It’s Time For Gears of War’s Horde Mode to Follow in CoD Zombies’ Footsteps

It's Time For Gears of War's Horde Mode to Follow in CoD Zombies' Footsteps

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I can confidently say that Gears of War’s Horde mode has been a staple in my co-op gaming diet for quite some time now. From its humble beginnings in Gears of War 2 to its latest iteration in Gears 5, I’ve weathered countless Locust storms alongside friends, laughing and cursing in equal measure.


Over the years, the Gears of War series has consistently delivered impressive cooperative gameplay modes, such as the transformative Beast mode in Gears of War 3 and the intriguing Escape mode in Gears of War 5. However, it’s the Horde mode that stands out as the most significant, memorable, and iconic cooperative experience within the Gears of War franchise.

Initially presented in “Gears of War 2”, Horde mode involves a group of players collaborating to endure continuous assaults by Locust troops and boss characters. The Horde mode in “Gears of War” soon became a standout wave-based feature for its generation, appreciated for its high tension, ease of play, and the additional gameplay value it added. Since 2008, this mode has been consistently included in each major release. However, after all these years, Gears of War’s Horde mode could benefit from a refresh, and perhaps the next phase of its development might involve adopting a crucial aspect from “Call of Duty Zombies”.

It Might Be Time for Gears of War’s Horde Mode to Follow in Call of Duty Zombies’ Footsteps in One Way

Gears of War’s Horde Mode Has Tried Its Best to Evolve Over the Years

Reflecting on it now, the early version of Gears of War’s Horde mode was quite basic. Players essentially had to endure for as long as possible by locating weapons scattered throughout the map and gaining access to stronger enemy types after their defeat. However, Horde 2.0 in Gears of War 3 greatly enhanced its predecessor, introducing a lot more complexity to the round-based gameplay.

In the game Gears of War 3, players earn currency each time they make a kill. This earned currency can be spent on defensive structures like barriers and turrets, as well as offensive weapons. This feature significantly enhanced Horde mode by providing it with a clear objective and encouraging players to persist in staying alive. The subsequent game, Gears of War 4, further refined this foundation, introducing a class system and enabling players to unlock additional abilities through advancement. Despite the controversy surrounding the class system, incorporating meta-progression was another significant enhancement for the mode.

However, with Gears of War 5, there were no more significant updates or transformations in the Horde gameplay. While the mode remained enjoyable, the Horde mode in Gears 5 leaned too heavily on its past successes, offering an experience that could become repetitive for seasoned Gears of War players. When Horde mode is reintroduced, it may benefit from finding a fresh approach to its gameplay mechanics.

Gears of War’s Horde Mode Might Need to Borrow Call of Duty Zombies’ Approach to Narrative

The game mode “Call of Duty Zombies” has primarily been designed for accessibility and arcade-style enjoyment since its inception. However, for players seeking something more substantial from the round-based gameplay, “Call of Duty Zombies” offers a rich and intriguing backstory, much of which is communicated through dialogue during gameplay, short pre-match cutscenes, and numerous well-known Easter eggs.

In the world of Call of Duty Zombies, many aspects of its story can be skipped, making it accessible for newcomers who prefer jumping right into the gameplay. Meanwhile, dedicated Zombies enthusiasts have a goal to strive for. It could be beneficial for the upcoming Gears of War‘ Horde mode to adopt this approach by incorporating story elements that motivate players to continue playing, such as dialogue that becomes available after a specific round or a cinematic that plays upon finishing the 50 waves in Horde mode.

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2024-09-09 00:54