GAMERS DECIDE - battlefield 1

Battlefield 5 Wishlist: 10 Things We Want in Battlefield 2018

JJeffreys — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 08:49:24 +0000

Reload your rifles, start up those propellors because the next Battlefield is rumbling towards us.

With Battlefield V seemingly on the horizon, we decided to sit down and think about what we’d like to see from the next title in the seminal, spawn camping trainer. So, here we go.

1. A Variety of Theatres

The Sinai Desert was a “hot” addition to Battlefield 1.

One of the biggest hallmarks of the Battlefield series is the variety of multiplayer settings, through which players are set loose on barrages of multiplayer mayhem. With the next game in the series seemingly heading for WW2, the door is wide open for a plethora of map settings.

Historically important battles such as Stalingrad, Dunkirk and Iwo Jima, gives DICE the opportunity to move across the globe, keeping things feeling varied.

2. Greater vehicle options

With modern technology in Battlefield 3, there came much greater opportunities for carnage!

The vehicles offered in Battlefield 1 were mediocre at best. Most forms of armoured warfare were only just starting to rumble onto the frontlines and even the use of aircraft – one of the more novel aspects of BF 1’s vehicle gameplay – did not translate to the most satisfying, most tactile gameplay experience.

By moving into WW2, the seamless interplay between infantry and vehicle combat suddenly becomes much smoother. Whilst the tanks offered up for use in BF 1 often spent more time as burning piles of metal (at least in my experience), the opportunity is there for DICE to utilize machines such as the Panzer, the Sherman and KV-1.

3. Better multiplayer progression

All this stuff was well and good, but it didn't really change things up from previous titles.

For the most part, the BF1 gameplay experience was a satisfying one. Off the warfront however, things took a slightly more frustrating turn.

DICE and EA seemed to spend little time on improving the multiplayer progression system. There wasn’t enough of a focus on, and variety of, multiplayer challenges. Weekly medal lists were welcome as usual, but more of a tied in and incorporated progression system (perhaps challenges tied directly to weapons, through which players could unlock specific unlocks and skins) would make the multiplayer experience even more compelling, giving players something to aim for and then – perhaps most importantly – something to show off once they’ve achieved this aim.

4. A Co-Op Mode

Forget COD Zombies. How about… Battlefield “Vampires”. Eh?

Battlefield has long been a series of two modes: single player and multiplayer. In more recent iterations, this single player portion has been given more attention than perhaps most BF fans would appreciate. For most, games in this series are multiplayer only, with any single player option often going un-appreciated until far after the games release.

This isn’t necessarily the most open-minded route to take but one lacking aspect of the series – something that has pervaded for many, many games – is the absence of any co-operative mode, something that could combine the low impact of a single player campaign, with the frenetic frenzy of multiplayer. A “meet in the middle” solution.

DICE could take the lead from COD Zombies and Gears of War Horde, creating replay able challenges couched with their reconstruction of WW2 battlegrounds i.e. a wave based defensive mode set on the beaches of Dunkirk, a mid-air face of in the style of the Battle of Britain, a desperate holdout against overwhelming odds fought in the ruins of Stalingrad.

Luckily, something like this might be coming our way.

5. More Destruction

Oh, these were the destructive days!

One of the greatest joys of the Bad Company titles was the sheer level of wanton destruction players could employ on map after map. Whole buildings could be completely levelled, trapping those unknowing players inside.

BF1 did have destruction elements built into its maps, but not nearly to the same extent. Structures were often left upright by indestructible walls, bunkers and foliage remained largely impenetrable to grenades and launchers.

As a result, you felt less connected to the maps and more of a mere spectator, running your way through heavily designed set pieces. This simply didn’t match with the level of freedom Battlefield titles incorporate into their gameplay.

6, A reimagined customisation system

Swap out the modern warfare aesthetic and you've essentially got BF1.

BF1’s customisation system was mostly lifted from the likes of BF: Hardline, BF4 and even BF3. Its time for a choice of wider cosmetic options, allowing players to differentiate each other on the frontlines, showing off difficult challenges they’ve completed, number of hours played and their chosen weapons. Obviously, its important to keep these options cohesive with the WW2 setting (I don’t want to see any large “weed” leaves emblazoned on the side of a German Panzer, thank you very much) but a greater choice of customisation options would surely be a welcome addition come BFV’s release.

7. Improved Load Times

You spend a lot of time on this screen. Too much time.

This might seem like a smaller point than the rest but it’s quite key to the BF experience. Ok, I get it. With greater scope comes larger load times. This is symptom of the entire series (not just BF1) although one would think that as technology improves and as DICE continues to iterate from release to release – load times would improve at a incremental rate. But no, if anything BF1 was one of the more egregious examples in recent times, with players waiting upwards of 2 minutes for the full map to load in (I know, two minutes “it’s the end of the world).

8. Making sure the maps stay open

Obviously, trenches played a big part in WW1. But here they're slightly overused.

This point is sort of a follow on from point number five. Battlefield is game about wide open conflicts, full of countless moment to moment skirmishes, tactical decisions, squad manoeuvres and objective battles – all of which add up to a grander vision of how the match plays out.

Part of the reason for this sense of freedom is the map design. Historically, the series has always allowed players multiple points of entry to objectives, innumerable mixtures of high and low ground, interior and exterior vantage points. This was the stage upon which everything else would play out. But with BF1, things suddenly felt much more penned in.

This was inherent to WW1, where trench systems and simple “forward” manoeuvres were the name of the day but when it came to Battlefield, such restrictions often made matches feel more cramped and confined, than the open gameplay fans had come to expect.

Hopefully the next title can fix some of these issues and return to maps with better sense of scale, allowing for more varied match outcomes.

9. Improved Matchmaking

Poor matchmaking often killed my love for BF1.

I’m not the greatest Battlefield player. I’m just going to say that right here, right now. I often feel very overwhelmed as soon as the whistle blows and my squad thunders forward towards the first objective. My thumbs often direct me towards the sniper class, so that I feel like I can have some sort of impact on the match, without having to encounter players levelled into the hundreds. Call me a “virtual coward” and I would have nothing to say otherwise.

Part of this is my fault but – and hear me out – part of the blame could also be levelled at the games poor matchmaking. We know Battlefield is an incredibly popular title, with the player numbers consistently in the millions. So why, with all those eager online participants, do I always seem to get matched up against players who’ve either not got jobs or play BF professionally, eight hours a day, every day of the week. As has been established, my skills are not particularly honed. But at the same time, how could they be, if my map awareness and weapon proficiency are never given time to develop before being inexplicably gunned down from every direction.

This will sound bitter because I am. The games matchmaking – never seemingly based on actual player level – certainly had an impact on my enjoyment of BF1. Hopefully this is something they can improve for BFV.

10. No more loot boxes

Empty out these crates then burn them.

Battlecrates can be purchased in BF1, using the in-game currency of “War Bonds” or real money. These randomized crates offer either weapon addons, skins or XP-boosters with nothing – apparently – falling into the “pay-to-win” category.

This system is now pervasive across many EA titles and multiplayer titles across the gaming spectrum. But now, after the nightmarish debacle of Battlefront 2, perhaps EA will minimize the role loot boxes will play in BFV. The common argument seems to be, that if only cosmetic items are given out through this randomized system, all bets are off. But I say no. Offering cosmetic items as something tangible, to be earned by completing a specific challenge or hitting an online milestone, gives players the carrot on a stick to be constantly chasing.

This is a vital aspect of maintaining interest in any multiplayer experience and so, to have it all hidden within the dark recesses of digital boxes, diminishes any interest I may have in continuing to play, continuing to work towards specific rewards.

Will EA learn their lesson? Only time will tell.

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Nothing like the bullet spray from a more "familiar" aircraft.

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Top 11 Best Upcoming FPS Games You Should be Excited About

PaulALangdon — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 23:46:28 +0000

11 Upcoming FPS Games To Be Excited About

Ah, it's that time of year again. Time to search for all the best first-person shooters coming out. There are many first person shooters that are planned for release in the near future. In fact, there are so many that it can be hard to select just a few to be the best from the genre. Luckily, we have done the digging for you and found these eleven titles that you need to check out before you buy your next fps game.

11: Battlefield 1: Apocalypse

Battlefield 1: Apocalypse Gameplay

Release Date: February 2018

EA is returning with new DLC to one of their most successful games in recent years. The biggest new addition is two completely new maps that focus entirely over air combat. All players will be launched into an epic battle for air supremacy in the new Air Assault mode. There is also plenty of new weapons, vehicles, and accessories for players to use on the rest of the maps. The assault class will be now be able to equip an impressive AA rocket launcher to take down enemy planes from the ground. There is plenty to be excited about here for all current players of battlefield and may be a great option for new gamers to join that have been yearning for a game that focuses on air combat. This DLC requires Battlefield 1 and the Premium Pass or to also buy the DLC to play.

10: Serious Sam 4

Serious Same 4 Trailer

Release Date: Est. 2018

Serious Sam is a game by Croteam in which Sam “Serious” Stone faces off against hordes of bad guys to save planet Earth. This is one that has had much anticipation for its release for a long time. Mainly because it has been delayed year after year. Fans of the series have not given up hope though and believe that all this extra time has given the creators time to craft a true beauty of a game. Serious Sam has an arcade like game style to it which is an art that has been lost over time in the shooter genre as many games try to go for a more realistic feel. It will be a fresh shake up compared to many games that will come out in this day in age. There is something to be said about a game that never loses its roots and stays true to its arcade like calling. Another awesome note is that it is very likely Serious Sam 4 will support VR on launch to put all that hard earned money that was spent on a VR kit from so many people worth it.

9: War of Rights

War of Rights Trailer

Release Date: Est. 2018

This is an interesting shakeup to most shooter games. War of Rights is based in the Civil War which means players will have to use single shot muskets to wage war. Make your shot count ladies and gentlemen because it will take some time to reload. The game will require teams also work together to make formations that are viable for the single musket shot warfare. Teams will have to make sure each shot counts and that formations have reserve ranks once so many of the frontline soldiers are killed. That is another trait lost in many shooter games. Many modern shooters let players run around and battle on their own with no collaboration with their teammates. It is always nice to see a game push the boundaries and think outside the box and that is what we have here. This is a game filled with innovation that is exciting to see in the industry.

8: GTFO

GTFO Trailer

Release Date: Est. Mid to Late 2018

This game is a four-player cooperative survival game. Players must band together to stay alive while scavenging for supplies in an underground complex filled with monsters. There will be weapons for players to grab and create with parts found in the game. The goal is to extract the valuable artifacts that are hiding in the complex and eventually find the way out. Teamwork is a must in this thrilling shooter that draws inspiration from Left for Dead and adds a gathering and crafting mechanic similar to the DayZ mod for Arma.

7: Warhammer: Vermintide 2

Warhammer: Vermintide 2 Trailer

Release Date: March 8, 2018

The sequel to the popular Warhammer: Vermintide is another title that any action gamer must have in their lineup to buy this year. The game is another cooperative based game that lets players choose between five distinct character like the Ranger and the Ironbreaker that each contain their three different career paths to level up on. The game definitely has RPG like elements that put an interesting twist in this game as compared to many shooters. Just like the last game in the list, Vermintide 2 draws much inspiration from Left for Dead with the addition of RPG elements and replacing zombies with rat soldiers called Skaven.

6: Far Cry 5

Far Cry 5 Trailer

Release Date: March 27, 2018

The Far Cry series always seems to make it into the top list of games. Far Cry always makes an immersive open world for players to explore and fight in. This is what sets it apart from the usual first person shooter. Not many games of this genre employ an open world for players to play in. There are plenty of exciting vehicles to drive and weapons to shoot across the map and now the series have added the ability for players to recruit locals and form their own militia in the new “Guns for Hire” system. Players can even tame and use animals in their team. There is a lot to like here from unlimited ways to play the game to the great visual presentation. Far Cry 5 is absolutely worth a look.

5: System Shock (Remake)

System Shok (Remake) Trailer

Release Date: Est. Mid 2018

System Shock was the game that inspired the wildly successful Bioshock series. Now the developers are coming back for a remake of the original System Shock. Gameplay will be similar to the original Bioshock. System Shock is a horror infused shooter game where players will go from being afraid of walking down the dark and creepy hall a one point and then duking it out with dozens of monsters at the next. This game will not change the original formula of its original, but instead will just focus on upgrading the graphics, sound, and user interface to something more 2018. Nightdive, the producers, are firm believers that System Shock’s original game will be more than enough to entice players, and they are right. This game looks absolutely terrifying and an absolute blast to play.

4: Hunt: Showdown

Hunt:Showdown Trailer

Release Date: Est. 2018

Hunt: Showdown is made by the people who brought you the famed Darksiders games. The game will draw a lot of inspiration from the Darksiders series, but we have enough of its own innovation to be what could truly be a great game. This game takes place in a 19th century like era with many guns resembling the time period. Players will work in two’s to hunt terrifying monsters in a variety of locations. There will be other pairs of players on the map though and only one pair came end up with the prize of claiming the monster’s bounty. This makes for an interesting and unique form of both competitive and cooperative gameplay required between players that will set the foundation for a fascinating game.

