Gears of War 4 - The Insane Critique

Timestamps:
Intro - 0:00
New additions - 3:08
Act 1 - 14:11
Act 2 - 38:46
Act 3 - 45:50
Act 4 - 1:11:58
Act 5 - 1:25:14
Concluding thoughts - 1:33:58
Yoooo! Thanks for checking out the video, I know this took MUCH longer to come out than any of you wanted, but it's finally here! And don't worry, Gears 5 shouldn't take AS long, but it is a big game so we'll see...
Leave a like/comment if you agree (or even disagree) with anything I've said.
If you’re interested in running some games together like Horde or some Gears matches, Join my Discord through this link!: / discord
Almost hosted some Rogue company games a few years back before that game s*** the bed lol...
I’ve been needing to update the server for a while, but feel free to join, and if we get enough people we can run some games!
Sources:
• Interview: Rod Ferguss...
www.polygon.com/2014/1/27/534...
web.archive.org/web/201409131...
gearsofwar.fandom.com/wiki

[@Swh-xb1hn]

A will melvin video and gears of war e day announced. What a day

[@GBDYT]

Can't believe it bro. I'm genuinely ecstatic, more than Baird about the polyps in Gears 3 😭😭

[@Swh-xb1hn]

😂😂​@@GBDYT

[@controlschemekeaton]

For real, my childhood is in its resurgence period apparently

[@jalejablonsky2396]

For anyone who is curious Hoffman during the Pendulum Wars had roughly twenty five years of experience so that give an idea how old he is

[@willmelvin2351]

Damn that’s puts him around his 70’s then

[@jalejablonsky2396]

@@willmelvin2351 Mind you he mentions this before the Battle of Aspho Fields had got off the ground.

[@EggEnjoyer]

They wanted to kill him off due to age. But the woman who is a lead writer for the gears franchise said to keep him alive because he’s the only character in the universe who’s lived through all the major events.

[@BlackPersonGuy]

⁠@@EggEnjoyergreat decision honestly, dude is the ultimate veteran. Loved seeing him in hivebusters

[@Khornecussion]

@@willmelvin2351 Old, angry, tough as nails bastard.

[@JoeyP7998]

I love how Del says “swarm aren’t locust” and they play the sound like it’s some big reveal. And then literally less than 10 minutes later, it turns out the Swarm is, in fact, the fucking Locust lol. Kind of stupid. Especially since all of the marketing for Gears 4 was all about how the Locust weren’t returning.

[@willmelvin2351]

This is exactly what I meant to say when they played that dumb sound lmao. Like they tried making a point just to contradict it anyways

[@ncrheavytrooper960]

⁠@@willmelvin2351if i remember correctly that inspect is a collectible, and the sound is for the collectible, could be wrong tho

[@The_Reel_Demon]

@@ncrheavytrooper960you’re right, the sound triggers for picking up collectibles, not supposed to play during that dialogue bit

[@ncrheavytrooper960]

@@The_Reel_Demon surprised i remembered that lol, appreciate the confirm

[@shawklan27]

Yep

[@gr8m887]

One of my biggest issues with this game is that it took 3 acts for the Swarm to actually show up in gameplay. I get why not in Act 1, because they wanted to set up the new COG and show the state of the world without the locust, but Act 2 should have been when they actually show up and we have to fight them instead of the bots.

[@razorwireclouds5708]

Honestly, that's my biggest gripe with Gears of War 4 as well. I get it, you need a serious build-up to create a big reveal with impact. And I genuinely liked the church cutscene with the juvie turning into a drone and picking up a lancer (the still-attached skeleton's arm was a superb touch👌). However, they could have padded out the first couple of acts with something other than fighting DeeBees. Hell, regular DeeBees weren't even that bad to fight, but the shielded Guardians and the Kestrels can absolutely get fucked; *Bullet sponge enemies are never fun to fight.* We could have had longer flashbacks in Act 1 or fewer firefights and more exploration + story in Act 2. Or, better yet, Act 2 could have had flashbacks where we play as Marcus; I can easily imagine it: - The village gets snatched and the kids go to Marcus and Anya's estate; - Instead of Jinn immediately attacking the place, Marcus starts explaining stuff about the Locust and we get a playable flashback; - Then, instead of the greenhouse getting shot up and ruining his tomatoes, we get another flashback where we play with Dom. Etc.

[@nanakprasad3775]

​@@razorwireclouds5708man you really suck

[@5hane9ro]

God I wish I liked Gears 4 more than I do. The Dee Bees are honestly the most boring enemy faction and the swarm were just a more bland Locust.

