Gears of War 3: RAAM's Shadow

 Xbox 360
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

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  1. Dragon
    Jan 24, 2012
    9
    This is a great DLC that comes with some memorable moments as well as some new characters and maps which add replay value to the game. Totally worth it, and yet another reason to get the season pass. There's too much here to miss.
  2. Kenmei
    Jan 1, 2012
    9
    This is good for what it is: A good piece of DLC. This isn't a brand new game and it shouldn't be reviewed as such. The price could use a bit of a decrease to at least 10 bucks, but there's nothing wrong with this DLC. It's got all the aspects, both good and bad, of Gears 3 and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes to play that game, especially online. Playing as RAAM in the campaign was aThis is good for what it is: A good piece of DLC. This isn't a brand new game and it shouldn't be reviewed as such. The price could use a bit of a decrease to at least 10 bucks, but there's nothing wrong with this DLC. It's got all the aspects, both good and bad, of Gears 3 and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes to play that game, especially online. Playing as RAAM in the campaign was a fun diversion to everything else and the fact that this also adds a few new characters, maps, and some weapon skins for multiplayer. If you like Gears 3, you'll like this DLC. If you didn't like Gears 3, then you definitely won't like this DLC.… Expand
  3. 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 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    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 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    … Expand
  4. 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 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,    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 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.    … Expand
  5. 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 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
  6. Sirdjay14228
    Dec 16, 2011
    9
    Great story driven shooter, a ton of replay value, huge online multiplayer element with many, many unlockables to be had. if you have a pulse buy this game !
  7. Susano
    Jan 26, 2012
    8
    Raam's Shadow is mostly Gears at it's best. Tight, gripping firefights, without any of that set-piece nonsense. At it's worst, you are General RAAM, locust general and fleeting novelty. Shredding COG's is at first quite fun, and his brutal executions are gratifyingly satisfying, but the funs over in about 10 minutes, and these bits drag on and on. The sections where you play as the COG areRaam's Shadow is mostly Gears at it's best. Tight, gripping firefights, without any of that set-piece nonsense. At it's worst, you are General RAAM, locust general and fleeting novelty. Shredding COG's is at first quite fun, and his brutal executions are gratifyingly satisfying, but the funs over in about 10 minutes, and these bits drag on and on. The sections where you play as the COG are better, partly thanks to level design, prtly thanks to super solid shooting. Raam's Shadow is a bit pricey, but worth getting. It's about 3 hours long, but it's a great 3 hours.… Expand
  8. L0stR3negade
    Dec 15, 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 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
  9. 4newsit
    Dec 15, 2011
    8
    Raam's Shadow offers essential gaming experience for fans of the saga, although not done too much light on the past of the various protagonists, is a must buy for fans of the series. Steel gameplay, more than three hours of additional campaign, with the possibility of a cooperative deal with up to four players should be enough for them to purchase the DLC.

    Please note that the cost of HB    Raam's Shadow offers essential gaming experience for fans of the saga, although not done too much light on the past of the various protagonists, is a must buy for fans of the series. Steel gameplay, more than three hours of additional campaign, with the possibility of a cooperative deal with up to four players should be enough for them to purchase the DLC.

    Please note that the cost of HB 1200 (or free if you purchased the "season pass"), you'll take home 5 acts of full-bodied single-player campaign, a brand new skin for weapons, six new multiplayer characters and 10 new targets for A total of 250 player points. Perhaps the price could not turn up their noses to the fans of this game, but our advice is to make us a little thought. http://www.4news.it/9985-recensione-raams-shadow-dlc-di-gears-of-war-3.php    … Expand
  10. deadwooddanimal
    Dec 14, 2011
    10
    This is a great dlc for anyone that enjoys gears of war, but is almost worth it just to support developers that care about their fans! This will show that single map packs, a new character, or one new weapon skin isn't worth our money. This is among the very best dlc packs that I have seen because there is so much content. A 4-5 hour campaign, 6 new characters, a weapon skin, and 10 newThis is a great dlc for anyone that enjoys gears of war, but is almost worth it just to support developers that care about their fans! This will show that single map packs, a new character, or one new weapon skin isn't worth our money. This is among the very best dlc packs that I have seen because there is so much content. A 4-5 hour campaign, 6 new characters, a weapon skin, and 10 new achievements all bring more replayability and value to an already brilliant game.… Expand
  11. Titan11
    Dec 14, 2011
    10
    rilliant! 10/10. - Excellent DLC pack. Truly brilliant at setting up the story for Gears 1 and seeing what it was like when the locust first came up. Tension was high throughout the whole DLC and the COG's battle to get to their destination before the sky became dark was great! My only bad point was it did get a little boring playing as RAAM, but still was nice to see their perspective. Irilliant! 10/10. - Excellent DLC pack. Truly brilliant at setting up the story for Gears 1 and seeing what it was like when the locust first came up. Tension was high throughout the whole DLC and the COG's battle to get to their destination before the sky became dark was great! My only bad point was it did get a little boring playing as RAAM, but still was nice to see their perspective. I really hope for more DLC like that in the future. Overall, Great work Epic (:

