Set prior to the events of the first Gears of War , Gears Tactics follows the exploits of COG soldiers Gabe Diaz, father of Kait Diaz from Gears of War 4 and 5 , as well as a grizzled veteran named Sid Redburn. The two of them are tasked with collecting information on a powerful Locust scientist named Ukkon, who is the creator of some of the Gears of War series’ most memorable and dangerous monst
The character-driven story in Gears Tactics is more compelling, and allows for voiced characters whose banter is amusing at times. For a player’s first play-through, this method of storytelling allows for a more interesting narrative, but the player will already know the story on subsequent play-throughs. In XCOM , each game is different. The soldiers will be different, the player can build their base in a different country, and the locations under attack will be different. Additionally, a player could focus on different avenues of research and technology (or psionics) than in previous playthroughs. This makes XCOM infinitely more replaya
One of the best aspects of the XCOM games, going back to the first title, is the ability to salvage and examine alien technology. Advancing through the research tree not only unlocks newer weapons, armor, base facilities, and tools, it was also the vehicle through which players advanced the st
Weapons in the XCOM games are odd in that they are important, but also don’t really add anything to the game. They have names that reflect their purpose; Sniper Rifle, Grenade Launcher, and Sword are just a few examples. The weapons in Gears Tactics have names with a little more flare to them, like the Hammer of Dawn weapon that calls down a strike from a satellite. Gears Tactics has fewer weapons, but the weapons have more variety via the game’s modding system. Armor can be modded in Gears Tactics also- unlike in the XCOM ga
Once deployed, players may notice that there is no mini-map or radar. Instead, players will need to go into the menu to view the map, which is also where mission start points will be marked and where the side ops zones are laid out. The selected buddy will also accompany you and aid you in general and specific ways. D-Dog, for example, can spot out and mark enemies for you and attack or distract someone at your command. If he has the stealth suit on, D-Dog can even mount the targeted enemy’s shoulders and stick a stun rod into his face. Meanwhile, D-Walker, a ride-able smaller-sized mech, can be a mode of loud or silent transportation, but also a mobile turret. On the map, missions and side ops are indicated differently; side ops are a general area while missions have specific start points. Side ops range from a variety of things and can hold more than just an asset. A side op to capture a Soldier Personalization with a specific skill can also contain a hostage with another special skill which can aid in your R&D back at Mother Base. Along the way, resources, blueprints, music tracks, and many other things can be collected to benefit the player and Mother Base, encouraging the player to explore. Speaking of, there are many development trees for different weapons and tools, including the attachments that go with them. Getting a blueprint, be it from some scared soldier or on a table, could mean unlocking the next upgrade for your favorite rifle.
The area maps in XCOM , where fights take place, begin to feel a little “samey” after a while. They are cut-and-paste environments with little to offer. The area maps in Gears Tactics have a lot more depth and detail to them. Another positive about the maps in Gear Tactics is the lack of a reliance on a grid system. Granted, most players will end their soldiers’ movements behind cover anyway, but not having a grid system allows for more precise placement of troops. This precise movement opens up opportunities like being able to end a turn in an opponent’s blind s
Things like supply drops, Fulton Recovery, and upgrades especially, all cost points called GMP. Upgrades cost large amounts of GMP, while using the Fulton costs smaller amounts of GMP. At times, you’ll have to spend money to make money. You have a limited amount of Fultons, though from how gameplay has been presented lately, using it when you feel like it will not be met with punishment. However, as logic dictates, the Fulton can be spotted and shot down.
Combat encounters in Gears Tactics start out simple enough, with players going head-to-head with standard Locust soldiers . However, they soon have to deal with Boomers, who are armed with deadly explosives that can wipe out an entire squad in one fell swoop, and Snipers that can pin soldiers in place. But regardless of if players are fighting Boomers or Wretches, every enemy in the game can be a headache if players don’t approach each combat encounter with a plan in m
When making a level 1 Knight, players will first need to decide if they will be Strength or Finesse based. Strength weapons like two-handed swords and axes are more common, but the few rare spears have added range, making them great for wider area attacks. It also determines which type of armor is worn: heavy plate that offers amazing physical armor, but power magical armor; or leather gear that balances the two armor ty