[@Beef_Face]

cant wait for you to review 5 LMAO

[@NickCC4823]

lol the coalition knew what they were doing when they called them snatchers

[@Yeshua_is-Cool]

Lol

[@wickdaline8668]

Gears 4 felt like a commercial for future games in the Swarm Era. For all the faults 5 had, it at least felt like they were progressing the story further. Sucks we're waiting longer than usual for Gears 6. Even longer now with the announcement of E-Day at this year's XB Showcase.

[@willmelvin2351]

Yeah, felt like gears 4 did a lot of setting up for gears 5 to actually start telling the story and now we’re waiting much longer than intended for 6. I’m excited for E day and hopefully 6 will come out to be amazing but the wait has not been great lol

[@wickdaline8668]

@willmelvin2351 Better yet, a Gears Collection for both XB and PC users to have fun and play with. The wait for that has been just as painful.

[@bravedwarf]

I really hope it’s not open world gears 6 or whatever future sequel. Beautiful linear path please.

[@kanden27]

As a Halo fan. Yeah, when we say "it's explained in the books." I say it as not a solution and saying it's ok, more of. "Yeaaaaaaaah, got to read a book." I totally prefer things to be done in game. It's more of just saying. There is an answer. Just not in game.

[@mezla_]

fuckin hell, del's dialogue did NOT age well at all. great vid dude cant wait for the next one

[@willmelvin2351]

Thank you! Stay tuned.

[@mythelementz]

What did del say?

[@lucascoval828]

What about Del's dialogue?

[@jalejablonsky2396]

Oh.... One detail I want to mention and its the whole interrogation question: in Anvil Gate after 15 years of fighting the Locust COG soldiers don't care what the Locust think anymore by this point in the lore. Literally the book states all the COG cares about is killing off the Locust entirely. Total genocide of the Locust Horde completely. They had ONE moment where Berie holds a Locust hostage and Baird is the ONLY person who wants to interrogate the Drone. He even told Marcus this might be their only chance into getting answers to which Marcus flat out tells him, "I don't give a shit what the Locust have to say." and told Bernie to kill them. Mind you this event happened AFTER Gears of War 2. Marcus doesn't want answers from the Locust despite having a history with his father in their computer. To him he accepted he was never going to get answers and chose to move on. Whatever diplomacy there was for the COG died after the last 15 years of fighting. The negotiations are dead. The only thing is clear: either humanity dies or the Locust die and both sides are never going to stop until either one of them is dead. That's your answer. Prescott was always available at his desk day and night waiting for Locust negotiations for the last 15 years he was at Jacinto and he never got an answer. Even in Gears of War 3 when the Queen saids they're genocidal monsters just like Humanity and Marcus just saids, "I can live with that." That's how deep this hate goes between them. So to simplify this: after Gears of War 2 and several months after the COG stopped caring what the Locust thought. Very much saying, "Yeah I stopped caring at all anymore."

[@willmelvin2351]

Hm I get that, but neither Del or Jd were around for that so I’m surprised at least they weren’t thinking of wanting answers. Kait makes sense tho, she only cares to get her mom back at any cost and knows where she is so no need to question them I suppose.

[@clonedvarient4154]

Interesting addition, Queen Myrrah had attempted to make negotiations with the COG so both species could co-exist on the surface. Her attempts were met with hostility and violence. So after a while RAAM and other high ranking officers in the Locust ranks started E-Day and Myrrah accepted it. Both sides had a role to play and unfortunately the COG could have had the Locust as allies against the Lambent, but saw them as monsters. But after 15+ years both sides just don't care about deplomacy.

[@wufflemuffin9197]

​​@@willmelvin2351In all fairness, if they were born into a world destroyed by the Locust and have family members and others who lived through the war against them (and the war was pretty recently finished) it is not surprising that their mindset about the Locust would be the same as Marcus and others.

[@coletrainhetrick]

My personal thoughts on gears 4 is i like it, its hard to be better than the original trilogy but i find it to be a solid entry. I like the world and i like the characters in it, i think its harsh when people claim its garbage because iy threw new ideas at the board and a new coat of paint. A bad game is broken and awful, this is just a solid safe entry in the franchise

[@willmelvin2351]

I agree. I don’t think it’s bad by any means, I do however think it took it a little too safe. But Gears 5 definitely didn’t take the safe route at all and I gotta commend them for that

[@coletrainhetrick]

@willmelvin2351 loved the video by the way! Thank you for your hard work, this stuff takes a ton of editing to pull off

[@DarkheartedMKGames]

can't wait for part 5, good job dude binged these gears videos the last few days

[@willmelvin2351]

Glad you like them!

[@junichinekrosama4789]

I remember watching the launch trailer for this back in 2016 and being hyped that one of my favorites was making a comeback but being sad because I didn't have my Xbox one at the time. Imagine my emotional confusion when I actually played the game 😂😂

[@junichinekrosama4789]

Also Sam look like my Auntie 😂😂

[@FiskyDergn]

Holy shit, I just discovered you and this was such a wonderful surprise. Love your stuff!

