Best “Shooter” Games coming to the PS4 this year (2014)

For whatever reason, it could be said that the essence of most video gaming boils down to placing some type of weapon in the hands of a hero so that they might exact violence and vengeance upon villains.  In our current era, that tends to imply utilizing firearms within the context of fantastic environments, a genus which is often referred to as the “shooter” genre.  While 2013 saw the PS4 receiving some really good action games utilizing FPS mechanics, it would appear that 2014 is really the year to expect great things.

So, what qualifies as a “shooter” game, you ask?  Basically, any type of title that incorporates first-person action with a focus on gunplay.  Having said that, here are some of the best “shooters” which are coming to the PS4 this year (2014)…

Wolfenstein: The New Order

In case you weren’t aware, it was the Wolfenstein 3D franchise which really helped to jump-start first-person shooters in many ways.  Fast-forward 9 installments later and you arrive at “Wolfenstein: The New Order”, which is slated for a 2014 release.  While the game is set to only allow for a single player experience, its concept of an alternate history where the Nazis won World War II is where the intrigue actually lies.  Players will still assume the role of mega-soldier William “B.J.” Blazkowicz (as was featured in the first game), only this time, he’s tasked with what appears to be a truly impossible mission – to bring their despotic reign to an end, once and for all.  Of course this time around, a new world isn’t the only thing that you’ll encounter, there will also be new, more advanced weapons and enemies, just the sort of thing to usher the series into the modern era (assuming the project isn’t botched in one or more ways, of course).

Destiny

Arguably, the top shooter on most every PS4 owner’s wish list for 2014 is none other than Bungie’s “Destiny”.  The game is multifaceted to say the least.  First off, it’s an MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) as well as a first-person shooter.  But if that weren’t enough, we’re also told that Destiny will incorporate a new type of gameplay which seeks to truly make the game world come “alive”, with all your decisions and actions playing a critical role in how things ultimately proceed and turn out.  Just the thought of exploring a massive map with many others on a graphically superior platform is enough to make most shooter fans squirm in their seats with excitement.  The notions of a living, breathing world where there are tons of unique weapons as well as a fully-developed class system is also very exciting for serious gamers.  To make a long story short, this might very well be the first-person shooter that many have been waiting to play their entire lives.

Tom Clancy’s: Rainbow Six Patriots

The upcoming sixth installment (actually the 18th!) of the well-treaded Rainbox Six series deals with the emergence of a group of self-styled “Patriots” who decide to take on Wall St. corruption on their own terms.  You assume the role of one of the members of Rainbow Six, the legendary counter-terrorism unit, in an effort to neutralize the efforts of the aforementioned group.  Naturally, the game will explore the various connections and perceptions of morality amidst widespread financial corruption and violence, with many characteristic twists and turns ultimately taking place (as per the usual R6 / Tom Clancy tropes).  Nevertheless, the game looks visually spectacular and will likely offer players a definitive action / thriller experience.

Prey 2

If you haven’t played the first Prey, you missed out on a very unique first-person shooter experience that was at once fresh as well as somewhat “retro”.  It paid homage, or expanded on the sort of mechanics which were explored in older titles such as “Doom”, but within the context of alien abduction, planetary invasion and ancient Indian spiritualism.  All in all, it was a fun game that many found to be somewhat intriguing, to say the least, so when it was announced that there was a sequel on its way in 2014, a lot of fans became quite excited.  This time around however, the series has taken another direction entirely.  Instead of remaining relegated to a ship, you find yourself on an alien world called Exodus, where you are now a bounty hunter and have absolutely no recollection of the events of the past few years following your initial abduction.   Naturally, your goal is to regain your lost memories and fulfill your role as an interplanetary law enforcer, of sorts.

Tom Clancy’s The Division

Another Tom Clancy title makes it on to this list. This upcoming title will bring third-person-shooter action to the location of New York City. This game won’t just involve third-person action, but gameplay will also intertwine RPG and strategic gameplay. How vulnerable has the world become? This is the theme set for the game. The story begins on Black Friday in the United States, where a terrible disease caused the country to collapse within days. As the player, you are part of a team named the “Strategic Homeland Division”. Your mission is to counter the treat and attempt to restore order in this messy situation. Gameplay will involve intense online action. This game is certainly one to watch out for. It looks set to combine and bend genres like never seen before.