    Loved it! A must buy for all Gears fans. (:    … Expand
  12. FineapplePucker
    Dec 27, 2011
    10
    Gears of War 3: RAAM's Shadow is what every dlc should be. The overall package is well worth the money, and then some. The story behind Zeta squad and RAAM is excellent and the game provides much diversity in gameplay. The add-on goes back before Gears of War to the darker and more depressing roots providing a setting that reminds me of what made Gears of War and Gears of War 2's campaignsGears of War 3: RAAM's Shadow is what every dlc should be. The overall package is well worth the money, and then some. The story behind Zeta squad and RAAM is excellent and the game provides much diversity in gameplay. The add-on goes back before Gears of War to the darker and more depressing roots providing a setting that reminds me of what made Gears of War and Gears of War 2's campaigns so much fun. Even though you may already know the fates of certain characters the game still draws you in making anxious to find out what will happen to them. Playing as RAAM and his squad is also a new approach that is very well crafted. When playing as RAAM you walk around with your big butcher knife, and command kryll to decimate your cog foes while feeling nearly invincibly. This new combat style plus a new execution makes you feel like a badass.You should also definitely play in 4 player co-op. Don't worry about not playing as RAAM in co-op because the Theron Elite and the Maulers also have there own gameplay features that you should not skip out on, the retro sawed off with the theron and the reflective shields with the maulers. Despite the short 3-4 hour campaign, the high replay value makes up for it. Additionally, the new characters are brought out and introduced very well in this short time and fan favorites also return. New multiplayer skins, weapon skins, new achievements, and a solid campaign; what more could you ask for. I personally found this add-on more fun than the actual Gears 3 campaign due to the diverse gameplay and overall feel. This add-on is the perfect reason to buy the season pass and one of the reasons why I still play Gears of War 3. What are you waiting for? Get yourself a copy of Gears of War 3, some microsoft points, grab some friends, and have one hell of a good time.… Expand
  13. Jellosnake
    Jan 3, 2012
    9
    An absolutely fantastic addition. This add-on really kept the game fun for a decent price, even months after it's initial launch. Just what I needed to come back to it.
  14. PrinceHandsome
    Mar 16, 2012
    9
    RAAM's Shadow is definitely worth the fifteen dollar price tag. With a new two to three hour campaign and a ton of great new multiplayer skins, any fan of Gears of War should buy this add-on without a second thought.
  15. Professorfett
    Nov 11, 2018
    8
    Gears of War time wooo. For those of you that know I (Brandon) did not care for the latest addition to the series being Gears of War Judgment. If you were wondering and I know you were what Gears of War games I do like this DLC is exactly what I want. Is it short yes but it is also DLC and for 10 dollars I've seen bigger wastes of money on the Xbox live market place than a four hour DLC.Gears of War time wooo. For those of you that know I (Brandon) did not care for the latest addition to the series being Gears of War Judgment. If you were wondering and I know you were what Gears of War games I do like this DLC is exactly what I want. Is it short yes but it is also DLC and for 10 dollars I've seen bigger wastes of money on the Xbox live market place than a four hour DLC.

    The story is actually one I want to see adapted more often. It shows you two different sides of the story one from the heroes side and one from the villains side and that is something I've seen done in movies but not to
    often in games which is just a shame.The gears side of the story is you play as Barrick this balding cigar chomping overly badass of a badass. This guy is just an **** the entire game to everyone on his team. His team being good ole Lieutenant Kim (Gears of War), Tai (Gears of War 2) the deep philosophical brute, and another new character being Valera she is a COG trying to protect her people in this story they are attacking her home town so she has the most riding on this mission. There mission is evacuation because off this new General who can control these creatures known as Krill and they eat anyone alive that's in darkness. I do like how they bring back two familiar characters and show what they were doing before the events of the first game. Their story has everything I like about the Gears series it has climatic scenes and over the top characters and a pretty darn good ending if I might say. Raam's side of the story is destroy! Kill all humans! Block out the sun so your little pets can feast! That is his entire plot but I'll get into why it was amazing to play as him in a moment. The story is nothing deep but it did seemed a bit rushed the could've extended it by a couple of hours and made it just as good as the actual games.

    The sound quality is good I like the voice actor for Barrick he did fairly well. Too bad his character honestly was a pallet swap for Marcus Fenix they act very similar. Everything else with the sound is well Gears of War I don't know what to add that you don't already know.

    The game graphically is just like Gears 3 which it should be so look at that game and that's what to add. This is a DLC after all.

    The COG side of the gameplay plays exactly like Gears of War with about one difference. The only real change in how they play is how you use the Hammer of Dawn. Instead of it being portable it is a station you get only twice in the game and you go there and it turns into the top down look on the
    battlefield and that's how you use this super weapon from hell. Other than that it is exactly like every Gears of War on the market (except Judgment). Raam how ever plays very, very different. He is an unstoppable killing machine, you literally can't be hurt as long as the Krill surround you. What I love on top of being unstoppable is sending the Krill to eat people alive and the fact Raam uses a sword the entire time. Nothing is more satisfying then slowly walking up to some generic COG and cutting off his head. Sadly if you play this two player the second player is some generic Locust while player one is mother **** Raam.

    Overall I love this DLC I am just amazed on how much I loved playing the villain and then being the hero and defeating the villain I was just playing. This is only four hours but if you own Gears of War 3 and haven't downloaded this yet I say you must this is a must have DLC. I can't say good enough things about this I have to give this a high, high B+    … Expand
  16. M1sfiT
    Sep 3, 2023
    9
    Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaameeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees!!

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

Critic Reviews

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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. 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]
  2. 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]
  3. 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.
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