Top 10 Most Satisfying Shotguns in Gaming

“Halo” series (2001-12)
With a vast array of weaponry at one's disposal, sometimes simpler is just better. The shotgun quickly became a preferred tool for vanquishing foes, both in the campaign as well as its oft celebrated multiplayer. And while the original version was arguably the strongest, boasting a devastating combination of power, range, and a whopping 72 rounds of ammo, Halo's shotgun remained a staple throughout the series, intent on settling almost any argument.

“Splatoon” (2015)
in Splatoon, Inklings battle using weapons that resemble Super Soakers, paintbrushes, rollers, or for this list, a bucket. And while bringing a bucket to a gunfight may seem unorthodox, it operates similarly to that of a conventional shotgun. This powerful, close-range weapon is capable of splatting enemies in two hits, but is also extremely useful at flushing out hidden targets since players can lob their shots over walls by adjusting their trajectory.

“Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2” (2009)
The hunt is on for the leader of a Russian Ultranationalist in an adventure that felt more like you were participating in a Hollywood blockbuster than a video game, and was perhaps one of the most controversial titles of the series. Infinity Ward helped perfect the art of the absurd by introducing a dual wield option for this lever-action shotgun in its multiplayer arena. Reminiscent of “Terminator 2,” this weapon was a force to be reckoned with in the online community, so much so, that a patch was later introduced to “nerf” its stopping power amid numerous complaints by gamers who were on the receiving end of its fury. But hey, as Hannibal Smith said: “Overkill is underrated.”

“Overwatch” (2016)
Blizzard Entertainment's team-based multiplayer first-person shooter pits human, animal, and machine against one another in arena-style combat similar to that of “Team Fortress 2.” Roadhog, who looks like the lovechild between a “Mad Max” villain and Bebop from “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” is a lumbering character who can deliver massive amounts of damage. By using his Chain Hook to yank vulnerable enemies, Roadhog is able to extend the range of his attacks by quickly closing the distance to where his shotgun is most effective, offering a unique twist to this style weapon. As a secondary firing option, his gun lets loose an explosive projectile filled with pellets, making him equally deadly at medium range. Did somebody order bacon?

“Left 4 Dead 2” (2009)
Brains! That's precisely what gets blasted from hordes of Infected in this popular zombie survival shooter. Following the outbreak of the contagion known as the “Green Flu,” players battle their way across the Southern United States in hopes of being rescued by the military. Luckily all is not lost, especially once outfitted with this fully automatic inoculator. Holding 10 shells plus another 90 for good luck, this is the strongest short-range weapon in the game. Its high rate of fire combined with enough damage to lay waste to multiple enemies in a single shot can make wading through swarms of Infected seem like Moses parting the Red Sea. Or maybe that's what's left in your wake: a sea of red.

“Metal Slug” series (1996-2008)
Neo-Geo's arcade phenomenon first took the world by storm in 1996 with this side-scrolling run and gun shooter. Players control members of the Peregrine Falcon Squad, an elite team of soldiers whose job it is to thwart various groups throughout the series that are hell-bent on taking over the world. This 12-gauge shotgun delivers major hurt to anything unlucky enough to get in its path. Enemy infantry are knocked back by its blast and it's even capable of annihilating vehicles with only a couple of rounds. Its extreme power is hindered by sparse amounts of ammo, but when this weapon does come out, your enemies will wish they'd never been rendered.

“F.E.A.R.” (2005)
When a creepy telepathic girl who is part of a military experiment starts having some serious temper tantrums, the First Encounter Assault Recon is called in to perform a little tactical therapy. As Point Man, a superhuman soldier, players are thrust into a world of cover-ups and paranormal activity. Think of it as if Colonial Marines were asked to investigate an X-File. And behind every great sleuth is a trusty sidekick. This pump-action shotgun is one of deadliest close-quarters weapons in the game, housing 12 shells per magazine and a ridiculous 180 in reserve. But in the wrong hands players are just as likely to be silenced by this cannon if not careful. So shoot first and ask questions later.

“Bulletstorm” (2011)
After a black ops team is tricked into killing a civilian reporter, those implicated decide their best option is to desert their outfit and become space pirates to outrun their former commander. While the plot sounds rather serious (ignoring the part about space pirates), this game was sold on its unique style and unapologetic vulgarity, part of which includes a points system built around the outlandish nature of one's kills. And outlandish kills require outlandish weaponry. This quad-barreled 26th century blunderbuss fires compressed-air shells that can quite literally, and for extra bonus points, tear an enemy to shreds. When charged, it is powerful enough to penetrate cover or vaporize those hapless enough to be caught out in the open.

“Unreal Tournament” series (1999- )
One of the most recognizable titles of its genre, this classic first-person shooter was designed to promote the game engine for which it was named and spawned numerous sequels. As an arena-style game, it is based first and foremost around multiplayer deathmatches where players fight head-to-head throughout various levels. This bulky, industrial-looking weapon resembles more a handheld oil drill than a shotgun and is oppressively powerful. Enemies within range of its shrapnel are an almost guaranteed one-hit kill, and its shots can be ricocheted off walls to reach targets that try to hide from getting gibbed. For its secondary fire, explosive rounds of molten metal can be launched to reach more distant players, often running away screaming, “The pwnage cometh!”

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honourable mentions:
Remington 870MCS
“Battlefied: Bad Company 2” (2010)
Force-A-Nature
“Team Fortress 2” (2007)
Pump-Action Shotgun
“Duke Nukem 3D” (1996)

“Doom II: Hell on Earth” (1994)
Picking up where the original “Doom” left off, Doomguy returns to a demon infested Earth where humanity teeters on the brink of extermination. But with this sawed-off, break-action, double-barreled weapon of mass exorcism, players were more than happy to step up to the challenge. This shotgun contained such immense firepower that walking into a corridor filled with those snarling Pinky demons was significantly less frightening. With ammunition capping at 50 shells, or 100 with a backpack, players could listen to the Howitzer-like boom and gargled screams of their enemies until Hell froze over. It redefined video game shotguns and will forever live in the memory of those who first discovered it. “Doom II,” we salute you.

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