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Gears of War: Reloaded Reviews: Is the Remaster Worth Playing?

Critics see Gears of War: Reloaded as a polished, accessible remaster, with its strongest appeal for newcomers and PlayStation players—not fans seeking a substantially new game.
Length3 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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Critics generally regard Gears of War: Reloaded as a polished, accessible remaster: its improved presentation, included post-launch content and new platform access are the main draws. The catch is that it remains the familiar original game, so returning players who already know the 2015 Ultimate Edition may find little that is new.

What critics think of Gears of War: Reloaded

Reviews lean positive, particularly for the technical refresh and the chance to play the series’ original entry on platforms that previously lacked it. The release is best understood as a cleaner, more accessible presentation of a known game—not a redesign of its campaign or combat.

Metacritic’s critic-review listing includes several 90/100 reviews dated August 26–27, 2025, including entries from PlayStation LifeStyle, IGN Spain, PSX Brasil, GamingBolt and The Outerhaven. Those are selected examples, not a complete score distribution; the listing available for this article did not establish a reliable current aggregate or review count. See Metacritic’s critic-review listing.

What the remaster changes—and what it does not

Xbox describes the remaster as featuring 4K assets, HDR, 60 FPS in Campaign and up to 120 FPS in Multiplayer. Those are publisher specifications, not independent benchmark results. The point of the update is a more current technical presentation while keeping the original game’s identity intact. Xbox Wire’s launch announcement has the publisher’s feature details.

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#1 Best Overall
Gears of War: Reloaded – PlayStation® 5
  • The Original, Remastered: Powered by Unreal Engine, Gears of War: Reloaded is a remaster of the blockbuster first Gears of War, now fully optimised for PlayStation 5.
  • All Included: Gears of War: Reloaded delivers all post-launch content for the original title, including a bonus campaign act, multiplayer maps, plus characters and cosmetics, at no additional cost.
  • Stunning Gameplay: The iconic original now looks and plays better than ever with no load times, 4K assets plus remastered textures, lighting, shadows and reflections, HDR, Dolby Atmos, Variable Refresh Rate as well as up to 120 FPS in multiplayer.*
  • Cross Play: Supports cross-play across platforms, allowing you and your friends to squad-up, regardless of where you play.*
  • Cross Progression: Jump from one platform to another and your campaign saves. Signing in with your Microsoft account is required for cross-progression.*

Windows Central describes Reloaded as essentially the same game as the previous remaster and notes that it adds no new weapons or photo mode. Tom’s Guide likewise observes that longtime fans may want new missions, mechanics or weapons. The campaign and core combat are familiar rather than rebuilt.

Where the reviews see the strongest appeal

Newcomers and PlayStation players

The clearest case is for players who have not played the original Gears and want to start with its story. TechRadar notes that the release brings the franchise to a PlayStation console for the first time; Windows Central also points to the PS5 release and a more accessible PC version. For PlayStation players curious about a series long associated with Xbox, Reloaded is a direct entry point.

Rank #2
Gears of War Reloaded [AT-PEGI] (100% Uncut) (PS5)
  • German packaging. German instructions. Completely German playable.
  • 4K resolution 60 FPS in the campaign 120 FPS in multiplayer mode
  • High Dynamic Range (HDR) Dolby Vision and 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 3D Room Sound
  • Variable refresh rate (VRR) 4K assets and re-mastered textures Enhanced visual post-processing effects
  • Improved shadows and reflections Super resolution with improved anti-aliasing. No loading screens during campaign

Players who value co-op and cross-platform play

The campaign supports two-player co-op, while Versus supports up to eight players, according to Xbox’s launch announcement. Xbox also says the game supports cross-play. A Microsoft account enables cross-progression and cross-platform invites, so check the current platform requirements if those features matter to your group. The official Gears of War: Reloaded page provides product information.

Fans of technical, close-range multiplayer

TechRadar describes multiplayer matches built around wall-bouncing and close-range Gnasher shotgun fights. That fast, technical style can be a draw if you enjoy movement-heavy competitive play, but it may feel repetitive if you prefer more varied pacing or combat styles.

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Rank #3
Gears of War 3 (Renewed)
  • 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.

