"Gears Tactics" is a spin-off from the main Gears of War game series, departing from its third-person shooter roots to adopt a turn-based strategy format, similar to XCOM.
As a subgenre that XCOM popularized back in 1994, more and more games are now embracing this style of gameplay, integrating it into their own universes. This style of play is often associated with its high difficulty level, featuring overwhelming enemies, seemingly improbable shots, and constant mission timers. These games are known for their challenging nature, throwing players into the thick of it from the get-go.
Where "Gears Tactics" truly shines is in its visual presentation and sound design. Crank up the settings to the max, and you'll be treated to beautifully rendered landscapes that pay homage to its inspirations. Every sound effect adds that necessary impact, elevating each encounter. Soldiers vocally communicate their actions with phrases like "roger" and "will do," and they report on enemy positions, movement decisions, skill usage, and overwatch status. These vocal cues help players strategize effectively during their turns, ensuring smooth and efficient gameplay.
Playing on a higher difficulty setting is strongly recommended. Even when everything seems perfect - enemies are flanked, weapons are reloaded, and skills are activated - there's always a chance that a 99% chance to hit misses. Fortunately, enemies also have a random factor in their actions, which keeps the game fair and allows for redemption after a mistake. The feeling of being in control and taking down formidable foes is a reward that many players seek after investing countless hours in a game. All XCOM-style games make it clear that a soldier, especially one you've relied on throughout the campaign, can be taken out by a single mistake or a lucky enemy hit (although "Gears Tactics" is more forgiving in this regard). The game constantly challenges you to think critically and adapt your tactics to various situations, making for an engaging experience from beginning to end.
However, the game's storytelling falls short. While the campaign is serviceable and includes some twists and turns, it's somewhat predictable. The decision to incorporate side missions to extend playtime is a drawback. Some main missions lead directly into cutscenes that segue into the next mission. Unfortunately, "Gears Tactics" forces players to complete side missions before progressing to the next main one. While this isn't inherently problematic, the execution leaves much to be desired. When the game prompts you to complete a side mission, you're presented with a choice of 3-4 missions, each with its own set of objectives and restrictions, and offering specific armor or weapon rewards. Moreover, you can't use the same soldiers for different missions within the same chapter. If you've focused on a small group of soldiers, this can be quite challenging and requires a more diverse tactical approach.
These games may not suit everyone. Whether you're playing on an easier difficulty or a harder one, the element of luck and randomness is always present, and it can turn a well-executed mission into chaos.
It's worth noting that "Gears Tactics" is exclusively available on Microsoft platforms, meaning you can only find it on PC or Xbox (including Xbox Game Pass).