[@willmelvin2351]

Thanks! Glad you’re liking the content!

[@Padwann]

As I imagine is the case with many others. E-Days release has rekindled my interest in the Gears franchise, so seeing your videos recommended was a perfect way to fill the gaps with all the games.

[@gusfring8451]

Wow. Didn’t realize this was released two days ago (was at work while listening) but weird to see it released on EDay announcement.

[@JoeyP7998]

Just had the same experience haha. I was wondering where all the views were and then I saw it was brand new.

[@betrayfate9772]

I wanted to mention about the weird sound that plays when Del says the Swarm arent locust. At that location you get an auto pick up collectable being one of the yellow crystals. So the sound is likely a leftover from that moment since its supposed to be a scripted event

[@toaolisi761]

Finally, a video about Gears 4 that isn't just a rant about how terrible the game is. A proper, complete breakdown of the game that highlights the recognition and the well deserved criticism. Instant like and subscribe.

[@sackers1645]

Great video; been watching each retrospective you have released so far. I was a huge fan of Gears of War on the 360 but transitioned to PC when the Xbox One/ Gears 4 came out. Kinda hard to get into Gears 5 on PC as I'm missing the first introduction into this new era of Gears as 4 isn't on PC. This allows me to understand what I have missed and connect me back into the series. Whilst I'm sure 5 has its issues I'm excited to run through it and later see your retrospective in the future. Can't wait for E-Day to come out though, hopeful for it to be what old Gears fans miss.

[@LittleFisching]

Gears 4 is actually on pc but only on the xbox games marketplace thing. It’s super annoying lol. It is probably one of the most optimized games I’ve ever played though, I could run 60fps on my laptop which had trouble running csgo at times.

[@that1aliendragonjack627]

this was a interesting and fun vid to watch, havent watch the other vids you made on the previous games but I will make sure to check em out too. Gears of War is a series I enjoy quite a bit (specially 2 and 3, 5 too) and I do like watching others talk about it from time to time or just play through the games.

[@sleepyzeesp]

14:51 made me choke on my breakfast, wasn’t ready for that one

[@MyNameIsJaxon]

This popped up on my recommended after watching the E-Day trailer. Watched your reviews for 1-3 and subbed after 2!

[@coletrainhetrick]

Yay, thank you so much! I love your videos and am excited to hear your thoughts on 4

[@willmelvin2351]

Hope you enjoy!!

[@WisdomThumbs]

Great timing dude!

[@funkyreapercat5280]

Just a small correction on the Swarm pods: They don't want you to pop them because sometimes Juvies get out of there and attack you. There's also a rare enemie on the game called Juvie Screamer, he appears when you pop one of the pods and his scream makes all the pods in the area explode, bringing more enemies. Screamers die after screaming, because they weren't ready to get out of the pod yet. I also believe they are in random spots trough the game, which is cool, and i don't think they are in Gears 5. Great video again.

[@willmelvin2351]

Yeah I was referencing that at one point but I don’t think I made it clear in the following section it’s what I meant, thanks for pointing that out. They actually do show up in G5 but only in one fight that I’ve seen so far.

[@exoboi6974]

I don't got my snacks ready but I am pumping iron while listening.

[@BurnTrapYT]

Worth the wait I can’t wait to watch this

[@jaredparker9203]

Now gears of war E day just got revealed today lol it does has me pretty hype though but I still have to hold my breath

[@caseyrules1173]

Love this guy. Brilliant videos

[@fox6357]

Just discovered you, I think you are gonna have a huge following. I can't wait for your gears 5 review

[@tankervalenzuela2959]

Finally been waiting for this

[@fabioguzs]

I love your attention to detail and how you come from a place of genuine love for the franchise. I'm genuinely curious about your opinion on Gears 5 when that video comes out.

[@AQ_ChristianZ]

37:01 Goofy Halo shield recharge sound effect Good video, man 👍 1:16:36 💪😎

[@MizukageSteve]

I am so hype for e day now thank you

[@jalejablonsky2396]

Also the Locust are called Locust is because the deaths caused by them during the early stages of E-Day was seen in times of plague. How do I know this? In the very old Gears of War 1 trailers.

