Hivebusters is the latest downloadable content (DLC) for Gears 5. This DLC has players venture into an offshoot of the main Gears 5 campaign and gives fans an deeper introduction to the three main characters of the games cooperative Escape mode, Mac, Lahni and Keegan.

In short, Scorpio Squad are sent on a mission of utmost importance from a familiar face to the franchise and after 6 missions and around 3 hours later, players will understand the origins of the Gears 5 Escape mode. Players will get a real understanding of the origins of the characters, the history of the Galangi islands and just how and why Scorpio Squad do what they do in Escape. This is definitely a must play for Escape mode fans and fans of the Gears series. Hivebusters does play more like the earlier Gears games as this takes you back to the linear story model and away from the semi-open-world of Gears 5.

Right from the start the player is thrown into the story as one of the team of misfits as their personality and passion shines, all while developing into the well-oiled machine that becomes Scorpio Squad. The personalities of the squad members are a great part of this adventure, with the immersion pulling the player into the story, which made me care for each of these characters. Each character will rip into each other with witty one-liners, support each other when times are tough and recall tales of the earlier years giving the player a good look at each characters personalities and backstory.

Hivebusters follows Scorpio Squad as they fight their way through the battle scarred Galangi Islands, while taking in the sights and sounds of this beautiful landscape, and what a site this is. The beauty of this scenery really starts to give players a glimpse of what the new generation of consoles are capable of. From the ripple of the water through to the detail of the characters faces, it is a thing of beauty.

Hivebusters plays true to the Gears 5 main game. The added bonus is the special ability that comes with each character in Escape mode. All three characters have a special ability that charges as you defeat enemies and can be used to assist in battle. They are:

• Mac – an energy shield that protects from enemy projectiles
• Lahni – an electrified blade that is used to melee kill enemies with ease
• Keegan – an ammo resupply box that replenishes ammo while active

Each of these abilities is upgradable but only through locating their respective collectibles throughout. So keep an eye out for these small rectangular boxes with the special ability logo glowing in yellow on them.

As with all Gears titles, there is blood, guts and gore and not really one for the kids to jump into, but we gamers aren’t bringing the little ones along for the ride in a Gears game. We are though, bringing our mates in and Hivebusters offers 3 player local and online co-op modes. For those well-trained Gears squads, make sure you up the difficulty as the initial Intermediate is pretty straightforward.

Xbox Gamer Dad for One More Game

9 – Amazing – as near to a 10 as you are going to get without it being a 10. It’s an amazing experience that just requires that little something else to make it a masterpiece. Your hard earned cash and time would be well spent here.

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Gears 5: Hivebusters was reviewed on an Xbox Series X and is also available on Xbox One and PC. Gears 5: Hivebusters is available for $29.95 of currently for free with Game Pass Ultimate.