Summary
Gears of War: E-Dayis poised to offer longtime series fans and newcomers alike the experience of a lifetime as it takes the series back to its most horrific roots — Emergence Day. According toGears of Warhistory, Emergence Day marks the day the Locust Horder emerged from holes in Sera’s surface and pushed humanity to the brink of extinction. In light of that, it’s possible that whenGears of War: E-Dayfinally launches, it will be the first title in the series like it, and presumably the darkest and most tragic. At the heart of that tragedy are series veteransMarcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago, who have always been known for the bond that they share with one another.
There are plenty of notable video game bromances, fromUncharted’s Nathan Drake and Victor Sullivan toThe Witcher’s Geralt and Dandelion. However, not many of these bonds run as deep as Marcus and Dom’s, primarily due to what they have both gone through together and as individuals standing side-by-side, fighting the same war. This is ultimately whyGears of War: E-Dayfinally has the chance to show why Marcus and Dom’s bond runs so deep, as it will show them facing a crisis that neither of them could have been ready for, and they will have no choice but to do it together.
How Gears of War: E-Day Can Redefine Marcus and Dom’s Origins
E-Day’s War-Torn Setting Gives Context to the Loyalty That Defined the Original Trilogy
The core ofGears of War: E-Day’s story is its war-torn setting, Emergence Day. WhileGears of War: E-Dayis set in Kalona, it’s the overarching conflict that really defines the day. Kalona wasn’t the only city attacked by the Locust Horde on Emergence Day, as the violence had spread far and wide across Sera. That being said, Kalona is famous for being one of the first cities to fall on Emergence Day, and with Marcus and Dom right there in the thick of it together, the setting gives context to the loyalty thatGears of Warfans grew accustomed to in the original trilogy.
Marcus and Dom both grew up in Ephyra, even thoughGears of War: E-Daysees them fighting the war in Kalona.
There is arguably no greater bond than that of two soldiers who fight alongside one another in war. They witness the same horrors, and they emotionally navigate the same tragedies, all while doing what they can to protect each other. This is whyGears of War: E-Dayis the perfect setup for Marcus and Dom’s deepening relationship. In light of how chaotic the game’s depiction of Emergence Day will be, it’s only natural that Marcus and Dom would grow closer as they attempt to fend off the suddenLocust Horde emergence.
Seeing Their Bond Form in Real Time Could Be the Franchise’s Most Emotional Story Yet
While Marcus and Dom’s relationship in theGears of Warseriesis one of its most memorable aspects, the original trilogy relied heavily on implication and backstory to sell their connection. Dom’s arc, especially inGears of War 3, hits hard because fans believe in the friendship he shares with Marcus, not because they actually saw its foundation being built.Gears of War: E-Daynow has the opportunity to change that by allowing players to see Marcus and Dom’s companionship form in real time, surrounded by the threat of the Locust Horde closing in on them.
In light of how chaotic the game’s depiction of Emergence Day will be, it’s only natural that Marcus and Dom would grow closer as they attempt to fend off the sudden Locust Horde emergence.
Prior toEmergence Day, Marcus and Dom already shared a strong bond with one another, after the death of Dom’s older brother and Marcus' best friend Carlos brought them together in a way nothing else could have.Gears of War: E-Day, on the other hand, will feature a more expansive tragedy for them to navigate, and it’s likely the very thing that makes their bond so strong in the originalGears of Wartrilogy. At the very least, fans finally get to see the ingredients that come together to form Marcus and Dom’s lasting friendship, and it should be the ultimate payoff.
