Gears of War 3: RAAM's Shadow

 Xbox 360
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. EGM
    Jan 3, 2012
    100
    If you are a Gears of War fan, this is a great little untold story in the timeline of the series and when you throw in new characters and weapon skins for multiplayer, this is a must have for all fans of the series and is most definitely worth the price tag.
  2. Multiplayer.it
    Dec 10, 2011
    90
    Even if RAAM's shadows doesn't add any really new element to the famous Gears of War mechanics, it's such a well crafted DLC, worth of every fan time and attention.
  3. XGN
    Dec 27, 2011
    85
    We sure hope Epic Games will continue to develop more singleplayer DLC for Gears of War 3, because RAAM's Shadow was an absolute blast. It is everything that the Gears of War singleplayer fan could hope for. It's unfortunate you will see the credits in less than four hours, but the high replayability makes up for that.
    All this publication's reviews
  5. TeamXbox
    Dec 21, 2011
    85
    RAAM's Shadow is worth your $15 investment. The campaign will take you 3 - 4 hours to complete on the Normal Difficulty.
  6. AusGamers
    Dec 15, 2011
    84
    If you've been searching for a Gears of War fix, this DLC has got you covered, taking you back to before E-Day when humanity still had a chance and giving you a look through your enemy's eyes.
  7. Gaming Target
    Dec 14, 2011
    84
    Even though it's short, pricey and put together by some sort of writing B-team, Raam's Shadow is the best Gears of War 3 DLC yet.
  8. 3DJuegos
    Dec 19, 2011
    83
    RAAM's Shadow is a must download for every Gears of War gamers, and although the five acts will be finished in two or three hours, the RAAM's portions of the game are interesting from a conceptual point of view.
  9. GameShark
    Dec 8, 2011
    83
    However, for all its posturing, the add-on is an extension of an experience you already enjoy. For even casual fans this is a worthwhile grab, but anyone who's already had their fill of muscled necks and chainsaws will probably find this indistinguishable from what they've already played.
  10. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Feb 27, 2012
    80
    This whole new chapter of the popular series allows you to try the other side. Finally you can see the world from the perspective of a high-ranked Locust general. [Jan 2012]
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  11. Pelit (Finland)
    Jan 10, 2012
    80
    RAAM's Shadow offers more of the same old Gears action. If you like Gears, you'll like RAAM's Shadow. If you don't, you'll still hate it. [Jan 2012]
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  12. ZTGD
    Jan 5, 2012
    80
    RAAM's Shadow is a solid 3-4 hour romp that Gears fans will definitely enjoy. Whether you simply cannot get enough cover-based action, or you want a small piece of the story that was never told, you cannot go wrong with this content. The price is right for the amount of content, and Season Pass owners can download it for free. I am glad to see Epic creating content not just for online users, as I truly enjoyed tearing through this extension of the single player campaign.
  13. Eurogamer Portugal
    Jan 3, 2012
    80
    Raam's Shadow is a great complementary experience and it is well worth the price of 1200 MS points.
  14. Gamereactor Sweden
    Dec 19, 2011
    80
    Creative and fun, Raam's Shadow gives Gears 3 fans a couple of great gaming hours.
  15. Cheat Code Central
    Dec 15, 2011
    80
    It's not bad by any means, it's just a shame none of it feels like something you need to experience; instead, RAAM's Shadow ends up feeling like a bland desert after an incredible feast.
  16. Official Xbox Magazine
    Dec 13, 2011
    80
    An abbreviated runtime (three to four hours per playthrough) and the absence of any new gameplay modes don't diminish the joy of facing RAAM in a boss fight, or of leveling a building to crush a string of Seeders, or of defending against a horde of Reavers. It's these Gears-specific thrills that make RAAM's Shadow a short but worthy co-op–able history lesson told with guns and roadie runs.
