Metacritic (80)
OpenCritic (83)
Eurogamer (no score):
Polygon (no score):
Kotaku (no score):
Rock, Paper, Shotgun (no score, video):
Echo Boomer (no score, loved, review in Portuguese):
Player 2 (B+):
Expansive (no score, loved):
CNN (no score):
God is a Geek (10/10, video):
MSPoweruser (9.7/10):
ZTGD (9.5/10):
Impulsegamer (4.7/5):
Areajugones (9.2/10, review in Spanish):
Destructoid (9/10):
Financial Post (9/10):
GamingTrend (90/100):
Gaming Nexus (9/10):
Critical Hit (9/10):
GameSpew (9/10):
WellPlayed (9/10):
Xbox Tavern (9/10):
IGN Spain (9/10, review in Spanish):
PC Invasion (9/10):
Neowin (9/10):
Geek Culture (8.8/10):
Area Xbox (8.8/10, review in Spanish):
Spaziogames (8.7/10, review in Italian):
Wccftech (8.5/10, video):
Stevivor (8.5/10):
Gamers Heroes (85/100):
Game Informer (8.5/10, video):
AusGamers (8.5/10):
Worth Playing (8.5/10):
Nexus (8.5/10):
Gamerheadquarters (8.5/10):
Player.it (8.5/10, review in Italian):
SECTOR.sk (8.5/10, review in Slovak):
Meristation (8.5/10, review in Spanish):
GRYOnline.pl (8.5/10, review in Polish):
JeuxActu (17/20, review in French):
PowerUp! (8.4/10):
Gamersky (8.4/10, review in Chinese):
Atomix (84/100, review in Spanish):
PC Gamer (83/100):
Hobby Consolas (82/100, review in Spanish):
Voxel (82/100, review in Portuguese, video):
4Players.de (81/100, review in German):
IGN (8/10, video):
GameSpot (8/10, video):
Twinfinite (4/5):
VGC (4/5, video):
Windows Central (4/5, video):
DualShockers (8/10, video):
Shacknews (8/10):
TheSixthAxis (8/10):
Gameblog (8/10, review in French):
TechRaptor (8/10):
GamingBolt (8/10, video):
GameSkinny (8/10):
USgamer (4/5):
TrueGaming (8/10, review in Arabic):
Glitched Africa (8/10):
TrustedReviews (4/5):
TrueAchievements (4/5):
The Games Machine (8/10, review in Italian):
Game Revolution (4/5):
Metro GameCentral (8/10):
3DJuegos (8/10, review in Spanish):
PC Games (8/10, review in German, video):
Carole Quintaine (8/10, review in French, video):
CGMagazine (8/10):
Attack of the Fanboy (4/5):
GAMINGbible (8/10):
Tech Advisor (4/5):
GameMAG (8/10, review in Russian):
Digital Trends (4/5):
Everyeye.it (8/10, review in Italian):
Eurogamer Italy (8/10, review in Italian, video):
Game Rant (4/5):
Multiplayer.it (8/10, review in Italian):
DarkStation (4/5):
Malditos Nerds (8/10, review in Spanish):
Guardian (4/5):
PCMag (4/5):
M3 (4/5, review in Swedish):
Gamer.nl (4/5, review in Dutch):
Cerealkillerz (7.8/10, review in German):
IGN Italia (7.8/10, review in Italian):
Power Unlimited (7.8/10, review in Dutch):
Millenium (77/100, review in French):
GameWatcher (7.5/10):
Vandal (7.5/10, review in Spanish):
3DNews (7.5/10, review in Russian):
SomHráč.sk (75%, review in Czech):
Game Over Online (75%):
New Game Network (72/100):
GamesRadar (3.5/5):
PCGamesN (7/10):
Press Start (7/10):
Hardcore Gamer (3.5/5):
Screen Rant (3.5/5):
Rocket Chainsaw (3.5/5):
GotGame (6.5/10):
XboxEra (6.5/10):
VG247 (3/5):
COGconnected (55/100, video):
OpenCritic (83)
Eurogamer (no score):
There are moments in which Tactics does manage to be the successful marriage between Gears of War and XCOM that you might have hoped for, but as a whole package, I'm not convinced it's ever quite as good as that. I applaud it for experimenting with some brand new ideas, as well as providing another solid entry point into the turn-based strategy genre for those who've not been convinced in the past. But with the likes of Enemy Unknown and XCOM 2 having paved the way before this, Tactics had some big shoes to fill and not even Sid Redburn (who looks to be a size 16, at least) could quite manage it for me. But that execution mechanic! What a fantastic idea.
Polygon (no score):
This is a near miss, but as anyone who has ever played a turn-based game will tell you, a near miss can be all the enemy needs to take you out. This is an interesting, but hardly essential, addition to the Gears family.
Kotaku (no score):
Two years removed from its surprise announcement, Gears Tactics is a creative success. While it lacks multiplayer and features a few too many repetitive missions, its aggressive combat and dedication to translating all the details from Gears of War into a tactical game are impressive. This isn't a gimmick or reskin of XCOM. This is something great that stands on its own.
