Games

Gears of War: E-Day Can Explore New Narratives with Marcus and Dom

Published

1 month ago

November 20, 2024

Gears of War: E-Day has been one of the most exciting announcements of the year, as the series explores the titular event that set the Locust War into motion. Announced at the summer Xbox Games Showcase, Gears of War: E-Day will finally bring players into the shoes of Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago as they face the most pivotal event in Gears of War lore.

While fans of the series are aware of what took place on E-Day (Emergence Day), the arrival of the Locust Horde has yet to be explored in an actual game. The event takes place fourteen years before the first game’s story, which could showcase a very different version of Marcus and Dom than players are used to. As many are aware, E-Day is a traumatic day for both characters, especially Dom, and taking a closer look at how the two have been changed by this moment in Sera’s history feels like a given.

Gears of War: E-Day Already Side-Steps One of Halo: Reach’s Biggest Prequel Pitfalls

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The Coalition’s upcoming prequel game Gears of War: E-Day may be able to avoid some controversy seen with another Xbox prequel: Halo: Reach

Gears of War: E-Day Diving Deeper Into How Marcus and Dom Have Changed

Before the Trauma of E-Day

It’s highly likely that Marcus and Dom were very different men during E-Day. Of course, the Pendulum Wars that take place before the Locust Horde arrives presents its own set of traumas, but E-Day is a pivotal moment for both COG soldiers. While the harrowing encounters with Locusts would be enough to scar someone for life, Dom faces a horrible loss. During the events of E-Day, both of his children die, which leaves him and his wife Maria to grieve. Throughout the series, Dom is a man who has gone through intense emotional pain, and exploring a version of the character before such a drastic loss is a likely avenue the story will embrace.

Marcus, on the other hand, may not have lost children during the events of E-Day, but the day shaped him just as much. In the series, Marcus is emotionally cold, and this could likely be a lifelong trait. However, it will be fascinating to see if the version of Marcus before the Locust Horde had a warmer personality.

At this point in the
Gears of War
timeline, Marcus and Dom are also grieving the loss of the latter’s brother, Carlos.

The Beginning Of a Loyal Friendship

Despite Marcus’ cold demeanor and Dom’s years of grief, the two men have a lot of love and respect for one another, which leads them to be fiercely loyal, especially Dom. While the two have known each other since childhood, Gears of War: E-Day serves as an “origin story” for the two and their future journey. By the time the events of the first Gears of War roll around, Marcus and Dom have a long and traumatic history with one another. It may have been a different story during E-Day. They may not have as much of a strong bond yet, which would be compelling to see unfold.

Gears of War: E-Day Sets the Stage For an Emotional Roller Coaster

Seeing First-Time Horrors Through Marcus’ Eyes

While much of Gears of War: E-Day remains a mystery, it has at least been confirmed that Marcus will serve as the playable protagonist. The prospect of playing as Marcus as he encounters the Locust Horde for the first time is chilling for many longtime fans, and it is bound to demonstrate how such a terrifying situation affected him. Gears of War: E-Day‘s version of Marcus Fenix may be far different from the battle-hardened stoic that has been featured.

As of now, there is no confirmed release date for
Gears of War: E-Day
.

This, of course, could be controversial, since so many love Marcus and Dom. Moving far away from their established character traits may be jarring for some at first, but it will make the foundations of the Gears of War franchise even stronger.