Gears of War: Judgment - XBOX 360 (2013)..played on XBOX ONE / VS: Master at Arms / F2 / Lost Relics

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Published on January 23, 2024 3:19:29 AM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQqiJv9Ld_c

Game:

Gears of War: Judgement (2013)

Duration: 43:10

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For quite some time now, I've been meaning to play the XBOX 360 version of 'Gears of War: Judgment' through backwards compatibility on the XBOX ONE. Between making an effort to get everything configured properly (i.e. getting purchased DLC downloaded and running, etc.) and making sure the transfer to the XBOX ONE remained a playable one... with progress, stats and unlockables all showing-up accurately - I was naturally a bit hesitant to experience this game apart from the XBOX 360 hardware, just in case the whole ordeal became a buggy mess or what-have-you. Thankfully, the 'Cloud' feature works seamlessly (and automatic) with both your 360 and XBOX ONE's hard drive(s) to transfer MOST data sans your campaign progress.

As I came to expect, the only real issue was that the 'save game' file(s) / current progress from the 360's hard-drive was non-transferrable. No problem however, since both the 'Judgment and Aftermath' campaign's "overall" progress / unlocks were retained throughout. Now, perhaps its a perception issue on my part, but the BC gameplay does feel like it moves a tad slower than its 360 counterpart - hmm, perhaps due to emulation through backwards compatibility maybe? Either way, the experience still feels solid enough and the visuals (have thankfully) been enhanced through the XBOX ONE and Series X/S' superior hardware capabilities.

Many folks (primarily the GEARS gaming community) might wonder why I still bother playing this title after a good decade (since its release) and counting. After all, I'm TRULY convinced that 'Gears of War: Judgment' could easily be considered one of the "most hated" games ever released on any system (no joke)... and is undoubtedly the most despised GEARS title in the franchise hands-down. Yep, the internet message boards / forums speak volumes.

Well, my passion for this "questionable" fourth iteration is pretty straightforward. In my humble opinion, 'Judgment' definitely feels like the "most polished and refined" GEARS game released on the XBOX 360 during that era of consoles.... not to mention, still the "most playable" considering all the rampant 'profile / saved game file glitches' within GEARS 1-3. In a nutshell, the developers revamped the experience and gameplay with just enough proper tweeks to give the series a fresh twist, while still retaining that same 'ol Gears of War feel that we've all come to know and love.

Even despite the game's shortcomings... (especially the somewhat convoluted 'Star System' within the campaign modes, which unquestionably makes for a more confusing and unnecessary detail to constantly track... taking precedence away from simply wanting to enjoy the Story as it unfolds), I really can't fault 'Judgment' for much. Yes, it's just that good of a game and an under-appreciated gem nestled in the robust library of 360 games available (*let the laughter ensue*).

Trust me, I've already read through the endless complaints of why this title ultimately made long-time GEARS fans so livid towards the gameplay and its obvious changes at the time. Yeah, to each their own I suppose. Furthermore, the multiplayer offerings provided still satisfy in a profound way, and the 'Overrun' gameplay mode is about as unique as it gets. Bottom line, 'Gears of War: Judgment' will forever remain a seriously "misunderstood" game that most people never really gave a chance, or sadly ever will.

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