Rock, Paper, Shotgun (no score, video):
So, in conclusion. This is 100% a Gears Of War game, that also happens to be a top flight strategy effort. Arguably the best of its kind on the market, in fact, despite a bit of trouser trouble. It's a spectacular thing to play through, and it'd be more than enough to merit the fifty quid price tag if it deleted itself on completion. Thankfully, however, the replay value is much greater than you'd expect. There's the randomised side missions, for a start. And even for the linear-ish story missions, the massive spread of subclasses and squad compositions allow for way more playstyles than you can feasibly test out in one run. Plus you can play them on "veteran" mode after one completion, offering a new suite of game rule modifiers to present you with fresh challenges. It's the first game in ages that gave me the urge to start a second playthrough in the same session as my first completion, which says a lot.
Echo Boomer (no score, loved, review in Portuguese):
The revolutionary cover-based shooter gets adapted into a turn-based game, that still gets the fun, the action bits, the chaos and the adrenaline that defined the series.
Player 2 (B+):
Gears Tactics won't be for every Gears fan, simply because of the genre switch, but for those looking to embrace something new, they're going to have the pleasure of experiencing yet another wonderful take on the franchise, only from a totally new perspective. The narrative leaves you in an interesting position too, leaving me hopeful that this won't be the only time we get to witness a Gears story play out from a bird's-eye perspective.
Expansive (no score, loved):
I really loved Gears Tactics. Everything just comes together so well and without doubt, it's one of the surprise packages of 2020. Cast it aside and discredit at your own risk Gears Tactics is a brilliant game that works as well as any other in the genre on almost every level.
CNN (no score):
It may come as a surprise for some, but Gears of War works exceedingly well as a turn-based tactical game. Gears Tactics is an excellent entry in the series that satisfies, whether you're looking for the franchise's signature carnage or seeking a twist on its familiar action. Though the next entry in the Gears saga is undoubtedly a return to form, it would certainly be nice to see another tactical installment at some point as well.
God is a Geek (10/10, video):
Gears Tactics does an incredible job of mixing loud, brash action with strategy and caution, to deliver one of the most satisfyingly playable games of the last few years. Everything about it oozes confidence, from the story and mission design to the fast-paced, flashy combat. This is more than just another tactics game, and far, far beyond a re-skinned XCOM. It's Gears of War all the way through to its Emulsion-soaked core, and arguably sets the bar for the genre going forwards. Yes, it's big and brash and loud at times, but it's also deep, intelligent and balanced, with all the heart and passion we've come to expect from a Gears game.
MSPoweruser (9.7/10):
Tactics is a fantastic conversion of Xbox's iconic franchise into a more thoughtful gameplay setting. It's a spin-off that takes everything Gears is known for and masterfully retools it for an engrossing strategy game that we'll likely be playing for years to come. With a Locust enemy that's finally more imposing than General RAAM and a lovable cast of characters, it's also a game that continues to tell an epic, cinematic story that strategy games have never had the budget to do before. This is everything you love about Gears, you just have to think a bit more.
ZTGD (9.5/10):
Gears Tactics is a fantastic game. The XCOM fans will have a ball with it and maybe even some Gears fans will get into the strategy genre. Who knows? Either way, Splash Damage has created a fine tactical game that fans will enjoy and have a great time with, while not sacrificing the skill wall and difficulty. It is a game I wholeheartedly recommend.
Impulsegamer (4.7/5):
Gears Tactics is a fantastic strategy game and an excellent addition to the Gears of War series, and I'd recommend it to anyone who is either a fan of Gears of War, or to the XCOM series style of game. Also, Cole Train, as always, is a goddamn delight.
Areajugones (9.2/10, review in Spanish):
The customization of our troops, the combats versus de final bosses and the aggressiveness of the enemies are the three elements that makes differences between Gears Tactics and other titles of the turn based strategy games, but don't make a mistake; this is an spin-off but smells like Gears from start to the end.
Destructoid (9/10):
All my quibbles are on the periphery of Gears Tactics, though. The core -- getting onto the battlefield and agonizing over every move -- is excellent. There's a smart experience here, one that feels both authentically Gears and tactics. That's the best possible outcome. Gears Tactics is a great Gears game and a great tactics game. This 90% doesn't miss.
Financial Post (9/10):
Gears Tactics has established itself as a serious presence in the turn-based strategy space. With a flavour very much its own, and the exceptional production quality for which the Gears games are known, it's something close to an essential play for fans of tactical combat.
GamingTrend (90/100):
Gears Tactics is a stellar tactics game that still manages to feel like the Gears you know and love. With a solid story, addictive RPG systems, and dozens of hours of gameplay, this is a must-play for any fans of turn-based strategy games or the Gears franchise in general.
Gaming Nexus (9/10):
Gears Tactics is definitely different than what Gears fans are accustomed to, being a tactical-style game, but I think it fits the genre pretty well. If you've ever wondered what Gears would be like outside of the main series, Gears Tactics shows that it does pretty well in a tactical-style.
