E-Day is one of the most important events inGears of War’s in-universe history. An abbreviation of “Emergence Day,” this event marked the beginning of the Locust invasion and the ensuingLocust-Human War, a conflict that would last for 17 years. This sudden invasion resulted in billions of deaths, with some even claiming that 25% of humanity was wiped out in an instant. The trailer forGears of War: E-Dayset this bleak tone well, showing the ferocity of the Locust forces and the widespread devastation left in E-Day’s wake.
But that doesn’t meanGears of War: E-Daycan’t have a little fun. The subject matter ofGears of War’s campaigns has always been mature, and often rather grim. But many entries have managed to break the tension with tongue-in-cheek Easter eggs, self-referential dialogue, and even some lighthearted game modes.Gears of War: E-Dayshould be no different, and there’s one potential game mode that would be great to see.
Gears of War: E-Day Should Feature a Thrashball Game Mode
Gears of War’s Thrashball Explained
Thrashball is one of the most popular sports on the planet of Sera, and it’s referenced multiple times throughouttheGears of Warfranchise. Thrashball is often brought up in connection with Augustus Cole, a COG soldier who used to play the sport professionally during the Pendulum Wars and just prior to E-Day.
A full canon ruleset ofGears of War’s Thrashball hasn’t been released, but the sport seems to take heavy inspiration fromAmerican Football, albeit with a few twists of its own. The general goal of Thrashball is to get the spherical ball to the opponent’s side of the field and score. That’s easier said than done, however, as Thrashball is a rather violent sport. Players are encouraged to slam opponents into circular pillars dotted around the arena, and use heavy shields to stop their opponents' offensive approach.
Fans got to see a Thrashball arena first-hand inGears of War 3’s aptly-named “Thrashball” multiplayer map. Though players couldn’t participate in the sport, they could see the pillar obstacles on the field, dash along the stands, and even visit the VIP box. Getting a kill onGears of War 3’s Thrashball mapwould also trigger the hanging scoreboard at the center of the map to chime and count up.
Thrashball was referenced inGears of War: E-Day’s announcement trailer, when a small figure of a Thrashball player is knocked off of Marcus Fenix’s TV stand.
How Thrashball Could Work in Gears of War: E-Day
It’s about timeGears of Warfans got a chance to play Thrashball for themselves, andGears of War: E-Daycould deliver that opportunity. On top of staple multiplayergame modes like Horde, Guardian, Warzone, and Wingman,Gears of War: E-Dayshould include a lighthearted Thrashball-inspired party mode, where teams need to dash to the opposite end of the field and avoid any opponents looking to slam them into walls.Gears of War: E-Daywouldn’t need to change its mechanics too much to fit the mode either, as gameplay would mostly consist of sprinting and dodging.