[@willmelvin2351]

Ahhh that makes sense. The more you know lol

[@Myamasco]

i absolutely love all of your gears videos and i have watched all of them and since there isn’t much content for gears your channel is one of the best on the platform in my opinion and i love how in this video u didn’t just call the game shit as most people who made videos on this game personally i just think it was very forgettable but the first time i played it i loved the cliffhanger at the end but maybe that just because i’m only fourteen and i played through all the games after they released but i can’t wait for u to make a video on gears 5 and you must play hivebusters because it was surprisingly good compared to gears 4 and 5. amazing video hope u make more love from scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@willmelvin2351]

Oh wow I’ve got subs from Scotland! Always wanted to go there lol And you’re right, I think there’s a contrast between people who were around for the of trilogy compared to those who came in after 4/5 came out. Doesn’t mean you can’t like 4 and 5 tho, they’re still pretty good games and while the cliffhanger made for a long wait, it had me real excited for 5 lol so I think it did its job. Gonna start playing HB soon!

[@thefakebanette3483]

Babe Will dropped a new gears video. Watched the start a bit and while I'm personally a fan of 4 and 5 even I can admit something is off with them but hey hoards still fun and imo the best hoard modes on the market complicated but simple at least to me

[@Chad_Wick]

39:37 i remember seeing this for the first time and xbox popping up a diamond achivement unlocked with a loud ass sound. never change xbox.

[@XxOmarCruzXx]

Gears of war E day looks great

[@player1nt629]

For your comment on ironman mode, you only have to restart the run if you specifically die, you just revert a checkpoint like normal if your allies die, don't ask how I found out.

[@N7_Bunny]

For the durag thing , my theory its that del made a promise to keep JD safe so marcus gave him the bandana as a prove of trust. Maybe he saw some Dom energy on del ?

[@N7_Bunny]

Also I would love to see reviews for the mass effect game from you

[@willmelvin2351]

Hm this would make sense

[@willmelvin2351]

And I've been meaning to pick up those games again

[@Slender_Man_186]

Ok but then why not give JD the bandana and give Del Dom’s knife?

[@MarcelSOLDIER]

1:13:53 might be the most disrespectful thing I’ve ever seen in a Gears game. There not even being an animation for the stick especially makes it so unbelievably funny I agree with almost everything you said in this review. Kinda hurts because Gears 4 was my introduction to the series, but after replaying all the games this year it’s now my least favorite mainline campaign alongside Judgement. Despite that I think it’s still a decent enough game I’m always gonna have a soft spot for, I especially really enjoy the new weapons and knife executions. I also think Gears 5 made 4’s story make a lot more sense and Coalition did a great job with expanding the lore, I’m super invested to see where the story goes from here. Sucks we’ll have to wait even longer since E-Day is the next game in the series but it is what it is. Very well done video, I’ll for sure be checking out your other Gears reviews as well.

[@willmelvin2351]

Yeah I was already on that part for a good while and that grenade kill was almost enough to send me over 😂. But yeah 4 was a let down, but I think they improved a bit with 5 but you’re right sucks we won’t see what they’ll improve on again for 6 for a good while it seems

[@GeNeTiiCzR]

amazing video waiting for the gears 5 one since i couldn't even bother to finish that one myself lmao

[@travisreed1730]

I feel like they missed a GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY, (if "Gears" had followed the pattern it was SUPPOSED to, with JD being the main protagonist) for Marcus to give JD his durag, symbolizing it being his time to be the hero, and ascend into "Gears" godhood pantheon (Marcus, Dom, Baird, Augustus, Kim, Dizzy, The Carmine Brothers, and Conversely, Myrrah, Raam, Skorge & Karn)

[@Midnight_Wesker]

Do you mind if i ask what music you use for some if the action moments?

[@willmelvin2351]

For the start of the game it was the main menu music in Gears 4. If you mean for the gears 3 sections, the first song was called Gasbag Airways and the one after I think is called Gears Keep Turning!

[@chrismelvin4544]

i think the reason he says that is because in gears 3 they were in the underground area where the big tarantula looking thing also had pods and if you destroyed them then they would spawn more but smaller tarantula lookin things 52:25

[@PattyOflan88]

Ive been enjoying your video a lot so far. Just wanted to chime in and say: as someone who really enjoys gears, halo, dead space, bioshock, ect. books. You are 1000% correct that you should not need to intake outside content to enjoy a products story. Its seen a bit less now, but still around (jedi survivor) and is hardly done for organic reasons, more to just sell copies. Books should be the garnish and fancy spices added to an already delicious universe, not be the fork or the plate. Im sure id be able to enjoy a tasty steak without either, but it certainly sours the overall experience Edit: also you should watch crowbcat's video on gears graphical changes, it's like a couple min long and as a gears head I'm sure you'll get it. Cause I also agree some of the art direction and effects are just a bit weird in gears 4 and 5

[@willmelvin2351]

That’s a good analogy I agree. And cool I’ll check it out!

[@nolimitcanyo]

Your critique videos are 🔥

[@willmelvin2351]

Glad you enjoyed them!

[@bio8258]

The glitch with the death screen happened in gears 3 as well and even though you said the carmines are your favorite you don’t even know Clayton died in a tragic bathtub incident

[@ProjectKSL]

really good review man, glad it popped up on my page.

