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In the first sneak peek of Gears of War: E-Day, Marcus Fenix is spotted brandishing a weapon, familiar to the series’ devotees as the Retro Lancer. Its designation as 'retro' stems from its age, marking it a relic from a bygone era.
Given that Gears of War: E-Day unfolds a significant 14 years before the original Gears of War narrative, the Retro Lancer emerges as the primary weapon. However, this raises the question: will we not engage in the visceral combat of slicing through the terrifying Locusts in this new chapter?
Thankfully, Nicole Fawcette, the brand director, delivered reassuring news in an Xbox Wire dialogue, highlighting: "The Chainsaw Lancer may not be present in this timeline... but eliminating Locusts in such a direct manner is quintessential to the Gears experience!"
It's anticipated that this iconic destruction tool might enter as a nascent version or a similar concept, offering a preview of the carnage that awaits.
During the same conversation, Aryan Hanbeck, the studio art director, disclosed their intent to reimagine the Locust as a truly horrifying adversary. Given this is humanity's initial confrontation with these beasts, their shocking and unprecedented nature should be evident in both their design and how they are encountered in the game:
"Through the lens of E-Day's events, players will perceive these creatures from the perspective of those meeting them for the first time."
This vision extends to the Locust Drone, traditionally seen as an expendable enemy within the series. The goal was to elevate their threat level, imbuing them with fear and might. Hanbeck noted: "We've endeavored to make the drone terrifying, imposing, and savage. Perfecting the drone was imperative, as it set the foundation for the broader Locust menace."
And it's safe to assume such enhancements will be met with enthusiasm from the fanbase.