Video game shoot-em-ups have always been popular. I remember playing Crossbow on the Atari 2600. Your weapon was a white square and it was used to protect a slow-walking Robin Hood-esque as he made his way across the screen. Video game guns have come a long way since then. They now come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and fire rates. We’ve all got our favourites. Well - they’re our favourites when we’re using them. Usually, they become our most hated once we’re on the receiving end. So with that in mind, here are five iconic video game guns:
The M16A4 (Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare)
The Call of Duty remake from 2019 brought back fan favourite character Price and with him came the M16A4. An all-round great weapon, available in multiplayer instantly with no need to grind out experience levels to earn it. Getting its grenade launcher attachment perfectly enhances the experience. Landing one of these in a room full of enemy combatants is a sure-fire way to earn those kill streak rewards.
The Fat Man (Fallout 4 and Fallout 76)
What’s not to love about a portable, handheld nuke? Forget the radiation, mutations, and long-lasting environmental damage. You’re in a wasteland, it’s already a complete shambles. And, frankly, if you’ve got a DeathClaw or Super Mutant running at you I’m sure you’ll quickly forget those little niggly problems and open fire.
The Battle Rifle (The Halo Series)
First introduced in Halo 2, the three-burst battle rifle has been a mainstay of the series. I would never have gotten through a single legendary run without it. It’s got a scope for headshots, very little recoil, and a fast reload. It’s perfect for taking down everything the Covenant throws at you. Time will tell how it handles in Halo Infinite. But for now, switch on the Birthday Skull and take off a grunt’s head. It’s one of the most satisfying things in gaming.
The Mark 2 Lancer Assault Rifle (Gears of War)
Another satisfying thing in gaming is running towards a Locust enemy with this bad boy in hand. It’s a meaty and accurate weapon, but more than that - it has an actual chainsaw on it! Rev it up and let rip, turn enemies and eardrums into red pulp instantly.
The BFG – (Doom Eternal)
It was a real close one between the BFG and the double-barrel shotgun. But in the end, for me, the best version of the double-barrel shotgun lives in the original Doom and Doom II. Nothing even comes close to that weapon. In the latest Doom and Doom Eternal games, the BFG reigns supreme. A shot from it sends out a huge green ball of destruction. It moves slowly, but nothing can stop it and it turns everything near it (yeah, it doesn’t even have to touch an enemy) into paste.
And That’s That
Want do you think of my list? What are your go-to weapons? Maybe you prefer more non-lethal weapons like the Portal Gun from Portal I & II. Let us know on Zatu social media and I’ll see you next time. Take care.