Key information
Polygon reports that Gears of War: E-Day, developed by The Coalition, features a near-perfect opening hour that makes it a great fit for Xbox Game Pass. New releases on a subscription catalog need an edge to stand out, and E-Day achieves this through its standout introductory act.
The prequel begins with creeping horror rather than standard action. Instead of starting as fully equipped super soldiers, Marcus, Dom, and two other COG soldiers act as first responders during earthquakes and Locust attacks, initially using a pipe instead of a chainsaw gun.
The reviewer noted that the horror-infused first act eventually transitions into the series' standard formula of repetitive shootouts, culminating in a Brumak fight. While the reviewer wished the rest of the game maintained the early gameplay variety, they praised Act 1 as one of the best openings of the year.
The Coalition deliberately designed the opening to hook players into the narrative tone and characters. The reviewer recommends that Game Pass Ultimate subscribers play through Act 1, noting that a strong first impression is vital for games distributed via subscription services.