Critical Hit (9/10):
Gears Tactics isn't just one of the biggest surprises of the year, it's a vulgar display of power starring everyone's favourite beefy boys in a bloody new direction that'll test your trigger fingers with pure heavy mental action.
GameSpew (9/10):
Gears Tactics is the best Gears of War game since the original trilogy came to a close. The genre may have changed, but the action still has the same immediacy, and it's just as much fun as ever to chainsaw an enemy in half or blow them to bits with a frag grenade. The joy of leading a four-man squad against the Locust Horde once more is heightened by the fact that you're in control of all of their actions and how they've been developed. But Gears Tactics isn't just a great Gears game; it's an outstanding strategy game. Whether you're a Gears fan or a connoisseur of the strategy games genre, this is a must-play.
WellPlayed (9/10):
Gears Tactics is a spinoff that The Coalition and Splash Damage should be proud of. Through their hard work and effort, these developers have shown the industry that Gears, as a franchise, is capable of more than just being a cover-based shooter. It also helps move the IP in the modern day away from the expectation of setting standards in the third-person cover-based shooter as it initially did. Great storytelling, solid characters, impressive performance and subtle changes to the formula set by XCOM not only allow for this game to stand out by itself but also serve as a great entry into the turn-based tactics genre as a whole.
Xbox Tavern (9/10):
Gears Tactics is better than the sum of its parts. It recreates classic Gears in a reverent and relevant way and adds its own flavour with some great new characters and new mysteries surrounding the locust. I look forward to playing this on Xbox in the near future, but for now I can absolutely recommend the game on PC. It's deep, satisfying, and incredibly faithful and authentic.
With such appreciation shown to the roots of the whole franchise, as well as the courage to take the old settings of emergence day and make it something we've not experienced before, Gears Tactics is a reminder that Gears of War is an excellent example of world building that transcends being genre specific, and despite borrowing some staple gameplay elements from XCOM and other turn based strategy games, is a blast to play and an awesome strategy game in its own right.
IGN Spain (9/10, review in Spanish):
Gears delves into the Turn-based strategy genre with a game extremely faithful to the core saga, fun shootings that keep the essence of those played in the third person, but somewhat repetitive after a few hours.
PC Invasion (9/10):
Even with some flaws, Gears Tactics manages to meet and exceed expectations. Fluid and fast-paced action, along with tactical decisions, will keep you on the move. Likewise, brutal firefights and executions, as well as battles against massive bosses, capture the frenetic Gears of War experience for an entirely different genre.
Neowin (9/10):
All in all, Gears Tactics gets an easy recommendation from me. It kept beating my expectations and remained alluring throughout with well-built playgrounds that allow the player's decisions to shine through, resulting in a genuinely fun game. Splash Damage and The Coalition have done a remarkable job at translating the Gears of War setting, characters, bosses, satisfying weapons, and traits to a new perspective while nailing the turn-based strategy experience.
Geek Culture (8.8/10):
Gears Tactics delivers signature over-the-top action in a brand new genre that not only works, but succeeds spectacularly.
Area Xbox (8.8/10, review in Spanish):
It is time for a new Gears. Not for a Gears that we are used to, but a Gears that changes to something else. Splash Damage and The Coalition are in charge of bringing us this title set 12 years before Gears Of War. Of course, it happens on our beloved Planet Sera; and yes, this planet is almost ours as Earth itself.
Spaziogames (8.7/10, review in Italian):
To say Gears Tactics was a surprise is an understatement. By transitioning from a third-person, action-heavy genre to the tactics space, this could have been a big mistake. However, not only do you get a satisfying addition to the genre that rewards smart thinking with gratifying results, but also injects an impetus of aggressiveness that nobody thought was lacking.
The Coalition and Splash Damage have made Gears Tactics not just a competent tactics game, but one that could shake up the genre entirely. Combining it with the popular Gears series, and this is one true warrior that could stand up against the Locust Horde for years to come.
Wccftech (8.5/10, video):
Gears Tactics is, simply put, an excellent turn-based tactics game that stands up well against titles like XCOM and others at the top of the genre. While it has some slight issues, such as disappearing characters and a story that can best be described as "more Gears of War", the character development is better than the series' average and most importantly, it makes slight changes to the genre that make it a tactical joy to play. From extensive character customisation letting you specialise characters and teams, to gameplay tweaks, like adding a slight movement boost if you end in cover or removing the idea of a movement and attack phase of a character, Splash Damage has created one of the best RTT games in quite a while.
Stevivor (8.5/10):
While XCOM comparions are front of mind, I'd be remiss not to compare Gears Tactics to the likes of Halo Wars and Halo Wars 2. I honestly, and easily, prefer Tactics to Wars, with the latter's all-too-similar units and overreliance on vehicles a detriment rather than a bonus. While Gears Tactics has some refining to do, it's hard not to recommend, especially when free to those with an Xbox Game Pass for PC subscription… and later this year, those with an Xbox Game Pass for console subscription too.