3: Witchfire

Witchfire Trailer

Release Date: TBA

Witchfire is a game that does not have many details yet, but what we’ve seen is a game full of promise. The trailer shows a dark and gritty world full of atmospheric beauty. Players will fight vicious creatures with magic, guns, and melee weapons in a game that looks to have a Dark Souls like vibe to it. The developers have made amazingly beautiful games before and now are looking to combine their excellent skills in creating atmospheric worlds with action packed monster fighting.

2: Escape from Tarkov

Escape from Tarkov Trailer

Release Date: Est. Mid to Late 2018

This is a hardcore survival horror game that focuses on brutally realistic conditions that are only suitable for the hardcore gamers. This game is unrelenting and will not hold your hand through any part of your playing time. An interesting twist in the game is that while matches are played in normal 30 minute to an hour sessions, the gear that is found players actually get to keep and take with them to the next match. That is of course if you survive long enough to make it to one of the maps exits. A strategy that often can be used is veteran players setting up ambushes at the exits that will require teamwork from other players in order to destroy. This game is like PUBG on steroids. Combat is intense and draws comparisons to Arma meaning that players will have to move tactfully and slowly in order to survive.

1: Insurgency: Sandstorm

Insurgency: Sandstorm Trailer

Release Date: Est. 2018

Insurgency: Sandstorm is a more intense and realistic version of Battlefield. Great sound effects and character movements create a realistic feeling of fear as you hear the crackles of gunshots above your character’s head as you run into cover. The game does a great job of pulling you into the experience and making you fear for your virtual life. Tactics are a must to play this game. Running around like its Call of Duty will have you killed before the end of the first minute of the game. Teams must collaborate with use of recon drones, vantage points, and weapons to defeat their adversaries. Insurgency: Sandstorm strikes the perfect balance between realism and action. This game is not as slow as ARMA and does not take two hours to play a small game, but it does require diligent gameplay and for players to strategize their movement. It is definitely one of the best first person shooters to look forward to coming out this year.

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These shooter games will be the ones all your friends will be playing

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EA’s Battlefield 1 To Face Competition From Activision’s Call Of Duty: WWII – CoD Releases November 3 2017

AlStreet — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 13:48:41 +0000

In The Right Corner We Have EA’s Battlefield 1

Set during the First World War, Battlefield 1 is an FPS game that allows the player to take part in WWI battles. The game features special vehicles, such as an armoured train or torpedo boat, as well as many of the weapons common to the WWI era.

Other features include destructible environments and weapons customization. The game offers Campaign mode, where the player can control several characters, or Multiplayer mode which can support up to 64 players at a time. When a player dies during a Campaign mode game, they do not have to start the entire level again, but can now play on as a different character in their team, at the trade-off of having a character with different stats, skills and style now. Also, when a player dies in Battlefield 1, the name and birth year of a real soldier is displayed on the screen, which is a nice gesture of support for the troops.

The game was launched with a total of 9 different multiplayer maps and also 7 different modes of multiplayer. All multiplayer maps are based on real locations around the world. The 7 different modes of multiplayer are Conquest, Domination, Rush, Operations, Team Death match, War Pigeons and Frontlines.

In The Left Corner We Have Activision’s Call of Duty:WWII

Activision’s Call of Duty: WWII, being released on November 3rd 2017, will be in direct competition with Battlefield 1, as we see the beginnings of a battle for position of leader in Realistic World War Games. CoD:WWII will offer 3 main game modes, being Campaign, Multiplayer and Nazi Zombies.

The game will have some new features, such as that there will be no automatic health regeneration, instead being replaced by use of health packs and also the same deal with ammo too. All campaign missions are now locked down to Hard Core Mode, removing the difficulty option for campaign mode and there will be no unlimited sprint in this version either.

What EA and Activision Are Up To Now

Battlefield continues to impress due to its high quality while the last instalment in the Call of Duty series is failing to meet gamers expectations. Creative Director for Battlefield 1, Lars Gustavsson says Call of Duty:WWII is healthy competition. He continued “I think it is just like Usain Bolt; if you’re running your race, yes, you should be aware of what other people are doing but you need to focus on your lane and do your race. If someone would go to the same era, I would welcome them.”

In the meantime Activision are set to return Call of Duty to its roots by setting the next instalment in World War II, with the last instalment Infinite Warfare set in a futuristic era.

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Battlefield 1 Estimated To Have Sold More Than 15 Million Copies

AlStreet — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 12:04:04 +0000

Analysts Raise Their Estimates Of Unit Sales For Battlefield 1 To 15 Million Copies

Riding closely on the coat tails of its competitor Call Of Duty, Battlefield looks to be taking second place in the list of top selling games in the United States. Morgan Stanley, a well-respected Wall Street financial firm has their analysts release a statement saying that “We are raising our Battlefield fiscal third quarter unit estimates by 2.6 million to 15 million. That’s based on strong third party data trends and our proprietary price tracker showing that Battlefield was the second least discounted title this holiday season, which we view as a sign of strength.”

Morgan Stanley analysts also said “Battlefield’s outperformance sets up well for next year as it is likely to lead to higher digital map revenue.”

Indications Of A Hugely Successful Future For The Battlefield Franchise

The 3d scanning technology used to achieve realism in the game has helped skyrocket Dice’s reputation for making quality games.

Another great indication of the success of Battlefield 1 can be seen by looking at the stats of the Game Trailer on YouTube. As of the time of writing the view count for the game trailer are 53,999,362 views showing that a large percentage of the gaming community was interested in the game. The trailer also got 41,729 dislikes from viewers, which may seem a very high figure until you see that there are also 2,140,393 likes.

According to the NPD, an Australian market research and trends analysis firm, Battlefield was the second best-selling title in the United States and that these figures were based upon both physical and digital sales of the game. The other games that made the NPD’s list were, in order of best-selling, are Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, Battlefield 1, Tom Clancy’s: The Division, NBA 2017, Madden NFL 17, Grand Theft Auto 5, Overwatch, Call of Duty: Black Ops III, FIFA 17 and Final Fantasy XV.

According to an infographic released by Dice about the beta for Battlefield 1, over 13.2 million gamers took part in the testing. This is no small number when it comes to beta’s and in fact inspired EA to make claims that the Battlefield beta was the best beta they had ever seen before.

What Others In The Game Industry Are Saying About Battlefield

Video games analyst ZhugeX, from China based financial advisors Niko Partners points out that “all of the above games went on to sell more than their beta player base within 3 months of launch.”

A United Kingdom games market research company named Chart-Track produced data that showed that Battlefield 1 sold more copies in the first week than both Battlefield Hardline and Battlefield 4 earned combined in their first weeks respectively.

In an article named “Battlefield 1 Player Base Doubled Battlefield 4 At Launch” the author Boston Blake states “At its current rate, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Battlefield 1 outperform expectations and put the Battlefield franchise back on top as a leader in the shooter genre.”

With all of these combined factors mentioned above it is pretty clear to see that the future of the Battlefield game and franchise are both bound for huge success, especially as Dice release the remaining 3 DLC’s in the future.

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An infographic that EA revealed, showing the huge success of Battlefield 1 during the reveal stage of development.

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Female Soldiers Are Coming to Battlefield 1

AlStreet — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 07:29:30 +0000

In The Name Of The Tsar

Dice’s Battlefield 1 will be releasing a new DLC expansion for the game called “In The Name Of The Tsar”, based on the Russian Army and their role in the Eastern Front and featuring female soldiers who form the Women’s Battalion of Death.

Although no solid release date has yet been confirmed, recent Dice DLC announcements revealed that the game was set to be released in September 2017.

A recent announcement from Dice told gamers that “Starting June 10th EA Play will give you a closer look at ‘In The Name Of The Tsar’. Coming in late summer, the expansion brings new maps, new weapons, and the Russian Army – including the Women’s Battalion of Death represented by the Russian Scout class.” The Women’s Battalion of Death was a real life contingent of the Russian Army having formed in the Spring of 1917.

The Women’s Battalion of Death

In 1917, with pressure being put on the new Provincial Government in Russia by a growing number of women who were willing to fight, the creation of the first Women’s Battalion of Death was seen in the Russian Army. The Government believed that the addition of these battalions would have significant propaganda value and may even revitalize the battle weary men returning them to better combat condition.

Additional Details About The Upcoming DLC

The DLC is available right now if you want to purchase a Battlefield 1 Premium Pass which gives you all 4 DLC expansions, potential access to the CTE, several superior battle packs, priority access in game queues, and more. Otherwise, if you are prepared to wait for the official release and Dice decide to stick to their last pricing system, then gamers can expect this DLC to cost around $15 usd.

One more very cool feature that gamers can expect from the “In The Name Of The Tsar” DLC expansion pack, according to the developer, is that gamers will “ride in Galicia with the legendary Hussars” who were mounted cavalry units. This event will take place during the war’s brutal Brusilov offensive.

With the recent success seen by the Battlefield 1 game and its first DLC They Shall Not Pass, it is not hard to see this new DLC expansion as succeeding. The quality of the Battlefield 1 game and its first DLC expansion is impressing the gaming community who have predominantly positive feedback to give about the game.

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An infographic released by EA about their upcoming DLC expansion pack, In The Name Of The Tsar, that focuses on the Eastern Front and specifically on the Russian Army

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13 Great Co-op Games to Play in 2017

Mbartley — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 20:14:22 +0000

Everything is better with friends

Co-op gaming is by far one of the most popular ways to play games. Ever since Firetruck required two players to steer the titular vehicle to its destination, Gamers have desired to fight, race and build with their friends in virtual environments. In recent years, the trend has been drop in Co-op where players can enter or leave a cooperative game on the fly and the concept has been very well received. The 13 games on this list, whether they are out now or coming soon, are almost certain to be the best Co-op adventures off your gaming year.

1. Killing Floor 2

Killing Floor 2 has a level of violence some may call… excessive.

Mode: 6 player Co-op

Genre: First Person/3^rd Person Shooter

Killing Floor 2 takes place a month after the first Killing Floor game. A plague of murderous clones and biological experiments have spread across Europe and it’s up to you and five of your friends to kill as many of the ‘zeds’ as one can before dying. If you were looking for “Last of us” level storytelling, find it somewhere else because this game is about killing monsters in as visceral a way as possible. Each player will pick a class, level up perks and weapons and shoot or hack their way through waves of Zombies, mutants and other nefarious beasties. Along with Assault rifles, shotguns and other various weapons the player would expect, Killing Floor 2 packs in “mad scientist” guns and melee weapons for those who like a little red on them when they kill the undead.

A little more on the perks and Weapons of Killing Floor 2

A full Co-op round of Killing Floor 2 on the hardest difficulty, Hell on Earth

2. For Honor

For Honor features an in depth dueling system that implements parry’s and special moves.

Mode: Co-op PVP across multiple game modes

Genre: Third Person hack-n-slash

For Honor is Ubisoft’s upcoming fantasy epic clashing Knights, Vikings and Samurai in the ultimate anachronism. The game features 4v4 co-op PvP in several modes. Dominion Mode is similar to Battlefield’s Conquest modes where two teams of 4 battle for control of zones. Skirmish mode is a deathmatch expy-first team to so many points wins. Brawl is skirmish mode with one life to live and Duel is a one on one battle to the death. Oh, and there are massive pitched battles going on around you the entire time. Similar to shooters like Call of Duty, For Honor features a deep Perk system and numerous classes for players to choose from.

A full match of Dominion in For Honor.

An in-depth look at Duel’s with the Game Designers of For Honor.

3. Divinity: Original Sin 2

Divinity: Original Sin 2 was fully financed through crowd-sourcing

Mode: 4 player Co-op and competitive play

Genre: ARPG

Larian Studios hit it big with the first Divinity: Original Sin. The Sequel, Aptly named Divinity Original Sin 2 looks to continue the story with new and returning features. Divinity made this list for its unique take on Group based RPG’s with an added Co-op option, but it goes deeper than that. Because players have obsessive control over their characters, when you join a co-op group there may be personalities or backgrounds that clash. You can help each other OR if something would benefit you at the cost of your teammates you are capable of going down that path if you so desired. Will you help your teammates, or leave them to rot? The game is currently in early access on Steam.

A look at the PvP side of Divinity: Original Sin 2

Some good ole’ fashion combat in Divinity: Original Sin 2

4. Armored Warfare

Armored Warfare stands out from other Military Machine F2P games thanks to its PvE mode.

Mode: 5 player PvE Co-op and 15v15 PvP

Genre: Tactical 3^rd Person Shooter Simulator

Armored Warfare is Obsidian Entertainment’s free to play 3^rd person tank warfare game. Armored Warfare features 15 on 15 PvP action that other Tank Simulators (including one on this list) do much better. What makes Armored Warfare stand apart is their Co-op Missions. A team of 5 tanks, be they Heavy hitters like the M1 Abrams, fast firing APC’s like the Bradley or speedy little scout cars like the Scorpion, will set out and destroy enemy weapons emplacements and supplies all while fending off hordes of AI driven tanks. Players are then rewarded with experience and money to level up their vehicles and unlock new ones. Vehicles are divided up into not just classes as mentioned above but also Tiers ranging from the first post-WW2 main battle tanks like the Patton to modern juggernauts like the German Leopard 2.

Release trailer for the new game mode Global Operations that mixes PvP with PvE gameplay in Armored Warfare.

How to level up in Armored Warfare.

The Mighty Jingles showing plebs how to successfully play PvE in Armored Warfare.

