4.5/5 ★ – Hazzi's review of Gears of War.

Gears of War wasn’t just something to play. It was a time, a feeling, and a place where hours disappeared without realizing. It was the game I sank countless nights into, whether it was grinding ranked matches trying to get the "Seriously" achievement, chilling with mates playing casual execution, or running through the campaign with a friend. It wasn’t just about the game itself, it was about everything that came with it. Online multiplayer was where I really put in work. The longshot rifle was my go-to, and sniper battles were my thing. Private lobbies, 1v1s, 2v2s, lining up that perfect shot, and the insane satisfaction of landing a blind-fire or a pop-shot. Nothing felt better than hitting a clean superman or spiderman mid-roll. It wasn’t just about kills, it was about proving you were capable. Then there were the glitches. Crab-walking, weapon slides, kung fu flips, and skydives. Some people hated them, especially in ranked, but for a lot of us they were just part of the game. Pulling off a kung fu flip to dodge a fight or sliding across the map at full speed wasn’t just funny, it was expected. Sure, glitchers could be annoying when they abused it, but there was a time when these weird little tricks felt like an extra part of the skill gap. Most of them got patched, but if you were around back then, you know they added an extra layer the the game. The campaign was something else. Late nights running through it with a friend, helping each other get all the achievements. The story pulled you in, but it was the co-op moments that made it. I didn't really enjoy playing it by myself, I was all about coop for me personally, so many memories tied to each level of that game. And this was before everyone was sitting in a Discord call, refusing to use the in-game voice chat. Back then, the emotions were raw, and the community was alive. Trash talk, hype, frustration, and clutch moments all played out in real time, with no delay, no filters, and no outside distractions. You knew the voices of the players you fought with and against. Sometimes it got heated, sometimes it got hilarious, but it was always real. Those times are dead, but the memories are real. Gears of War is always going to have a place in my mind. The insane fights, the sniper battles, the glitches, and the nights spent running through the campaign all made it more than just a game. It was a time when multiplayer felt raw, when every kill meant something, and when every session left you with a story to tell.