Image via Complex Original
The excitement around the Epic Games' Gears of War: Judgement has finally hit its apex with the title hitting store shelves today. Fans of the celebrated franchise have long awaiting the return of the battle between the COG army and blood-thirsty Locusts. Since Judgement is a prequel, you can expect a lancer clip full of history into the events that led up to what went down in the first, second and third Gears of War titles.
Before you fire up your console and dive into the great war, we felt that you should be completely armed with the knowledge of what you're up against. The Locusts have always been a tough enemy to fight against and though you may think you know everything there is about them, you don't. We spoke to the developers over at Epic to find out a few tidbits on the hardcore aliens and the intel we came away with was awesome. Take a good look at these 10 Things You Never Knew About The Locusts In Gears Of War and become an expert on the history some of the most feared creatures in video games.
10. The Locust Were Named After "Ghosts"
The Locusts were originally called "The Geist" – another name for "ghost. " There was lore about them at first: they were the things that go bump in the night, but then people started to go missing. We changed the name after a game came out using "Geist" for its title before we shipped "Gears of War."
9. The Females Are Tougher Than The Males
The Berserker is actually a Locust "female". She is larger and more formidable than her male counterparts. Beserkers are also blind and find prey through echo location.
8. Locust Hunters Speak Differently Than Drones
Locust Hunters have a distinct battle cry that differentiates them from other Drones, as well as a separate repertoire of human words. Because of this, you can always tell when they're on the battlefield, even if you can't see them.
7. Reavers Have Weak Stomachs
Reavers have a highly vulnerable soft red spot on the underside of their belly. If you're fast enough (and brave enough), charging in with a Sawed-off Shotgun and hitting that spot at point blank range is incredibly effective.
6. Small Corpsers Are Easier To Kill When They Roar
Smaller Corpsers have a moment of vulnerability when they roar. As their legs raise up you can charge in and chainsaw them right between the eyes.
5. Wretches Are Second Class To The Locust
Wretches were originally conceived as skinny humanoids, almost like slaves to the larger more robust Locust. They also have a handle on their back so that larger Locust like the Boomers can pick them up and throw them into battle like a siege weapon.
4. Animal Lovers Would Especially Hate The Locusts
The Locust are technologically proficient, but prefer to use natural resources to the best of their ability. This is why their barges, blimps, and other "vehicles" are all powered by living creatures. They even have a symbiotic relationship with creatures like the Brumak and Corpser, using them not only in battle, but to aid in their subterranean terraforming efforts.
3. The War Could Have Easily Been Avoided
The Locust Queen, Myrrah, originally vied for peace with the humans, but they were too slow to react and as the imulsion was infecting her Locust at an alarming rate, they had no choice but to escape to the surface and take it by force.
2. Breachshot Rifles Are Made Of Evil
The Rager uses a Breechshot rifle, which is actually a UIR Markza rifle that has been modified to be even more deadly and brutal than even the Gorasnian army could have conceived.
1. Emergence Day Was Planned
General Karn was the true mastermind behind E-Day. His strategy was to first target infrastructure and weaken the COG machine, which led to panic and confusion amongst the Seran population. The overwhelming success of his plan is evident throughout the series. For example, this is why there are no fixed wing aircraft in any of the games.
