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How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (Metacritic) | – | 82 | 20 |
| Creator reviews (2 tracked) | – | 88 | 2 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 82 | 472 |
| Xbox store ratings | – | 77 | 750 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | – | – | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 0 reviews sampled · 0 total reviews in window · weighted 0 up / 0 down · computed 4h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (73)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 80
“Gears of War Ultimate Edition is a blast to play, even if you’re like me and only really intend to get into the story campaign. The multiplayer is still damn robust, beautifully put together, and will be a thrill ride for those who love the Gnasher, but I can’t say I haven’t greatly enjoyed my time with the overall package, because the thing I most cared about has been remastered very well indeed.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“It's worth to get to know the news Gears of War under two conditions: you don't own the previous Xbox console or you haven't had the opportunity to fight the Locust. There's an additional treat: all the other games from the series plus a still very satisfying multiplayer. But if you have played the original and have no interest in online play, skip it.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“With a bunch of new content, a massive visual overhaul, mechanical improvements, and other subtle modernizations, Ultimate Edition has earned the right to be referred to as the definitive version of Gears of War.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Fun, challenging and fresh even so many years after the original release, Gears of War: Ultimate Edition shows everyone how to do a proper remaster of a beloved video game. Newcomers and veterans alike will love this. A truly Ultimate Edition.”
read full review ↗ - 95
“If you already own an Xbox One and enjoyed the franchise, this is a must have title. I expect some will be jumping on board in purchasing the system just for this title alone, and I wouldn’t blame them in the slightest.”
read full review ↗ - 87
“It may not be perfect, but Gears of War: Ultimate Edition is certainly a game worth playing. There is plenty of value to be had, no matter if you are a Gears fanatic or someone who is brand new to the series. Just make sure to experience it with a friend at your side.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Gears of War: Ultimate Edition reminds us of the good and bad sides of the original. Prettier Gears can be a lot of fun, it's just a pity that developers didn't refresh anything substantial in gameplay. It's possible that new gamers will recognize the "charm" of the original.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“The return trip might have revealed a few more cracks than we remembered, but it also serves as a shield for our nostalgia. And as remakes go, that's worth the journey home.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“There’s very little you haven’t played before in the campaign and the new cinematics and voiceovers do little to assist the bare story, but the gameplay is still great, it looks and sounds fantastic, and fans will no doubt enjoy playing the formerly PC-exclusive section they missed the first time.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“It’s official! Gears of War is still a classic. The gameplay still holds up and the same can be said for the graphics. A must-have for collectors. [Oct. 2015, p. 054]”
- 80
“One of the best remakes of recent years, both in terms of the amount of thought and effort put into the remastering and how much the original deserves the attention.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Despite being almost a decade old, Gears of War: Ultimate Edition comes to Xbox One feeling fresh and having lost little over the years. The remaster job isn't perfect, though, and some slight technical issues do present themselves within the game's updated campaign.”
read full review ↗
The Jimquisition
GRYOnline.pl
Pure Xbox
LevelUp
ZTGD
Worth Playing
Eurogamer
GameSpot
TheSixthAxis
Power Unlimited
Metro GameCentral
We Got This Covered…and 61 more tracked reviews.