Gears 5 was actually a great game to me. Much better than 4. I'm wondering if all these critics even played the game...
I have to agree - it's better than 4 on every level, and the only real issue you can leverage at it is the cover mechanics feel the same as all the other gears. I HATED 4. I play a chapter of 5 every once in a while and have fun.
Also, I think they should move from cover mechanics on the next game, theres enough lore and interesting things to switch it up a bit.