“FOR THE HORDE!”

Massive amounts of hype are building up for Gears of War 4’s newly set release of somewhere in late 2016, and there is a lot in the air with this new title. Some suspect that it will be an interesting addition to the already established, incredible universe and a first to a new trilogy. While others believe that it is a game with greedy intentions for more money, instead of it being another blockbuster hit that will hypnotize us for countless hours, like its predecessor.

Epic Games’ story of Sergeant Marcus Fenix started with three games, and was advanced through three volumes of comic books and five novels that filled in the missing segments in between each one. The incredible tale told set the bar in story-telling of both video games and paper. It has earned its spot as one of the best video games ever made.

Concern rises

With that being said, The Coalition—the new keepers of Gears of War—have many worried. Some fear that the continuation of a war that has be won, an evil army with no leader, a story that has been finished, will only be a game that is made with the sole purpose to make money, and not entertain a fan base that is not only numerous, but highly dedicated. With 343industries struggling to keep one of the largest followings in gaming history with their attempts of continuing their similar project, there is already a lot of doubt, along with big shoes to fill and high standards to live up to for The Coalition.

At the introduction of the new franchise and its baby at E3, the presented full-length video that is just over six minutes long teased fans with two new characters, JD and Kait, traversing towards a mansion-like building sitting in ruin, as a large, four-legged creature creeps on its rooftops and charges our new heroes. Some little details that caught keen attention raised a few interesting theories. One being the Lancer rifle having a wooden stock, signifying that it is a relic of the previous war that has endured many alterations to stay intact, further suggesting that timeframe between Gears of War 3 and Gears of War 4 has been quite some time.

Not much is known what is in store for gamers that is coming in the last quarter of this year. However, the beta will be open in Spring, and it will give more insight on what to expect. For those who bought Gears of War: Ultimate Edition and certain Xbox One bundles are granted access to the beta on March 1st, 2016. Although, the success of the beta for Gears' first remake back in August 2015, there is a fair amount of promise that it will be enjoyable. So, all we can do it wait until Spring to judge what may make or break the new franchise.

So, my fellow Gears, let’s stop the unearthing monsters once and for all, again!