Following the heroic success of Warframe, the market for hybrid shooter/MMORPGs has become saturated with a troth of games hoping to mirror or even trump that success. A growing trend toward glamourous science fantasy, fast-paced gunplay, and tremendous customizability, has many developers racing toward this genre; however, it can take some effort to sift through and find that one epic title that you’ll want to sink all your time into.
Now listen, if you have not played Warframe, then you should be. If you have and it is just not your cup of tea I urge you to give it a second or third college try. Still no? I’ll respect that. Here is a list of ten games which will get you back out there where you belong: mowing down endless enemies and looking good while doing it.
10. Vanquish
Super soldiers, giant mechs, and doomsday weapons. What more could you ask for?
Once a winner of the “Best Original Game Mechanic” award from Gamespot, Vanquish slid its way into the spotlight on consoles late in 2010 where it dazzled players with fast-paced, bullet-hell combat and an over-the-top science fiction setting. Vanquish jam-packs every second of your time with intense firefights that will have you ducking, diving, and sliding for cover.
In an overarching plot to threaten America into submission, you will take control of Sam Gideon, an agent outfitted with an Augmented Reaction Suit which grants him unparalleled maneuverability on the field of battle. PlatinumGames has brought us a vastly improved “cover system”, destructible environments, and responsive AI to keep you on your toes. Seven upgradable weapons and two distinct grenade types offer varied approaches while you sweep across frenzied battlefields and the fun does not stop there. Devastate your enemies by commandeering vehicles and turrets, initiate bullet-time for precision executions, and generally kick the crap out of just about anything that lacks the intelligence to back away.
What stands out:
- PlatinumGames’ signature action mechanics: boosting, evading, Augmented Reaction mode, and more
- Legions of enemies
Agile and reflex driven third-person shooter combat
Intense butt-sliding action
9. Nelo
Other games have duel-wielding? How quaint...
Currently in Early Access, Nelo, takes you on a lightning fast, horror themed third-person adventure characterized by blazing character-action and impeccable reflexes. High flying combat, wall running, and an arcade point system makes this game feel like a supercharged twinstick-shooter unlocked and overclocked. Nelo will have your reflexes on edge from start to finish.
The game is set in a sleek and oppressive Neo-futuristic world where you take control of a Zenith class alien cyborg in the fight to defend your people in the face of a relentless parasitic machines originally conceptualized to harvest resources. So far, the game runs seamlessly with beautiful detail and silky-smooth animations to complement its rapid eye-catching gameplay. The developers have five weapons to blast and maim enemies with as well as devastating melee combat and the ability to telepathically grab and hurl various set props across the battlefield.
Most recently the game has gone through a major update adding flashy martial arts animations to your melee attacks and as well as all new maps and a training arena filled with tutorials to hone your skills and fine-tune your hypersonic onslaught.
What stands out:
- Gorgeously apocalyptic
- Brutal bullet-hell combat
Blazing combat that allows you to move and attack simultaneously
A glittering dystopia for you to explore
8. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
Never bring a giant mech to a sword fight
A pleasant surprise underneath the Metal Gear intellectual property, Revengeance is an over-the-top hack-and-slash action game quite different from other titles in the Metal Gear series. Flash dash your way through a neo-futuristic universe splitting your enemies in twain and deflecting projectiles while you control Raiden a cyborg ninja on a warpath after a devastating defeat which saw much of his body destroyed and replaced with super-human cybernetic prosthetics.
This game embodies the hack-and-slash genres with electrified hyperactive punk metal coupled with impossible high-flying stunts. Slash, smash, and snatch health from your opponents as your sprint from one encounter to another chopping up enemies with precision cuts as if there were 3D printed goons placed there for your amusement. While this game is short it is difficult to master and urges you to progress and execute with flawless reflexes as it constantly berates you with the numbers and rankings for your performance against your enemies. This game is not about simply finishing but is about the style you finish it with.
What stands out:
- The Metal Gear-verse from a different perspective
- Blade Mode – hack’n’slash with devastating precision!
