Xbox certainly brought out the big guns for its Summer Game Fest showcase. The publisher saved theGears of War: E-Day reveal for last (despite several rumors hinting a new Gears game was on the way) and the narrative pits brothers in arms, Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago, against the harrowing Locust invasion.
As a prequel toGears 4and5, E-Day is set 14 years prior and refers to “Emergence Day” when the Locust first invaded Sera, and riffs upon the original Gears of War trailer that first used the “Mad World” song. The title will highlight several origins that helped build the franchise’s foundation, including the Chainsaw Lancer’s first appearance.
Hopefully, the lead designer and creator of the franchise, Cliff Bleszinski, won’t behassledover bringing back games he doesn’t have the rights to anymore.
Every Gears of War Game Ranked
Gears of War has a storied legacy of (mostly) cooperative, third-person shooter action, but which game did it best?
Gears Of War: E-Day Will Cover The Chainsaw Lancer’s Origin
In aninterviewwith Xbox Wire, Creative Director Matt Searcy and Brand Director Nicole Fawcette from developerThe Coalitiontook a deep dive into the heart of E-Day and teed up the plot points and technical standards fans should be looking forward to.
The reveal trailer included a brief shot of Marcus handling the MK1 Lancer with a detachable bayonet, even though this isn’t the chainsaw/gun hybrid gearheads will be accustomed to. In response to this detail, Fawcette confirmed E-Day is a “story of many origins” and revealed the Chainsaw Lancer’s roots would be one of those origins.
Remaining tight-lipped on specifics, Fawcette explained “[The Chainsaw Lancer] doesn’t currently exist in that period… but it’s not a Gears game if you’re not chainsawing Locusts!” This insight implies we’ll see the iconic weapon in its infancy before it evolves into the Locust-tearing unit the fandom has grown to love.
The Origin Of Marcus And Dom’s “Brotherhood” Will Also Be Explored
In addition to the Chainsaw Lancer’s beginning, E-Day will frame the beginning of Marcus and Dom’s brotherhood. After Dom’s older brother and Marcus’ best friend Carlos died during the Pendulum Wars, the pair formed an airtight bond during their grief.
Searcy confirmed “We’re telling the origin story of Marcus and Dom and their bond… this is the bond that defines the franchise,” and emphasized the makings of their relationship during E-Day. “They’re not the characters we know from Gears 1 to 3. They don’t have 10 years of fighting the Locust between them. When the game opens, there’s supposed to be peace on Sera, and they’re trying to figure out life without this person they both loved.”
Describing Marcus and Dom as “a lot more vulnerable” and carrying “weight” and “tension” between them, Searcy believes this “intimate story” will balance well against the “wider backdrop of what’s happening on this apocalyptic day.” Fans can also expect to witness “the formation of this brotherhood that is so iconic to Gears.”
Returning Gears Of War Writer Asks Fans To Vote On Gears 6 Title
An ex-Gears of War writer has seemingly returned to the series and wants your thoughts on a title for the next instalment.
