IGN’s preview says Gears of War: E-Day’s multiplayer remains recognisably faithful to the series, while introducing control changes intended to make movement faster and more precise. The reviewer considers the new Horde Siege mode the most promising addition, suggesting it could be central to the game’s multiplayer appeal after the seven-year gap since the last mainline instalment.

The preview was based on around 10 hours with Versus and Horde Siege. E-Day separates cover, sprinting and vaulting/jumping onto the A button, left-stick click and Y button respectively; the reviewer says this initially requires adjustment but improves responsiveness and adds verticality. The beta’s Versus mode included four-player Team Deathmatch and Conquest on two symmetrical maps, Market and Outpost, while its close-range, shotgun-led combat remains largely unchanged.