Gears of War nearly perfected the art of the cover mechanic. The evolution of the system had greatly evolved from Metal Gear Solid to Kill Switch, it was Gears of War that brought everything together. The team at Epic Games allowed players to feel a responsive cover system that provided the basis for an excellent cover based shooter. Players were able to transition between cover, mount over obstacles, blind fire, pop n' shoot, and even blindly throw grenades. It was a cover fans wildest fantasy emerging into reality. Players were encouraged to make full use of the tactical advantage of cover, and even use it as a means to flank and eliminate their opposition. Epic followed up their successful title with two additional entries into the Gears of War franchise, all while fine-tuning their cover systems with each new entry. Gears of War had a huge significance on third-person gaming, and the cover system has nearly become a requirement for any shooter aiming to release in the gaming industry since. "That shooter looks awesome...wait, what? No cover system? Throw it in the trash", said a random gamer. Disclaimer: Time Crisis is the true originator of the cover mechanic, but I'm talking console and PC here so seriously, holster your gun and step off the pedal.