Gamers Heroes (85/100):
Everything about Gears Tactics screams quality, and it's easily one of the best debut titles this genre has seen in years. It's nearly time for X-COM to step aside – this genre just went up a Gear.
Game Informer (8.5/10, video):
Stilted pacing blunts some of the aggressive joy in Gears Tactics, but I still walked away impressed. At the heart of any engaging tactics games is the sense of emergent moments, where careful skill usage and planning leads to clutch wins. Taking control of a squad of COG soldiers in this adventure, I repeatedly encountered those moments, along with the thrill of a narrow victory. This is a solid new front in the Gears theater of war, and one worthy of additional opportunities to grow.
AusGamers (8.5/10):
To say that an experience was 'surprisingly good' or 'surprisingly fun' has a somewhat negative connotation. In that there's the assumption that heading in expectations were set to 'low'. To call Gears Tactics surprising is not that at all, it's all about coming to terms with the realisation that at its core, Gears of War combat is tactical, deep, and full of its own style and flavour. And that all of that, when given enough time to develop and flesh out and expand upon, makes up the perfect list of ingredients to create a great turn-based tactics game.
Worth Playing (8.5/10):
Gears Tactics is a solid turn-based strategy game that has something for genre veterans and newcomers alike. The faster pace and more aggressive style of the game will appeal to fans of the franchise, while the tweaks to established elements, like action usage and overwatch, will also tickle the fancy of strategy fans. The brutal difficulty may be par for the genre, and while the lack of multiplayer will turn off some players, the strong campaign and post-game skirmishes will keep others interested for quite some time. Both the series and Splash Damage are relative newcomers to strategy, but they've done a good job of convincing people that they can handle the challenge.
Nexus (8.5/10):
Despite my gripes with the simple mission progression and ungainly inventory management, these aspects only slightly detract from the deep, tactical gameplay and high production values throughout. Gears Tactics is a great fit for the IP and its gameplay complexity matches – and sometimes surpasses – that of other long-established IPs in the genre. It's not going to convert hardcore Gears players into turn-based strategy fans if they don't already like the genre, but those that do should consider this a must-buy. Better still, you can pick it up at launch on the Xbox Game Pass for PC (Beta) service.
Gamerheadquarters (8.5/10):
Gears Tactics is turn based excellence, a strategy title that takes the Gears of War franchise in an interesting new direction. It builds upon the lore, and captures many iconic parts of the core series. There were some parts of the narrative that could have perhaps been handled better, but you do get a lengthy and engaging story to work through.
Player.it (8.5/10, review in Italian):
A fantastic tactical game with all the features that makes Gears of War series a global success.
SECTOR.sk (8.5/10, review in Slovak):
Gears franchise reach new horizon with superior turn-based strategy game with admirable graphics and good gameplay.
Meristation (8.5/10, review in Spanish):
Gears Tactics is one of the greatest surprises that this 2020 will have. Not so much for what it brings to the RTS genre, which is more limited, but for how it executes each and every one of the proposals on screen.
GRYOnline.pl (8.5/10, review in Polish):
Gears Tactics requires a specific approach. Players looking for complex gameplay similar to the ancient UFO need to be warned – GT is even simpler than the newest XCOMs. It's definitely not a game to cater to core veterans. However, this is the perfect introduction to tactical strategy for anyone who found the complexity intimidating!
JeuxActu (17/20, review in French):
Gears tactics is a pleasant surprise with its nicely tailored gameplay that reminds us of the XCOM series, and it's lore that's without a doubt from the Gears of War IP.
PowerUp! (8.4/10):
Turning Gears of War into a turn-based title sounds like a stretch but it suits it down to the ground and the dev teams have done a wonderful job making sure it feels just right.
Gamersky (8.4/10, review in Chinese):
Gears Tactics delivers a very deep dimension of strategy while maintaining the wild style of the Gears series. It keeps me engaged for multiple hours. But at the end of the day, repetitive missions make me feel bored.
Atomix (84/100, review in Spanish):
Gears Tactics is a wacky experiment for the franchise, but The Coalition and Splash Damage managed to get it working.
PC Gamer (83/100):
Clever combat abilities and brutal executions translate Gears of War into a deep, fast-paced strategy game.
Hobby Consolas (82/100, review in Spanish):
Gears Tactics reinvents the saga moving from shooter to tactical strategy. It keeps the essence of third-person shooter, it's fast, wild and fun, despite some boring side missions.
Voxel (82/100, review in Portuguese, video):
Gears Tactics is an interesting entry in the franchise and has its strengths, even if it doesn't add as much to the franchise's history or bring tactical elements as dense as XCOM. Undoubtedly it is something that Microsoft can continue in the future and improve this first entry more and more.
4Players.de (81/100, review in German):
Gears Tactics is a good offshoot of the main series and proves that the cover shooter also works in a different form. The tactical round battles are also the greatest strength of the game because they are extremely aggressive, fast-paced and yet clever. The battles are fueled by many active and passive special abilities of the characters, because the poor variety of weapons and grenades is not so important. Especially in the longer boss fights, the game has to tie up with long duels. And this is something that the story, despite its robust characters, does not really want to succeed, because the story is picking up speed too slowly and the characters could use more depth - the elaborate staging is unique. Nonetheless, more variety in the mission objectives and locations, as well as a more interactive battlefield (destruction) would have enhanced the experience. All in all, Gears Tactics will keep you entertained after the brilliant start.
