Ever since Microsoft acquired the rights to the Gears of War franchise from Epic Games, fans have been eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the celebrated series. Microsoft has prepared to cement Gears as one of their most important IPs, entrusting the franchise with the talented people at the studio now known as The Coalition, as they celebrate the history of Gears of War as well as look to the future of the series.

During Microsoft's E3 2015 press conference, Gears of War fans not only had the chance to see the much requested Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, but Microsoft offered a full on look at the gameplay of Gears of War 4. This came in the form of an epic debut trailer that ended Microsoft's conference on the right foot, and raised the bar high for the press conferences to follow that day, because Gears of War 4 met expectations and then some.

Right off the bat, it's easy to notice that the tone of the game appears to be more in line with the original Gears of War. That title invoked more of a horror vibe than its successors, and while Gears of War 2 and 3 are both excellent games in their own right, the atmospheric magic of the original has yet to be replicated. Judging by the trailer and the newly released screenshots (which can be seen below), Gears of War 4 is taking the series back to its grim, haunting roots.

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Microsoft has also unveiled the game's current box art, which can be checked out at the top of this page. The current box art is simply the Gears of War 4 logo, and a somewhat obscured image of JD, the brand new protagonist in the latest Gears of War adventure. Keep in mind that with the game's release nowhere in sight, it is highly unlikely that the current box art will remain by the time the game actually comes out, but for now, this is what Microsoft has planned.

Meanwhile, the four screenshots each tell their own story. They depict JD and the unnamed female protagonist exploring dark, dreary streets, charging forward and hunkering behind cover in typical Gears of War fashion. These screenshots also offer detailed looks at the new enemies making their debut in Gears of War 4. These creatures do share some similarity with the Locusts that the Cog Army battled in the original trilogy, but what they are exactly has yet to be revealed. Expect more details on these strange beasts in the coming months, possibly as soon as Gamescom in August.

What do you think of the Gears of War 4 screenshots? Is the game going to live up to the hype? Sound off in the comments!

Gears of War 4 will likely release at some point in 2016, and it will be exclusive to the Xbox One.

Source: VG24/7