Hack anything and everything to indistinguishable pieces
Siphon health from your foes
7. Monster Hunter: World
Hunt big or go home
Monster Hunter has been a critically acclaimed title for the PS2 and mobile gaming platforms for decades. This strategic action role-playing game exists in a miraculous world filled with beautiful, dazzling, and often dangerous, flora and fauna. The gameplay sets you and your allies on a treacherous frontier brimming with massive primeval creatures
You are armed to the teeth with powerful weapons all with their specific roles and unique play-styles from turret-sized rotating spearguns to kirkhammer-esque sword and shield weapons each capable of staggering attacks and spectacular abilities such as lashing out with bolts of lightning or launching you into the air for glamorous air-combos. From its refined playability, challenging hunt and kill system, and extensive crafting system introducing stylish weapons and armors, it is clear to see that Capcom nailed yet another Monster Hunter title and have blessed their fans with the current gen title they were dreaming of. Powerful servers and constant vigilance means that it is easier than ever for you to enjoy the hunting experience with players world-wide.
What stands out:
- A world that breathes life
- Epic hunts and titanic creatures
Conquer colossal creatures
Take up arms solo or in a party to vanquish colossal creatures
6. Star Wars: Battlefront 2
Fight for the future of a galaxy far far away
A beautiful cinematic conquest shooter characterized by hard hitting and unforgiving combat, Star Wars: Battlefront 2 urges you to user every angle and sporadic cover to push your advance on your enemies. An objective based shooter, Battlefront 2 arms you as a soldier of either The Empire or the Rebels. In this galactic conflict, you and your allies will squabble over planets, resources, and strategic points. This game uses a unique in-game progression system that awards you for your efforts and unlocks classes as you continue your push. From thermal grenades to jetpacks or rapid-deploy shields, each match is constantly evolving. If a player is truly dominating the field then they are enabled access to their faction’s Hero allowing them to blow through battlefields as Boba Fett, Darth Maul, or even Luke Skywalker himself.
EA struggled with a few changes to the game and as of March 22nd announced that they would be unlocking all hero characters and hero vehicles for free and that they would be removing all but cosmetic items from loot box drops. This is a turn in the right direction for Battlefront 2 and may be the best time to get into the title, but I would not expect much more to change.
What stands out:
- Fight as some of you favorite Star Wars heroes
- Galactic-scale space combat
Varied playstyles
Serve and eliminate en masse
5. Anthem
A hopeful return of BioWare
Anthem is, for some, a dream come true, while for others it is a foreboding pale horse. Teased as a “shared-world action-RPG”, Anthem’s trailer opens to a gorgeous cinematic introducing you to a wild frontier planet that humans have only just managed to stake their claim on. Rolling hills, lush flora, and deep winding tunnel systems characterize Anthem’s world as untamed and treacherous. As a Freelancer, something like a civilian militia, you utilize an augmented suit known as a Javelin Exoskeleton and scour the planet eliminating threats and uncovering resources for the frontier colonies.
Anthem hopes to be the next big step in the MMO industry. EA is looking to unshackle the player giving them freedom of exploration and unique goals. Players’ suits are equipped with thruster-packs allowing them complete 3D motion and even underwater exploration while granting them increases strength and perception. Freelancers are the cream of the crop and armed literally head to toe with the power to eviscerate threats to humanity.
It is somewhat hard to say what the game will be when it is eventually released early 2019 (if it is not pushed back again) but many players are looking forward to a powerful cinematic and story driven experience, something that would be a beautiful blend of the talents BioWare once personified.
What stands out:
- Dynamic adventuring with the freedom to fly
- Explore a seamless, evolving world
Power armor and vast environments
Join the fun, party up and devastate your enemies
4. Gears of War 4
The carnage we love in gorey detail
Wonderfully gothic, Gears of War 4 is a brutal and heart-pounding cover shooter. Its combat system has been iconic to the series from the start evolving the way people interact with shooter arenas by forcing players to hunker down in cover and plan their next move rather than constantly moving and spraying bullets everywhere. The weapons at your disposal highlight the games gritty aesthetic, arming you with shotguns, chain rifles, smgs, and a variety of explosive weaponry. And if any of those options fail, Gears puts the power in your very fists with skull crushing and body splitting melee combat that will have you wondering why you even bothered with bullets in the first place.
