As a general rule, I despise first-person shooters. I didn’t used to, mind you. I was a huge fan of the “Quake” series and “Unreal Tournament” back when those were new, but times have changed. My reflexes have slowed with age, and FPS games have become mind-rotting slogs. That all said, thewre are still things to like about this genre of video games, so I give you…
Five Things I Love About First-Person Shooters
- Choice: There are many different FPS games on the market, and while they may share many similarities, there is enough variety for players to find a game they really enjoy, and latch onto that series like a newborn baby onto a teat!
- Variety: As I said above, there is a lot of variety to be found in the FPS genre. Sure, most of the genre is dominated by military simulations, but you have many other types of these games to be enjoyed. Since the market for FPS games is huge, you will always find developers pushing the envelope to find new ways to present their games in this genre.
- Innovation: Just as developers push the envelope with the way they present their FPS’ (mostly in different sub-genres), they also drive innovation in Gaming overall. Because high frame-rates are crucial for success in a first-person shooter, developers need to find new and innovative ways to make their netcode absolutely state-of-the-art. Same with their graphics, the engine behind it all, and so on. These innovations carry over into all manner of video games, behind the rising tide that lifts all boats.
- Teamwork: I know it may be rare, but there is little better Gaming than teaming up with some friends, and stomping ass as a team in a first-person shooter! Being a part of a group that not only communicates (everyone has access to voice-chat), but actually listen to each other, and are willing to work as a team. That said…
- The Shit-talking: Seriously. I find the toxic chat in FPS games to be absolutely hilarious! Even if a game goes badly… sometimes, especially when a game goes badly… you can always count on your Team Chat to have you rolling with laughter at how much they freak out.
As I said, I’m not into FPS games anymore. Frankly, I think they suck hard now! But there are a lot of good things going on with this genre, I just think the mediocre nature of many of them overshadows much of the good.
