A little over a month after Gears of War:Judgment release and we are looking at our first DLC which released today. Call to Arms is free to those that have the season pass, and 1000 microsoft points for those without one. Everything is multiplayer based but it gives you 3 new maps, 6 new skins for characters and weapons, a new multiplayer mode entirely, and of course 10 new achievements for you to hunt for.
Maps
Terminal: The speed and ferocity of the Locust invasion took Halvo Bay completely by surprise. Residents scrambled to evacuate by every means possible, and COG forces were called in to maintain order as martial law was enforced. However, the Locust showed no mercy, and gave no quarter; they swept through train terminals like this one to take advantage of the close quarters and sheer number of defenseless humans trapped within its walls. Sometimes, COG forces could hold the line long enough for a final evacuation, but too many lost their lives in defense of the people and the land they loved.
This specific map is only for the Over Run mode. The layout works well and when I played seemed balanced as far as being defensible, as well as being able to get in as locust. I played Engineer when play COG and it was easy to spot place to throw the turret so it was harder to hit while I repaired things. As locust I played the Ticker to start out with (which was fun on this map as for as places to crawl through and such) and the Grenadier. The grenadier on one side takes a bit more to get at the e-hole cover with grenades than the other, but if you’ve broken down the barriers to that point it doesn’t take a lot to get at the covers minus a few good pushes if you are paired with a good team and against an equally good team.
Blood Drive As casualties started to mount, the staff at Halvo Memorial quickly began what would become the largest triage effort in the history of Sera. Their “Give Blood Today” campaign inspired a global blood drive in support of COG forces and wounded civilians. Sadly, Halvo fell quickly, and the hospital became a battlefront instead of a sanctuary. The seed of hope was planted, however, and government-run Memorial hospitals across the country mobilized to keep the effort alive until Jacinto Memorial was the last standing bastion of hope for the people of Sera.
This map is very similar to the one you have seen previously. Only difference is different swaps on the map, and some extra areas to roam through that provide some great sniping positions. I played a game of Free For All on this map and it’s not too large for a smaller number of players, but it’s not so small that the max number of players will make it too chaotic to actually play a good game.
Boneyard The concept of traditional memorial services had to be suspended due to the constant stream and alarming volume of casualties as Sera fell victim to the Locust Horde. Memorial grounds quickly became boneyards. Unmarked holes became grave sites and mausoleums were filled with the nameless remains of the fallen, their skeletons piled into heaps. Tread lightly, you never know what, or who, you’re walking on, and one day you’re bound to join them.
This map is a bit harder with less people. I played with 6 people rather than 10. You could almost walk past someone and not even notice due to the twists and turns and staircases. It does make for some interesting kills on occasion as well as some great sniper spots. It is a map you will have to watch your back on, or listen for footsteps coming your way. All of the power weapons also spawn far enough apart that you have plenty of fair shots getting your hands on one.
Game Mode: Master At Arms
So, did you have fun with free for all, or want more of a challenge from it? Master at Arms may be the solution. This mode is a variation of Free-For-All where you have to get a kill with each of the 20 weapons available to you without using melee or grenade tactics. This will present more of a challenge, and is a nice way to phase out the melee kills that have frustrated some. I personally am looking forward to see where this game mode goes in the future.
Achievements
You looking at me?: (20g) Win a Team Death match game with the entire team wearing the Car 13 Armor skin (Public/Ranked only)
Like a Boss: (15g) Place First in Free For All on Boneyard 5 times (Public/Ranked only)
Old School Marathon: (10g) Play 10 matches total on BloodDrive (Public/Ranked)
Long Bomb: (10g) Earn the “You’re It” ribbon on Boneyard (Public/Ranked)
Captain Sera: (10g) Earn a killing spree with the boomshield on Boneyard (Public/Ranked)
All Aboard!: (25g) Win Hardcore survival on Terminal with 5 Soldiers
Professional Locust: (75g) Kill 100 enemies with each Locust
Surprise!: (10g) Get a double while emerging as a Corpser (Public/Ranked)
Don’t you die on me!: (25g) Revive 100 total teammates on Terminal as a Medic (Public/Ranked)
BOOSHKA!: (50g) Earn 50 double ribbons with the Booshka on Terminal (Public/Ranked)