[@willmelvin2351]

Appreciate it man!

[@z0d1ark13]

Lets go im excited to see what u think of e day

[@zalrohglekgolo6149]

I love the holographic looking guns on your character in the video

[@willmelvin2351]

They’re my favorite skins they’ve released, I think they were drops for watching e sports streams iirc.

[@zalrohglekgolo6149]

@@willmelvin2351 oh so I couldn't get them now? I can't stand FOMO shit anymore.

[@adammanneh4692]

Yes new video!! What are your thoughts on the Gears of War E-Day trailer bro? I'm stoked Gears of War is going back to its roots. 🤙🏼

[@willmelvin2351]

I’m excited man! The trailer looks beautiful and it seems like we’re gonna get back into the really dark days at the beginning. I feel like e day the locust were brutal asf so I’m excited to see what that’ll look like since they decimated humanity within a few weeks. And to see Dom back 🙏🏿

[@noodlesof_war2448]

You talking about how the carmine was wasted, they could've had him as a friend of JD and del who defected alongside them who sacrificed himself so the others could escape or something, like having him hold off the swarm when JD and the others went up the cliff/mineshaft on those cables, would've been nice

[@noodlesof_war2448]

Also at 53:42, they identify the snatcher by tracking Marcus's radio static

[@regularstan6212]

I enjoyes the gear popping the pods part.

[@jakerudolph7937]

Awesome gears of war video man!!

[@willmelvin2351]

Thanks man! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@BrandonCarpio]

love ur vids

[@willmelvin2351]

Preciate you!

[@vindix9137]

I remember me and my friend being pissed that Oscar survived. He was the most insufferable POS to ever grace the gears franchise.

[@willmelvin2351]

Lol y’all didn’t like Oscar? I thought he was cool, just very short lived

[@CorrinQuest]

Honestly my main issue with the Swarm is there are no named Swarm characters outside of the queen

[@ThebigZ1353]

YES THE 🐐 FINALLY UPLOADED

[@regularstan6212]

War never stops.

[@TheMcK777]

31:47 - a point well explained. Just like movies, you shouldn't have to do 'homework' to catch up on the context.

[@saeed7099]

Pacific rim theme when the dbs showed up

[@senecauk8363]

Great vid. Fun fact- you can actually kill the Swarmak just by shooting it. This way, you avoid the Swarm completely. On higher difficulties it'll take about 10 full minutes, but it works.

[@willmelvin2351]

Really? Wow lol never seemed like it was possible. I certainly wouldn’t wanna sit there forever shooting it like that tho lol. Guess not having the swarm at the same time would be nice

[@senecauk8363]

@@willmelvin2351 tbh on insane and inconceivable I do exactly that. There is infinite ammo, you have to make sure you don't get complacent and get hit by rockets, but there is a section right near the infinite ammo pickup that is the perfect spot. Yes, it requires patience but if anyone is tearing their hair out here, it is an easier option!

[@NatuBea]

He’s back!!!!!!

[@stillwaiting4tf342]

1:17:45 "reminds him of being powerless" next part "powers out for an elevator" lol

[@Kamicoin_]

Used to pray for times like this, vids like this🙏😭😭😭😭 just finished rewatching the others too😭🙏

[@willmelvin2351]

Hope you enjoy!! 🙏🏿

[@ArabianFreedom]

I finished it recently after I stopped playing it back in 2017... because I didnt find shooting bots fun. And I was shocked that I spent most of the time looking for "dad"... and after hours of progressing we had to find her mom. Such a sad excuse of story progress.

[@stikdude4169]

Man I was getting an itch to replay gears 4 but this video reminded me of why I found nearly all of it just boring, wasn’t till Cole Baird and Sam show up that I got excited and then it just ended. I’m playing gears 5 for the first time and will probably play tactics and hive busters after so excited to see what we’ll both think of those and as far as other games I’d be interested to see what you think of the halo series.

[@wadewade3790]

I absolutely love your reviews on these games and that you have the consideration to articulate why you feel the specific way you do and how your likes and dislikes relate to the narrative, similar iterations in past games and how they actually effect the flow of gameplay especially when alot of the times when I see Gears fans talk about the series it feels like most of what is said is "MAN BACK IN THE DAY THIS SHIT WAS THE BOMB CAUSE IT WAS THE BESTEST SHIT IN THE WORLD, END OF STORY." and while I do greatly prefer the original trilogy there are actual reasons as to why those games are so beloved. Im looking forward to whenever you manage to make a video on Gears 5. And Honestly I would love to hear you talk about how the Multiplayer shifted and changed throughout the years since I dont really see people make videos talking about why Gears multiplayer is/was so much fun like I've seen with old Call of Duty's and the Original Halo Trilogy (Even though I personally know why its baller as hell) though that might be a bit more difficult since getting a full experience of each games multiplayer would be harder given the Series Collective playercount mostly being on Gears 5 at the moment. Keep up the good work.

