Best Cover-Based Shooter Games Ever

by

During the 1980s and 90s, most shooting games focused on fast-paced action – players simply ran and shot enemies. Whether it was a 2D side-scroller like Contra or a first-person shooter like Doom, the emphasis was on relentless offense, as if players were invincible. This began to change with the introduction of cover mechanics in games like the arcade title Time Crisis.

In 2003, the game Kill Switch brought a significant change to home consoles, even though it was a fairly standard third-person shooter on systems like the PS2 and Xbox. Its innovative cover system was the standout feature. While not widely remembered today, it was an important development. The following games all built upon this idea and define the cover shooter genre at its best.

Gears Of War

Run Roadie, Run

Many fans still consider the original Gears of War the strongest title in the series. It’s often credited with popularizing the cover-based shooter genre. Players controlled a small team and could experience the campaign with a friend in cooperative play.

Players had to find cover quickly, or the Locust enemies would defeat them. Even though Marcus Fenix is tough, he’s still vulnerable. The game felt amazing – the shooting was satisfying, running for cover was exciting, and the chainsaw gun was incredibly impressive. Now, PlayStation players can experience it all with Gears of War: Reloaded, the definitive way to play this classic.

Mass Effect 2

A Squad-Based RPG

Many fans consider Mass Effect 2 to be the strongest game in the Mass Effect trilogy. While all three games are excellent and best experienced in order, the second installment stands out for its compelling and darker storyline.

The game largely played like the first one, but with some improvements. Limited ammunition made battles more stressful, forcing players to carefully direct their companions and effectively use their special abilities. It’s rare to find an RPG with a story that changes based on your choices that also features solid shooting mechanics.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Is That My Blood?

The Uncharted games are exciting because they combine fast-paced shooting, adventurous climbing and exploration, and clever puzzles. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is considered the highlight of the series, building on the first game with even more action and detail.

The shooting felt smoother and more immediate, and the game featured a wider range of interesting locations and action sequences, like bustling city scenes. While Nathan Drake isn’t a typical tough-guy shooter protagonist, he’s effective with any weapon – rifles, pistols, or grenades – and always completes the mission.

Binary Domain

Beware The Robot Uprising

In the futuristic action game Binary Domain, robots have become hostile to humans. Players take on the role of operatives tasked with stopping the robot uprising, eliminating them one by one. Between missions, you can select two teammates to join you, each offering unique skills like expertise in weaponry or sniping.

When safely positioned, players can give commands to their team. Successfully training teammates improves their loyalty. This is a strong squad-based shooter that rewards good leadership – clear instructions help you unlock upgrades faster.

Tom Clancy’s The Division

Money Problems

Tom Clancy’s The Division introduces a secret military group, called The Division, that steps in when the United States faces a major crisis. The game begins in New York City, where a devastating disease spreads rapidly on Black Friday. With the city quarantined, players take on the role of agents fighting to restore order against various groups that have formed in the aftermath.

This game is a looter shooter with lots of classes and weapons, but it focuses on realistic gameplay, like other Tom Clancy titles. Forget about fantastical powers – you’ll be relying on smart tactics and cover in a war-torn environment. You can play alone or team up with up to three friends.

Outriders

Adding Magic To Cover

Outriders is a role-playing game focused on teamwork, allowing up to three players to play together online. Players can select from four different classes, each offering unique abilities – for example, the Pyromancer specializes in fire-based attacks to defeat enemies.

Even when playing with friends, players always needed to take cover during battles because enemies usually outnumbered them. Like many games, Outriders featured a lot of loot, giving players tons of weapons and gear to find as they fought to liberate the planet.

Killzone: Liberation

A Tactically Brilliant Spinoff

Killzone: Liberation was a spin-off game for the PSP, based on the popular Killzone series. Unlike the main games, which were fast-paced, first-person shooters, Liberation was a top-down, tactical shooter that emphasized using cover strategically.

Liberation is a standout title in the Killzone series, and one of the few available on PS5 thanks to being easily ported. It’s a great, shorter cover shooter with rewarding missions and tough gameplay that makes it one of the better games in the franchise.

Vanquish

Why Didn’t Cover Systems Evolve After This?

Vanquish is a fantastic but often overlooked game from PlatinumGames. It had the potential to change the way cover shooters were made, but it didn’t get the recognition it deserved. Players battle robots and soldiers in space while wearing powerful suits that give them a significant edge.

When their energy was full, players could quickly dodge attacks or slide to safety, with everything happening in slow motion. This made fights more exciting because sliding felt faster and more satisfying than just running, even though running was still a useful and enjoyable part of the game.

Read More

2025-11-07 02:36