Five years after we first met Marcus Fenix, he is back, courtesy of Epic Games and ready to conclude the series with an almighty bang. It begins in a similar way to the first Gears of War, with Fenix imprisoned. The difference this time, however, being that you get to find out why. The long awaited conclusion is here and it doesn't disappoint.
The visual graphics are something to be in awe of. The use of colour and environment create a somewhat beautiful and realistic world, whilst still managing to maintain the idea of war. Even the special effects are brilliantly executed, all working to illustrate outstanding production values.
It probably has the best story telling I have seen from a shooter. It is emotional with some surprisingly poignant moments. Through the use of dialogue (despite the occasional cringe worthy line) you feel as if you really know the characters. With this, the graphics, the exceptional soundtrack and different situations combined, it creates a real sense of understanding within you as to how it must be for the people of this planet.
The gameplay itself has not really changed. The cover system remains and has been refined to make it, quite possibly, the best of it's kind. You need to hide to survive, beating enemies as you go and running from cover to cover. If you run out of ammunition, that's what the chainsaw bayonet is for.
Team play is the core of Gears, with the story-driven campaign allowing from single player (with computer controlled squad members there to assist) to up to 4-player co-operative. Throughout the game, you work to better your experience level. This can be earned through things such as kills as well as working through the varying modes. Levelling up then unlocks things like weapons and character skins that can be used in multiplayer mode. This is a brilliant feature, keeping you in the game and feeling rewarded.
The multiplayer mode features some familiar game types, such as Horde. A squad of five players are faced up against Locust opposition, the goal being to survive the ever increasingly difficult rounds. This has been improved since Gears of War 2, with players being awarded cash, which can be used to, for example, build fortifications and set up dummy targets.
Beast mode is a new addition, similar to Horde, but with the situation reversed. You now control the various Locust creatures, your task: to kill the computer controlled humans within the time limit. Again, cash is earned which can be spent spawning new creatures.
Gears of War 3 joins the Delta Squad for the last time and few questions remain unanswered. This game sees the loose ends being tied, with mysteries such as that of Marcus' father, Adam Fenix, ultimately being resolved. It is a little less thrilling than the previous games, which could possibly be expected as the third in a truly impressive series. However, the intense battle scenes, superb story telling and mind blowing graphics all add up to give us a fun and highly valued experience, despite being the weakest. The last game of the series definitely feels that it is indeed final, and all in all, is a fitting conclusion for an amazing trilogy.
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