The Coalition reveals some of the new weapons and enemy types that players will encounter when playing the upcoming Gears of War 4 after it launches later this year.

Since the beginning of the franchise, one of the most important pieces to the Gears of War puzzle has been brutal, creative weaponry. The chainsaw lancer, for example, has become a symbol for Gears of War in general, and The Coalition hopes that some of the new weapons introduced to franchise fans in Gears of War 4 will develop a similar following.

Besides the previously confirmed combat knife, The Coalition has now revealed two more new weapons that fans can expect to use in Gears of War 4. Firstly, there's the Dropshot. The Dropshot originated as construction equipment, and what it does is launch aerial mines with drills attached to them. Players hold in the right trigger to launch these mines, which will then go in a straight line until the player lets go of the trigger. At that point, the mines drop straight down (hence the weapon's name) and either drill a hole into the skull of an unsuspecting foe, or explode upon making contact with the ground.

Joining the Dropshot in the ranks of Gears of War 4's arsenal of new weapons is the Buzzkill. This rapid-fire killing machine was also fashioned from construction equipment, and it sends saws flying in all directions. These saws are capable of ricocheting off walls, and if players aren't careful with it, can even cause damage to JD Fenix and the other protagonists in the game.

Players will be able to utilize the Dropshot, the Buzzkill, and returning favorites such as the Gnasher and Lancer to take on Gears of War 4's monsters, the Swarm. The Coalition has revealed six Swarm enemy types that players will encounter in Gears of War 4's campaign and multiplayer so far, ranging from standard foot soldier-like foes to more imaginative dangers.

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There will be four different drone enemies in the game, each filling a different combat role, similar to many of the Locust archetypes encountered in past Gears of War games. For example, players can expect to do battle against drones that are snipers, grenadiers, and more in Gears of War 4.

Other than the drones, players will also do battle with the creepy-looking Juvies, which are slimy, fast-moving creatures that are especially dangerous in groups. There's also the armored Pouncers, which were actually seen for the first time in the Gears of War 4 E3 2015 gameplay reveal trailer.

From the looks of things, it appears as though these new weapons and enemies will be mixing up the typical Gears of War formula quite a bit, while still remaining true to the spirit of the franchise. The Dropshot and Buzzkill should give players even more creative ways to take out their enemies, and the new threat the Swarm presents should keep even veteran Gears players on their toes. With a Gears of War 4 multiplayer beta scheduled for next month, fans won't have to wait long to experience some of the new weapons and enemies coming in what may be the year's biggest Xbox One exclusive game.

Gears of War 4 will be available later this year, exclusively for Xbox One.

Source: Game Informer