by Tyler Mahaffy

Created on: January 17, 2007   Last Updated: April 19, 2007

All the way from the original Doom to Halo, first person shooters have been one of the most trendy genres, however controversial. It's no speculation that the first person shooter genre or FPS is by far one of the most popular style of video game to ever hit the market. Imagine, looking through the eyes of the character you are playing as and stalking an enemy scout patrol as they radio in to superiors. You can be entrapped in the style of game in every aspect and if done right you will feel like you are the main character.

With technology on the up and up, along with online gaming, it's no wonder one of the most sought after characteristics in a FPS is online capability. Games such as Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter are pushing the limits of realism and simulation for next generation consoles. The game engulfs the player with complete surround sound, along as all the special effects a modern war movie would have. With the advancement of online gaming, Ghost Recon has taken gaming to the next level. Now a player can enjoy a free for all, squad based teams, or capture the flag options online with up to 15 other players. The realism variable is, however, the center of most controversy.

The controversy comes in to affect when parents, media, and senators alike blame those very games for some senseless act of violence. One of the factors to consider when stepping into a good FPS game is that it probably will be violent, realistic, and sometimes bloody. What a person has to consider is, "Do I really believe that game would make someone more violent?" or "If games cause violence in the people who play them, why isn't there more than one incident every once and awhile if millions of people play them?". The fact that violence inside FPS games is a fact, but there is no way a research group can prove that it is instilling violent behaviors in the players.

The truth, when boiled down, is that first person shooters will always be around and one of the most captivating genres available. Whether your storming the beaches at Normandy, laying waste to an alien warship, or saving the girl of your dreams, FPS will captivate and make you a part of the story one way no other games can, by making you look through the eyes of character.

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