LGR - Top 17 Satisfying PC Game Weapons
Aahhh! So I was playing around on the old Windows 98 PC the other day and I got to thinking, why do I keep coming back to so many of these games over and over after all these years? And then I realized: a lot of it has to do with the weapons. You know, weapons that just, for whatever reason, they had that feel to them that just feels right. It's just gratification, satisfaction, awesome...ness. Of course, most of these games are really good games on their own, but even if the game isn't the best in the world, for some reason, these weapons just feel so solid that you just keep coming back for more.
So I've made another Top 17 list of the most satisfying weapons to use in PC games. I've limited myself to PC games because I can, and that's mostly what I play, so here we go! This is a rather recent game, but it's easily one of the most satisfying weapons that I've played with in a long time. The arm-mounted grappling hook is used for all sorts of things from transportation to stabbing people, to typing people up like some kind of cyborg spider.
Carmageddon 2 has so many great weapons, but few are as thrilling as the Rocket Launcher. Firing rockets at enemies is pure bliss, especially when they explode on impact. The game's physics engine makes these explosions all the more satisfying, adding to the feeling of satisfaction. The rocket launcher's power and destruction make it a favorite among gamers.
Another weapon that stands out in Carmageddon 2 is the Concrete Donkey. This behemoth of a vehicle can crush enemies with ease, its massive weight and strength making short work of any opponent. Firing the Concrete Donkey at high speeds makes for an exhilarating experience, as the sound effects and visuals combine to create a thrilling ride.
Of course, not all great games have such obvious thrills. Some weapons may be subtle, but no less effective. For example, in the game Soldier of Fortune, the Shotgun is arguably one of the most cathartic weapons in gaming history. Blowing off heads, legs, arms, and spilling intestines at a distance or close up - it's just over-the-top and satisfying because those guys totally deserve it.
The Shotgun's sheer brutality makes it a standout, but another contender for this title is the Combat Knife from Soldier of Fortune. Its pure, unhinged ferocity is unmatched in most games, making it incredibly satisfying to wield. What would happen if an absolute psycho got a hold of a Ka-Bar? The combat knife answers that question with brutal efficiency.
In other games, like Doom and Unreal Tournament, different weapons can create vastly different experiences. The BFG-9000, for example, is a classic - its ridiculous green ball of death makes short work of any foe. However, in these fast-paced multiplayer environments, the Redeemer from Unreal Tournament shines. This massive rocket launcher gets so close so often that it's pure ecstasy to run across it when low on health and watch the frags rack up.
The Redeemer is also notable for its ability to control the warhead from its perspective if you'd like, setting it off at the opportune time. It adds an extra layer of satisfaction to landing a perfect shot - knowing that you've carefully placed every detail to maximize destruction.
In other games, such as UT '99 and Worms Armageddon, simple yet satisfying weapons can create unforgettable moments. In UT '99, for example, the Flak Cannon is incredibly satisfying, especially when used in high-pressure situations. Whether it's a regular burst of super-heated metal shards turning enemies into gibs or the secondary Flak Cannon grenade from a distance, there's always pure bliss when pulling off a good game.
The experience of firing a well-placed shot with a Flak Cannon is amplified by the adrenaline rush that comes with playing in competitive multiplayer. When you get two Ingrams and prepare to annihilate your opponents, it feels amazing. Bullet time never looked so good as you overdo a kill by blasting a guy to bits with 64 rounds in a couple of seconds.
In many games, Max Payne's slow yet powerful weapons can create a sense of satisfaction that is hard to beat. However, the Ingram takes the cake when paired up and used aggressively - it's like having a precision-guided killing machine at your fingertips.
While some games have incredibly powerful arsenal options, others focus on more nuanced, strategic play. In this case, Max Payne's slow but deadly pace feels more satisfying with the Ingram, even if its accuracy is occasionally lost in its speed.
In Soldier of Fortune, the experience is different altogether. Here, weapons are simply a means to an end - to cut down enemies with ease and efficiency. The Combat Knife is perhaps the best example of this philosophy, as it strips away any subtlety from combat and leaves you with only two options: cut them down or be cut down.
Soldier of Fortune's gritty realism makes for some pretty intense action sequences when paired up with a reliable sidearm like the Shotgun. When used in close quarters combat, its sheer power can create unforgettable experiences - especially against tougher opponents who can't withstand such punishment.
In Unreal Tournament, there are many more thrills and excitement when you wield a Redeemer. Its massive size, speed, and destructive force make short work of almost any opponent, but the key to its enjoyment lies in how much anticipation goes into using it effectively. When you're low on health and see one approaching - the rush of adrenaline is palpable.
But even with these thrilling experiences, some games stand out for their sheer variety of weapons that feel solid and satisfying. Worms Armageddon's absurd arsenal may be silly but that makes every single shot all the more joyful because it adds to the fun factor.