The shooter genre is one of the most popular themes in the gaming industry right now, with multiple developers and publishers having a game or two in the making. Truthfully, it’s hard to argue with that mindset, when the genre offers seemingly endless moments of fun and ever changing situations.

Online Shooter Games

Being able to play competitively online with friends and complete strangers, is another staple of this popular category. It’s a leading factor in the remarkable game longevity of these titles; people keep playing Call of Duty for years, or at the very least until the next one comes out.

It’s fun and exciting and it hasn’t gotten old yet, despite the seemingly endless number of games produced every year in the genre.  Primarily, I have to think that has something to do with the sheer joy of outclassing the enemy. Doing him in before he gets the chance to shoot back is always worth a smile or an imaginary pat on the back. I think, that this competitive aspect has an addictive charm that keeps bringing people back for more.

What’s the Appeal?

While, kill to death ratios are important to many, the allure of merely firing military grade weapons in a virtual reality scenario is what attracts others. Sure, features have their role in shooters, but it’s the weapons that keep gamers like myself interested. A proper game like CoD, or Battlefield 3 will ensure that the firearms are calibrated just right. The feel, the recoil, rate of fire and stopping power are all different depending what you use. It might not feel like the real thing, but it’s close enough.

Decisions, Decisions

It’s the question that’s at the back of your mind as you play. Do I use this gun? Or this one? I kill more people with this pistol… Surely, everyone has their own preferences or layouts. The customization is all part of the fun and appeal. It doesn’t stop at weapons either, these days gadgets and explosives come with variety as well.

I do have one pet peeve though, the hard coded restrictions of some weapons. Like how some assault rifles only fire in burst mode, luckily enough for me I have a modded controller that makes it feel like full automatic. Though, it does make for a hard choice when playing on the console, use the rapid fire controller or the mouse like control pad for added control.

I Love them All

I’ve played a lot of first person shooters over the years, starting from the original Counter Strike all the way to the current incarnation of almost every game. The weapons may change, the scenery may be different, the setting may be new, there may even be innovative features but one thing will always remain the same – the sheer thrill and enjoyment of the experience. This is true whether I’m playing on a console or on the PC, a mouse or a controller it doesn’t matter, it invokes the same kind of glee every time, unless of course I’m respawning a lot.

When a person is on the computer for long hours gaming, inevitably the guy earns the title of being a geek and a freak. But what is questionable is whether he is any better or worse off. Is he an airhead or is he, secretly a genius? People have been urging kids in this digital age to go out and play in the sun instead of being lazy lumps glued to the computer. But what if you could sharpen your brain by just sitting in your home, playing some computer games for recreation?

Types of ‘Freaky’ games

Gaming is one of the fastest growing industries and due to its high demand from varied age groups, the game developers come up with numerous games of different genres. The most common would be puzzles, word games and card games, solving patterns and mazes. Then there are multi-player role playing games where a group of friends get together and try to conquer a kingdom or search for the hidden treasure, against other rival groups. Or there are simply games in which friends are fighting against each other to win a mission. Also, there are follow-up games of book series or movies where the fans get to relive their experience.

‘Freaky’ games – stimulating your Grey cells

Though the advantages of gaming are often controversial with parents worried about their children getting dull, there are definite pros you cannot deny. Playing puzzles, quizzes and word games enhance your language and cognitive skills. In fact it might be the most innovative and easiest way of learning since gaming is easier than reading books. Many games focus on challenging the mind of the player. Playing card games give you a good understanding of gambling in real life and what it is all about. Adult players get to play their real money games in a safe secure setting without the risk of any loss. Playing multi-player role games can lead to enriching your leadership, strategy and decision making skills. Massively multiplayer role playing games (MMORPG) makes you a team player, improving your communication skills as you work in unison to achieve your common goal. These are essential while working in a corporate framework as it induces active learning through learning by doing. Playing against your friends or artificial intelligence stresses your grey matter for smarter and swifter thinking and makes your responses faster with a better hand eye coordination, enabling you to multi-task. Also, it improves technology related knowledge imparting greater computer literacy in children.

Playing with due consideration and proper moderation can bring about many benefits. Kids have to be monitored so that they are not exposed to anything inappropriate. Needless to say, these games are very addictive and will keep you hooked to your computer screens once you start playing. But that doesn’t mean that you are whiling away your time in ‘mindless games’. Games are known to increase your presence of mind, sharpen your reflexes and chances of memory ailments are reduced. So go ahead. Shoot some ducks, jump very high, fight some aliens, race very rash, find your way out of those labyrinths and solve interesting patterns. Because there is something unique and new to learn from every game you play, it might be minor, it might be major but in the end of it all you will be the winner.