Cover shooters used to reign supreme in the realm of third-person shooters, especially on consoles. The renowned Gears Of War franchise, initially designed for the Xbox 360, epitomized this genre. However, with the blurring lines between gaming platforms, the popularity of cover shooters has waned. While Gears Of War remains significant, the spotlight now shines on battle royale and hero shooters that do not heavily rely on cover mechanics.
Here are some standout alternatives to Gears Of War that offer refreshing takes on cover shooting:
10 Outriders
Metacritic Score: 73
Outriders by People Can Fly is a stylish co-op shooter that redefines cover mechanics by emphasizing dynamic movement and unique character powers. Players are encouraged to engage in agile combat, reminiscent of Gears Of War, by swiftly maneuvering between covers, vaulting obstacles, and utilizing special abilities.
9 Kill Switch
Metacritic Score: 73
- Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Game Boy Advance
- Released: 2003-09-28
- Developer(s): Visual Impact
- Genre(s): Third-Person Shooter
Kill Switch is credited as one of the pioneering cover shooters, introducing players to strategic stop-and-pop gameplay mechanics. Although aged, the game still holds historical significance within the genre, showcasing early innovations in cover-based combat.
8 Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2
Metacritic Score: 82
- Platform(s): PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC
- Released: 2008-03-18
- Developer(s): Ubisoft Montreal
- Genre(s): Tactical Shooter, First-Person Shooter
Rainbow Six Vegas 2 blends tactical shooter elements with cover-based mechanics, offering a unique gameplay experience. While drawing inspiration from cover shooters, the Rainbow Six series maintains its tactical identity, providing engaging and strategic combat scenarios.