IGN (8/10, video):
Gears Tactics is an excellent turn-based tactics game that does a fantastic job of melding Gears' famous style and action with the mechanics laid down by XCOM. It's one intense and satisfying tactical battle after another, and it looks absolutely fantastic doing it. It does slightly wear out its welcome with too much of a good thing in its Gear-grinding side missions, and due to the lack of larger strategic decisions I don't see it as being as replayable as its tactical role model. Even so, it's an excellent campaign that leaves a great impression with some clever, Gears-appropriate original ideas.
GameSpot (8/10, video):
Though Gears Tactics wears itself a little thin by the end of its protracted campaign, the rush of pulling together a victory from the jaws of defeat carries an exciting, chaotic energy. Unlike most strategy games, playing well doesn't necessarily make you feel like a mastermind, so much as though you've cheated death. Every successful plan, even a last-ditch effort, feels like a small stroke of genius. That's no small feat.
Twinfinite (4/5):
Despite its rather shallow endgame and pace-slowing side missions, Gears Tactics is Gears of War like you've never experienced it. A blend of excellent gameplay and a compelling story that feels true to the Gears universe is guaranteed to turn the COGS of series veterans and newcomers alike. Gears Tactics should be on the radar of all Gears fans, even those entirely new to the tactics genre.
VGC (4/5, video):
Tactics is an accomplished, action-packed alternative to XCOM that genre fans will certainly appreciate – especially those looking for a larger-scale experience than the recently released Chimera Squad. It also lays a promising foundation for the Gears of War series – which is possibly feeling tired in the shooter space – to grow in a new genre it's clearly suited to.
Windows Central (4/5, video):
Gears Tactics is tied together nicely with some epic set-pieces, stunning, well-optimized visuals, and hey, it's on Xbox Game Pass for PC, which in some ways makes it a no-brainer to at least try. While I think this one could have done a lot more to evolve its macro-level progression layer, the minute-to-minute combat is some of the best I've experienced in the genre.
DualShockers (8/10, video):
Effectively blending the Gears of War universe with strategy gameplay, Gears Tactics is a fast-paced experience that succeeds on both fronts.
Shacknews (8/10):
The game offers a solid experience of squad customization and tactical turn-based battle, but still keeps some of the most satisfying head explosions to ever come out of an action game.
TheSixthAxis (8/10):
There's a sense that this is Splash Damage and The Coalition playing to the crowd with Gears Tactics. It undoubtedly captures the look and feel of the Gears universe, squeezing it into a slick turn-based tactical game, but while I can see a few genre fans attracted to its more cerebral form of warfare, it's the series fans who are going to get the most out of it.
Gameblog (8/10, review in French):
Gears Tactics is a nice surprise. If you like the XCOM genre, there's a lot of fun waiting for you. It's beautiful, epic and clever in its gameplay mechanics. And you dont need be familiar with the Gears saga to appreciate it. But if you are, it's definitely a treat.
TechRaptor (8/10):
On the gameplay front, Gears Tactics nails the transition from high octane shooter to tactical strategy. You'll be hooked even as you grind through an overlong campaign filled with repetitive missions.
GamingBolt (8/10, video):
Gears Tactics marries classic Gears of War elements with engaging tactical combat. It's not as deep as X-Com, but this is a unique, enjoyable tactical game with a lot of depth that should entice fans of both Gears and X-Com.
GameSkinny (8/10):
If the lack of extras and multiplayer isn't a big issue, Gears Tactics is great fun. The tactical combat is violent and satisfying, the story is solid, and the presentation is excellent.
Thanks to intuitive controls, Gears Tactics is easy to get into even for players who have never played a turn-based tactical squad game before. It's just a shame there's not more here.
USgamer (4/5):
The gap between Gears and the isometric strategy genre popularized by XCOM isn't that wide, based around cover and squad action. Gears Tactics finds its niche by leaning further into the hyper-aggressive action and gore of the franchise. It throws tons of enemies at you, which forces you to move and keeps you on your toes, but can also become annoying and tedious in some missions. For a first-time outing though, Gears Tactics is a fantastic start.
TrueGaming (8/10, review in Arabic):
Maybe some missions felt repetitive and the overall structure felt linear without branching options to advance, but the combat in Gears Tactics is amazing and it can even rival the amazing XCom.
Glitched Africa (8/10):
Gears Tactics is one of the best tactical games on the market. It delivers a challenging and unique approach to the series. As for replayability, it offers hours of intense gameplay, fantastic boss fights and a large emphasis on an end-game modifier experience. You don't want to miss this.
TrustedReviews (4/5):
Gears Tactics is a great game that is sure to delight fans of the series. More hardcore gamers will find it a little lightweight to be considered an XCOM rival.
