Gears of War: Ultimate Edition was released on August 25th, 2015. This remake was published by Microsoft Studios and developed by The Coalition & Splash Damage. It is a Xbox One exclusive game. Why we sad remake. Because Epic released the game in 2006 and yes, it’s a complete remake for the price of $39.99, £29.99, €39.99. The in 2006 award-winning “Gears of War” franchise has sold more than 23 million copies worldwide. This franchise is enormous. It has inspired a full line of toys and collectibles, apparel, graphic novels and a book series by New York Times bestselling author Karen Traviss.
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This new Gears of War Edition is remastered in 1080P and modernized for the Xbox One console. It also includes all-new content. Integrated are five campaign chapters that never been released on the Xbox. The multiplayer also running now in 60FPS.
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Let’s talk about the games story. We want to keep it short because we do not want to spoiler anything. In Gears of War you fight in a harrowing battle for survival against the Locust Horde. This is a race of creatures that surface from the depths of the planet. You play Marcus Fenix, a disgraced former war hero who seeks personal redemption as he leads his fire team against an onslaught of merciless warriors from below. We love to see the old but well known characters back in a new and refreshed appearance.
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It is important to show the difference between the version from 2006 and the Ultimate Edition. So, let’s talk about the game’s features. 
Gears of War has been rebuilt “from the ground up” in full 1080P. We noticed that lightings, environments, characters, and cinematic scenes have been recreated, and they looking fantastic. This new edition includes five campaign missions that never been available before. This missions shows the story of the Delta Squad as they battle their way to Timgad Station. The developers also improved where the placement of the checkpoint. This helps to ensure that the game does not get frustrating if you often die. They also added a new difficulty level: Casual. They also modernized the co-op. We love that the we could join and quit “seamlessly”.
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This Gears of War Ultimate Edition also includes five “Gears of War” comic books, which can be unlocked and read within the game.
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The Coalition & Splash Damage also improved the multiplayer. The matches running now in 60FPS. In addition to the all new stuff they also included all original DLC maps and three new multiplayer maps from the original “Gears of War” PC version. That means that you have 19 multiplayer maps to play on. They also added different multiplayer modes, including Team Death Match, King of the Kill and a 2v2 mode designed by the “Gears of War” community. Returning modes include Warzone, Assassination, Execution and Annex. The game also features 17 unlockable “Gears of War 3” characters in multiplayer.
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The developers offers dedicated Multiplayer Servers and a LAN Support. That means that players can play the Gears of War: Ultimate Edition cooperatively with a friend over Xbox Live or play with others in competitive multiplayer. This all is powered by Xbox Live’s dedicated servers. Players can also earn all-new Xbox Live Achievements with 1,250 Gamerscore.
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What we love is that the developers “modernized” the Controls, the Co-Op and the game’s UI. We noticed that they changed the controls for the Xbox One, including improved input acceleration, aim assist and haptic feedback. We had a much better to handle and play the game.
Here are some improvements and additions that have been made to the co-operative mode, controls and UI which is based on Gears of War 3, according to the developer:
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- Ability to revive teammates while in cover
- Ability to toggle weapon while roadie running/evading
- Improved sensitivity customization
- Alternate controls and new tournament controls
- Improved situational awareness in multiplayer through enemy spotting and tac-com features in “Gears of War 3”
- Letter boxed split screen (horizontal letter box)
- Seamless joining and quitting from co-op Campaign
- Individual difficulty settings for splitscreen co-op
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We know that the remastered version will look much better than the 2006 Xbox version, but we never thought that it’s so much better. They “redesigned” all 19 Classic Maps for Xbox One version. Not only the multiplayer look great. The remastered single player looks fantastic and the whole design fits great to the story line. Here’s the list of the standard multiplayer maps the game includes and that have been modernized:
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- War Machine
- Mausoleum
- Escalation
- Clock Tower
- Fuel Depot
- Rooftops
- Canals
- Gridlock
- Mansion
- Tyro Station
- Old Bones
- Raven Down
- Garden
- Subway
- Bullet Marsh
- Process
- Courtyard
- Sanctuary
- Gold Rush
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“Gears of War: Ultimate Edition” also includes one brand new map meant for the next 2v2 game mode called Boxes.
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Check out the comparison-screens between the Xbox 360 and Xbox One version of the game in this gallery.
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All Owners of the Gears of War: Ultimate Edition get Early Access to the “Gears of War 4” Multiplayer Beta as an added bonus. This Gears of War 4 multiplayer beta starts in 2016.
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We know that we talked a lot about “what’s new in this version”, but we think that you should make your own experience with this game. Why? Because we think that every XBox fan and owner should have a copy of this game in his shelf. This game is one of the games we would describe as a games-milestone. We had a lot of fun with this game and for all fans of this series, it’s worth to play it again. And for all newcomers of the Gears of War fanbase, you should get and enjoy this game.
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We also want to add some ratings of international press to show you, that it is not only our opinion, that the developers have made a great job with this game. LIST:
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The return trip might have revealed a few more cracks than we remembered, but it also serves as a shield for our nostalgia. And as remakes go, that’s worth the journey home.
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Ultimate is the best possible demonstration of Gears of War’s classic shooter bonafides.
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One of the best remakes of recent years, both in terms of the amount of thought and effort put into the remastering and how much the original deserves the attention.
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Niggling issues and strange presentation decisions aside, Gears of War: Ultimate Edition is a must for any fan of the franchise, and an extremely well put together remake of one of last generation’s most defining titles. Gears of War seems in safe, loving hands with The Coalition.
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The Ultimate Edition takes that to a new level through optimized gameplay, smoother controls, and updated visuals. Most importantly, it makes this classic relevant again.
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While it’s seemingly cool to rip on remasters, Gears Of War: Ultimate Edition is an absolute beast and a game I’m genuinely happy to see return. […] One of the best third-person shooters in history? It was and still is. The proof is right here.
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A right rollicking blast from the past brought bang up to date with a splendid, full 1080p makeover. Its campaign has a ton of macho meat to sink your teeth into, and once you’re done, the multiplayer aspect provides plenty of long-term appeal.
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Damn near essential if you’ve yet to experience the horror that followed Emergence Day, and very heartily recommended to those who’ve forgotten just what a special time that was.
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