Cry 'havoc' and let slip the Gears of War

The series that showed off what the 360 could do is back for a triumphant finale. From the humanizing graphics and an emotional plot, to the tightened set pieces and intense gameplay, to the stronger female presence that adds a dynamic flavour, Gears of War 3 has been smoothly tweaked to sweet, sinuous perfection. Marcus Fenix, our rough, rugged protagonist, is easily the best looking character on the 360. Visually, a softer palate has been applied to Marcus and the rest of Delta Squad, tempering the entrenched, chiseled scarring that defined the first two games and allowing subtle details — facial stubble, veins, hands, eyes — to become even more humanized. This refined humanity becomes key as the game progresses and the emotional strings in the narrative are drawn taut. I found myself leaning forward at times, feeling great sorrow for characters like Dom whose collapse at his wife's grave was simply touching. What happened soon after brought me close to tears (hey, I figure if it brought Mr. Marcus Fenix close to tears, then I shouldn't be ashamed).

Don't get me wrong, the guys haven't gone soft. They're as ripped as ever and still deal out enough pain to go around. The blood-pumping, heart-searing intensity as enemies converge is exhilarating. With up to four players available for co-op, as well as a barrage of multiplayer modes and maps, there’s plenty of carnage to go around.

But it’s through the campaign that Gears 3 shows its true form. While the return of the locust infestation is exciting and the emergence of the Lambent as a new enemy adds intensity, it’s the characters’ struggles that make the game worthwhile. The synergies of the plotlines, even those stretching back to the original Gears of War, are handled with care and tact.

A number of elements help pull you into the characters, narrative, and action. Character-defining voice acting combines with spot-on lip synchronization to humanize the already gripping storyline. Dialogue is still as roughneck as ever with little subtly to the wit but, love it or hate it, the laconic droning draws the squad together and develops the bonded-by-blood relationships.

As with past Gears games, a lack of loading screens means you're drawn more completely and fluidly into the thick of things. The score acts a power in and of itself, rising to operatic overtures at times, smoothing into softer tones at others, bringing to bear moments of sacrifice, honour, and loyalty in the storyline. And combined with the exquisitely crafted set pieces brought to life through frequent cut scenes, Gears 3 creates one of the tightest, most emotional campaign experiences to date.

The game also deserves a huge ‘hoorah’ for the stronger female presence. Most refreshing of all was that the focus is not on their physiques, but rather on their individual abilities, toughness, and character.

The game is not without its flaws, though these are mere hiccups in an otherwise flawless symphony of mischief and mayhem. Admittedly there are moments where the grinding becomes somewhat repetitive, though these moments are often short-lived thanks to great pacing and the different finishing moves. Additionally, the new weapons are hit (the pulverizing vulcan) and miss (the pointless digger), but with the return of tried and true weapons from the series, you'll find the weapon lead-out that suits your style of tasty carnage.

I also have to admit being disappointed when the Lambent infection spreads to humans. In other words, zombies. Sure these zombies glow gold and morph, but a rose by any other name ... yes, it seems not even Epic Games (Gears' developer) is immune to the call of the undead. My disappointment was short-lived, though. In the same way The Flood lent intensity to the Halo franchise, so too do the Lambent “zombies” add a sense of swarming panic to the gameplay as you mow them down in droves.

Gears 3 is the game by which all other action games should be compared, graphically, emotionally, and narratively, not only in this generation of gaming, but also the next. Masterfully executed, it hones the series, and the entire genre, to a sinuous edge. Its greatest triumph is in the character development where it becomes clear that the scars are more than skin deep.

When he’s not teaching junior high school, St. Albert Catholic High School alumnus Derek Mitchell can be found attached to a video game console.