5. Space Hulk: Deathwing

Genestealers will quickly surround careless Terminators in Space Hulk: Deathwing

Mode: 4 player Co-op campaign

Genre: First Person Shooter

Space Hulk: Deathwing is an epic Warhammer 40,000 FPS from Focus Home Interactive. Players take the role of a Terminator Librarian from the Dark Angels Space Marine chapter while he leads the mission to clear a massive conglomeration of Spaceships called a Space Hulk. While the single player side of things allows players to lead 2 terminator allies through the 9 chapters that the campaign consists of, the Co-op side brings together 4 players to tackle the lengthy missions. Each player will pick a different class of terminator who all bring their own special abilities and weapons to the mix. As they slay alien hordes, the player will acquire experience that unlocks new weapon loadouts and abilities. While it would be fair to simply say that this game boils down to “Left 4 dead in spaaaaaace”, the attention to detail that the developers put into the game will not leave any 40k fan wanting.

An explosive preview of the many weapons a Deathwing Terminator wields in Space Hulk: Deathwing.

An independent in-depth look at Space Hulk: Deathwing Co-op play.

6. Warhammer: End Times: Vermintide

The Skaven clanrats will swamp you in an unending tide of skittering teeth.

Mode: 4 Player Co-op

Genre: First Person Shooter/hack-n-slash

The Second Games Workshop property on this list, Vermintide is a 4 player Co-op game in the same vein as Left 4 dead. Players assume the roles of either a Human Witchhunter, Human Freeblade, Dwarf Longbeard, or Elvish Ranger. The party will shoot, slash and bash through hordes of ratmen called Skaven while they try to save the Imperial City of Ubersreik. Between battles, players can equip new weapons and equipment to take into battle by using a unique forging system. Much like Left 4 Dead, the enemy is controlled by a “director” who randomly determines when hordes will attack. The game is a couple of years old but Developer Fatshark is still creating new content and update the game regularly.

Warhammer: End Times: Vermintide Gameplay Overview.

Fatshark’s Let’s play for Vermintide.

7. Rainbow Six: Siege

“Not by the hair on my Chinny-chin-chin”

Mode: 5v5 Siege

Genre: 1^st Person Tactical Shooter

Ubisoft’s Rainbow Six: Siege was a surprise hit in 2016. Requiring real teamwork and slow, methodical tactics to win, the game continues to garner a large player base. Like many of the games on this list, players pick an “Operator” who bring unique equipment to the match such as little ground drones, C4 explosives and sniper rifles. New Operators can be purchased using renown in an in-game shop. The primary mode is Siege. A team of Operators must breach a fortified area (made so by the enemy team) to rescue a VIP or disarm a bomb. As Ubisoft puts it “destruction is key”. Players can blow in doors, wall, windows, drop through roofs and tear down barriers to complete their mission. Meanwhile, the defenders can place barbed wire, trip-wires and set ambushes to prevent their hostage from being rescued.

A look at Operators in Rainbow Six: Siege

Operator Tactics from Ubisoft for Rainbow Six: Siege

8. Ghost Recon: Wildlands

Vehicles will play a big role in getting from mission to mission in Ghost Recon: Wildlands.

Mode: 4 player PvE Co-op campaign

Genre: 3^rd Person tactical Shooter

Ghost Recon: Wildlands is a change up for Ubisoft’s flagship Series. The first of the Ghost Recon games to feature open world gameplay, it takes a lot of ideas from The Division and (hopefully) improves upon them. The name of the game in Wildlands is choice. Players will choose how to take down a dangerous cartel, how they will get to where they are going and how they will complete individual missions. The game will also feature relationship building with NPC’s throughout the game world in between taking down drug lords.

A co-op Stealth Takedown in Ghost Recon: Wildlands…

…and here is how to go “loud” in Ghost Recon: Wildlands

9. Grand Theft Auto 5

Suiting up together will certainly get your crew some cool points.

Mode: Co-op Heists and general mayhem creation

Genre: 1^st/3^rd Person Shooter and bad guy simulator

Rockstar’s JUGGERNAUGHT Grand Theft Auto 5 is one of those games where three years after it came out, players are still finding new things to do. Rockstar, not resting on their laurels, have decided to continuously support it by adding new content to the GTA Online multiplayer aspect of the game. Besides standard deathmatch modes, GTA online offers players new Jobs and heists to pull off with their friends or crew. These multi-layered missions will involve all players who jump into them, to complete specific jobs to ensure a successful end and better pay out. Beyond even that, crews can simply run through the game world causing chaos and mayhem up to and including robbing armored cars, corner stores and much more. For PC players, the fun continues with a HUGE selection of mods ready to be installed that add weird and wacky gameplay

A walkthrough of a GTA Online Heist from beginning to end

GTA Online Heists trailer

10. Battlefield 1

War never looked so beautiful

Mode: 32 on 32 PvP

Genre: First Person Shooter

I’ve said before that Battlefield 1 presents a 300-esque view of World War 1 history, but that doesn’t stop it from having stellar multiplayer. Being one of the few more traditional PvP shooters on this list, Battlefield 1 stands out with its graphical fidelity, destructible environments, large number of weapons and vehicles and that shine that gamers have come to expect from Dice and EA. Co-op side, players form squads as they enter each battle where orders can be passed from squad leader to subordinates. Players will receive experience bonus’s for following said orders which consist of action like capturing a point or destroying a vehicle. Battlefield 1’s modes include standard deathmatches, the battlefield classic-Assault and Operations. Operations is a new mode where teams will battle across not just multiple sectors like in Assault but entire maps.

A little preview of the many aspects of Battlefield 1’s multiplayer

Some Assault Mode Gameplay

11. Titanfall 2

Titanfall 2’s campaign is nice, but Multiplayer is still the main pull of the game.

Mode: 6v6 PvP with AI assistance (in the form of meatshields)

Genre: 1^st Person Mecha Shooter

Titanfall was a surprise hit when it released so naturally Respawn made a second one. Apart from the new (see FINALLY) campaign, the multiplayer hasn’t changed too much save the addition of new Titans, weapons, and perks. But in the end, that’s not a bad thing. Across several standard modes, players control Pilots who can call down giant robots called Titans to lay down the hammer on enemy Pilots and AI controlled soldiers. The modes include standard Team Deathmatches and capture the flag along with more esoteric games such as a deathmatch were only pilot kills count towards a final score.

A snazzy look at multiplayer in Titanfall 2

12. World of Tanks

World of Tanks is one of the most accessible F2P games on the market.

Mode: 15 on 15 Tank combat simulator

Genre: Tank Simulator

World of Tanks, From Wargaming, is one of those rare F2P games where you cannot buy the best thing in the game. The only way you get to the best (in this case) tank, is to grind it out through hundreds of games. That’s ok. Apart from Team Deathmatches (called standard) capture the flag (assault and encounter), World of Tanks has some clan specific game modes aptly titled Strongholds and Clan Wars. While Clan Wars is just the standard Deathmatch games modes but limited to teams made up of the same Clan’s members vs. another Clan, Strongholds mixes it up by dropping the number of players down to seven per team and having the outcome of the match effect buildings that give out of game experience and money bonuses to the Clans who own them.

Building a better Stronghold in World of Tanks

13. Double Dragon 4

Double Dragon IV gives players a nostalgic beat ‘em up to play with friends.

Mode-2 player Co-op Campaign

Genre: Beat ‘em up (then beat ‘em up some more and more and…)

Double Dragon is one of those classic games that most of us older gamers (but not too old) remember fondly. Blowing the dust out of the cartridge, you’d slide it into your system and you and a friend would choose between the one guy or that other guy and face wave after endless wave of baddies as you side scrolled to success. Arc System Works remembers those days too and with their recent acquisition of the Double Dragon license, everyone will be able to relive those days of old again when Double Dragon 4 comes out at the end of January, 2017.

Co-op Games are all the rage today and with a list of games like this it is easy to see why. 2017 may end up being one of the best years for gaming since the PS1 came out and with these games in your library you can enjoy it with friends as well.

Would you like to know more?

10 Best Real Time Strategy Games to Play in 2017

Top 10 Best FPS Games in 2017

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24 Best 2-Player Games to Enjoy With Your Best Friend in 2016 (PC)

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For Honor will feature robust combat mechanics in a low fantasy Co-op setting.

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BF1 Review: What to Know Before You Buy

Mleblanc08 — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 02:00:16 +0000

Battlefield 1 Trailer

Scoping Out the Battlefield

The much anticipated newest addition to the Battlefield franchise has dropped, and it’s probably generated the most hype for any game in the Battlefield series since Battlefield 3’s release in 2011. Shooters have recently steered towards futuristic settings, but Dice has decided to buck the trend and look backwards. We’ll take a look to see if the gamble has paid off, and fill you in with everything you need to know before you buy.

The Battlefield Franchise

The Battlefield franchise burst into the PC scene in 2002 with the release of Battlefield 1942. Fans will remember the original game was popular because of the size of its maps, the way it blended infantry battle and vehicles, and the fact that victory took a little bit of teamwork. In terms of the focus of the series, not much has changed since the Battlefield 1942.

“The more things change, the more things stay the same.”

For the most part, you know what you get with Battlefield, and it has been argued the series is suffering from fatigue with the rapid fire release of Battlefield 3, Battlefield Hardline, and Battlefield 4. Now Dice plans to shake things up with Battlefield 1 without losing what fans of the series love, and it’s a tall order.

The First World War

Dice is looking for a new angle with Battlefield 1, and it’s safe to say they’ve found it. Battlefield 3 & 4 focused on contemporary warfare, with a brief foray into the world of cops and robbers in Hardline. Battlefield 1 marks a whole new direction for the series, and drops players into the First World War, which has been largely ignored by video games, with the WWII getting all the love.

Gamers have felt that World War One would not translate to the PC because so much of the war unfolded in trenches. It’s true, poison gas and trench foot would not make for good gameplay, but Dice has proven that there is so much more to the First World War to explore and uncover.

There’s still some poison gas and probably some trench foot, too

Far from unfolding in the trenches the First World War lives up to its name and will have you traversing the globe. World War I makes for a heart pounding backdrop for the series. You’ll cut through soldiers with your razor sharp saber on horseback through the stunning Sinai Desert, soar through the clouds above the Venetian Alps, and love every minute of it.

What’s New

With so many releases since the return of Battlefield in Battlefield 3, it can be tough to continue to innovate and include new features to keep the franchise fresh, but Dice stepped up and made Battlefield 1 feels like something different in a few different ways.

Tank play is a whole new ballgame. The fact that there are no homing missiles means that you’re not a sitting duck in a tin can like many people felt they were in Battlefield 3 & 4. Tanks are formidable, as they should be.

If it’s fight or flight against a tank, flight is probably the way to go

Flying, too, feels different. For 30 war bond you can upgrade your plane and control the course of the battle unfolding below. Plane classes offer the same diversity that helicopters and planes offered in previous Battlefield games. The attack plane is sort of general purpose, the air-to-air combat planes can help you control the skies, and bombers can devastate players below, but you’ll need the nerve to fly low and slow over a raging battle.

“Levolution” included in Battlefield 4, which has huge game changing scripted events like the collapsing of a skyscraper has been tweaked for things like sandstorms in the Sanai Desert. The events seem more natural now and not forced like they sometimes felt in Battlefield 4. Destruction has also noticeably changed in Battlefield 1, making environments far more destructible similar to Battlefield 2: Bad Company. Fans of Bad Company, rejoice! Destruction creates cinematic moments like Levolution did, but they feel far more natural.

Gameplay

Battlefield 1 Gameplay Trailer

You’ll recognize the Battlefield you love in Battlefield 1. The maps are huge, just the way we like them. They’re also generally well designed, and matches tend to be balanced, which has been an issue in the past for Battlefield. Gameplay requires coordination, and the squad system is effective for the most part at keeping teams working together and towards objectives. The squad system now also allows players to join new games together, so if you find a crew you click with, you can spend the day together in the trenches.

Lone Wolves beware: Dice has made playing outside a squad much more difficult in Battlefield 1

With all that mostly being the same, there are also enough new elements of Battlefield 1 to make it feel different and special. New weapons are a huge part of that. Previous installments have emphasized the use of high tech gadgets, but Battlefield 1 brings it back to basics. We’ll take a closer look at weapons in a bit, but to give you an idea you have options between bolt action, semi-automatic, and automatic rifles. Outside guns, there’s also artillery, flamethrowers, and, of course, mustard gas.

That’s guns that go pew, but what about melee? Trench clubs and shovels will be available for your bashing pleasure, but the sabre is another options and ideal for use on horseback. Speaking of horses, there are also more traditional horse powered ways to get around in machines. There are light and heavy tanks, battleships, armored trucks, and even zeppelins that predictably explode in spectacular fashion.

"Ooh, the humanity."

The gameplay itself is still quick, more like Battlefield 4 than the slower experiences of earlier Battlefield games. Overall, Dice did the impossible and crafted an experience that brings back all the beloved aspects of gameplay, while managing to inject enough new life into the game to revitalize the franchise.

Campaign

Battlefield 1 Campaign Trailer

Battlefield 1’s largest departure from previous installments in the series is probably in the campaign, and for good reason. In the past, the campaigns in Battlefield games have for the most part been considered secondary to the multiplayer. This probably remains true for Battlefield 1, but the campaign is a huge leap forward for Dice.