[@willmelvin2351]

Thanks man! Yeah that’s part of why I started reviewing this series first, I found myself disagreeing or just disappointed in some people’s opinions on 4 and 5 that were like you just explained. Same for the mp, it’s my favorite thing to do in gears (so many hours in 2,3 and 4) and G5 managed to make me stop playing the game within a month or 2 of its release. They changed from 5v5 to 4v4 at some point and I never really understood why, then Covid hit and I just started playing warzone a lot more and gears 5 kinda just got forgotten sadly. I plan to discuss the mp best I can in the video, but you’re right it’ll be a little difficult to get all the experience especially since I didn’t touch gears 5 for years til recently lol

[@Username-zn6xt]

for del i think its just the voice actor that makes his character not stand out

[@TookieMacSpookie]

I was obsessed with GoW 4 horde mode, so much fun and good memories.

[@willmelvin2351]

Yeah I think it was my favorite horde mode in the series.

[@Jaymez2012]

1:02:47: You could also posit this is the reason for why JD cuts off the counterweight during the Tram scene as well, yes? It's dumb, but considering it's supposed to be the moment Kait and JD become a little closer, it wouldn't be a stretch to say that JD does it to impress and look "cool" to Kait by "solving" the issue she was just complaining about. You know? It may not be framed really well in that way, and yeah, later decisions don't really get this luxury, but I think it's something that most guys can kind of understand. And in that situation, it's also, theoretically, beneficial to the entire group, even though JD himself doesn't really know what he's doing at the time. While in the R-P-S scene it was only beneficial, theoretically, to whoever wins, lol.

[@willmelvin2351]

I agree, that makes sense to and adds to his issue of proving himself. Nice! That’s a good catch there

[@SpartanChief2277]

12:00 they still do some lan events and tourneys but in mexico/latam

[@slipcase]

this is how i found out that there are gears books

[@Slyslug]

My issue with gears 4, and it sounds insane to say, I really grew attached to the gang in gears 1 - 3. Although I really did like papa carmine.

[@halokev4723]

That one mission using the motorcycles is still a highlight for me of this game, I really liked gears 4 but I think gears 5 is better to me

[@Snoozytube]

I did want to add about JD and Marcus relationship I feel like they could have done it better by in the last act when delta squad is reuniting we get JDs outburst against Marcus, except Marcus this time explains why he wanted Baird to look after him possibly answering with not trusting in the new cog or that he no longer wanted to be involved with them. This would lead to JD to lash out and assume that Marcus left because it reminded him of the fact that Anya was gone. Then they later apologize to each other and actually try to resolve their issues and rekindle their relationship after the final act where kait cuts her mother out of the hive.

[@willmelvin2351]

Exactly. Something like that couldve been fit in but seems like they rushed to the finish line

[@ethanclark6791]

The reason it plays that sound at the end at 1:06:55 is because that rock counts as a collectible and I guess it doesn’t go away after you’ve already collected it?

[@willmelvin2351]

Yeah you may be right on that one. Just felt a little louder than the others you found

[@ObiWanShinobi67]

Old Baird looks like Goldberg.

[@natecoats2390]

I wish e-sports for gears was still alive I wanted to be in the tournaments so bad

[@funkyreapercat5280]

This is a good game indeed, not great, but good. Playing on Insane was really fun, and the coop was good as usual in the series. I still prefer 5, i think 5 is Gears 4 but better in almost every way.

[@willmelvin2351]

I think as of now (as I haven’t played much of Gears 5 horde in a long time, since release I think) I would say the horde and MP of 4 was better to me, especially with all the initial problems 5 had. I think they’ve improved certainly over time as I see people talk about but I haven’t experienced it yet myself

[@thefakebanette3483]

Alright so I think gears 4 was them trying to play it super safe which is why they got rid of the dark time they started out which is also why they took out war from the title.... But JD was supposed to be the main character of this whole thing and halfway through making 4 they have said they realized it was a bad idea so it went through a rewrite. I enjoyed 4 a bit but 3 is my favorite campaign with 5 having the best hoard mode imo. Now it should be noted for sales this was like the first REAL console exclusive at the time for Xbox not the only but the biggest which helped a lot.

[@willmelvin2351]

That would make a lot of sense and that shift seemed to just leave things up in the air for jd and kait. I think they did a better job of balancing them both as main characters in 5. And you’re right, this game did numbers for the Xbox One upon release which was good for both Microsoft and gears at the time

[@StephenYuan]

I agree. Gears 4 is super safe. Gears 5 has the best horde, although it wasn't nearly as good at launch. Escape is great too imo. 5 was also way better than 4 because it included a custom lobby browser as well as allowing hosts to kick players. In 4 one person being a troll or leaving early was enough to ruin a match. Finishing matches with randoms was almost impossible.

