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Early reviews of Gears of War: E-Day are broadly positive about its campaign, especially the familiar cover-based combat, striking presentation and return to the series’ horror roots. But the response is not unanimous: some reviewers found the campaign repetitive or its exploration and boss fights less successful. Just as importantly, the early reviews covered the campaign, not the full multiplayer package.
Are the Gears of War: E-Day reviews good?
Yes, on balance. Windows Central’s October 2, 2026 roundup reported a Metacritic score of 88 and an OpenCritic score of 87. Pure Xbox also reported an 88 on Metacritic. These are snapshots from early review coverage, not permanent totals; aggregator scores can shift as additional reviews are published.
| # | 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 positive response centers on a strong return to established Gears strengths rather than a reinvention. Tom’s Guide praises the cover-based shooting, the return of Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago, and the renewed horror elements. Windows Central’s roundup likewise describes a refinement of the series’ core gameplay loop. Individual reviewers differ, however, on how well the campaign’s story, pacing and supporting design hold up.
What do reviewers like about the campaign?
Combat that feels like Gears
The tactical, cover-based firefights remain a central draw. Tom’s Guide highlights the shooting and the familiarity of playing as Marcus and Dom, while The Guardian also recognizes the combat as a distinctive strength—even in a review that is much less positive about the campaign overall.
#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.
A darker, more atmospheric return
Reviewers praising the game point to its horror elements and presentation. That shift matters because E-Day revisits the series’ darker roots, giving its familiar combat a more ominous setting rather than relying on action alone.
What are the odd or divisive elements?
The headline phrase “odd elements” is best understood as a shorthand for disputed campaign choices, not a single strange feature that every reviewer identified. The criticism varies by reviewer:
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.
- Repetition and pacing: The Guardian calls the campaign safe and repetitive. The Independent is more favorable overall but also flags repeated sections.
- Exploration and boss encounters: Windows Central’s review-in-progress describes exploration as unrewarding and criticizes boss design. Its roundup also recounts concerns about open-world-lite design and bosses that feel damage-spongy. These are reviewers’ judgments, not universal measures of player experience.
- Story and performance: The Independent raises concerns about story depth and performance, alongside its criticism of repeated sections.
The Guardian is the clearest counterpoint to the upbeat overall picture: it praises the fighting but finds the material around it disappointing. The Independent sits closer to the positive consensus while still noting weaknesses. That split suggests the campaign may appeal most to players who value Gears combat and atmosphere more than novelty in its structure or story.
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No—not in the review window described by these sources. Pure Xbox reported that Versus and Horde Siege were locked during its review period. Windows Central and GamesRadar+ also marked their coverage as in progress while waiting for multiplayer access. Windows Central explicitly said its review build had those modes disabled and that the author had not experienced the full game; GamesRadar+ said it would return to its piece when multiplayer was online and then score the whole game.
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.
As a result, the reported 88 Metacritic and 87 OpenCritic figures should be read as early campaign-review snapshots, not a verdict on the complete multiplayer offering. The cited coverage leaves multiplayer quality open.
Is Gears of War: E-Day worth playing?
If you want a Gears campaign built around tactical cover shooting, a darker tone and the return of Marcus and Dom, the early reviews give you good reason to consider it. If repetitive sections, limited exploration, boss design or story depth are deciding factors for you, the critical reservations are worth weighing alongside the praise. And if your main reason to play is Versus or Horde Siege, these early campaign reviews cannot tell you whether the multiplayer delivers.
For context before deciding, the ESRB lists Gears of War: E-Day as Mature 17+ with descriptors for Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Users Interact and In-Game Purchases: ESRB ratings.
Launch timing, platforms and access
As stated in Xbox Wire’s October 1, 2026 announcement, Early Access began October 1 at 15:00 UTC and worldwide launch is scheduled for October 6 at 15:00 UTC. Xbox lists Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC and Steam as platforms, and names Game Pass Ultimate and GeForce NOW for cloud gaming. Availability and service terms can vary by region and may change, so check the current listing for your location. Xbox Wire’s launch announcement
Quick Recap
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
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.
