The Gears 5 Versus Tech Test was recently announced to be kicking off on July 19 for Xbox One and Windows 10 players. Today, the game"s developer, The Coalition, has revealed details regarding the brand new Arcade mode that will be featured in this test, along with a new trailer showcasing the aforementioned mode has been released as well.
Arcade Deathmatch will comprise of two teams, each consisting of five players, aiming to get 50 kills before their opponent teams. Gears 5 versus players will initially be able to experiment with five different heroes, each offering a different role. These include Kait and the Swarm Hunter, Marcus and the Swarm Grenadier, and more. The Coalition has stated that a much wider array of heroes will be available upon the game"s full release.
A new spin will be offered on the basic team death match scenario; each elimination will provide players with skulls that can be used to upgrade each character"s unique weapon tree - even during fights. Skulls won"t disappear upon deaths, and they can be earned faster by using character-specific bounties. Furthermore, headshot damage will be increased in Arcade to make the mode more fast-paced. Slide cancels will also have longer cooldowns in comparison to other modes, which will make "wall bouncing" a less recurring action.
The Coalition recently revealed that all smoking references had been removed from Gears 5, a move that has led to some controversy, with people questioning the removal of tobacco usage in a series that includes heavy violence, strong language, and gore - features that are apparent in the new trailer as well.
The full game will be released on September 10. However, those who have pre-ordered the title or are subscribed to Xbox Game Pass will be able to play the new Arcade mode and more in the first Versus Tech Test set to begin on July 19, 10 a.m. PT. The second period of technical testing will kick off exactly one week later on July 26.