[@prich0382]

Gears 4 is called Gears of War 4, 5 is called Gears 5

[@SmokeyIzStanky]

I loved the deebees especially when they brought them back in gears 5. I feel they brought more emotion out of them even tho they were a simple robot. Such as them glitching or having the dialouge w baird talking through them. They are my favorite multiplayer character to play as on gears 5 because of their dialouge. Idk why people do not like the deebees that much even tho they are just robots I feel they did add alot of depth to them

[@willmelvin2351]

I think they add a lot to the world building for the story as it would make sense that they need more forces to help rebuild. I also really enjoyed using the vintage shepherd, that was my favorite skin for a long time in the map cause of its voice lines as well lmao

[@Snoozytube]

Honestly, if gears of war e day adds a new overrun mode, considering judgment takes place not too long after lore wise i think that would be a great addition to the game I really want to play it again. Its a shame judgement doesnt have players anymore. I did want to comment about your point in act 3 though as you said earlier about them wasting time, but also criticizing about when JD wants to rush into the hive. I know it's hard to agree, but saving marcus, JDs father, was their top priority and obviously you'll have to make quick decisions considering Marcus was going to become goo in who knows how long and even outside of their relationship hes their best shot at saving kaits mother and getting through the swarm. Marcus is him after all and fought in almost 2 decades of conflict from things like the swarm

[@Snoozytube]

I'd also argue that marcus surviving the pods is possibly due to him being a former cog soldier and one of the strongest characters. I wish we knew what the process was into becoming a gear as their armor and weapons are built different, who's to say the soldiers weren't? They fought super soldier monsters before along with the lambent. This is at least what I thought of it when I sat down to think about it and look through more of the lore.

[@willmelvin2351]

Overrun would be sick in E-Day! And you’re right, does make sense he’d be willing to rush straight down there since Marcus is on a timer. Thanks for pointing that out

[@ThisisVAL]

thinking more about the books, without the books the set up for gears 5 makes almost no sense without them

[@electriclott]

I liked Gears 4. The campaign was difficult on insane, hoard brought some new stuff to the table. Can't wait for E day.

[@MyNameIsJaxon]

Responding to your question at the end about other games you should cover: What other series have you stuck with since you were younger?

[@willmelvin2351]

Hm, a lot honestly lol. Halo series, Crysis series, the other GoW series, a whole lot. Someone said halo would be a good idea and I thought the same. I haven’t played any of the older halos in a long time. Pretty much stopped at 4 lol

[@collinsmith7143]

​@@willmelvin2351 ooooooh. Seeing you cover the crysis series would be so dope! The gameplay loop of crysis would be interesting to see you cover along with the story and your opinion of the series. Although all your reviews are awesome. Whatever you feel is best. Don't burn yourself out though! Take as long as you need to make sure the quality is up to your standards bro.

[@Truffessa]

He droppedddd let's go I'm too late

[@bitgoldexpert5014]

2 weeks late but looking back at gears 4 i’ve put my hours in it. Honestly i prefer 4 over 5 because it feels more like an older gears game then 5 ever did in my opinion. Mainly at the multiplayer side of things. Yes the campaign was boring as hell, a boring enemy that lives in the shadows of the locust and don’t make me mention the dee bees. But i remember the hype of the locust characters being released, with all the teasers. And the carmine family. It was definitely a fun time to be a gears fan. The community feeling that gears 5 misses.

[@willmelvin2351]

Yeah I think besides the story Gears 4’s entire experience hit on the nostalgia of the older games very well with its content. G5 could’ve achieved this as well but only seemed to do so to a much lesser degree

[@bitgoldexpert5014]

@@willmelvin2351 Agree with that, just wished the multiplayer felt better in gears 5 like 4 did

[@sojuiceeexists]

Hey bro ive watched the previous videos on the trilogy and judgement these videos are so good bro ive been listening while at work and am just now noticing you only have 2k subs. Great content I am so excited for Eday idk if you have a gears 5 vid yet but if you do I gotta check it out I wanna hear what you gotta say about that hot ass

[@willmelvin2351]

Yeah man I’m excited for E day! And I’m currently working on the gears 5 video, so stay tuned cause there’s a LOT to say about that game as I’m currently writing lol

[@sojuiceeexists]

