MagicWithEarvin
Member
MetaCritic
9.2/10 from IGN
People Can Fly is exactly what Gears of War needed. The Bulletstorm developer brings a bold new energy to Epic Games’ excellent (but overly familiar) action series. It presents such refreshing and disruptive ideas to Gears of War: Judgment's campaign that it has an effect comparable to the original’s in 2006. During the introduction, the sights are almost impossibly beautiful. Halfway through, I realized this is the best third-person shooter around. By the end, it's clear that it’s paving a path other developers could (and hopefully will) follow.
9/10 from Destructoid
Gears of War 3 was still a great little game, but represented the kind of step down indicative of a series that's running out of steam. Gears of War: Judgment puts paid to that impression, proving there's plenty of vitality in Epic's flagship yet; provided it's willing to try some new spins on its established formula. OverRun alone is worthy of praise, but there's just so much stuff going on in this package, there's something for all followers of the series. A few of Judgment's experiments may not be as fondly received as others, but overall it's hard to complain about a game that tries so much, and succeeds in almost all its endeavors.
4.5/5 from Joystiq
Whether it's multiplayer or single-player, Gears of War: Judgment proves that, for all of the series' trademark spectacle and flair, it all boils down to executing simple combat concepts well. A diligent approach to ensuring that no two encounters are the same keeps it from ever feeling stagnant or like a waste of your time. You're always moving, constantly pushing through the next enemy stronghold, never sure of what you'll face, and it's always harrowing.
4/5 from GamesRadar
Judgment evolves the franchise, giving it a strong, new identity without diminishing the events of the original trilogy. Declassified Missions are a brilliant concept that are executed in a great way, and the new multiplayer modes are worthy successors to Horde. Gears of War: Judgment tells a story that didn't really need to be told about a time that didn't need explanation, but it does it so well you'll be happy to take a trip back in time for a quick trial.
3/5 from GiantBomb
Despite my feelings that Baird is the most extraneous character in the Gears universe and a general feeling after Gears 3 that I was completely done with this franchise, Judgment is still a good time. It doesn't let its story get in the way of its action, and the declassified modifiers had me playing Gears in ways that I normally wouldn't, making for a more interesting challenge than the typical difficulty settings offer. But the lack of maps just sucks every last bit of life out of the multiplayer, regardless of its new modes.
3/5 from Rev3Games