Quick Links
Summary
Tactical shootersare a sub-genre, meaning there are plenty of different ways they can feel different from one another. One of the biggest ways to completely change the feeling is whether they are played from a third-person or first-person perspective, as well as by introducing aspects associated with other sub-genres of shooters.
ThePlayStation 5is a powerhouse of a console that can result in stunning visuals, particle effects, and massive maps that would not be possible on previous generations of consoles. However, not all the best tactical shooters for the console make use of this, and instead scale things down so that they are also playable for players using devices that are not as powerful.
Overwatch 2may very well be the biggest team-based tactical shooter in gaming. Players have a wide range of characters, each with a completely different kit to make use of. This creates an ever-shifting meta from routine balancing. Players will need towork together as a team of different rolesto complete one of the various game modes to achieve victory over the other team.
Overwatch 2serves as a sequel to the originalOverwatch, but acts more like a re-release. The gameplay and characters are the same as the original, continuing with the established pattern of adding new Heroes, levels and game modes over time. The biggest change betweenOverwatch 2andOverwatchis the monetization strategy. The first game had a set price tag and used a loot box monetization for cosmetics.Overwatch 2is a free-to-play game that utilizes a battle pass instead.
It is no surprise to seeCall of Dutyon this list. It would be an even bigger surprise to see only one entry, considering how many different incarnations the game has. The game features two elements — a campaign and its multiplayer — with the latter being the more popular of the two. There arenumerous Black Ops games in the franchise. The campaign for this one is a very engaging and polished experience, worth playing even for those who bought the game for just its multiplayer. It features plenty of story and out-of-combat interactions, which are just as engaging as being in the thick of combat itself.
The multiplayer has all the snappy controls and modern maneuverability associated with aCall of Dutytitle, along with a wide range of different weapons to explore and learn —some being better than others. One of the new game modes forCold Waris Fireteam Dirty Bomb, which sees multiple teams facing off with one another, collecting uranium to use with the stationary bombs located on the map.
All theSniper Elitegames follow a similar formula. Players armed with a sniper rifle pick off enemies at incredibly long distances, and trigger cinematic, slow-motion finishing shots. Players that can line up perfect killing shots can clear areas and missions at an incredible speed, which is where the second main element of the game comes in: stealth recon. Having one’s position compromised is a fast way to meet their end, so players will need to stay low, tag enemies, and use precision to take care of their targets.
ForSniper Elite 5, the game gives players maps to complete various objects, just like in the fourth installment. However, the game feels more fleshed out than ever before. While players can still hide behind bushes to attack unseen, they can now scale up buildings for a much higher stealth game feel. Players do not need to play the game like a stealth game and focus on dispatching enemies fast and efficiently from a distance. While enemies attempt to rush, flank, or also attempt to take out the player at long distances.
The Battle Royale genre has received one of the highest surges of interest among any gaming genre in recent years, so much so that numerous developers tried to integrate it into their established franchises. Warzone brings all the staples of the Battle Royales genre, with all the aesthetics and gameplay expectations ofCall of Duty. Just be sure to knowwhich weapons are highest on the tier list.
Players will drop onto an island, loot what they can find, and gain an advantage over the enemies they encounter by utilizing cover fire and utility items. The game truly feels like aCall of Dutydeathmatch experience on a much grander scale. Having a first-person view instead of a third-person one makes for a much more tense experience. Players need to always keep moving forward while making sure nothing is preparing to fire from above or behind.
1Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2
Feel Like A Modern-Day Assassin
This might seem like a modernized version of theSniper Elitefranchise, and aesthetically it may very well be. However, the game is made by a completely different developer. Both these titles offer some ofthe best sniper games around. The game does a great job of capturing the feeling of being a deadly assassin, assessing the terrain for where best to position oneself from one location, and where they will need to go next.
Not every target can be hit from a single perch, and plenty of routes will not be a viable option while enemies are patrolling. Players don’t need to always be at a distance, as they can sneak up behind an enemy and use a silenced pistol to make their way through rooms of enemies within close proximity of one another. However, rifles and pistols are just some ofthe best weapons in the game.
