The Evolution of Third Person Shooters: From Cover Systems to Free Movement
If you’re a fan of action-packed video games, chances are you’ve played a third person shooter. This genre has been steadily evolving since its inception, with developers constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. In this article, we’ll take a look at the evolution of third person shooters, specifically the shift from cover systems to free movement.
The Rise of Cover Systems
Third person shooters have been around since the early days of gaming, but they really took off with the release of the 1998 title, Metal Gear Solid. This game introduced a new mechanic called the “cover system,” which allowed players to hide behind objects in the game world in order to avoid enemy fire.
This mechanism proved to be incredibly popular and was soon implemented in other third person shooters. Games like Gears of War and Mass Effect made the cover system an integral part of gameplay, with players using it to move from one cover object to another while taking out enemies.
The Dawn of Free Movement
While the cover system proved to be successful, some players and developers began to feel that it was too limiting. They felt that it took away from the fast-paced, action-packed gameplay that third person shooters were known for.
This led to the rise of free movement, a new mechanic that allowed players to move around the game world more freely. Games like Uncharted and Assassin’s Creed were early pioneers of this style of gameplay, allowing players to climb and jump around the game world to avoid enemy fire and reach objectives.
The Current State of Third Person Shooters
Today, third person shooters have come a long way. Many games now incorporate both cover systems and free movement, giving players a variety of ways to approach each situation.
Some games, like the recently released Ghost of Tsushima, take free movement to a whole new level, allowing players to climb and explore a vast open world. Other games, like The Division 2, rely heavily on cover systems, with players forced to strategically move from cover to cover in order to survive.
Final Thoughts
The evolution of third person shooters from cover systems to free movement has been a fascinating journey. As developers continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, it will be exciting to see where the genre goes next. Whether you prefer the strategic gameplay of cover systems or the fast-paced action of free movement, there’s no denying that third person shooters are an incredibly fun and engaging genre of video game.
