As The Coalition prepares to bring Gears 5 to the Xbox One and PC, the game's latest trailer is channeling some serious BioShock vibes. Players are preparing to head somewhere new as they get a first glimpse at the tight confines and Art Deco landscape of the District.
Setting out as the sequel to 2016's Gears of War 4, The Coalition is hoping to cash in on the franchise's legacy while improving on criticisms that dogged the previous title's campaign and writing. At least the visuals look impressive on the District as the "Gears 5 District map flythrough trailer" hones in on the newest addition to the game's multiplayer.
After the official Gears of War YouTube shared the District trailer, gamers soon took to Reddit to call out the similarities between The Coalition's world and 2K Games' three BioShock titles. Capturing the essence of both the underwater Rapture and lofty Columbia, Gears 5 is definitely giving off a BioShock aura. One redditor wrote, "Bioshock [sic] vibes" while another mused, "Why are they trying to make gears look like bioshock [sic]?"
With the cramped confines and colorful backdrop of the District's pop culture-packed buildings, it's easy to see where the BioShock and Gears 5 comparisons come from. All three BioShock games were known for their attention to detail and drawing the player's eye to every corner. The District is also packed full of Gears Easter eggs. Eagle-eyed fans might've noticed the reference to Thrash Ball, the 20th anniversary of Settler's Day, and the giant movie poster for Jace Stratton Frenzy. Even though there are nods to the past Gears of War franchise and an ongoing storyline in the newest game, it's all change in Gears 5 as Kait Diaz becomes the series' first female lead. Although fan-favorites like JD and Marcus Fenix will once again be joined by Delmont Walker, Laura Bailey's Kait is the focus of the latest Locust adventure.
Given the fan-favorite status of BioShock and praise for its stunning visuals across the entire trilogy, it's interesting that Gears 5 would follow this route with the District. Anyone who's played BioShock will know that Splicers jumping out from cramped corridors or suddenly appearing from nowhere added some genuine frights, so just imagine this with Locusts in the District. The latest map also captures the cheery look of a buzzing metropolis that's sure to be soaked with blood before too long. With Gears 5's multiplayer beta launching on July 19, there isn't long to wait before fans can suit up and take each other on in a brutal brawl inside the District.
Source: Gears of War YouTube/Reddit