Improvements to combat make it a way more enjoyable affair than Gears 1-2. Nearly all changes and new enemy types are here to force you out of cover and throw you out of position, which coupled with better level layouts make for more dynamic and interesting shootouts. Lambent aren't that different from locust as an enemy to fight, but even their presence alone often creates interesting encounters where you get ambushed by both enemy powers from opposing sides. It still is not like astonishingly great, with yucky dialogue bringing down some actual striking moments of loss and dread. Nonetheless: easily the most likeable game out of the first trilogy.