@@willmelvin2351 The gears 5 video is gonna be so funny I just know it

[@hazanko5875]

the gears goat back at it but yet again I completely agree about stories having some degree of obligation to be complete within a given "main line" of media. Having supplementary material is great in the form of books or comics, but relying on books to shore up rushed presentation or run interference for writing that feels incomplete is a frustrating way to build out a world. Mixed media rarely seems to feel like a plan and usually comes across, at least to me, as an afterthought. "Read the books" shouldn't be a cover line for leaving significant plot or world elements under-explained. People lambasted FFXV for having a companion film to try and flesh out an obviously rushed game, for example. Hint-dropping settlement two with no explanation sort of smells like the writers had a vague idea about some past event they wanted to use to add drama. It doesn't even compare favorably to the original gears trilogy with the pendulum wars and e-day which were more presented simply as events part of a consistent world with a sensible timeline rather than nebulous bait to hook a player in. I don't mind enjoying a book as part of a world I like, but part of that enjoyment comes from having a complete story that stands on its own in the setting. Star Wars is a decent example. The original six films give you what you need to understand what's going on (for the most part at least), but all the expanded universe material offers more to enjoy. It isn't just patchwork sewn onto the film stories to plug plotholes or prop up events that require explanation but aren't explained to the viewer. TL;DR Stories should be able to comfortably stand on their own.

[@willmelvin2351]

Completely agree!

[@TevyaSmolka]

I personally thought gears of war 4 was fine but 5 i think was a major improvement over 4 in my opinion.

[@willmelvin2351]

For sure, Gears 5 improved greatly, pretty much what ill be talking about next

[@TevyaSmolka]

@@willmelvin2351 ooh awesome 😎

[@hulkman245]

Discovered your channel a few weeks ago and I didn't subscribe because it looked like you weren't really active on the channel. You planning to increase the upload rate or are you only making videos every once in a while?

[@willmelvin2351]

Hopefully I can get these out quicker, working much faster than I was with 4 (I took a break for a while and played a lot of BG3 lol) so should be quicker cause I’d also like to work on some other game series too. Don’t wanna make promises but I will do my best, so I’d say just hang around and if they come out in good time then feel free to drop the sub!

[@jalejablonsky2396]

And just to answer some questions why the games barely get anything in terms of development between the factions I'll say what Rod Fergusson, "One of the big things for us at Epic when developing the story and establishing the lore was the creation of negative space. If we were going to lock something down, we had to make sure there was a reason for doing it, that we wanted to express in the game. If we weren't expressing (something) in the game, then it was better to create opportunities for story (elsewhere). Things like Battle of Aspho Fields was negative space that we let Karen (Traviss) explore, and the relationship between Anya and Marcus was negative space that gave us an opportunity to explore it later. We were moving so fast with the story creation process that we flagged things as unresolved and moved on, knowing that we weren't actually going to explore this relationship today, but we had an opportunity to explore it in the future." That's why everything in Gears feels so unfinished

[@willmelvin2351]

Huh, that actually makes sense as a direction for development, just sucks they didn’t actually follow up with a lot of those “negative” spaces lol

[@jalejablonsky2396]

@@willmelvin2351 If you want to know more I suggest you read Gears of War Retrospective. It speaks of the first 10 years of Gears of War from 1 to 4. It helps explain why certain decisions were done like Dom's death and talks a bit why Gears of War's cast have huge muscles in the first place and how they directed and reacted to Maria's death and what they wanted out of the first testing while also explaining why didn't they want Gears to take place on Earth and why they went underground for the Locust.

[@jalejablonsky2396]

@@willmelvin2351 If you want to know more I suggest you read Gears of War Retrospective which gives the first ten years of Gears of War from 1 to 4 and explains why certain decisions were done like Dom and Maria's death to why the main cast have huge muscles in the first place why do Gears have circular shapes on their armor to why doesn't Gears take place on Earth and why they decide to have the Locust be underground.

[@Ragucci25]

I just binged all your videos this past week great work! If you're interested in hiring any video editing help, I'd love to help!

[@vSIG_]

Man if you really want to encapsulate how undercooked the swarm are just ask yourself "what do they actually want" The locust as we know them were in a war underground and were forced out as well as Myrrah having a vendetta with humanity after adams screw up. The swarm are legit still a mystery to me(a bad one) even after 2 whole campaigns.

[@willmelvin2351]

I think we know what they want, the game just does a poor job of portraying the swarms goals to the player. They were just looking for the new queen essentially and the speaker could’ve hinted at that. But I guess that would give away the ending before getting there since seeing the pendant after saving Reyna is supposed to say that for us

[@blackthagemini]

Del Walker... last name is Walker

[@Midnight_Wesker]

I love this game man, it was genuinely a great experience and i really loved the characters in this game. It's underated in my opinion, loved the vid man.

[@willmelvin2351]

Thanks man! And yeah I just didn’t vibe with the characters initially. They get a lot better in the 5th game tho I will say