There is arguably no more satisfying shooter weapon type than a shotty to the face, done correctly. But what elements make for a good shotgun? Why are some shotguns pissweak and others monsterous beasts that feel amazing to use? There's a number of factors, key among them sound design, enemy reaction, satisfying recoil, and actual utility. Please contribute our favourites, or dishonourable mentions, as appropriate.
When I think of a video game shotgun, I always think of the shotguns from Half-Life, specifically HL2.
I enjoy how quick it is, very punchy sound, fantastically granular reload animation.
Arguably the most iconic though is Doom's super shotgun.
Despite the limited frames of animation, the fact it basically deletes enemies and the very satisfying reload sounds are extremely good.
Strangely, for a game touted for its gunplay, I never really liked the Halo series of shotguns to the same degree. They were alright though.
Looking at it now there's nothing really wrong with it, but I remember it feeling ineffectual unless you were basically within melee range - which is, admittedly, how a shotgun should act, but there are limits.
Another downer is Bioshock's shotgun. I think it's the sound design on this one, or it takes up too much screen real estate, not really sure.
Enemy hit-reaction on non-death also kinda blows.
Anyway, post your faves. Doesn't have to be FPSs either - a good third-person shotgun is appreciated, or even one from a tactical game (XCOM shotguns come to mind)
When I think of a video game shotgun, I always think of the shotguns from Half-Life, specifically HL2.
I enjoy how quick it is, very punchy sound, fantastically granular reload animation.
Arguably the most iconic though is Doom's super shotgun.
Despite the limited frames of animation, the fact it basically deletes enemies and the very satisfying reload sounds are extremely good.
Strangely, for a game touted for its gunplay, I never really liked the Halo series of shotguns to the same degree. They were alright though.
Looking at it now there's nothing really wrong with it, but I remember it feeling ineffectual unless you were basically within melee range - which is, admittedly, how a shotgun should act, but there are limits.
Another downer is Bioshock's shotgun. I think it's the sound design on this one, or it takes up too much screen real estate, not really sure.
Enemy hit-reaction on non-death also kinda blows.
Anyway, post your faves. Doesn't have to be FPSs either - a good third-person shotgun is appreciated, or even one from a tactical game (XCOM shotguns come to mind)
