Gears of War: E-Day explores the Locust invasion through Kalona’s first days

At gamescom, The Coalition discussed the Gears of War: E-Day campaign and its recently released story trailer. Creative Director Matt Searcy and Campaign Design Director Raul Figueroa appeared on the Official Xbox Podcast.

The game takes place in Kalona during the first days of Emergence Day. Searcy said two-thirds of Sera’s population are wiped out in the wider catastrophe, while the campaign focuses on a single city and the people trying to save others.

Kalona changes throughout the campaign

The developers built Kalona as a complete city that players are meant to connect with. As the campaign progresses, residents die, survivors need help, and familiar landmarks change.

The story shows part of life before the invasion, the attack itself and some of its aftermath. The team linked the campaign to themes of loss, brotherhood and loyalty, as well as attempts to achieve small victories during the first two days.

Locust gain new tactics

Players have more ways to move through the environment, including climbing and a jump button. The Locust can use similar opportunities to outflank players, climb onto vehicles and attack from unexpected positions.

Grenadiers can drop smoke between themselves and the player before moving through it. The developers said encounters are built around the player’s position, available weapons and combinations of enemies.

From first attacks to war

Each enemy appears for the first time to Marcus, Dom and the other characters. The campaign develops from block-by-block attacks by individual monsters into a large-scale assault by an underground army.

The trailer also introduced Vraahk, a blight commander injured during the Lambent War. Figueroa said his goal is to destroy humanity.