On The Radar: Gears 5 – A deep dive into the most ambitious Gears of War game ever created

(Image credit: The Coalition)

Welcome to On The Radar: The home for in-depth conversations around the world's biggest games. This month we are diving deep into Gears 5, one of the most anticipated and mysterious games of 2019. 

For the latest instalment of On The Radar, GamesRadar travelled to The Coalition's offices in Vancouver to play Gears 5, the biggest and most ambitious game in the Gears of War series to date. The Gears 5 campaign follows Kait Diaz as she attempts to uncover the secrets of her past, a mission fraught with danger as Sera once again sits on the precipice of war. We spent five hours with the Gears 5 campaign to get a better idea of what The Coalition is trying to achieve here, getting a first look at its big open spaces, side quests, and changes to play that will ultimately ensure that this entry into the long-running series is the most courageous yet. We also had the opportunity to get hands-on with Gears 5's take on Horde mode and the chance to sit down with The Coalition's creative leads to discuss the making of Gears 5.

On The Radar: Gears 5

Gears 5 is a big statement of intent for The Coalition. It's the biggest, boldest, and most ambitious Gears of War game ever made, packed with new ideas and fresh ways to play. It isn't about changing the core focus of Gears of War, but evolving it for a new generation of players. It's a game built around improving approachability and accessibility across all of its disciplines, with Gears 5 feeling fresh and energised as a result.

On the road to review, our full week of Gears 5 coverage begins today with a deep dive into the campaign, which covers our experience playing Act 2 and Act 3 of the single-player. There's more to come, of course, so be sure to keep this page bookmarked and return all throughout the week for explorations of the Gears 5 campaign, its multiplayer modes, the series' legacy, and interviews with the developers from The Coalition that made it all possible. 

(Image credit: Microsoft Xbox)

Gears 5 review
The game's biggest changes don’t reinvent the series, but give the classic shooter more room to breathe. Let Gears be Gears.

Gears 5 campaign

(Image credit: Microsoft Studios)

Gears 5 campaign hands-on preview
We get hands-on with five hours of Gears 5, the biggest Gears of War campaign ever created. It's a bold and ambitious creation, breathing new life into the long-running series. 

(Image credit: The Coalition)

Gears 5 has "levels that are 50 times bigger than any previous Gears level"
Wondering why The Coalition introduced the Skiff? You'll need it to traverse Gears 5's giant play spaces, says studio head Rod Fergusson.

(Image credit: The Coalition)

New Gears 5 Screenshots
These new Gears 5 screenshots detail the game's evocative and vibrant world, giving you a better idea of what to expect from the awesome new environments and levels that The Coalition has built.

(Image credit: Microsoft Studios)

Gears 5 was inspired by BioShock Infinite, of all things
Gears of War boss Rod Fergusson recalls how his time at Irrational Games helped to inspire Gears 5 and The Coalition's approach to combat spaces.

(Image credit: Microsoft Xbox)

Gears 5 was built to be the most approachable game in the series
How a note passed across a meeting room table helped to inspire a shift in philosophy at The Coalition

(Image credit: Microsoft Studios)

An unsung hero takes the spotlight in Gears 5
The Coalition is channeling many of the new additions and changes coming to Gears 5 through Jack.

(Image credit: Xbox)

Meet the Gears 5 characters
Everything you need to know about the major Gears 5 characters, from Kait and JD to brand new faces.

(Image credit: The Coalition)

Why wasn't Gears 5 held back to be a Project Scarlett launch title?
Why is Gears 5 launching at the end of the console generation? We took it to Rod Fergusson to find out why Gears 5 wasn't held back as a Project Scarlett launch title.

(Image credit: Xbox Game Studios)

Gears 5 adds LGBTQ+ banners to its multiplayer mode
Gears 5 is taking a giant-booted step towards inclusivity with the addition of 19 pride banners to its multiplayer modes.

(Image credit: The Coalition)

Gears of War 4 ending explained
Prepare for the Gears 5 campaign with this Gears of War 4 story recap: the Swarm and Kait's necklace explained.

(Image credit: The Coalition)

Gears of War revisited
With Gears 5 on the near horizon, developers join Official Xbox Magazine to look back on Gears of War, the shooter that kickstarted a bold, new era of console gaming

(Image credit: Microsoft Studios)

An ode to the Gears of War Lancer
From the archives of Edge Magazine, this is an ode to the Gears of War Lancer, a weapon as ludicrous as it was essential.

Check back in throughout the week for regular updates, features, interviews, and even more information on Gears 5.

Josh West
UK Managing Editor, GamesRadar+

Josh West is the UK Managing Editor of GamesRadar+. He has over 10 years experience in online and print journalism, and holds a BA (Hons) in Journalism and Feature Writing. Prior to starting his current position, Josh has served as GR+'s Features Editor and Deputy Editor of games™ magazine, and has freelanced for numerous publications including 3D Artist, Edge magazine, iCreate, Metal Hammer, Play, Retro Gamer, and SFX. Additionally, he has appeared on the BBC and ITV to provide expert comment, written for Scholastic books, edited a book for Hachette, and worked as the Assistant Producer of the Future Games Show. In his spare time, Josh likes to play bass guitar and video games. Years ago, he was in a few movies and TV shows that you've definitely seen but will never be able to spot him in.