Gears of War is all grown up
This is probably the best of the series so far, and it scores high for its depth and realism. It brings the COG universe to life by depicting the political, emotional and psychological battles of communities and individuals on the brink of extinction. Yes, lots of blood n' guts action, but Traviss takes us deeper into the Gearsverse by giving us a closer look at the chronological and emotional histories of the characters, Dizzy and Mataki in particular, resulting in an even deeper investment in all the characters and the ultimate fate of Sera. We follow the plight of the COG as they eke out an existence on Vectes in present day Sera, and witness a series of flashbacks from the end of the Pendulum wars through E-day, and the years after, primarily through Dizzy's and Mataki's eyes, though we get a glimpse into Cole's story as well. The New Jacinto refugee nation is fighting a losing battle against mysterious stalks erupting all across Vectes and Sera, lambent insect-like creatures called 'polyps' and a rapidly mutating enemy that now infects animals like dogs, sea creatures and cows. The political tension between the COG, UIR refugees, Vectes residents and Stranded is also very well depicted.
There's a great recap of the Gears chronology so it could be read standalone without reading the previous books/comics or playing the games...but why would you want to do that? It's a complete experience.
The relationships
While much of the book features Mataki and Dizzy's perspective and history, we learn about the genesis of Cole and Baird's relationship and see the possibility of romance in Dom's life as he wrestles with Maria's memory. The novel is emotionally charged and there may be a couple moments where something will 'get in your eye' as there is incredible weight placed on the relationships throughout, even between Fenix and Hoffman (who himself finds love). Don't get me wrong, it's not a romance novel, but the dissolution of the COG heralds the end of the campaign and story for the reader, as much as the end of an era for the characters. So, touchy-feely is expected, but its treatment is appropriate.
Prescott is featured more, as is the power struggle between himself and Hoffman. Prescott is set up to be either a snivelling coward, or a Snape-like hero. But that remains to be seen. Don't look for a lot of answers here, you will finish with a lot more questions, as it should be. This, after all, is a preface to the final Gears campaign, so the answers are ahead of us. All the more reason to get the game!
A great deal of mystery is successfully built through the story (primarily surrounding Prescott and Marcus to a lesser extent), both in terms of the overall plot (where did the lambent come from, where will the Delta end up, what's going to happen to Sera), and involvement of Marcus and his father in the locust/lambent menace. We don't even really learn that much more about Marcus and Anya's relationship, though it seems they are an item, so they are a bit of a mystery themselves, even to their peers.
No, Adam Fenix does not turn up in the book, but one wonders if an unexplained data burst picked up on the refugee's comms channels doesn't have something to do with the elder Fenix (whom we know appears in the final campaign).
No, Adam Fenix does not turn up in the book, but one wonders if an unexplained data burst picked up on the refugee's comms channels doesn't have something to do with the elder Fenix (whom we know appears in the final campaign).
It's gripping, touching and sometimes funny, and that's what makes it such a well told story. A little bit of everything, though the prevailing sentiment may be closer to desperation, given the circumstances.
What does it all mean for the campaign/multiplayer?
- The high profile of Mataki suggests she will, or should, be a playable character (likely in the multiplayer - and maybe with the UIR sniper rifle).
- Heading to Anvil Gate could be part of the campaign story - but the many possible destinations justify a longer campaign.
- It wouldn't be suprising if some playable Gorasnyan characters turn up - they are an endearing bunch of savages.
- New lambent beasts suggests more than the familar mutated locusts, but rather we may also see some feline, canine and maybe even bovine inspired creatures.
- Given the importance of King Ravens and nautical travel, it's likely these will figure into gameplay.
- The sparsity of focus on Marcus' story suggests it will all be revealed in the campaign. It has to be anyway.
- Inevitably, some of our favourite characters will die. The ending of the book - a genuine cliff-hanger - may point to that. But you know how these things go.
- The density of the universe allows for several new routes in terms of novels and games. With the COG dissolved and scattered, each group is a potential story, as is the intriguing Stranded, who seem to be thriving. Not to mention the adventures of Baird and Cole, or even Alex and Sam.
The conclusion
Get it, get it now. I pre-ordered the iPad ebook for £11.49 on iBooks, but see it advertised for £4.49 now.
Score: 9/10