Unlike previous Battlefield games, the campaign can be divided into six unique stories that concern six soldiers from six different countries. It’s a brilliant format because of it gives Battlefield 1 the chance to tell six great war stories, and because the unique setting for each story makes for varied and interesting gameplay. Dice also capitalized on the scale of each location by making missions more open than past games, leaving players more choice in how they tackle each objective. We’ll take a quick, spoiler-free look at each of the six parts of the campaign.

Storm of Steel – The story’s prologue concerns the Harlem Hellfighters, the most prolific African American unit to fight in The Great War. The Hellfighters take on wave after wave of German troops on the frontlines. There’s a unique element of gameplay in the first part of the story that we won’t spoil, but will say is a brilliant way of demonstrating the real life cost this massive war, and insight into the true nature of war.

Through Mud and Blood – Part two drops players into 1918, and as history buffs could probably guess, into the Hundred Days Offensive. Danny Edwards is a Brit and the hero of “Through Mud and Blood.” With a crew of four others, Edwards pushes deep into German territory in a Mark V Tank dubbed “Black Bess.”

Friends in High Places – As the name suggests, part three follows an American pilot by the name of Clyde Blackburn. Blackburn embarks on an aerial exercise that turns out to be much, much more.

Things have a way of escalating quickly in Battlefield, and Battlefield 1 is no exception

Avanti Savoia – Part four concerns Luca Vincenzo Cocchiola, an Italian fighter in Dolomites near Northern Italy. “Avanti Savoia” perfectly shows how WWI pitted the old war against the new in its depiction of Luca leading an assault on an Austro-Hungarian fortress in heavy armor.

The Runner – Back in 1915, part five centers around the Gallipoli Campaign, specifically an Australian message runner named Frederick Bishop. “The Runner” depicts a relationship between Bishop and a young, naïve recruit and their stark difference in attitudes towards the destruction and death of war.

Nothing is Written – The sixth and final part of the compelling campaign is probably the most unique. Players control Zara Ghufran, a Bedouin rebel, in the Arabian Peninsula waging war against the Ottomans, in a pulse driving battle centering on an armored train.

Multiplayer

Single player is a thrilling experience that does a fantastic job of breathing life into the First World War, but the center of Battlefield 1 is multiplayer just as it always has been. Dice has done a fantastic job here, too, and a large part of their success lies in the fact they’ve created a fully customizable experience

Let’s talk classes. You have the choice of four different classes, and each is going to give you a fundamentally different experience. Snipers will favor the Scout class, so they can pick off enemies, and probably more importantly mark enemies to give a clear layout of the battlefield to teammates.

Picking your class is only the start of customization

Medics, as you’d expect, has players reviving teammates. Support uses light machine guns to plow down enemies, in addition to the typical support duties in Battlefield including providing ammo and acting as an engineer to repair vehicles. Lastly, Assault gives players SMGs and shotguns to kill enemies and destroy as many enemy tanks, planes, and trucks as they can manage.

Outside of the standard four classes, there are also vehicle specific classes that you automatically are assigned upon spawning in tanks, planes, or on a horse. There’s also the Elite class, which can be found on the battlefield and gives you a leg up on the competition by giving otherwise unavailable weapons like the flamethrower.

Dude taking this picture probably didn’t make it

All in all, multiplayer is varied, satisfying, and most importantly pretty damn fun. It’s safe to say that fears the First World War wouldn’t translate to a video game have been put to rest, and there’s talk it might even inspire other franchises to follow suit.

Weapons

Battlefield 1 Weapons Trailer

There are a lot of weapons in Battlefield 1, and it can be tough knowing what to use where. To better help you hit the ground running, here’s a quick breakdown according to class.

Assault

Automatico M1918 – Automatico lives up to its name, and churns out bullets. It’s deadly in close quarters, but constant reloading opens you up to danger. Don’t expect to mow down crowds like some large magazine guns of previous installments allowed you to do.

MP 18 – Accuracy is the name of the game here. Recoil is minimal, so even if it’s not as quick as other weapons in the Assault class, it’s dependable at medium range and gets the job done.

Hellriegel 1915 – Hellriegel fixes the problem with the Automatico M1918 by providing players with a drum magazine. If you’re up against numbers, look no further than the Hellriegel.

Model 10-A – Pretty typical shotgun, and that’s not at all a bad thing. Get in close, and win the war in spectacular faction by quite literally blowing away the enemy. You’d be better off throwing your gun at the enemy if you’re at a distance, however.

The Model 10-A kicks like it’s in Bloodsport

M97 Trench Gun – Trench gun is similar in use to the 10-A, but faster. You’re your own worst enemy here: deal out devastating damage but if you unload too quick you’ll find yourself with your pants down on the front lines.

12g Automatic – Oh look, a shotgun that isn’t completely useless at longer ranges thanks to its low spread. If you’re a good shot 12g is a great choice, but you can’t point in a general direction and kill everything in its wide path like you can with the other shotgun options.

Medic

Cei-Rigotti – More or less a starter gun. Reasonably well balanced, the Cei-Rigotti has a healthy fire rate, but a shallow clip and damage on the lower end that make this a less than ideal choice once you’ve unlocked alternatives.

Mondragón – Very balanced weapon that’s an all-around solid choice in terms of accuracy, damage, and speed. An improvement over the Cei-Rigotti in just about every way possible.

Perfect for picking people off sand dunes

M1907 SL – Has its uses, but leaves much to be desired. The 1907 deals little damage making it more useful in closer quarters than at a distance. The saving grace is its deep 21 round magazine.

Selbstlader M1916 - Magazine are large, and that’s a plus here. Each round packs a punch, too, and you can do real damage when you’re not healing with the M1916. One thing to be warry of is the kick, which is comparable to a mule and can slow you down if you’re not patient.

Selbstlader 1906 – Good damage and accuracy make the 1906 great on paper, but it suffers in practice because of its 5 shot clips. It’s easy to get frustrated when you spend more time reloading than you do actually shooting.

Autoloading 8 .35 – Like the 1906, the Autoloading 8 has a five round clip, and that hurts its performace. The damage does make it a decent choice for closer quarters combat, but don’t expect to be blowing people away like you could with the Trench Gun.

Support

Lewis Gun – A great gun for beginners. Like most support weapons, the Lewis Gun has substantial recoil that lessens as you continue to unload on the enemy. It’s a strong choice for suppressive fire and cutting through groups of enemies.

Madsen MG – A far more balanced gun than its somewhat goofy appearance would suggest. It’s decently balanced, but works best in the trnch where you can shoot right from the hip.

Huot Automatic – The Huot is a decent jack of all trades, but its focus on balance leaves much to be desired, and it functions as a slightly improved alternative to the Lewis at a higher cost.

M1909 Benét-Mercié – The 30 round clip is more than enough to do real damage, and even better you can fling out those 30 rounds with devastating accuracy. The one drawback is that it does better stationary than it ever could while you’re on the move. Great for holding positions.

MG15 n.A. – The super heavyweight of the bunch, the MG15 packs on hell of a punch. The magazine holds a staggering 100 rounds, but it’s predictably slow when reloading. When used correctly the MG15 proves that slow and steady can indeed win the race.

This alley just became a dead-end

BAR M1918 – Much more mobile than any other weapon on the list. You can run and gun in style, but a necessary shortfall of its mobility is the fact that its magazine holds a disappointing 20 rounds which dry up fast.

Scout

SMLE MKIII – A shockingly capable starter rifle that more than holds its own. Great from range, and extremely satisfying bolt action to use at close range.

Gewehr M. 95 – Very fast rifle and effective at all ranges if you can manage to keep up. Be prepared to find, spot, and pop off rounds quickly to make the Gewehr work for you as it should.

Russian 1895 - Essentially a slightly altered version of the MKIII that is excellent at longer ranges thanks in part to its improved magnification down sight.

Gewehr 98 – A sniper’s sniper rifle that really only works at long ranges. If you’re patient and you have great shot placement, you can land satisfying head shots from across the map in style.

Like shooting fish in a beautiful barrel

M1903 – Probably has the best range of any sniper rifle making it ideal for larger maps like Sinai, but less useful in the more dense maps.

Martini-Henry – More like a cannon than a gun, the Martini shoots one round at a time with devastating results. Fun to play with, and that’s what counts. It also happens to do its job well at mid-range.

Maps

Ballroom Blitz

It’s 1918 and American Forces have organized an offensive that centers around a stunning French chateau that once housed officers, and now is rocked by gunfire and tanks. Ballroom Blitz clashes the beauty of Europe against the ugliness of war in a map that embodies the chaos of the First World War.

Argonne Forest

A close quarters, infantry heavy map, Argonne Forest has most of the gunplay unfolding in trenches and bunkers. The fighting is claustrophobic in one second, and spills into the beautifully rendered Argonne Forest in the next.

Basically the movie "Stand By Me" with guns

Fao Fortress

A beautifully diverse that maps that begins on the beaches with amphibious machines, and ends with a hard-fought assault on the ominous fortress. Blood will be spilt on sand dunes and coves alike in this quest for the castle.

Suez

Suez is a sprawling map that has the Sinai desert unfolding at your feet. The canal must be controlled at all costs, but victory means surviving a barrage of artillery and lead.

The St. Quentin Scar

The destructive power of Battlefield 1 is never more clearly on display than it is on St. Quentin Scar. Travecy, a village in northern France, is ravaged by the sheer destructive force of the German army crashing against the British front line.

Sinai Desert

Massive in scope, Sinai Desert proudly shows the scope Battlefield 1 manages to capture. From cliffs to sand dunes, you’ll use tanks, planes, and your own two feet to fight for control under the white hot sun.

Amiens

It’s a fight for the French city of Amiens. The map has players dodging fire down alleys, and through beautiful architecture including a beautiful French courthouse that meets an unfortunate fate.

Still beautiful in the midst of all the chaos

Monte Grappa

The Venetian Alps is home to one of the final battles of the war. The scale of the mountains is humbling, as the war rages through clouds and on perilous mountainsides.

Empire’s Edge

The once beautiful Adriatic Coast is transformed into a mass graveyard and the Mediterranean washes over the fallen that gave their lives to protect a collapsing empire. Make a stand along the fortified shore alongside dreadnought battleships.

Player Complaints

For all the good there’s always going to be some bad, and Battlefield 1 is certainly no exception. First, the campaign is stunning, but by all accounts it’s way too short. The six stories unfold at a clip, and it leaves you in something of a daze when it’s all over. Luckily, you can take to the battlefield on multiplayer when the war ends, but all the same it leaves you wishing there was more meat on the bones.

Load times are another problem that players have been reporting. The good news is that you have time to file taxes and run errands between matches. The game also happens to be stunning, so it’s well worth the wait.

Get used to this view

Also, grinding… unlocking weapon skins can feel more like a chore, making it less than enjoyable.

Probably the biggest complaint is that at the end of the day there’s plenty new to explore in Battlefield 1, but at its core it’s another Battlefield game and the WWI setting doesn’t make for an entirely novel experience. If you were hoping for something completely different, you’re out of luck, pal.

Last, it might not be fair considering it hasn’t happened yet, but you expect paid map packs down the road, and if history tells us anything it’s that players will be divided, and you’ll end up paying more and more for your Battlefield 1 experience. Speaking of paying…

Price

The bare bones version of Battlefield 1 will set you back $59.99 on Origin, but you have options. The Deluxe Edition comes with themed weapons and gear, and five extra Battlepacks, but it’ll set you back $79.99. For diehard fans there’s also the Ultimate Edition, which gives you everything in Deluxe with added expansion packs, 19 battlepacks, new maps, elite classes, and more. The Ultimate Edition has the price tag to match at $129.98 on Origin.

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Clash of the Old World and the New

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21 Most Popular PC Games in 2016

sreynolds — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 19:24:24 +0000

What Are The Most Played PC Games in 2016?

Only half-way through the year, and 2016 has proven to be a great year for PC gaming. Whether you like to play online multiplayer, or go it alone, you have many fantastic game options to choose from. Let’s take a look at our top 21 most popular pc games to play this year.

21. Minecraft

Onward, to smash blocks!

Go anywhere, and build anything in the indie smash hit from Mojang and Microsoft Studios. Your imagination is your only limitation.

Play with friends or alone in this open world sandbox game as your forage for supplies, fight monsters and build whatever your imagination allows.

The world is procedurally generated, meaning no two game worlds will be the same. Roam the surface of the infinite game world, build a rollercoaster, or duke it out with explosive creepers the choice is yours in this open world adventure. Minecraft features 5 different game modes with all sorts of activities for the player to jump into.

Since its launch in 2009, Minecraft has been downloaded over 100 million times, making the developers 700 million in profits. To top it off, the creator, Notch, made 2.1 billion when he sold the studio to Microsoft. With the yearly Mineconon the way, there seems to be no signs of this indie giant slowing down in 2016.

"That was fun."

20. DOOM

Check the BFG!

The armies of hell have arrived! Take up arms and repel the demonic horde as you shoot your way across Mars and Hell in this FPS masterpiece.

Players control the legendary Doom Marine, as he races around both Mars and Hell in an attempt to stop the demon armies from destroying mankind.

Doom’s single-player mode is chalk full of “badass demons, big effing guns, and moving really fast” according to id Software Executive Producer Marty Stratton. Players can climb ledges, double-jump, and sprint. The game has implemented a new “Glory Kills” system in which players are prompted to execute a hyper-violent melee attack.

