It’s been nearly seven years since the last mainline Gears of War game, and you’d be forgiven for thinking the franchise is little more than a past-expiration relic from the Xbox 360 era. Gears of War: E-Day may take the series back to its early days, but it is far from The Coalition compromising on innovation. Instead, the studio delivers its finest work since taking over the franchise, giving fans ample reason to be excited for the chainsaw-riddled cover shooter once again.

Reprising their roles as the leads, Marcus and Dom visit the city of Kalona to be honored as heroes of the recently concluded Pendulum Wars. Unfortunately, the peace is short-lived, as an unknown threat known as the Locusts emerge from beneath the surface, wreaking havoc and introducing a new threat to humanity.…