insight Editions. Xbox Wire’s launch article describes developer interviews covering art, story, sound, and design and links to Amazon. It is an optional production and art-direction companion, not a requirement for understanding or playing the game.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