As always, Doom has a massive arsenal of powerful, over-the-top weapons that pack a massive punch. Players can customize their weapon statistics to suit their play styles. From collectable runes and research projects to upgrade your Doom Slayer, there is no end to the customization options available.

Add in a vibrant multiplayer mode; map editing and the amount of content seems endless for an FPS. Given the fact that it sold 500,000 copies on PC, and was nominated for best PC game by Game Critics Awards, it’s no wonder DOOM is one of the most popular games of 2016.

“Hey, look, that one’s yawning.”

19. The Witcher 3

The hunt is on

A realm at war, the Wild Hunt on your trail, you’ll be tasked with your most important mission yet—track down a child of prophecy who could save or destroy the world.

Players will roam a vast and beautiful open world as The Witcher,Geralt of Rivia where they’ll hunt monsters, track missing persons, get into fists fights, and when the adventures startto take their toll, play a game of Gwent.

Like past installments, the Witcher 3 is a game about choice, and now with the vast open world, the choices that players make have consequences that expand beyond the games story. Players will hunt down monsters, deal with ghosts, challenge ancient evils, and fend off the occasional bandit. From swashbuckling sword fights, to bare-knuckle fisticuffs, cast spells; the way you approach combat is up to you.

Having won multiple Game of the Year awards; selling 10 million copies, and breaking the record for highest selling game in the UK for 2015, couple that with two new expansions, it becomes clear why it’s was one of the most popular games of 2016.

"Here, birdy, birdy!"

18. Dark Souls 3

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Holy crap! This game is tough.

Players assume the role of the Ashen One as they travel around the Kingdom of Lothric battling monsters, in the traditional hack-and-slash style fans of the series come to expect. Players must defeat the Lords of Cinder to restore the Eternal Fire and stop the age of darkness.

As usual the action RPG systems from past installments are back. Players are equipped with a large variety of weapons such as bows, throwing weapons, swords, shields, etc. Each weapon has a two attack types. Players can also wield magic, and the movement mechanics have been tweaked for more fluid action.

Having earned a 90/100 on metacritic; it is the highest selling game Namco Bandai has ever published. It was also the highest selling software worldwide the month of its release. DLC content is expected to drop in late 2016.

Nice night for a stroll.

17. Elder Scrolls Online

Play alone, or with friends. The choice is yours.

The world is at war, factions vie for the Imperial throne, and the only thing standing between chaos and order is you. Join the fight against Molag Bal, God of Schemes, as he attempts to pull all of Tamriel into the cold realm of Oblivion.

Players will traverse the continent of Tamriel as they battle monsters, demons, ghosts, bandits, and all manner of things. Play solo, or with friends in this MMORPG from Bethesda Softworks, and ZeniMax Studios, and tackle the nonlinear gameplay with quests, exploration, random events, gathering, crafting, and dungeon crawling. With 4 classes, 10 different races, and 3 factions to choose from, there’s multiple ways to tackle the adventures that await you in Tamriel.

If you’re not much of an MMO fan, don’t worry, TES Online has a fully fleshed out campaign that can be played solo featuring the voices of John Cleese, Bill Nighy, Kate Beckinsale, Lynda Carter, Peter Stormare, Jennifer Hale, adding an element that is lacking in most MMORPG’s.

After a rocky release, ESO seems to have hit its stride with a large number of updates, expansions, and game tweaks drawing in a steady player-base, making it one of the most popular MMO’s of 2016.

"Oooh, a doggy!"

16. FIFA 16

“Now go on and two step.”

FIFA 16 enjoys the privilege of being the only sports SIM to make it on this list.

One of the coolest features to make it in the game this year is the inclusion of 12 Women’s National Teams. With chase after the ball in over 76 stadiums, 30 leagues, and a whopping 650 teams to choose from, there is no end to the amount of time you can lose enjoying a game of footie.

Most of the core mechanics return with the implementation of the new friendly tournament mode that gives players rewards for winning. There are also new weather, and kick-off variations that tweak and enhance the overall experience.

Having received positive reviews, and receiving sports Game of the year nomination from the 2015 game awards, it’s hard not to see why this was one of the most played sports sims on PC in 2016.

Feel the footie.

15. Street Fighter 5

Let’s fight!

The king of competitive fighting games is back!

Pick from old favorites like Ryu, Ken, and Chun-Li; and new characters like F.A.N.G, Laura and play through the game’s story mode, or it’s competitive online multiplayer scene.

New to this installment is the “V-Gauge” , which build up over the course of the match and adds new skills and abilities which can be performed within the fight. Each of the game’s 16 characters have their own unique V-Skills, V-Triggers, and V-Reversals that can be performed within the fight giving the game a new dynamic. Street Fighter V also features a robust story mode for the folks who like a nice narrative.

Receiving a 74 on Metacritic, the game opened to positive reviews in the face of some of the technical issues which have since been addressed. Despite some of the criticisms the game has a strong following within the tournament scene, having broke records at the EVO championship series.

Giving new meaning to “bad hair day.”

14. DayZ

I bet the Z stands for Zombie. *Wink*

The Zombie apocalypse is here! Fight to survive as your forage for food, water, and other supplies all while avoiding the Zombie horde, and other cutthroat players in this open-world survival game from Bohemia Interactive.

In DayZ survival is the objective. Shoot, stab, and run as you roam around the world’s immense map, collecting food, weapons and anything else you can get your hands on in order to survive Fend off zombies and compete against other players in the grim apocalyptic wasteland.

Despite the criticisms from fans for DayZ’s lack of improvement over the last couple years, sales seem strong for the indie juggernaut having raked in over 5 million in sales.

Pew Pew

13. Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain

Big Boss is back!

It’s 1984. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan is a cover for a much more nefarious operation involving Metal Gear technology, and it’s up to Big Boss to stop them.

Player’s return to the franchise as legendary soldier, Big Boss, as they travel around a massive open world, were players can choose how they approach each mission. From sneaking, to shoot-em-up how you take down your enemies is up to you. The game features a robust customization options from skins, to a wide variety of weapons (all upgradeable) to the color of vehicles.

Also new to the franchise are companions that help you tackle missions in various way. Players can also customize their companions as well as their mother base. Sprinkle in a strong online mode, and MGS V is a game with a massive amount of content and replayability.

Having received a 91/100 on metacritic, and having shipped over 6 million copies it’s no surprise it’s still one of the most played games in 2016.

#spylife #coldwarselfie

12. Overwatch

You want to go where everybody knows your name

From the makers of World of Warcraft and Diablo, comes a quirky first-person shooter that has taken the gaming world by storm: Overwatch.

Overwatch is an online multiplayer game unlike any other. The mechanics may seem similar: team deathmatch-style games with six players on two teams, but what makes this game so special is the maps, the weapons, and especially, the characters. The game currently offers twelve maps – places from all over the world, from Hollywood to Hanamura, Japan.

Overwatch takes place in some of the most beautiful places in the world

The game follows twenty-two diverse characters that make up a world-saving taskforce called Overwatch, which is where the game gets its name. In a world of war and turmoil, Overwatch were the protectors of our planet – saving humanity from itself. Because of the group’s influence, the world has been able to focus on scientific, explorative, and discovery advances. They became legends, but now that the world had gained peace, it seemed that Overwatch was no longer needed. Thus, they disbanded.

Only shortly after the team retired did the world need them again. Death, terrorism, and war had taken hold of Earth once more and Overw will atch decided it was time to make their return. Led by Winston, a scientifically engineered, highly intelligent blue gorilla, Overwatch makes their comeback, swinging back into action to defeat the evils of humanity.

Characters are split into four sections: offense, defense, tanks, and supports. No one character is the same, however. Each have their own personality, strengths, weapons, and special abilities. Take, for instance, Junkrat, an Aussie anarchist with a love for explosions. His primary weapon is a frag grenade launcher, which make not have the best accuracy, but packs a punch. He also has a very unique special move called Rip-tire, in which he controls a motorized tire with a large explosive in it. Use it just right, and players will be able to destroy multiple enemies at once.

Junkrat and Roadhog: two anarchist beasts in a pod

On the complete opposite end of the spectrum is Zenyatta, a robotic monk who is in search of spiritual enlightenment. He plays a support character and can harness the power of zen to both heal his friends by using his orb of harmony, or harm his enemies, by using the orb of destruction. It seems that Blizzard had yin and yang in mind when creating this character. Zenyatta can go into a place of heightened peace, which allows him to heal his teammates while taking no damage for a short period of time.

The group of extremely diverse characters each have their own stories which are told through comics and short videos which are available on Blizzard’s website. And it seems that Blizzard may continue to release more and more characters. Nearly two months after Overwatch came out, they have added a new character named Ana Amari, a brand new offensive, and there are rumors about more joining.

D. Va can eject herself from her mech and make it self-destruct, killing all of her foes nearby

There are four different objective types. The first being assault, wherein two teams face off to take hold of multiple objective spaces before a timer runs out. One team will attack while the other defends. Similarly, there is control. In this gameplay, there is only one objective that both teams must fight over. There is also payload, where a team must protect a payload and get it to its target destination, while the other team fights to make sure that the payload does not get there before a timer runs out. And finally, assault/payload, which is as it sounds, a combination of both assault and payload. Teams will fight one another for the payload and then the winning team must escort the payload its destination.

At the end of each game, you gain XP which will go toward levels. XP is based on your kill/death ratio, defensive points, objective points, and more. Each time you gain a level, you are given a mystery box full of different customizations for characters and currency to spend on customizing characters.

Overwatch is significantly different from other first-person shooters because it is so unique. It takes time and dedication to get comfortable with each character, and because each character is so different from the next, it’s fun to try them all. It may be too early to tell, but with all of the praise it has received from players and critics across the world, Overwatch may be up for a few Game of the Year awards.

11. Grand Theft Auto V

Bad boys for life

Grand Theft Auto V is an open-world third-person action game that follows the stories of Franklin, Michael, and Trevor, as they wreak havoc on beautiful Los Santos, a fictional Los Angeles, doing bank jobs, jewelry store heists, and in general, running amok.

Franklin, the repo man trying to come up

You start out the game as Franklin Clinton. And when you first meet Franklin, you’ll notice that he’s stuck in quite a rut. He shares a small home with his aunt, whom he doesn’t get along with very well in the gang-controlled, poverty-stricken side of town. And to make matters worse, he works at a dead end job as a repo man for a slime ball car salesman which has caused a strain in his relationship with his girlfriend. One of Franklin’s very first missions is when he is given the job to repo a car from the wrong guy: Michael De Santa.

Michael, the “retired” professional heist man

This is when you are first introduced to Michael, an upper-class middle-aged loud mouth with a penchant for violence. Michael may have a swanky home, but his family dynamics are a mess. Regardless, Franklin is in awe of Michael’s lifestyle: the fancy cars, the pool out back, and a giant home. It’s all a stark difference in comparison to what Franklin is used to. Michael, who is a retired heist-man decides to come out of retirement to teach the young guy a thing or two about making money. Michael becomes somewhat of a mentor for Franklin, teaching him the ropes and making out like bandits.

Trevor, the mad man

Then there’s Trevor Philips. From the “cut here” tattoo around his neck, to his curb-stomping boots, Trevor is, to put it nicely, completely insane. He lives in the boonies outside of Los Santos – a place called Sandy Shores, where he keeps his dirty, disgusting trailer. Trevor spends his time manufacturing and pushing drugs for his very own business: Trevor Philips Industries. Eventually Trevor and Michael, long-lost best friends are reunited, and Trevor pushes Michael to officially come out of retirement to pull the one heist they’d talked about for years: The Big One, in which they intend to live off the money from for the rest of their lives.

Of course, with every Grand Theft Auto games, there is a rich cast of characters that players will meet and work with leading up to The Big One. With tons of side missions and plot twists, players can switch between Franklin, Michael, and Trevor to get a look into their lives and cause all kinds of mayhem and destruction.

Franklin and Michael prep for The Big One

With Franklin, you can race fast, high-end cars with customization up the wazoo – from the paint job to engine upgrades. Trevor stirs things up with the local military and drug cartels, using high-powered semi-automatic machine guns and missile launchers. And Michael, well, he just tries to hold his life together, while things seem to spiral out of control.

Grand Theft Auto V has multiple different endings and the player can choose the fate of Franklin, Michael, and Trevor. Will their misdeeds be their undoing, or will they find fortune? Well, that’s for you to decide.

Grand Theft Auto V also has an online multiplayer option that allows players to create their very own heist man or woman. Your character is brand new to Los Santos, and you must start off from humble beginnings, playing missions that may not be well paid, but will grant you access to even more, better paying missions. You can face off against other players in these missions in a variety of different ways: there are team death match mini-games, races, one-on-one shootouts, even arm-wrestling. Or, if you prefer, you can complete missions on your own. With each mission won, you will earn money which can go toward customizing your character’s appearance, buy new vehicles and weapons, and safe houses too!

Grand Theft Auto V is one of, if not the, best game in the franchise. Following the stories of three different playable characters, you will see how their stories intermesh with one another and find out deeply hidden mysteries.

10. Fallout 4

Come on boy, let’s go home

Fallout 4 is an open world action roleplaying game developed by Bethesda. Based in Boston 210 years after the Great War, which ended when all of the nuclear-capable nations launched all their nuclear weapons, causing a massive fallout. This story follows the happenings of Fallout 3 and even includes and alludes to some of the story and characters from the previous game.

