Summary
WhileGears 6might have been the easiest route for theGears of Warseries to take, it opted instead forGears of War: E-Day, and that might benefit the franchise in the long run. TheGearsseries has been on a bit of a downward slope since the original trilogy ended, butGears of War: E-Day’s prequel status — as well as the fact that it is focusing on Emergence Day, the most important event inGears of War’s overarching narrative — may be the jumpstart that the series needs to get it back on its feet again. In fact,Gears of War: E-Day’s story offers a prime opportunity for worthwhile DLC to follow the game’s release, potentially expanding both its narrative and its lifespan.
SinceGears of War: E-Dayis centering its focus on Emergence Day, it should arguably milk all that it can out of the setting, and it can do that through DLC. Even though the main story will focus onMarcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago, there’s a lot of potential forGears of War: E-Day’s post-launch DLC to explore the event through the eyes of other characters, both familiar and new, that were present during it. There are obvious characters that would be great for this, like Baird and Cole, but other characters, like Helena Stroud or even Adam Fenix, would make for compelling DLC additions as well. It’s just the perfect setting for numerous different perspectives.
Gears of War: E-Day Could Tell Its Story From Different Perspectives Using DLC
Baird and Cole DLC for Gears of War: E-Day Would Serve Longtime Fans
Two of the most obvious choices forGears of War: E-DayDLC areDamon Baird and Augustus Cole, both of whom have been with the series since its beginning as members of Delta Squad, alongside Marcus and Dom. As such, ifGears of War: E-Daywere to launch Baird and Cole DLC at some point after its launch, it would likely serve longtime fans well. However, these two characters would potentially offer more than just fan service, as their roles and status during the events of Emergence Day could lead to some intriguing gameplay, as well as a chance for the prequel to invite newcomers into the largerGears of Waruniverse.
When the Locust Horde emerged from the surface of Sera on Emergence Day, Baird was already working as a Gear for theCoalition of Ordered Governments, and he was stationed in Galen’s Hope, a city in the Tyrus province. His technical expertise is ultimately what brought him here, but his experience with the COG on Emergence Day is really what would cause him to stand out as a playable DLC character forGears of War: E-Day. As a Gear headed into Emergence Day, Baird has a unique and cynical perspective on the COG that would offer a compelling addition toGears of War: E-Day’s narrative if it were experienced firsthand.
Two of the most obvious choices forGears of War: E-DayDLC are Damon Baird and Augustus Cole, both of whom have been with the series since its beginning as members of Delta Squad, alongside Marcus and Dom.
Unlike Baird, Cole wasn’t a soldier at the time of Emergence Day. In fact, he was still playing as a Thrashball star for the Hanover Cougars when the Locust Horde emerged. While not many explicit details have been given about Cole’s whereabouts during Emergence Day, various conversations throughout the series have noted that Cole immediately jumped into the fight, using his athletic ability and strength to fend off theLocust Horde. It would be interesting to experience Cole’s evolution from Thrashball superstar to battle-hardened warrior in a Cole DLC forGears of War: E-Day.
Other Characters Would Make for Compelling Gears of War: E-Day DLC as Well
Cole and Baird aren’t the only two characters that would be a great fit forGears of War: E-DayDLC either. Throughout the series, several different characters have been referenced or briefly shown whose role duringEmergence Daywould offer some engaging DLC and a differing perspective on the tragic event.
Relevance to Gears of War and Emergence Day
Helena Stroud
Mother of Anya Stroud, one of the most important characters of the original trilogy
Tai Kaliso
Fan-favorite character who was connected with Marcus and Dom on E-Day
Seasoned sniper and veteran during the Pendulum Wars
Adam Fenix
Marcus Fenix’s father, who played a critical role in the development of the Hammer of Dawn
Delta Squad leader before Marcus took command
Alex Brand
Fan-favorite character from the comics whose sharp wit and determination define her
Michael Barrick
Gear and PTSD sufferer whose trauma is reinforced by the events of Emergence Day
Carlos Santiago
Marcus Fenix’s best friend, who played a key role during Emergence Day
WithGears of War: E-Dayrevisiting the franchise’s most pivotal event, it would be a missed opportunity not to expand its scope through meaningful DLC. The tragedy and chaos of Emergence Day affected countless lives beyond Marcus and Dom, soGears of War: E-Daywould be remiss not to explore those perspectives. Whether it’s fan-favorites like Baird and Cole or lesser-known figures likeHelena Stroudand Carlos Santiago, each potential DLC could add depth toGears of War: E-Day’s narrative while reinforcing the emotional weight of the Locust invasion.