  17. Eurogamer
    Dec 13, 2011
    80
    Sustained by the strength of the moment-to-moment play, this add-on packs a punch. While Raam's abilities are arguably too straightforward to sustain a full game, they fit a shorter DLC mission perfectly. Meanwhile, the structure that has you switching between two warring sides as they close in on one another is interesting and well executed, resulting in a strong, worthwhile expansion.
  18. Eurogamer Spain
    Dec 9, 2011
    80
    A worthwhile addition to the Gears universe especially appeling for fans, as it lets you visit some unexplored past events of the war between humans and Locusts.
  19. Eurogamer Italy
    Dec 9, 2011
    80
    Although Zeta Squad doesn't compare to Delta Squad in both attitude and personality, Raam's Shadow manages to deliver a fast paced, action packed experience that will surely please both fans and newcomers to the franchise.
  20. GameTrailers
    Dec 14, 2011
    79
    Clocking in at just two and a half hours, Raam's Shadow is quite brief for its $15 price tag. The intense tried-and-true gameplay is there and it has some fun moments, but the story feels insignificant, and it's over before you know it.
  21. Extreme Gamer
    Dec 16, 2011
    75
    When it comes down to it Raam's Shadow has enough twists to dull out the pain of the B-Listing Zeta Squad.
  22. Destructoid
    Dec 14, 2011
    75
    The two final skirmishes in particular feel internally consistent and well-realized and are great examples of the dynamism possible within Gears' ostensibly rigid and heavy framework.
  23. IGN
    Dec 13, 2011
    75
    A good addition to the Gears of War universe and offers three to four hours of new content. While the dialogue isn't great, new weapons appear in the past, and we've battled countless wretch attacks before, when the credits roll this was a journey worth taking.
  24. SpazioGames
    Dec 12, 2011
    75
    It's a failry good DLC, yet here and there you can see it's been packed up to quickly, lacking the polish of the main campaign.
  25. Games Master UK
    Feb 15, 2012
    71
    Intriguing flashback but RAAM's Shadow lacks the polish we expect from the series. [March 2012, p.93]
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  26. Eurogamer Germany
    Jan 17, 2012
    70
    Our enthusiasm is only held back by the dozy and overpowered RAAM, who has nothing to add to the formula, but instead strips away most of what is good about Gears. But not to worry, his part is over quickly and then it´s back to the familiar role in some fresh surroundings.
  27. GameOver.gr
    Dec 22, 2011
    70
    The "prequel" campaign is well written and gives some interesting feedback on the universe of Gears, but it's quite short and the protagonists are bland. It would be better to wait a "deal of the week" price drop before you get your hands on this.
  28. IncGamers
    Dec 19, 2011
    70
    Like almost all DLC it falls well short of mimicking the impact of the original game, but that's to be expected from a three hour/1200 MS Point experience.
  29. Metro GameCentral
    Dec 14, 2011
    70
    Inessential but entertaining prequel campaign that offers a medley of enemies, weapons and set pieces from throughout the trilogy.
  30. GameSpot
    Dec 14, 2011
    70
    RAAM's Shadow delivers good Gears action and a novel way to wreak havoc, but it's hampered by uneven pacing and a lackluster narrative.
  31. Thunderbolt
    Dec 31, 2011
    60
    Ultimately Raam's Shadow provides all the things the series has been about from the beginning, mixing the most up-to-date mechanics with a known origins story that's simultaneously disposable and perhaps crucial for the hardcore fans. What it doesn't provide, however, is anything that'll change your mind either way.
  32. Gamekult
    Dec 16, 2011
    60
    Quotation forthcoming.
  33. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    Dec 11, 2011
    60
    We can generally overlook a bit of going-through-the-motions in campaign add-ons, but not when the add-on in question mishandles the backstory of a trilogy that defined a genre. Though serviceable, RAAM's Shadow never does its own premise justice.

