Gears of War: Reloadedbrings back the story of the classic Xbox third-person shooter, remastered to reintroduce players to iconic characters from the franchise’s original title. Before the game’s official launch in August 2025, I returned to many different titles featuringGears of Warin some way. Beyond just sequels, I’ve found that there are some titles that pay homage to the series that are worth visiting again.
There are plenty of references toGears of Warin other franchises, with some even taking the time to have a crossover with the Xbox franchise. For example,Lost Planetfeatured Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago as playable characters, whileRocket Leaguehad the"Armadillo"vehicle as an exclusive car in the Xbox One version of the game. However, one game creates a cameo that no other has replicated.
Killer Instinct (2013) Features General Raam As A Guest Character
One Of Gears' Best Villains Is A Playable Fighting Game Character
The Kryll commander,General Raam, appears as a playable fighter in 2013’sKiller Instinct, an Xbox Arcade title meant to remaster and revive the 90’s arcade game of the same name. Featured as a guest character in Season 3 ofKiller Instinct’s DLC, Raam is more than just a direct cameo. This marks a collaboration between in-house studios under Xbox,as both game series were exclusive to the Xbox system for a time.
General Raam was not the only guest character from a known Xbox game series inKiller Instinct. The Arbiter from theHalofranchise was also included as a playable character, resembling a crossover withHalo 5at the time.
Killer Instinctis a fast-paced fighting game, filled with many characters from the original arcade titles. The 2013 game marks the third entry in the series, developed by two different teams over the course of its lifecycle. Seasons 2 and beyond ofKiller Instinctwere made by Iron Galaxy, whochose to include General Raam in 2016 as part of its line-up for another season of DLC characters.
General Raam is represented well, using many of his abilities from theGears of Wargame from which he originates. As one of the hardest bosses to beat inGears of War, and sure to return inGears of War: Reloaded’s remastered story gameplay, Raam’s presence inKiller Instinctmarks a far more detailed approach to the character than before. As a fighting game character, Raam has a complex move list and abilities he can use to take on other warriors.
General Raam Has Command Over Kryll In This Fighting Game
Drones Can Be Commanded To Chip Away At An Opponent’s Health
With a game likeKiller Instinct, there are tons of dangerous foes you go up against while playing General Raam. There are evil robots, genetically altered dinosaurs, Tibetan warriors, aliens made of ice, and warriors of shadow from other realms that Raam has to contend with. However,General Raam uses his massive knife and command over Kryll swarmsto fight inKiller Instinct, creating a unique playstyle.
From many matches as General Raam, I can say thathis greatest strengths come from being a grappling character, similar to Zangief fromvariousStreet Fightergames. Unlike other grappler archetypes though, Raam brings something unique to the table through his Kyrll. Using Kryll, Raam can create armor around himself, making it easier for him to close the distance on his opponents and stab them.
The large knife Raam wields gives him excellent range in his attacks, which can be used to initiate devastating combos.General Raam deals some of the highest damage in the game, due in part to how his Kryll can attach and drain life from enemies. When Kryll are stuck on an opponent, their health is slowing drained until they hit Raam, only recovering if they manage to keep the Kryll off for a short amount of time.
Free Rotating Characters Might Allow You To Play Raam Without Having To Buy The Game
Control The Locust General For A Limited Time Without Paying
For those hesitant to pick up afighting game likeKiller Instinct, there’s no need to worry about having to pay for a new game right away.Killer Instincthas a weekly rotating free character, allowing players to fully download the game and participate in all modes which whichever fighter is in the rotation. If General Raam is the current rotating character, you can go into any of the game’s modes with him, including:
There are 29 total fighters inKiller Instinct, so it may take some time before General Raam is the rotating character for the free version of the game. While you can play other characters during that time, each only lasts for one week.
Thankfully,Killer Instincttends to go on sale often, allowing you to buy the full Anniversary Edition of the game for as little as $10 at times. This will give you full access to the game’s roster, including General Raam and The Arbiter for the Xbox guests.
Since Marcus and the main protagonists ofGearsgames are usually the most featured in crossover material, the opportunity to play as General Raam is completely unique compared to other titles. If you’re waiting for the official release ofGears of War: Reloaded, I highly recommend tryingKiller Instinctand the playable Raam while you wait.
