As such, Epic Games has revealed that Gears of War: Judgment — the forthcoming prequel to the numbered Gears of War games — will be much lighter in tone than past series entries. There will still be plenty of Locust death and destruction, mind you, but the development teams at Epic and People Can Fly are apparently going for a more “fun” atmosphere.

Speaking with Shacknews, Epic Games Writer Rob Auten shed a little more light on this change in tone, saying:

With a game that focuses more on the series’ comic relief characters it makes sense that Gears of War: Judgment would carry scenes that feature far more levity. And who doesn’t love seeing Baird or Cole crack wise? We’d be a bit uneasy about a different developer helping out, though, but People Can Fly showed off some of those comedic sensibilities with Bulletstorm (2010), a title that likely played a part in Epic Games handing over their franchise’s reigns.

And for those who like their chainsaw battles and curb stomping, the recent Spike VGAs trailer, which shed more light on the game’s post-Emergence Day story, confirmed that despite any change in tone this will still be a recognizable Gears of War experience.

As well, Writer Tom Bissell talked about the new interpersonal dynamics being introduced – a byproduct of a game that features characters fans of the series will be meeting for the first time. Rather than a previously established troop, Judgment will feature a mixture of familiar faces and new NPCs.

Based on Auten and Bissell’s comments it sounds like Gears of War: Judgment will be retaining much of what makes the franchise appealing, but will leverage the inherent personalities of its main characters to tell a story that doesn’t pull any punches and has its fair share of lighter moments. For a game that is coming at a time when many might be looking for the Gears series to evolve, we hope that some humorous writing isn’t the only trick People Can Fly has up their sleeve. And that the recent departures from Epic don’t impact development.

What do you think about Gears of War: Judgment featuring a lighter tone? What are you concerns about the game?

Gears of War: Judgment releases March 19, 2013 for the Xbox 360.

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Source: Shacknews