Gears of War - Metacritic (currently 85)

[Mr Puggsly]

RJTM1991 said:

Mr Puggsly said:

I expect Xbox exclusives to get modest scores. I think its partly because MS just doesn't make the type of games critics wants. I'm not even sure why Forza Horizon scores as well as it does versus a Gears game.

Meanwhile the games that often score in the 90s are generally too story driven for my taste or get praise for being artsy.

With that said, games that score in the 80s can still be very notable. They just aren't something critics are raving about, while consumers might.

Same here, my man.

I'm not an Xbox guy, but I can admit that there's been a clear bias against their major titles since the XB1's launch. I hate to see it. You'd expect the media to call it down the middle and give credit where it's due, but nah.

Xbox have made some pretty bizarre moves over the past six years, but when they do it right, they do it right. Gears 5 deserves a higher score. Same with Halo 5. Not that 85/86 is anything to snort at mind you!

Like I said I don't think its just because critics dislike MS, they just don't like the type of games MS makes. Halo 5 and Gears 4 had middling campaigns, but overall (campaign, PvP, co-op) they're great products.

Gears 5 is also the first game we've seen really showing an emphasis on graphics and polish outside of Forza. It also raised the bar in gameplay mechanics, yet it didn't score much better. Go figure!

Either way, consumers will play MS games as long as they're enjoyable. Scores in the 90s isn't required for a game to thrive. Sea of Theives for example is popular even after being panned.