Gaming 101: The Evolution Of Cover Sytems

Oh, hello there. I see you're curious to gain a little background information on how one of the biggest staples in third-person shooters has evolved over a fairly long while. Well, you've come to the right place because that is exactly what's about to happen. Cover systems are a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, they bring an entirely new tactical advantage while you blast your way through a single player campaign. They provide salvation from the onslaught of bullets waiting to dwindle your health bar to nothing. The origin of cover systems lays firmly in the single player experience. On the other hand, you have their tactical advantage being abused within multiplayer. Players can "magically" see around corners, without exposing themselves to a firefight. The corner of a map that watches the only route your enemies can come at you provides an exploitative opportunity to simply pop into cover, wait for em' to plow through that door, and it's easy pickings. The cover system is designed to prevent fools from rushing through the door over, and over, and over, and over again. If you happen to be that guy, maybe you should try to throw a grenade or somethin', seriously. Cover systems are meant to enforce tactical team play in the multiplayer world. It's designed for tactics, but it was devised in the world of single player experiences. Cover systems are one of the best tactical advantages in gaming, and if you aren't applying it properly, well it's like shooting fish in a barrel. There's no denying cover systems have evolved greatly over the years, and what better way to try address the pros and cons of a gaming staple then to start with one of the originators? Click "next" below to start...