Awards & Rankings

79
#79 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2011
92
#92 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2011
58
#58 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2011

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 66 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 66
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 66
  3. Negative: 6 out of 66
  1. GTMippey
    Dec 18, 2011
    10
    Gears of War 3: RAAM's Shadow is the first story-driven piece of DLC for Gears 3, and hopefully not the last. This bite-sized campaign hits aGears of War 3: RAAM's Shadow is the first story-driven piece of DLC for Gears 3, and hopefully not the last. This bite-sized campaign hits a lot of highs in a short amount of time, and is thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end.

    Playing as Michael Barrick and Zeta Squad is refreshing, after being given heavy doses of Marcus Fenix and Delta over the course of Gear's lifespan. Granted, you will care more about the characters if your knowledge of the Gears universe comes from more than just the games, as Barrick and Tai Kaliso feature in the comics and the books. The story itself is simple, and serves as a prequel to Gears 1. The objective is to evacuate civilians from Iilima before the Kryll Storm hits, and for what the story is, it works well. There's often a sense of impending doom and isolation, knowing you're amongst the last squads in the city. The gameplay is varied, and although you'll spend the bulk of your time blasting Locust, the game offers up different, exciting scenarios and set-pieces each time. One minute you're crushing Seeders with buildings, the next you're trodding through an empty school in darkness, with something haunting your every step. The DLC gives off some nostalgia that harkens back to Gears 1, and this is amplified by the return of emergence holes, beserkers and not to mention, the titular character.

    Of course, I'm referring to General RAAM, who makes a grand re-appearance. It's good to see Epic listens to their fans. He's as much of a badass as you remember, and this time, you can step into his shoes during certain parts of the story. These sections play out the same the whole time, but they never last too long and definately give you a sense of power. For me, however, it was a strange feeling to kill Gears so easily and quickly, as the games and companion novels spend so much time making us care about the COG and their plight, and show them as tough, battle-hardened warriors. It felt oddly out of place to just mercilessly slaughter them in the hundreds. But, that's a side of battle we haven't seen yet in the games, and it was good to get a different perspective nonetheless.

    The multiplayer works just as you'd expect, 4 player coop the whole game. The extra players play as the other members of Zeta Squad, and during the Locust sections, members of RAAM's personal entourage (2 Special Maulers with reflective shields and a Theron with a Bayonet-Enhanced Sawn-Off.) If you played coop in Gears 3 already, then you know what to expect. Good multiplayer fun.

    RAAM's Shadow isn't the deepest or longest piece of the Gears universe, but it fits right in to it, and offers up various bite-size chunks of the Gears gameplay we know and love, with the added twist of playing as
    the biggest badass of the series. If you're a Gears fan, or even a newcomer, it's definitely worth checking out.    … Full Review »
  2. KingNothing94
    Dec 14, 2011
    8
    While a little short, the DLC is pretty good for the price. You get a short story filled with references to previous Gears games, comics orWhile a little short, the DLC is pretty good for the price. You get a short story filled with references to previous Gears games, comics or novels, which, if like me, you're a fan of the Gears Of War universe, you will definitely enjoy it. Playing as RAAM is predictably awesome. Even if you are overpowered, it's a blast to point at a Gear and have a swarm of Kryll mince them.
    That said, it IS quite short. I managed a playthrough in 2 and a half hours. But hey, it's DLC so they can't unload too much or the file size would be immense. It doesn't add anything new to the game but continues the formula laid down by the main campaign as you'd expect it to be. Over all, a worthwhile purchase for me    … Full Review »
  3. The-BEAST
    Dec 16, 2011
    10
    In a day with 15 dollar dlc with only 3 maps. this dlc comes as a pleasent surprize. Comes with a Campaign that will talk about 3 hours moreIn a day with 15 dollar dlc with only 3 maps. this dlc comes as a pleasent surprize. Comes with a Campaign that will talk about 3 hours more or less. Gun skin and 5 or 6 new charecters that can be used in multiplayer with additional acheviements. Well worth it and free with the season pass, how can i complain… Full Review »
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