You play as a fully customizable character which you create in the very beginning of the game. You will be able to choose your character’s appearance – from skin texture to body type, and their attributes, allowing you to place points into an attribute chart called S.P.E.C.I.A.L. (Strength, Perception, Endurance, Intelligence, Agility, and Luck). From there, you will be able to choose perks under each attribute. And during conversations, you will be able to decide your character’s personality based on the conversation options that you choose.

You can make your character all your own

Once you complete your character, you will receive an alert on your television, telling you that Boston has been nuked. You must get yourself and your family to safety in the nearby Valut-Tec vault, which will protect you from the radiation blast. Your character, through a series of events, emerges alone from the vault 210 years later, and your son, Shawn, has gone missing. It is up to you to endure the Boston wasteland and find your missing son.

Along the way, you will run into many side quest missions and meet numerous wasteland residents and learn their stories. You can play the way that you want to in Fallout 4, which makes it all the more fun. Will you help post-apocalyptic Boston ride up from the ashes, or will you make life even more difficult for those around you? The decision is yours.

One man’s junk is another man’s treasure

The world is fully customizable as well. In previous Fallout games, you could collect a bunch of junk, but you could never really put it to good use. In Fallout 4, you are able to use the junk to build settlements, customize your weapons and armor, or create drugs that you can take to increase boost your stats temporarily.

There are so many different ways that you can customize your weapons. Maybe you prefer close range – build a gun that has a lot of fire power, and lower accuracy, or add sights onto it to make it a powerful ranged weapon. There are even some great unique weapons, like the junk jet, which allows you to use your junk as ammo, and the railway gun, which can nail your opponent to a wall. With these weapons, you can have some hilarious experiences unlike any other game of this kind.

Your armor has many customization options as well such as lighter build, more pockets, or you can use heavier materials like steel to increase your damage resistance. Some armor and weapons have special abilities attached to them, but in order to get them, you have to defeat hard to beat enemies. Some of these special abilities include slowing down time and increased speed.

Power armor is a whole different animal – these huge suits of armor can be completely customized as well, to turn yourself into a walking tank. It takes a lot of time and effort to get your power suit just right. Like regular armor, you will be on the hunt for the very best, but good Power armor pieces are more difficult to find. From there, you piece that bad boy together, slap some paint on it, place your power core in and you’re ready to go.

With so many mods to choose from, you will be unstoppable

As your journey progresses, you will run into twelve potential companions. These companions can be a great asset in combat. Many of them have their own unique fighting style – like Cait, who can punch a bad guy’s brains out, or Codsworth, who uses his robotics to defeat enemies from close range and from afar. And each character has their very own storyline which you can follow to better get to know them. Once you reach the peak of your relationship with that character, you will gain a perk from them. You can even have romantic relations.

Many of these companions come from different factions. There are four major factions, and things can get a bit sticky. You will have to make some difficult decisions and you may have to betray one or more of the factions that you come across in order to complete the final mission.

Take out your enemies with a variety of weapons – including this beast that shoots nuclear projectiles

Fallout 4 is probably the biggest, most anticipated game of 2015. It has won some very high-profile awards already, including three Interactive Achievement Awards from the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, and the BAFTA Games Award for Best Game. The Fallout 4 base game offers hundreds of hours of gameplay and even more with new add-ons and expansions. Fallout 4 has tons of replay value because in such a large, open world, with so many different options and decisions, you can play the game differently every time.

9. League of Legends

Clash with other champions online

League of Legends is a top-down team-based strategy game where you and your team work together to destroy the enemy’s Nexus before they are able to bring down yours. So you will have to choose your character carefully and choose the right weapons to defeat them.

There are currently 131 champions to choose from, and Riot Games continues to release more and more. Each champion has a role to play, too. You can choose to be an assassin, fighter, mage, support, tank, or marksman. At the beginning of each game you are given the opportunity to choose your champion as well as starting items.

Defeat terrible monsters – that is, if you have the skill

There are tons of different weapons to choose from. You may decide to use a mace or maybe a sword. A scepter or perhaps you prefer to play with a staff. There are nearly 200 items to choose from, including spells, weapons, and armor and you can upgrade and customize them to meet your needs using a tree upgrading system. You can also craft new weapons using recipes.

How do you gain powerful weapons? You can buy them with gold which you get by killing enemy champions, turrets, and monsters. Monsters can be found in the jungle, off the beaten path, but be warned, they are hard to beat, and may not be a good place to start for a brand new champion. So you must gain XP to build your abilities and strength as well.

Use different, unique abilities to get the upper hand with your enemies

You receive gold and XP for killing enemies, but you will also gain XP by being in the same area where an enemy has fallen. Whether it is an enemy turret, a minion, an enemy champion, or a monster. Your abilities are chosen by you as you level up. There are a variety of different abilities to choose, too. For instance, Absolute Zero slows down the enemy forces while others, like Champion Nidalee’s Aspect of the Cougar allows you to shape shift.

There are four main maps in League of Legends, with different objectives and victory parameters. Summoner’s Rift, Twisted Treeline, Crystal Scar, and Howling Abyss. They are all somewhat similar, but Summoner’s Rift seems to be the most popular. The object of the game is to allow your minions, which are small AIs to eliminate enemy structures, and eventually the Nexus. Minions are helpful for players as they can be considered something of a shield for you, as they are targeted by turrets.

Every League of Legends game is different and provides players with endless fun. League of Legend is notorious for their fast-paced and exciting worldwide tournaments, and has won both the Golden Joystick Award for Online Game of the Year and the BAFTA Games Award for Persistent Game.

8. World of Warcraft: Legion

Legion is World of Warcraft’s upcoming expansion

Legion is the newest upcoming World of Warcraft expansion pack and the video game community is all abuzz, ready to play this brand new experience. In this Warcraft addition, you are faced with the terror that is The Tomb of Sargeras. After 800 years of being sealed, the tomb has been broken, releasing demons of the Burning Legion into the world.

These demons are hell bent on summoning their creator, Sargeras, a monstrous and deranged demon lord and you must stop them. Else, total annihilation.

Watch your step as you trek through the dangerous world in World of Warcraft: Legion

You can play as a brand new hero class – Demon Hunter – who started as members of the elite guard of Illidan Stormrage, at the helm of the fight against the Burning Legion. Elves who use the powers of the Legion against them, Demon Hunters can utilize the powers of their foes – demonic fires, metamorphosing into fel creatures, and using their raging hatred to fuel their powers to destroy enemies and protect allies. Because of their use of dark magic, they have been ostracized and turned into outcasts by the general population of Azeroth.

These Demon Hunters prefer to wear lighter leather armor for increased speed and accuracy in battle and favor daggers, one-handed weapons and melee over all other weapons.

A brand new playable hero class – Demon Hunters -- harness demon powers to use against them

The game takes place in the Broken Isles – a world littered with mysterious and powerful artifacts of ancient origins. Uncovering these relics will aid you in your journey to stop the demons that want to see the end of Azeroth. Take, for instance, Ebonchill, Greatstaff of Alodi, a powerful staff which brings icy focus to the user. Or the Maw of the Damned, a two-handed axe of the Death Knight. Once used by the demon Gorelix the Fleshripper, this axe steals the life force of one’s foes and uses it to replenish their own. These weapons can be upgraded to be more powerful, with more effects.

Upgrade your weapons for improved damage and better effects

The Broken Isles is an area with a rich history – you will explore ancient Elven civilizations, older than any of humankind, humongous mountain ranges, and dense, gorgeous forests. But remember, The Broken Isles is the center of the turmoil. It may be mystical, but it is also a very dangerous world filled with terrible beasts that want nothing more than to rip you limb from limb.

You will run into a cast of unique characters – from those who want to help you, to those who will stand in your way. Xavius, The Nightmare Lord, is one of these villains. He seeks vengeance for the defeat of the Burning Legion decades ago. You must defeat him and his army of satyrs who will fight with all their might to defend their master’s honor.

The Broken Isles boast gorgeous ancient Elven cities with dangerous mysteries

You must destroy these threats with the help of your followers, as you hunt for the Pillars of Creation, Titan relics, used to create the world. These pillars are the key to the preservation of the world. The fate of Azeroth sits on your shoulders. Will you be able to save us?

World of Warcraft: Legion comes out August 30th, 2016.

7. Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft

Choose your hero and duel it out in Hearthstone

Hearthstone is another offering from Blizzard – the makers of World of Warcraft and Overwatch. A free-to-play online card game that focuses on the lore behind the World of Warcraft universe, Hearthstone is a unique and addictive experience.

In the game, two players will face off against one another in a strategic battle of the wits. Each player will choose one of nine heroes, whom are important figures in World of Warcraft lore and are equipped with a special power. For example, Rexxar, the savage hunter, will deal 2 damage to the enemy hero, while Garrosh Hellscream’s power allows him to gain 2 armor. As you can see by this example, choosing a hero that can fight or defend themselves efficiently against the other player can change the course of the game.

Use your 30 card deck to cast spells and effects

Each player gets 30 cards each and winning a match gives you in-game gold and new cards so that you can customize your deck to make it more difficult to beat. You will use your deck of cards to equip weapons and cast spells and effects at your enemy.

Players battle it out using one card at a time to outwit and beat the other player. Creating your deck is the key to a success and you must consider each card that you play carefully as it may backfire on you. You are able to construct 18 different decks to use in-game and familiarizing yourself with the strengths and weaknesses of each deck will allow you to better strategize.

Players can also craft new cards to add to their deck. In order to craft new cards, you must destroy existing cards to create arcane dust. Arcane dust will then go into the recipes that you use to make a brand new, potentially more powerful card.

Care for a little gamble?

There are five different modes of play. Play mode will match you up against players in either a ‘friendly’ or ranked match. Ranked matches earn players ranks based on their wins and losses. Ranks are determined by stars. Each win earns a player a star, and once players hit level 20, they will then begin to lose stars for losses.

There are also Solo Adventures, which pits a human player against a computer. Within this mode, you can choose between practice and adventure. Practice is as it sounds, but adventure allows players to compete against bosses to win cards and gold. Each boss battle has unique dialog, similar to action adventure games.

Each magic card uses mana so be careful which you choose

Arena mode is similar to a gamble. In order to enter the arena, you must throw down 150 gold (in-game currency) or real money as a bet on yourself. You will be awarded prizes at the end of your arena match – which is triggered when you lose three matches or win twelve matches – whichever comes first.

Tavern Brawls are very different. They are weekly tournaments set by Blizzard with a set of new rules each week for one-on-one or two-on-two matches. Playing in this mode will count toward quests competitions, and at the end of the week, with winner will take home the Classic Pack.

Finally, there are duels, which allow players to play against their friends in unranked matches. These duels offer no rewards.

In this high risk, nail-biting strategy game, you can either take home massive winnings or go home a loser and each game is always a toss-up. Blizzard reported more than 50 million players on Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft. With so many potential opponents with a variety of deck set-ups, each game will be completely different from the next. This critically acclaimed game also has taken a spotlight in eSport tournaments, with a large following.

6. Dota 2

Massive monsters abound

Dota 2, from Valve Corporation, is a free-to-play multiplayer online battle arena that has garnered quite a bit of attention from the tournament gaming community. A sequel to the popular original game DotA, or Defense of the Ancients, Dota 2 is a unique experience from the 2003 grandfather game.

In Dota 2, you will team up with five other players to defeat the opposing team by destroying their “Ancient,” a large structure within each team’s base. Each team, called either Radiant or Dire, holds a base on opposite sides of the map. You must defend your base and especially your Ancient from the other team, all the while, attacking the other team’s base with the help of “Creeps,” which are AI minions who will do some of the dirty work for you by surrounding and attacking enemies.

Move through the jungles to farm for supplies

Each team is made up of player-chosen heroes and there are 111 to choose from. Each hero has their own class, strengths, weaknesses, and special abilities. Therefore it is of upmost importance that you and your team decide on your characters very strategically.

There are five different roles to players to choose from: one for each member of the team. You do not have to have one of each role, but this is a wise game plan.

Role one, also known as Carry or Hard Carry has one main mission: collect more gold than any other player of their team. As a Carry, you will want to increase your strength quickly from the very beginning of the game. Oftentimes teammates will allow the Hard Carry to make the killing blow in order to earn gold. In order to carry the whole team in later stages of the game, you must farm quickly. This enables you to buy powerful weapons and armor which will help you down the line.

Become well acquainted with the positions and their roles for the best strategy

The Midlaner role, or position two, will start their game in the middle lane, facing off against the opposite team’s Midlaner. The Mid is a very dangerous and tactical role to play – you must choose a hero who has a high ability in getting in a last hit and can also harass enemy heroes effectively. Being in the middle lane is a great place to gain experience points and gold quickly and efficiently, so while there are dangers afoot, a skilled Mid can earn quite a bit right off the bat.

The Offlaner is position three, as they start on one of the side lanes, further from the safety of their base. Because of this, it is of the highest importance that the Offlane hero has high strength and armor, as well as the ability to get out of danger quickly. Offlaners must quickly gain experiences and climb levels before the other team because many times Offlaners must support their teammates in rune control and ganging up on enemy heroes, known as ganking. Experience is gained when the Offlaner is in the proximity of a dying creep.

Some of the available Farming Support heroes

Farming Support is oftentimes called position four. These heroes must seek out resources as they will benefit the most from them, allowing them to fill in the gaps for the other team members, when needed. In order to get these important resources, Farming Support heroes will start off fighting against creeps or luring them into the fire of their own creeps. After the Farming Support has gained enough levels, they can then transition into regular support jobs, such as placing protective wards and pushing enemies into the line of fire.