TrueAchievements (4/5):
Gears Tactics is a fantastic strategy game. The character classes, with their unique abilities and complex progression trees, offer up a deep strategic meta. Complex and different enemy types add to this along with tremendous boss battles that radically shake up the gameplay. However, tedious side missions get in the way of the fun and slow the story to a crawl, while Gabe Diaz and the crew are somewhat uninspiring and lack the charisma of other characters from the Gears franchise. Still, if you're after a well-constructed and deeply thought out strategy title that can keep you busy for hours on end, Gears Tactics should definitely not be missed.
The Games Machine (8/10, review in Italian):
Gears Tactics is not only a pretty good turn-based tactical game, but it also manages to keep the typical feeling of the Gears of War series unchanged.
Game Revolution (4/5):
Gears Tactics makes a wonderful addition to the franchise, and I hope that it spins off as its own series. It avoids many of the pitfalls of the genre and provides a streamlined experience that was a breath of fresh air. Hardcore fans of tactical games may find it to be a bit too easy, but most will find it very enjoyable.
Metro GameCentral (8/10):
By the end of the 30+ hour campaign you begin to realise that the worst thing about Gears Tactics is that it's a Gears Of War game. The gameplay and controls work very well but the repetition and lack of strategic control becomes more of a problem the longer the game goes on. As an introduction to the genre it works very well, and we hope it'll get more people interested in turn-based action, but we doubt it'll do the same for Gears Of War itself.
3DJuegos (8/10, review in Spanish):
Gears Tactics is a great experiment that proves the versatility of the franchise Gears of War. Dismiss the chance of telling a great history of the Emergency Day and maybe it's a little repetitive, but it's a great first step in the turn-based strategy.
PC Games (8/10, review in German, video):
Gears Tactics delivers great tactical challenges combined with the brutal action the series is known for. The story of Gabe Diaz and his band of makeshift Gears fits right into the larger universe of Gears of War. But the game lacks an overarching strategic layer, that would give the forced side missions a different purpose than just to stretch the overall playtime.
Carole Quintaine (8/10, review in French, video):
Gears Tactics is a very good mix OF action and strategy: we find the DNA and atmosphere of the Gears series and the quality of XCOM with all the strategic dimension that goes with it. The system of progression of soldiers is very satisfying and the story, even if it remains classic, makes you want to go to the end, with very beautiful cinematics of which it is full. A very nice surprise.
CGMagazine (8/10):
Gears Tactics successfully translates the ferocity of its third-person shooter brethren into a turn-based tactics game while retaining much of the strategy that makes the genre what it is. And for that, I'll dive into battle with the Locust again and again.
Attack of the Fanboy (4/5):
Overall, Gears Tactics is a top tier strategy game. Despite a change in genre, the game still feels uniquely Gears. The more linear nature of the campaign might not give it as much replay value as some other strategy giants, but the core experience is fantastic and the surprisingly compelling endgame is sure to keep people playing well after the main story wraps up. While it might not be on Xbox One just yet, there is controller support on PC, so if you have a setup powerful enough to run it, it's worth jumping into Gears Tactics right now. Gears Tactics perfectly translates the aggressive, bloody action of the series to a turn-based format, and series veterans will feel right at home battling the locust horde from a top-down view.
GAMINGbible (8/10):
While Gears Tactics could serve as a great introduction to the more traditional and brutal turn-based tactical games that inspired it, it shouldn't be seen as just a stepping stone. It's a brilliant adaptation of the Gears universe into a new genre, and the freedom of movement and action that comes in its late-game is hard to find elsewhere. Developer Splash Damage has found a wonderful sweet spot of thoughtfulness and violent reward, where the battlefield becomes a challenging puzzle which once cracked unravels with bayonet charges, chainsaw dismemberments, and exploding heads.
Tech Advisor (4/5):
I wasn't expecting to like Gears Tactics this much, and the tactical layer is phenomenally enjoyable. If this is all you want, Gears Tactics is a must-buy. However, a lack of memorable moments and the lack of a grander strategy layer to dig your teeth into could leave some itches unscratched, despite the quality shown by Splash Damage and The Coalition.
GameMAG (8/10, review in Russian):
Gears Tactics is an exciting game with incredibly beautiful graphics, interesting missions and well-developed mechanics, which could have been better if the authors of the game paid more attention to the story. Anyway we have a great project for fans of the genre, regardless of their loyalty to the Gears of War franchise.
Digital Trends (4/5):
Gears Tactics is my favorite Gears game in years. It isn't nearly as feature-rich as the main series titles. Still, its slower pacing is an exciting new way to enjoy the crumbled civilization of Sera, whether you're a long-time fan or a newbie looking for a new big-budget strategy title.
Everyeye.it (8/10, review in Italian):
Gears Tactics is a visually impressive and playfully solid strategy game, which fearlessly borrows the legacy of XCOM, and then adds some important tweaks.
Eurogamer Italy (8/10, review in Italian, video):
Gears Tactics is a gem of tactical combat with a precise personality that brings the gore and the furious action of the Gears series in the tactical genre with a big oomph.
