Gears of War 4 did not deserve the ridicule that I was heaping on it from the second I first saw gameplay video. Sometimes I just get defensive of my favorite franchises and want them to strive for better over striving for more. Gears of War 4 made me realize that more is more than ok.

After skipping Judgment, it had been too long since I had a good run with Gears. Gears 4 is as solid as you get with AAA video games, and the franchise continues to be a fantastic full package. Granted, I would buy a Gears game just to play an updated Horde mode, but I still love some classic multiplayer as well. The bonus that made Gears 4 a bit of a steal was that it managed to tell the best Gears story yet and move beyond it's bro-roots. At the same time, having ridiculous nostalgic moments with my Gears bros is just the icing on the cake.

I like Gears of War 4 for being comfortable in its own skin and being fun to play no matter what. It's one of my favorite games to co-op and there's nothing here that let me down as a Gears fan. Thanks for revving it up one more time, Gears of War 4.

Games of 2016

Throughout January, the Games of 2016 will lead the way towards The 2016 Grimmys - Horrible Night's Games of the Year Awards.