Gears of War: Reloaded Preview – The Classic Bro Shooter Reborn

I have been eagerly awaiting the return of Marcus, Dom, and Delta Squad in the upcoming Gears of War: Reloaded. Set to launch on August 26, for Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5, this remaster of the 2006 original Gears of War promises to bring the brutal, cover-based shooter to a new generation with stunning visual upgrades and cross-platform play. Developed by The Coalition, and published by Xbox Game Studios, Gears of War: Reloaded is poised to be the definitive way to experience Marcus Fenix’s battle against the Locust Horde. Based on the recent betas and official updates, here is what to expect when the game drops next week.

A Faithful Remaster with Next-Gen Polish

Gears of War: Reloaded is a celebration of the 2006 classic that defined third-person shooters with its innovative cover mechanics and gritty storytelling. Set on the war-torn planet of Sera, the game follows Marcus Fenix, a disgraced soldier freed from prison by his comrade Dominic Santiago (DOM!) to lead Delta Squad against the subterranean Locust Horde. The campaign, playable solo or in two-player co-op (split-screen or online), remains true to the original, with all post-launch content included: a bonus campaign act, additional multiplayer maps, and a full roster of characters and cosmetics all included in the main game.

What sets this remaster apart is its technical overhaul. Gears of War: Reloaded boasts 4K resolution, up to 60 FPS in campaign mode, and a blistering 120 FPS in multiplayer (144 FPS on PC), complete with HDR, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and 7.1 spatial audio. Enhanced textures, lighting, shadows, and reflections make Sera’s ravaged landscapes and bloody battles more immersive than ever. These upgrades make Gears of War look even better than you remember, and vastly superior to the original release.

Multiplayer Mayhem and Cross-Platform Brotherhood

The multiplayer beta, which ran across two weekends in June 2025, gave players a taste of Gears of War: Reloaded’s versus modes, including Team Deathmatch, King of the Hill, and Warzone on maps like Gridlock, Canals, and Raven Down. The action feels as intense as ever, with buttery-smooth controls at 120 FPS and refined mechanics that cater to both newcomers and veterans. You can customize the control scheme to your liking or stick with the classic Xbox 360 setup and get to curb-stomping just like old times. The beta also showcased the game’s cross-play and cross-progression support, letting you squad up with friends across Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, with progress carrying seamlessly between platforms, assuming you have a Microsoft account.

A Modern Classic for All Platforms

What’s particularly exciting about Gears of War: Reloaded is its multiplatform approach. For the first time, PlayStation 5 players can experience the franchise that was once an Xbox exclusive, complete with PS5 Pro enhancements like PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) for sharper visuals. PC players get additional perks, including UltraWide support, DLSS 3.5, FSR 3.1, variable refresh rate, and full mouse-and-keyboard controls, making it a standout for high-end rigs. The game also has a nicely reduced price of $39.99 and will be available on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass from day one. So you and your squad shouldn't have any problem getting a hold of this one.

- Gears of War: Reloaded PS5 - $39 at Amazon

Gears of War: Reloaded is shaping up to be a love letter to fans and a perfect entry point for newcomers. Its blend of faithful remastering, cutting-edge visuals, and cross-platform accessibility makes it a standout release for 2025. We're only a few days away from release on August 26, so we don't have to wait too much longer to jump back in and tear through the Locust with Marcus and Delta Squad.

Stay tuned to GameMinr.com for our review roundup when the game launches, and updates on all the other big releases this Fall.