Unlike many of its peers, Gears of War has maintained couch co-op accessibility and allows two players to bicker and troll each other within arm’s length and share a truly aweing experience curb stomping enemies into the dirt in devastating competitive play. As the fourth installment, the developers have taken the chance to tie old ends and light new fires introducing an all new cast and showing you aspects of the Gears universe after the end of a fourteen-year war and enduring an age of peace.
What stands out:
- Inspired and refined cover-shooter
- Never Fight Alone: enjoy co-op local OR over the internet
Tactical cover-based shooting
Hack em’ up
3. PlanetSide 2
Humans will never live in peace
Vast military campaigns fueled by an ever-changing battlefield. PlanetSide 2 stands out amongst stagnant arena shooters. A direct sequel and reimagining of the title PlanetSide, this first-person shooter fused with a MMO deploys you in the middle of endless warfare in a near-future sci-fi setting on a large and desolate island-continent. You and your chosen faction wage war on two fronts, utilizing a combination of both small arms, heavy arms, and vehicle-mounted weaponry.
The game’s major draw is it territory system which allows the expansive battlefield to change and flow following the events of decisive engagements. Players can build bases and defend zones to secure resources and fuel their campaign against enemy factions. It is a simple but intriguing system which brings us the scale of continental combat supporting over one thousands players on a single map for some truly exhilarating and potentially frustrating battles. A class system streamlines roles to medic, engineer, heavy and light assault, infiltrator, and MAX.
New players will face a difficulty curve as they attempt to learn the mechanics of the game and will face countless failures as seasoned players steamroll them at every turn. Even so, there are a number of loyal, albeit salty and miserable, veterans who have ensured that the game remains active and are more than willing to assist amateurs. Watch out for the trolls.
What stands out:
- Massive confrontations. Over one thousand players on a server.
- Adaptive world. Player actions matter
“Party up” with hundreds of other players
Customize your very one trooper
2. Titanfall 2
Call down the titan!
Titanfall 2 stands on its golden mechanic: the feature to call down a titanic suit of mechanized armor to unleash chaos and rain fire down on your targets. Much like the fan base that is holding PlanetSide 2 up by its bootstraps, this game has refused to disappear and stands as a real gem amongst other titles focused on explosive and competitive arena shooting.
Respawn Entertainment had an ambitious task in mind while developing Titanfall 2 focusing a great deal on a single-player experience inspired by campaigns like Half-Life. As Jack Cooper, you are a rifleman who has recently been paired with BT-7274, a titan, after an ambush saw the two of you stranded on a remote planet known as Typhon. Inspired level design meticulously crafted to shape levels that felt alive and full for both pilot and titan opened the world for parkour inspired platforming and dexterous gunplay. This remains true for the multiplayer where you will face other pilots and their titans each with their own unique equipment and abilities. It’s unlikely we will be getting a Titanfall 3 considering the news hovering around but Titanfall 2 is still alive and still worth playing. Who knows, maybe we can save it.
What stands out:
- Deadly, fast, and intuitive
- Giant mech summons!
Dynamic free-form shooter
Gorgeous neo-industrial environments
1. Defiance
Tie into the televised series
Defiance broke into the industry as a tie-in title for the SyFy series of the same name. Naturally, Defiance draws inspiration from its sister-project and serves to carry the story forward despite the TV-series’ cancellation in late 2015. In true defiant manner, the company Trion Worlds promoted the game as a canon representation of season four of the show and most recently they have announced an expansion scheduled for release later this year where they urge you to continue the fight.
The plot sets you up as an “Ark Hunter” scouring The San Francisco Bay following the events of an alien invasions and the emergence of apocalyptic events known as “Arkfalls”. You will join countless other Ark Hunters in a planetary war against tenacious aliens, blasting your way through hordes and pillaging their remains for rare and advance resources to super-charge your arsenal for epic challenges to come.
Defiance plants its foot firmly in both the MMORPG and Shooter categories offering hours of fast-paced third-person shooting combat supported by a large dystopian playground and an array of fully customizable weaponry. Fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the official release of Defiance 2050 but for now the servers for the original game remain intact for those looking for something to hold them over while they wait.
What stands out:
- Be part of a growing narrative
- Massive battles where every solider can make their mark
Detailed environments and varied approaches
Square off against daunting odds
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