Hard Supports, or position five, has a very similar role to that of the Farming Support, but what sets these positions apart is that the Hard Support often sacrifices their own health and gold in order for their team to gain resources more safely, while stopping the enemy team from gaining resources. A Hard Support will want to limit the enemies’ ability to gain experience, resources, and gold by cornering them or leading them into danger.

Team fights can be deadly, but they can also reap serious rewards

Each role plays an important part of the game and it is imperative that they are all there during team fights in order to support one another to reach their goals.

Some of the heroes that you can choose from include Crystal Maiden, named Rylai, who uses her frost and ice powers to stop her foes from attacking or getting experience and resources. She also has the ability to regenerate mana for herself and for her allies. Another hero that you can choose is named Dazzle, who is a Shadow Priest. His abilities include Poison Touch, which will poison his enemies and cause damage over the course of time. He can also heal himself and his enemies using a cool-down ability called Shadow Wave.

At the time of this writing, Dota 2 boasts 12,968,123 unique players in the last month and has a large eSports following. Dota 2 is one of the most well-loved multi-online battle arena games and it is free to play for all PC gamers.

5. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Take them down in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Released in 2012 by Valve Corporation, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive remains one of the most played online multiplayer first-person shooter games. With 10,118,259 unique players each month, the fourth game in the main Counter-Strike series has made quite an impact in the online gaming world.

Global Offensive, like previous Counter-Strike games, is an objective-based game where players are placed in either teams of terrorists or anti-terrorist squads. There are five different play modes, all of which use short rounds with various objectives.

Sucks for you, dude

Classic Casual and Competitive modes are both very similar, the only differences being that instead of 10 players on a team allowed in Casual mode, Competitive only allows for five players per team. Competitive also has friendly fire enabled, whereas Casual mode’s friendly fire is, by default, turned off. Casual mode also only provides half the reward that Competitive mode does.

Both Casual and Competitive modes have two different scenarios: bomb scenario, and hostage scenario. And they are just as the title implies. It is the objective of the terrorist team to plant the bomb and protect it until it explodes, and it is the anti-terrorist team’s job to try to stop the other team from planting the bomb, or to disable it once it has been planted. The hostage situation is as it sounds too: The terrorists are to hold hostages while the anti-terrorists try to free hostages.

Mow down your enemies in a variety of different game modes to choose from

These games can be very intense and it is often difficult to predict a winning team, which is what makes these game modes the most popular. But there are some other great game modes in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive as well, such as Arms Race, Demolition, and Team Deathmatch.

Arms Race is team deathmatch-style game which pits two teams against one another to reach and secure a golden knife. Demolition is similar to the bomb scenario in casual and competitive modes, but players are not given the option to choose their weapons – they are given one, and for each set of required kills, they will receive an upgrade all the way to a grenade, which they must detonate and destroy a destination. Lastly, Team Deathmatch requires players to get as many kills as possible within a set timeframe.

Take out terrorists – or be the terrorist!

There are many weapons to choose from with many melee options such as knives and daggers. You may choose to use a pistol – well, you have twelve to choose from, including the infamous Tec-9 and Desert Eagle. Perhaps you prefer to snipe, well, you can choose between seven deadly sniper rifles. And in between, you have the option of shotguns, submachine guns, rifles, and machine guns.

With many games to choose from and many ways to play, it is very difficult to get tired of playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. It is proven that Valve knows how to make a great tournament game, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is, without a doubt, one of these many great games. Global Offensive is a timeless, critically acclaimed game that provides never-ending, bloody good fun.

4. Dead by Daylight

“Asymmetrical Horror Game”

Dead by Daylight is a newly released survival horror online multiplayer game by indie developer Behaviour Interactive Inc. Since coming out in June 2016, this game has made quite a splash. There are not many survivor horror games that you can play online with friends, making this one quite unique.

In Dead by Daylight, you play a character being chased through the woods by a crazed murderer. You and three other players can either team up or go it alone in order to try to survive. You are able to use whatever you can to survive – seemingly useless objects may help you along the way as you attempt to make your escape.

A dastardly killer is out there somewhere. You don’t want to find him.

You play as one of five characters: Jake Park, the son of a wealthy businessman who has decided to leave home and live off the grid at the edge of the woods; Meg Thomas, a high school track star who gave up college to care for her mother; Dwight Fairfield, a nerd who got a little too wasted at a company team-building get together in the woods and woke up completely alone; Claudette Morel, a college student and lover of botany who took a stroll in the woods and found herself out of her element, or one of three killers.

Each character has their strengths and weaknesses and every decision they make will either help them find a way out of imminent death, or put them in harm’s way. Character abilities can be unlocked and used against the murderer as well.

Will you get caught in The Trapper’s cleverly hidden traps?

Each game has a world that is procedurally generated which means that no one map will be the same, and with three possible killers, you will never know which one is lurking in the shadows. Each murderer has their own gruesome backstories.

There is The Trapper, who, as his name implies, sets up bear traps around the world. His monstrous father passed down the murderous skill of hiding these traps so that you will not see them coming until it’s too late.

Miscellaneous items found in the woods like this generator can either help you take out the killer or be your undoing.

Then there’s The Wraith, who after not realizing he had unknowingly murdered hundreds of innocents, snapped. The Wraith uses the skull and spinal column of his long-dead boss as a powerful weapon to kill and he can even go invisible.

Finally, there is The Hillbilly. From birth, he has lived life hidden away due to his terrible disfigurement. His parents were ashamed and did not want him. As revenge, he killed them both, which was the start of his path as a murderer. His primary weapon is the hammer, and he can sprint faster than any human should be able to.

You may have to sacrifice a friend to get away

Dead by Daylight is a fascinating and unique new game that provides players with hours of blood-chilling fun. You must make strategic decisions and use your surroundings to help you to survive the maddening world that you are subjected to.

3. Battlefield 1

Memories of the Great War

Battlefield 1 takes place in the Great War – World War I, in this upcoming game by Electronic Arts. In this gorgeously rendered first-person shooter, you play as a soldier in the middle of worldwide conflict.

Like previous Battlefield games, you can play either the campaign mode, or online with friends. It is uncertain just what the story will be about, but it is confirmed that you will be able to fly fighter planes, drive tanks and motorcycles, which was all new battle technology in the World War I era. You will even be able to ride horses which were common. You will also be able to control multiple different characters in the campaign.

Flame-throwers were brand new in the World War I era

The online multiplayer mode will allow up to 64 players to play together and you will be able to join a squad with your friend so that you can all join and leave the game in a group.

The maps will be diverse and include locations from all over the world. From the Western Front, to Arabia, you are placed in beautiful environments, all very diverse from one another. There will also be an unpredictable weather system in place. A sunny day on the battlefield may turn to rain or snow mid-battle, making the game even more interesting.

War horses were fairly common in World War I, and will make an appearance in Battlefield 1

There are six different classes in the online multiplayer mode. You can play in the assault class, using submachine guns and assault rifles, a support, with light-machine guns at your disposal, or a scout who focuses heavily on ranged weapons like sniper rifles. The medic class supports players by healing and making sure the three other grounded classes stay alive. There are now also tanker and pilot classes as well where you control a tank or fighter plane, respectively.

All of the weaponry will be based on the weapons that were used in World War I and have a historical background such as the M1917 Browning machine gun. You can also use a variety of melee weapons and bayonets.

This game will no doubt be a huge, innovative first-person shooter, as World War I was an innovative period for warfare. With a variety of ways to play, Battlefield 1 will suit the needs of players with different tastes and play styles.

2. Heroes of the Storm

Each character is unique in Heroes of the Storm

Heroes of the Storm is an online multiplayer team brawler game from Blizzard with 54 playable heroes which are all taken from some of Blizzard’s most popular games like World of Warcraft, Diablo, StarCraft, and Overwatch.

You will join a team of four other players to fight against another team of five. There is a rotation of 6 heroes that you can choose from each week, which you can spend money or in-game currency to keep a hero permanently if you so choose.

Each week provides a different quest – you never know what you’re going to get!

There are weekly quests which you can choose to try to complete during the game. Each week there is a different objective and you are awarded prizes for finishing them in the allotted time.

Blizzard states that it is not your average online multiplayer battle arena game because not every game is focused around capturing or destroying bases like other battle arena games. There are currently 10 maps, 8 of which have the standard middle lane with two side lanes. Each map has a completely different environment and objective.

In the Haunted Mines, for example, your mission is to collect the skulls of the undead in order to raise a terrible golem from his grave to fight your battles for you. And in Battlefield of Eternity, you must help to free your Immortal being before the other team can free theirs.

Pretty fancy armor you got there

There are four different roles for each player to choose from: Assassin, who don’t have much in the way of defense, but deal high damage and powerful blows to the enemy; Warrior, who leads the charge and can take tons of damage, but may end up separated from the team, and therefore vulnerable to attacks; Support, who can help to heal their team, but deal small amounts of damage to the other team, and Specialist, who have a diverse set of skills to fight against the enemy with but must be skilled in multitasking in order to help the team and avoid death.

Because each role has its strengths and weaknesses, players must focus on teaming up and helping one another to survive and beat the other team.

Get that loot!

Players can choose to play seven different game modes. The first game mode is the tutorial -- simple gameplay which teaches players the basics of the game and prepares them for the big times. Training mode is similar, but it gives the player the opportunity to practice what they have learned in the tutorial. Tutorials consist of levels and the player can choose to get to know each role so that they can bring the pain when it’s time to get to the other five modes of play.

Versus A.I. is just as it sounds – players duke it out with AI opponents, and can choose to play alongside human or computer-controlled allies. Quick match, one the other hand, is five human players against five other human players. Heroes of the Storm uses a matchmaking system to pair players up based on their skill.

Level up to reach new play modes which will put you in the big leagues

Hero League is unlocked at level 30 and players must own 15 different heroes at least at level 5 or higher. Hero League will place players in League Ranks based on how well they do in-game which is determined by a point system. The higher a player gets in rank, the more difficult their opponents will be.

Team League is for players who want to play in a team. There is a ranking system in Team League as well, which is different from Hero League, but the mechanics are the same. Point systems determine team rank. Players must be level 40 or up to play in Team League.

Finally, there is Custom Game, which is most commonly used in tournaments. Players can choose their team and their map and add up to six observers.

Heroes of the Storm is another well-loved eSports game with a big following. Because it is so unique from other games in its genre, it is a refreshing new way to play. Blizzard fans will be happy to see and control heroes from other games to duke it out and there are so many different ways to do so.

1. Tom Clancy's The Division

New York City is a very different place now

From Ubisoft comes Tom Clancy’s The Division, an online open world third-person shooter released in June 2016. You play as a sleeper agent of the United States Strategic Homeland Division, simply known in the game as The Division. In a near-future New York City, struck by a smallpox pandemic, it is your job to rebuild and investigate the source and cause of the outbreak.

Take cover behind objects left in the city after the outbreak

The game features some RPG aspects such as earning experience points to level up your character and learning new talents and skills. The player will also receive in-game currency, which can go toward buying new and improved weapons and gear. This gear can also be found in-world as loot, or by crafting. Another RPG aspect of the game is that missions can be found in the base of operations from different wings of The Division.

You will be able to carry three different weapons as well as explosives like mines and grenades. Weapons start at worn or standard, but can reach up to be extremely high-tech and cutting-edge. You can choose between pistols, shotguns, SMGs, assault rifles, marksman rifles, and light machine guns. You can even mod your weapons and change their skins through crafting.

The world is a much more dangerous place after the Small Pox outbreak hit New York City

You are placed in a very realistic environment that is completely destructible with day-night cycles, and changing weather conditions. The changes in environment will affect the gameplay. Poor weather conditions can make it difficult to see enemies, but that means that it will also make enemies difficult to see you. And during the night, enemies will act differently than during the day. Enemies will be sneakier during the night, hiding in the shadows, for instance.

In the competitive multiplayer mode, players can enter the Dark Zone, a player versus player arena which will pit players against one another. Groups of teams can co-operate together in the Dark Zone, however, you may not want to trust your team, as they can easily turn against one another. Multiplayer mode has a different progression system than the main story, and you can find better, albeit, tainted loot.

Enemies are those that are trying to take advantage of the outbreak – you must stop them and restore order

Tom Clancy’s The Division is a brand new game with gorgeous graphics and dangerous enemies. With elements from shooter games as well as RPGs, The Division is an interesting and unique online game that provides hours of fun. You never know what you’ll get with this game, which makes it all the more fun.

That is our list of twenty-one amazing PC games from online multiplayer games, to roleplaying games. Each game is unique with exciting competitive or one-player modes and tons of replay value, proving 2016 is a great year for PC gaming.

If you like this article, check out the following for more games to play this year:

15 Best Story Games to Play in 2016

13 Best Zombie Shooting Games to Play in 2016

21 Best Strategy Games Released in 2016

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Fallout 4 made $750 million in sales on its launch day.

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Battlefield 1 Official Gameplay Trailer

James Lightning — Sun, 26 Jun 2016 20:11:05 +0000

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Top 15 Games Like DOOM To Play in 2018

CJVelg — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 02:03:15 +0000

Here are the 15 best games like DOOM

So you've slaughtered your way through Hell and back, and now there's a DOOM-shaped hole in your heart that's just bleeding to be filled. Fear not - these games will get you ripping and tearing again in no time!

