Three novels, like 20 comic books, and three video games later, I finally know the true story of everything this man has been through. I feel like I know him on a more personal level than I know other human beings, as I’ve experienced his trials of desperation and heartbreak firsthand. I have helped him overcome insurmountable odds as a sort of “operator” and after having completed his saga, I’m now realizing that it meant a lot more to me than I initially thought.

I finished Gears of War 3 early this mroing, and as I was staring bleary-eyed at the ending credits I thought to myself, “What was my favorite part about campaign mode?” It was then that I realized I was actually most excited for Gears 3 because I knew that Marcus and I would be getting some kind of closure. I’ve been anxious to know what would happen since 2008, and I don’t think I could have been more satisfied with everything that transpired. The entire game was poetic.

Every single COG had a defining moment where their true character was revealed and solidified; motivations that were previously glossed over were not only present, but pivotal in the storyline. Epic embraced each character they’ve spent over half a decade creating, using flashbacks and monologues to humanize the people we’ve formerly regarded as little more than meaty vessels of death, and it brought a whole new element to the trilogy that made this game stand out even more than its predecessors.

I don’t think I’ve ever cared as much about a game as I have about Gears of War. While I am sad to know that this first trilogy in the universe has come to its destructive end, I remain hopeful that we’ll see something new appear in a few years’ time. I’d love to revisit Sera and witness the aftermath. I’d love to see how the Stranded react to what happen, and whether or not they remain openly hostile to the COG. I’d love to witness and help humanity rebuild.

I’d love to see how Marcus and the rest of Delta Squad is coping.