Game Rant (4/5):
Gears Tactics proves that there's a lot more that can be done with the Gears of War IP besides just third-person shooters. The game has some pacing issues and some repetitive missions, but it's otherwise a very engaging turn-based strategy game that should please both fans of the genre and Gears of War enthusiasts alike.
Multiplayer.it (8/10, review in Italian):
Gears Tactics is damn well done: it's fast, it's slender, it's bestial, violent and dirty. Graphically it doesn't even look like a strategic game, with so much detail and many effects being simultaneously on the screen. The trouble is that the more you progress in the game, the more it will seem to slow down, the fault of an exceptional but too monotonous gameplay, with missions that basically will almost always offer the same type of confrontation. You will have fun, this is beyond doubt, but much more could be done.
DarkStation (4/5):
While it might be a surprising translation between genres, Gears Tactics plays like it was meant to be. The game is often quite challenging and instead of the twitch reflexes of a shooter, it demands smart and strategic thinking. It nails the look and feel of Gears and adds some welcome refinements and improvements to the now-standard turn-based formula. Lengthy and populated by familiar and violent Gears of War moments of triumph, Gears Tactics suffers a bit in the areas of story and character and repetitive mission structure. In most ways, however, Gears Tactics is a refreshing and unexpected take on the Gear of War saga.
Malditos Nerds (8/10, review in Spanish):
With a distinct cinematic and fast pace approach, Gears Tactics puts its own spin in the genre. While it borrows many things from games like Xcom it is also able to mix the essence of what has made the Gears franchise so popular. The action feels intense, dynamic and the experience can be adapted to many difficulties. Gears Tactics has been a welcome surprise.
Guardian (4/5):
Gears Tactics is a triumphant twist on an old favourite, capturing the fury and spectacle of its shooter-based brethren while also offering a more cerebral experience. Gears has always exhibited shades of American football, from the hypermasculine tone to its disconcertingly swole characters. Now it has the conspicuous brains to match its conspicuous braun.
PCMag (4/5):
Gears Tactics is a very accessible, yet surprisingly rich, turn-based tactics game. It's more lenient than XCOM, but delivers enough of a challenge to keep you invested. The Gears setting and gameplay lend themselves very well to the turn-based format, and the creative implementation of series hallmarks results in interesting twists on genre standards. Publisher Xbox Game Studios, along with developers The Coalition and Splash Damage, should be commended for taking a risk with one of its most beloved brands and creating a tactics game for newcomers and strategy-gaming veterans and alike.
M3 (4/5, review in Swedish):
Gears Tactics is exactly what the series needed after six similar titles. It introduces a whole new way to explore the Locust infested environments but also retains what makes the series so great. The battles are really addictive and the only thing really missing here is a multiplayer mode.
Gamer.nl (4/5, review in Dutch):
Gears Tactics is a great strategy game, but that's not really surprising. It is precisely the Gears DNA - taking cover, making optimum use of the scarce grenades, the chainsaw executions - perfectly suit the genre and giving Gears Tactics its own face. There is certainly still room for improvement, but that is not the main reason for thinking about a follow-up. That thought is mainly fueled by the proven potential of a tactical Gears with this game.
Cerealkillerz (7.8/10, review in German):
Gears Tactics successfully injects the brutal acion of the Gears of War Series in a tactical environment with phenomenal boss fights and gory executions but runs itself in the ground with a repetitive mission structure and a lot of missing variety in many departments. Even newcomers of the Genre will soon have a desire for more.
IGN Italia (7.8/10, review in Italian):
A solid tactical game with some pretty good ideas, damaged by repetitive missions and a lack of a meaningful squad and strategy management.
Power Unlimited (7.8/10, review in Dutch):
It's great to see how the developers of Gears Tactics have cleverly and successfully turned a huge array of Gears of War elements into turn-based tactics, resulting in surprisingly spectacular gameplay. But with a missing meta game or other game modes besides the campaign, it still feels a bit like Tactic-ish Antics Starring the Gears.
Millenium (77/100, review in French):
Despite its flaws, Gears Tactics should manage to satisfy tacticians and fans of the license, pushing players to be aggressive while showing some finesse. It's a pleasure to play this campaign, which has a correct lifespan. Unfortunately, the strategic dimension is almost non-existent and replayability is really lacking. It's a great game to play on occasion via Gamepass, but probably not one that many will choose to dwell on.
GameWatcher (7.5/10):
Staying true to the franchise, your Gears are brutal killing machines who live in a soap opera. We'll add that it's also rare to find a tactics game which makes you feel powerful but vulnerable at the same time, and that's worth a lot.
Vandal (7.5/10, review in Spanish):
Gears Tactics has a great combat design, fantastic final bosses… and very repetitive missions. The overall experience is very good, and we think if you play the game in short sessions you won't feel it as repetitive. Regardless of how you choose to play it, it's a game that deserves an opportunity.