Is it worth it if you played Ultimate Edition?

That depends on what you want from a replay. The reviews do not point to new campaign missions or a reworked combat system; the main reasons to return are the updated presentation, included original post-launch content, co-op, or access on another platform. If the familiar campaign is not enough to bring you back, the remaster offers less novelty than a remake would.

Xbox says the release includes the original game’s post-launch content, including a bonus campaign act, multiplayer maps, modes, characters and cosmetics. This makes it a fuller package than the original launch version, but not a new campaign for returning players.

Rank #4
Steamforged Games Gears of War The Card Game: Core Game - 2 Players, 30-60 Minutes of Gameplay (English Version)
  • Listen up, soldier. The world is in ruin. The Locust Horde has risen. It’s Human vs Horde, and here’s your mission: Pick a side, build a powerful deck, and win the war. The fate of the world is in your hands!
  • Experience the gritty gunplay of the video game in this official two-player card game. Take command of the COG forces or the Locust horde and seize control of the battlefield, one chapter at a time.
  • Strategise your way through each chapter, bolstering your forces with classic characters like Marcus Fenix, General Raam, August “Cole Train” Cole, Dominic Santiago, and Damon Baird.
  • Every battle counts. Whatever happens in each chapter will change what comes next, so you’d better be ready to dominate. The deck you build and decisions you make will change the way you play each campaign, making this a game you can reload time and time again.
  • Whether you're a hardened vet or a grass-green rookie, get ready to take cover and lay down suppressive fire. Your enemies are trying to take the line, soldier. You’d better shove back hard.

Choosing a platform

What to consider What is established
Playing with friends Xbox lists cross-play across platforms. A Microsoft account enables cross-progression and cross-platform invites; check the current requirements for your platform. Xbox Wire
PS5-specific features PlayStation advertises DualSense haptics, controller-speaker support and adaptive triggers. PlayStation’s US product page
Subscription access Xbox announced the game for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass at launch. Catalog availability can change, so check the current listing before subscribing or downloading. Xbox Wire
Price Xbox announced a $39.99 suggested retail price in 2025. That was the launch-announcement SRP, not a verified current price. Check your platform’s store for today’s price. Xbox Wire
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Release details

Gears of War: Reloaded launched on August 26, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation 5 and Steam, according to Xbox’s announcement. The publisher calls it a remaster of the first Gears of War, not a remake.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 2
Gears of War Reloaded [AT-PEGI] (100% Uncut) (PS5)
Gears of War Reloaded [AT-PEGI] (100% Uncut) (PS5)
German packaging. German instructions. Completely German playable.; 4K resolution 60 FPS in the campaign 120 FPS in multiplayer mode
$69.95
Bestseller No. 3
Gears of War 3 (Renewed)
Gears of War 3 (Renewed)
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.
Best Value
Gears of War Collector’s Edition Air Freshener – Long-Lasting Car Scent – Officially Licensed Merchandise Video Game Collectible – Ideal Gift for Gamers – Natural Fragrance for Car, Home & Office
  • EMBRACE THE SCENT OF VICTORY – Freshen up your space with this Gears of War Collector’s Edition Air Freshener, bringing the long-lasting New Car scent to your car, home, or office—ideal for any COG soldier needing a fragrant escape from the battlefield!
  • ECO-FRIENDLY & BATTLE-READY – Made from eco-friendly materials, this air freshener is as durable as Marcus Fenix himself, fighting off stale air with a powerful, natural fragrance that stands the test of time.
  • OFFICIALLY LICENSED GEARS OF WAR COLLECTIBLE – Proudly display this officially licensed Gears of War merchandise, the perfect collectible for fans who want to carry a piece of the Locust War with them wherever they go.
  • ULTIMATE GIFT FOR GEARS OF WAR GAMERS – Looking for the perfect gamer gift? This collectible air freshener is a unique, memorable choice for any Gears fan, making it a standout option for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.
  • VERSATILE DESIGN FOR ANY SETTING – Hang it in your car, office, or gaming setup; its iconic Gears of War style looks great anywhere and serves as a subtle nod to the action-packed world you love.

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.

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