It's an ambitious new take on the series, pushing gameplay into uncharted territory while delivering perhaps the most advanced and performant Unreal Engine 4 title to date - and something of a technological high point for both Xbox One consoles. Gears 5, by comparison, is a revelation in pretty much every regard. Its 2016 debut delivered a gorgeous but safe instalment in the series.
Gears of War 4 marked a turning point for Microsoft's classic franchise, with new studio The Coalition taking over franchise development duties.