If there is one thing that pairs perfectly with the chainsaw-revving, monster-slaying chaos of the Gears of War franchise, it is pure, unadulterated mechanical power. The kind of chest-rattling force that makes the ground shake and leaves your ears ringing. Xbox is gearing up for one of its most highly anticipated releases, and they are taking things directly to the drag strip. In a collaboration that nobody saw coming but everyone suddenly wants to witness, the upcoming Gears of War: E-Day is getting its own dedicated National Drag Racing Championship (NDRC) Nitro Funny Car.
Before we talk about the game itself, we need to talk about the machine. Created in partnership with Rocket Industries, this custom-wrapped Nitro Funny Car is a mechanical beast that genuinely matches the aggressive energy of the Locust Horde. We are talking about a rocket on wheels that unleashes over 11,000 horsepower and launches from zero to 500 km/h in less than four seconds.
Behind the wheel of this terrifyingly fast vehicle is Justin Walshe, the 2024 national champion and record holder in the NDRC. Earlier this year at the Nitro Champs, Walshe set the NDRC Nitro Funny Car Speed Record with a blistering 525.79 km/h pass, the fastest ever recorded in Australia.
Morice McMillin, CEO of Rocket Industries, summed the partnership up perfectly: “Combining pure mechanical power with the legendary Gears of War universe creates a high-octane tribute to E-Day that both drag racing and gaming fans will love.” The car is set to make its competitive debut at the Haltech East Coast Nationals at Sydney Dragway on 26 and 27 September, before tearing up Adelaide’s Spry Spring Nationals at The Bend from 22 to 25 October.
But why the massive real-world spectacle? It is all to celebrate Gears of War: E-Day. For nearly two decades, this franchise has defined the Xbox brand with its heavy, intense action. E-Day serves as a prequel, winding the clock back 14 years before the original game to Emergence Day, the terrifying moment the subterranean Locust Horde first burst through the planet’s crust to wage war on humanity. It is a gritty, desperate story of brotherhood and survival, refocusing on the franchise’s iconic duo, Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago, during humanity’s absolute darkest hour.
While E-Day is a new chapter, it is built on a very established foundation. If you are entirely new to the series, you might be wondering how it actually plays. Gears of War essentially invented the modern third-person cover shooter. What it does exceptionally well is visceral, weighty combat. Every time you slam your character into a concrete pillar for cover or perfectly time an ‘Active Reload’ for a damage boost, it feels incredibly satisfying. The weapons have a real sense of impact, especially the iconic Lancer assault rifle with its underslung chainsaw bayonet.
If you are wondering whether Gears of War: E-Day is going to be your style of game, take a look at your recent gaming library. If you loved the heavy-armoured, swarm-slaying brutality of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, or the desperate, chaotic co-op survival of Helldivers 2, you are going to feel right at home here. It is all about holding the line against overwhelming odds with an arsenal of oversized weapons.
Fans can officially get their hands on the game when the global launch begins on 6 October. However, if you simply cannot wait, picking up the Gears of War: E-Day Premium Edition will grant you up to five days of early access, unlocking the game at 1:00 am AEST on 2 October. The game will be available on Xbox Series X/S, PC, and will be included on Game Pass.
