In recent years, an abundance of shooting video games, numbering in the hundreds if not thousands, has been released across various platforms. The majority of these fall under the military genre, aligning perfectly with the characteristics of a shooter. Some of the most iconic military shooters include the Gears of War series, the Battlefield franchise, the Call of Duty series, the Rainbow Six series, The Division, Sniper Ghost Warrior, Medal of Honor, and more.
Nevertheless, only a select few games have genuinely captured the grueling essence of military life. Let's briefly delve into the past and explore some of the most intense army shooters ever created.
1. Operation Flashpoint: Red River
The Operation Flashpoint games, produced by the renowned British video game developer Codemasters, are often overlooked tactical shooters. This military simulation series boasts several noteworthy titles, including Operation Flashpoint: Cold War Crisis, Operation Flashpoint: Red Hammer, Operation Flashpoint: Resistance, Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising, and more. However, the most recent installment from 2011 stands out as the pinnacle.
Operation Flashpoint: Red River is a single-player and co-op tactical first-person shooter, immersing players in the role of "Outlaw 2 Bravo," a United States Marine Corps fireteam. Set amid a fictional war in Tajikistan, the game vividly portrays the harrowing aspects of warfare.
2. Sniper Elite 5
Over the past decade, the Sniper Elite series has surged in popularity, establishing itself as one of the most prominent sniper games across various platforms. With over nine distinct games, each featuring unique storylines rooted in old-school warfare, military action, and occasionally, zombie scenarios, the majority of the series emphasizes tactical shooting, relying on precision, timing, and, crucially, sniper skills.
Sniper Elite 5 represents a leap to the next generation, delivering the latest in design, gunplay, storytelling, and gameplay. Set against the backdrop of a compelling narrative in 1944, it seamlessly picks up where Sniper Elite 4 concluded.
3. Crysis
Despite its age, Crysis remains an exceptional military shooter, standing out as one of the most impressive titles across various platforms. This Electronic Arts release, a technical marvel in its era, excels not only as a shooter but also for its astonishing realism. Powered by CryEngine, the game provides players with the freedom to realistically destroy almost anything, be it trees or crates.
Beneath the stunning visuals and game design, Crysis unfolds a gripping and unsettling narrative centered around an alien invasion. Despite its sci-fi theme, Crysis proves itself to be an outstanding military shooter, featuring a compelling storyline.
4. Arma 3
Arma 3 doesn't prioritize excessive gore or cinematic flair like some other titles on the list. Instead, it stands out as a brilliant simulation game that places a strong emphasis on realism. Developed by Bohemia Interactive in 2013, this title remains exclusive to personal computers due to its intricate controls and gameplay design.
At its essence, Arma 3 is a tactical shooter that leverages its expansive open world to deliver the most authentic military experience in any shooter. It's a must-play for those seeking a gamified representation of war in its most original form.
5. Homefront
Homefront, a military game from a decade ago, aimed to introduce a fresh narrative approach to contemporary shooters. Developed by THQ, this title unfolds in a dystopian America in 2027, where Korea reunites to form the Greater Korean Republic. It utilizes real-life scenarios to illustrate the global consequences of a war between Iran and Saudi Arabia, detailing each country's role and the subsequent Korean-American War.
The premise of Homefront was innovative, and the narrative proved to be gripping. Regrettably, the lukewarm gunplay mechanics led to its unpopularity among players, who struggled to overlook its gameplay issues.
6. Call of Duty: WWII
Released in 2017, Call of Duty: WWII is a military shooter co-developed by Activision and Sledgehammer Games. Serving as the fourteenth main installment in the extensive Call of Duty series, it garnered some player criticism primarily due to its multiplayer component. However, the unsatisfactory online experience also deterred players from exploring its campaign mode, which genuinely merits a playthrough.
Call of Duty: WWII not only reverted to its origins by discarding the regenerative health system but also emphasized cooperation within the squad. Players acquainted with the game can attest to its outstanding cinematic storyline, evoking the feel of an authentic war feature film.
7. Battlefield 1
Battlefield 1 is not the inaugural installment in Electronic Arts' enduring military shooter series, but it stands out as the last commendable Battlefield game. This distinction arises from its exceptional multiplayer, impressive gunplay, balanced gameplay, and memorable campaign. In this first-person shooter, players engage with six distinct storylines, each unfolding through the perspectives of diverse protagonists.
The first narrative, "Storm of Steel," serves as the prologue, offering a glimpse into the journey of the Harlem Hellfighters. Following that is "Through Mud and Blood," centering on tank driving. "Friends in High Places" immerses players in the role of a Royal Flying Corps fighter pilot. Additionally, three more campaigns unfold in Italy, the Gallipoli Peninsula, and the Kingdom of Hejaz.
8. Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway
Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway stands as one of Ubisoft's overlooked games from over a decade ago. Combining third-person shooter cover mechanics with first-person shooter gunplay, this World War 2-themed tactical shooter harnesses the capabilities of the venerable Unreal Engine 3, creating an enduring gaming experience.
The game boasts a compelling storyline, featuring numerous realistic and poignant moments that shed light on the harsh realities of war. Many enthusiasts of this Gearbox Software title ponder why a sequel was never produced, as it continues to resonate with players to this day.
9. Red Orchestra 2: Heroes Of Stalingrad
Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad tends to be overlooked, considering it hails from a less-recognized developer team. Yet, those who have experienced the game often endorse it for its authentic gunplay and provocative campaign. This first-person shooter prioritizes military simulation and army tactics, unfolding against the backdrop of the Pacific campaign during World War II, particularly the challenging Battle of Stalingrad. The game includes a noteworthy single-player campaign expansion pack named Rising Storm, widely regarded as a must-play component.
10. Spec Ops: The Line
Released in 2012 alongside other notable titles like Dishonored, Mass Effect 3, Far Cry 3, Assassin's Creed 3, and more, Spec Ops: The Line didn't receive the same level of attention and was somewhat overlooked. However, over the years, the game has evolved into a cult classic, owed largely to its astonishing storyline and unexpected plot twists.
In Spec Ops: The Line, players take on the role of Captain Martin Walker, leading his military squad in a deserted Dubai. As events unfold, Walker uncovers the harsh reality behind his mission, leading to unexpected and gripping turns in the narrative.
>>> Read more: 10 Video Game Worlds Bigger Than Elden Ring
Comments