Gears of War: E-Day review: a confident Xbox exclusive amid turmoil

The Verge reviewed Gears of War: E-Day, a prequel set 14 years before the original game. The cover shooter is praised for its tense action and spectacle, but it launches during Xbox's restructuring, which includes roughly 3,200 layoffs and a renewed focus on exclusives.

• E-Day is set 14 years before the original Gears of War
• Review praises tense cover shooter action and cinematic set-pieces
• Launch coincides with Xbox restructuring and about 3,200 layoffs
• Game is positioned as a Microsoft console exclusive