Gears of War

If you want more: Third-person action in dark environments
Notable differences: Dramatically more action-oriented
Availability:
Gears of War: Ultimate Edition: Windows (Steam Deck Not Supported), Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Resident Evil 4 proved that it was possible to have the accuracy of a first-person shooter without removing all of your peripheral vision. The over-the-shoulder camera perspective, now a virtual standard, was one of its main appeals in 2004. In 2006, Gears of War took the idea and slapped on some snappy cover mechanics inspired by 2003’s Kill Switch. In doing so it would go on to inspire at least another two generations of cover-happy third-person shooters.

Gears of War also has a pretty dark setting, and clearly takes several beats from Resident Evil 4. Gears’ Berserkers, for example, can’t see you, leading to skirmishes in which you have to lead the beasts out into a more vulnerable position by tricking them with sound. That ought to feel a little familiar.

But Gears has far more action than even the most explosive Resident Evil game. And it isn’t nearly as spooky, nor are you typically as vulnerable as your average RE protagonist.

In addition to the first game, you should also check out the more recent entries, Gears of War 4 and 5, as they’re solid third-person action games that deliver nice enhancements to the original formula Epic Games perfected back in 2006.