15) Metro 2033 Redux

Based on the Russian novel of the same name by Dmitry Glukhovsky, Metro 2033 is a first-person survival horror that strands you in a future version of Russia after it has been decimated by nuclear war, forcing survivors underground into the old metro tunnels. There you’ll be forced to contend with rival human factions, monstrous mutants, as well as the harsh environment itself and even a few supernatural elements haunting the endless tunnels.

Though less action-packed than DOOM, Metro 2033 is still a tense and thrilling experience. Gunplay is taught and frenetic, especially since bullets are a precious resource in the wasteland. Sometimes using stealth and setting traps is the better option. The survival element is also strong, requiring careful resource management. Bullets function both as ammunition and in-game currency, forcing you into some tough decisions – Do you buy medical packs or hold onto a few more shotgun shells, just in case? Gas-mask filters are rare to find, but crucial for when you’re forced to venture out into the blasted, irradiated surface world. On the surface you also need to keep track of your dosimeter levels; exposure to high amounts of radiation will lead to a quick death.

Metro 2033 Redux is a remaster of the original game, featuring boosted graphics, ironed-out bugs, and all DLC.

When it comes to the horrors that stalk the tunnels, sometimes fighting isn't an option.

Saturated with radiation, the surface world is the domain of the mutants now.

14) Left 4 Dead 2

Left 4 Dead 2 has all the pulse-pounding action of DOOM, minus the Doom Marine badassery. Like its predecessor, the insanely popular sequel to Valve’s insanely-popular zombie FPS gives you little more than some guns, your wits, and maybe a machete or baseball bat, and throws you into zombie-infested New Orleans with up to three of your friends. Death comes quick on the heels of the screeching horde. Your only goal – work together and survive long enough to escape.

In addition to your standard zombie – or Infected as they’re called in the game – Left 4 Dead 2 also features eight different types of Special Infected: Boomers, Hunters, Smokers, Tanks, Chargers, Spitters, and Witches. Each variation has special mutations that make them even more deadly than their common counterparts, from the Hulk-like strength of the Tank to the Smoker’s long asphyxiating tongue and the Spitter’s acidic saliva. But it’s not all bad news, because players can take on the roles of the Special Infected in four competitive multiplayer modes. This asymmetrical gameplay makes Left 4 Dead 2 truly unique among zombie games and shooters alike.

One wrong move can call down the horde.

Left to right: Charger, Hunter, Spitter, Jockey, Tank, Witch, Boomer, Smoker

13) Wolfenstein: The Old Blood

Before there was DOOM, there was Wolfenstein. Though the series is known for popularizing the FPS genre, it actually began life as a side-scroller on the Apple II. It wasn’t until id Software developed the third sequel, Wolfenstein 3D, that it became the FPS that launched an entire genre and paved the way for the original DOOM.

In 2014 id and Bethesda returned to Wolfenstein in The New Order, a reboot that throws BJ Blazkowicz against technologically-advanced Nazis during the later years of WWII. The Old Blood is a prequel to The New Order that actually returns players to the Castle Wolfenstein that is the series’ namesake.

Coming from id Software, it’s no surprise that The Old Blood features the same relentless, fast-paced, over-the-top combat as DOOM 2016. Players can also use a cover system, dual wield weapons, or try the stealth route instead of going in guns-blazing. Instead of Hellspawn, you’ll be fighting against Nazi mech-warriors, robotic dogs, and ancient abominations. Other than that, The Old Blood will feel pleasantly familiar to fans and veterans of DOOM.

Nazis will be the least of your worries in The Old Blood.

Nazi mechs, flamethrowers, exosuits - all in a day's work.

12) Crysis 2: Maximum Edition

If there’s one armored protagonist who might be able to take the Doom Marine in a fair fight, it’s the nanosuite-wearing Prophet from Crysis 2. A sequel to Crytek’s highly-successful HD-extravaganza, Crysis 2 puts you back in the superpowered nanosuit and tasks you with defending a New York City that has been attacked by aliens, sealed beneath a dome, and reclaimed by nature.

If DOOM seemed a little one-note, don’t worry – Crysis 2 has more options than you can shake an armored fist at. With the power of the nanosuit you can become invisible and whisper-quiet, or increase your agility and reflexes, or armor up and turn into a car-flipping, gun-toting, nigh-invincible mobile tank. Weapons are fully customizable as well, and you can commandeer vehicles if you’re tired of running. With a semi-open world to play in and the ability to easily swap between different suit modes, Crysis 2 is a dynamic FPS that’s constantly changing, never giving you the same experience twice. It doesn’t hurt that the game still looks fantastic, assuming your rig can run it at the highest settings.

Ravaged by nature and reshaped by alien technology, the new New York is your playground.

With the nanosuit at your disposal, it's hard not to feel like a badass.

11) Metro: Last Light Redux

Last Light is the sequel to Metro 2033, and Redux is the remaster of that sequel, with improved graphics and all the DLC included.

Like 2033, Last Light is as much about surviving the wasteland as it is about gunning down mutants and enemy soldiers. Bullets are still valuable as currency and a gas mask with working filters is still vital to surviving the surface world. Thanks to improved AI and mechanics, combat is much more satisfying that 2033, thought stealth is still a viable option. New to the series is the branching storyline. By making moral decisions at key points throughout the game, you’ll accrue good or bad Karma, which ultimately affects the ending of the game.

There's no safety in numbers down here.

The element of surprise can mean the difference between life and death.

10) S.T.A.L.K.E.R: Call of Pripyat

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. could be seen as the Metro 2033’s hardcore older brother. Both games take place in a Russian nuclear wasteland, but while Metro is relatively linear and story-driven, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is a marriage of tactical FPS, horror survival, and fully fleshed-out role playing.

The game takes place in the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Exclusion Zone, a vast area divided into three free-roam worlds stalked by bandit gangs and mutants, as well as non-hostile NPC locals, all of which play into the game’s economic system. Working for the local villagers earns you more currency and goods, while the bandits deal in weapons, gear, and strange artifacts. In addition to fierce firefights, your relationships with the bandit gangs will also heavily determine your survival. While every gang is hostile to you by default, alliances can be formed to sway the odds in your favor.

Like Metro, the environment can be just as deadly as the enemies that populate it. Random psychic storms called "emissions" will ravage the land, killing everything in its path, forcing players to either find shelter quickly or take drugs that shut down the nervous system to provide immunity to the psychic wave. Assuming the player survives the emission, they might find new artifacts created by the anomaly which can be used to either upgrade their gear or to trade with locals.

Friendly faces are few and far between in Pripyat.

Online play means you won't have to face the wasteland alone.

9) Killing Floor 2

Currently in open beta, Killing Floor 2 is still one hell of a bloody, Zed-stomping romp. After the deadly outbreak from the first game, world governments have collapsed, leaving only a few survivors to fight off waves of crazed Zeds and discover the source of the Zed horde.

In both single-player or multiplayer co-op, players fight waves of Zeds that increase in size and difficult the further you progress. These aren’t your standard zombies – with blades attached to their arms, flayed skin, massive chainsaws, and other grotesque mutations, they look closer to something out of Hellraiser. The environments can be tight and claustrophobic, and welding doors shut will only buy you a few moments of respite.

In addition to a vast arsenal of upgradeable weapons, players can also use perks to increase the odds and support the team as a field medic, commando, or support player. Utilizing those perks earns you XP to upgrade your class character, boosting your base states and unlocking further perks and skills.

Recently Tripwire Interactive added PvP to Killing Floor 2, allowing one team to play as the Zeds and hunt down the opposing mercenary team.

A horde of Zeds isn't your average horde.

Your arsenal can be expanded and upgraded, but it might not be enough.

8) No More Room in Hell

No More Room in Hell is a co-op FPS on Steam that lets you play with up to seven friends in a post-apocalyptic zombie wasteland. Cooperation is the key to survival; in addition to watching each other’s backs in combat, players will also need to defend their shelter from the undead hordes and keep it from being breached. Two modes are available, Objective and Survival. Objective mode, similar to Left 4 Dead, has players fighting their way through maps to the rescue vehicle. Survival is simply that: surviving against waves of zombies until the rescue vehicle arrives.

There's plenty of Easter eggs to be found.

A good vantage point will help you survive the onslaught.

7) Call of Duty Black Ops 3 Zombies

Nobody expected the first appearance of zombies in Call of Duty: World at War, yet there’s no denying it’s now become at least as popular as the series’ core gameplay, and arguably more anticipated than the main game. With four-player co-op and fast wave-based gameplay, it’s equal parts addictive and challenging.

Unlike previous iterations, the zombie mode in Black Ops 3 actually features its own characters and story. As Nero the Magician, Jessica the Femme Fatale, Vincent the Cop, or Campbell the Boxer, players fight together against the undead in Morg City, a film noir-esque metropolis that has been overrun with zombies and Lovecraftian horrors. In addition to the staple Call of Duty gunplay, players can use Gobblegums to get bonus perks or “Unleash the Beast” to transform into a tentacle monstrosity and tear through waves of zombies, as well as unlock hidden areas. Mystery boxes provide access to more powerful weapons that can’t be bought normally, which you’ll need to combat the elder horrors and flying demons that periodically show up.

For the first time Black Ops 3 also features “Nightmare” mode, in which the entire single-player campaign is transformed into an apocalyptic zombie survival game, including an entirely new narrative.

Dark rituals are afoot in Morg City.

The longer you survive, the more relentless the horde becomes.

6) Quake Champions

Announced just this month at E3 2016, Quake Champions is the revival of the classic PC-only FPS that spawned its very own competitive tournaments in a time when such things were still far from mainstream. Like its predecessors, Quake Champions will be a “fast paced arena based shooter”. Unlike previous entries in the series, players will for the first time be able to choose a class for their character, each of which will have unique skills and abilities to help level the playing field. There’s no release date yet, but Bethesda promised more info at this year’s QuakeCon, so stay tuned.

Stylish new champion characters come equipped with their own active and passive skills.

Sometimes you just need to settle things the old fashioned way.

5) Prey

Another recent reveal from Bethesda at E3 2016, not much is yet known about Prey. While it bears the same name as the 2006 video game, it doesn’t appear to have a whole lot to do with either the original or the sequel that was stuck in development hell.

Prey 2006 featured Cherokee Domasi “Tommy” Tawodi as its protagonist. Abducted by aliens and brought to a massive spaceship known as The Sphere, Tommy had to fight through creative and disturbing environments against DOOM-esque alien enemies to save his girlfriend and, ultimately, the world. Prey had a host of unique features, including the manipulation of gravity and portal-elements before Valve’s Portal was released. Players also entered the spirit world when they died, where they could fight dark spirits to reclaim their soul and be reanimated.

What little we saw of Prey 2 appeared to be in a futuristic city setting with a bounty hunter protagonist. That appears to have been dropped by Arkane and Bethesda; instead, the new Prey looks closer to a psychological first-person horror survival. Not much has been revealed beyond that, and no release date is set (other than 2017), but it’s enough to keep us intrigued until then.

The game appears to be set on a space station, but nothing is as it seems.

Something terrible has happened. It's up to you to find out what.

4) Titanfall 2

Titanfall was praised for innovative and fun gameplay, because who doesn’t enjoy stomping around in a giant mech suit? In a sea of generic shooters, Titanfall mixed things up by allowing players to call in their own personal mech, which would drop from the sky and let them raze the battlefield. The reveal of its sequel at this year’s E3 was met with just as much excitement and anticipation, if not more.

The core gameplay is back, with a mix of FPS action and mech piloting in both single-player and online multiplayer. New features, including a grappling hook and an AI-driven mech partner, were also previewed. But honestly, all it takes is that vintage Titanfall action to get us back in the pilot’s chair. Titanfall 2 is set to release this October.

Getting caught without your Titan can be a death-sentence.

More than just a walking gun, this time your Ttian will have a personality and mind of its own.

3) Battlefield 1

The war between military shooters often comes down to a standoff between Call of Duty and Battlefield. It’s interesting, then, that while CoD is going to the far future with Infinite Warfare this year, Battlefield is headed in the opposite direction.

The oddly-named Battlefield 1 takes players all the way back to the original Great War, World War 1. For the first time players will fight in the trenches, on horseback, and in biplanes, contending with mustard gas and shooting down massive dirigibles. Battlefield has always been known for its pounding sound design and massive dynamic 60-person multiplayer; by the look of things, turning back the clock has done nothing to dial down the intensity. Weapons and vehicles are less high tech than in recent iterations – no auto-targeting weapons on fighter jets, for example – but that doesn’t make them any less brutal. Classes are back, of course, and arguably more important than ever. You’ll need the right equipment to take out the crude but deadly tanks.

Battlefield 1 hits this October.

Mustard gas is just one of the crude wartime horrors you'll face.

The clock may have been dialed back, but the action hasn't.

Mastered this list already? Share what you thought of the games in the comments below, along with your own suggestions and favorite shooters. And if you liked this article, check out these related ones:

DOOM 2016 Review: Is it Worth Playing?

10 Greatest Video Game Guns You’d Wish You Had If Aliens Invaded Earth Tomorrow

15 Most-Played FPS Games in 2016

10 Best Zombie Survival Games to Prepare You For a Zombie Apocalypse

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The fight never ends.

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