3DNews (7.5/10, review in Russian):
Gears Tactics is a successful experiment for both Gears franchise and Splash Damage. But there is much more potential than the game shows us.
SomHráč.sk (75%, review in Czech):
Gears Tactics' devs took a lot of inspiration and know-how from the XCOM series, but they implemented it so elegantly, it's not very bothersome at all. The visual style and atmosphere stayed very true to the original series, but the whole experience is compromised by repetitive forced side missions and weak RPG progression.
Game Over Online (75%):
Don't get me wrong; it's not bad by any stretch of the imagination. But given that XCOM2 is over four years old, I was expecting something more and better, and I feel like Gears: Tactics delivered neither.
New Game Network (72/100):
Gears Tactics is a worthwhile spinoff that does a great job of integrating key franchise elements into a different genre. The story is shallow and the missions get quite repetitive, but fans of turn based tactics should get some gory fun out of this one.
GamesRadar (3.5/5):
There's a lot to love in Gears Tactics. The ebb and flow of the action is strong enough that it can be easy enough to overlook its flaws, but they are still there – present and accounted for. It's a game desperately in need of a little variety; perhaps the same can be said of the core franchise games too, but it's particularly noticeable when there's a degree of separation between a command and the resulting action.
PCGamesN (7/10):
Its core combat is probably better than XCOM's. If only it did a little more with it, Gears Tactics would be one of the greats.
Press Start (7/10):
As a spin-off, Gears Tactics has strong core gameplay, but unfortunately surrounding areas in the design hold it back from being greater. A lack of a base management system or side economy to support the main gameplay makes the gameplay feel a little less rounded, and relies heavily on the narrative to keep things from getting stale. The tactical gameplay is excellent, however, its biggest fault is that it left me wanting more.
Hardcore Gamer (3.5/5):
Despite some stumbles, Splash Damage has successfully taken the essence of the Gears franchise and transferred it into a turn-based strategy game. Gears Tactics is a true Gears title with a campaign that builds and expands the franchise's lore, all while introducing new characters and adding new wrinkles to old ones. The turn-based gameplay fits well within the universe, providing plenty of strategy both on and off the field. Combined with some genuinely excellent main missions, Gears Tactics comes together nicely. It does frequently stumble thanks to the repetitive and frequent side quests that vastly hurt the pacing, but remains a joy to play throughout its many hours. Gears Tactics is a solid turn-based game that'll make Gears and tactics fans happy.
Screen Rant (3.5/5):
It's probably not the best turn-based squad tactics game nor the best Gears of War title out there, but Gears Tactics is an impressively solid adaptation of the beloved Xbox franchise, proving that The Coalition is capable of bringing out the best of the couch co-op classic while continuing to take risks. Its pacing leaves something to be desired and it borrows as many genre ills as it does strengths, Gears Tactics is mechanically and thematically engaging from the start of its long campaign to its end and does its inspirations justice. It isn't at all inaccessible to newcomers while also taking care to pay respect to veterans of the franchise and other squad tactics games, and fans of both will be absolutely enamored with Gears Tactics.
Rocket Chainsaw (3.5/5):
While it doesn't quite have enough tricks up its sleeve to remain engaging throughout its 40-hour main story, it's still a creative, interesting new take on the franchise that's worth a look for any fan after something a bit different.
GotGame (6.5/10):
While more strategy games, especially featuring popular franchises is good, Gears Tactics is a disappointingly mediocre experience. Mechanically and graphically, it's no slacker, but it falls apart strategically. For a full $60 experience, it lacks the diverse tactical experience that other games offer. The streamlined experience works both for and against this game, and I wish there was just more to do. Ultimately, Gears Tactics may be inviting to someone who wants a bridge between robust strategy and high octane excitement. However, veteran strategy game players may find this game a shallow ride.
XboxEra (6.5/10):
If you enjoy the Gears of War franchise and design then you'll like this. It feels and looks like a Gears game, from the stupidly overly-macho Gears themselves and their incessant grunting, to the continuous and gory chainsaw kills. If that's your thing and you'd like an easy entry into turn-based game-play then yes, get this game, play it on an easy difficulty and completely ignore the micromanagement needed through the weapon and squad modifier process. Like the other Gears games, it's a pretty, if brainless game.
If, however, you're a fan of more complex Turn-Based Strategy games you're going to feel like a large portion Gears Tactics is either missing or dumbed down so far that it feels completely unfinished. As a veteran of other games in the genre, at every moment this very much felt like babies-first turn-based tactics game. All it needs is for the instruction manual to be printed on thick cardboard with a disclaimer on the back saying 'these instructions are waterproof and chew-able'.
VG247 (3/5):
Despite the necessary rules and stricture of turn-based strategy, the action feels just as chaotic and unpredictable as any trophy match Cole played in his sporting days.
COGconnected (55/100, video):
Gears Tactics tries some new things, but ultimately results in a game that's less tactics oriented than the name suggests. It's a competent experience, but completely whiffs on character with a lackluster story and every tool is a hammer class design. Add in repetitive mission structure and Gears Tactics is a far sight less replayable than the giants of the genre.
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