The Best Shooters with Bot Multiplayer and Split-Screen

It's unfortunate that online play has been steadily replacing split-screen and bot multiplayer in console shooters this generation. The real shame is that the industry shows few signs of this trend coming to an end. The fact of the matter is that developers can force more people to buy copies of games if they only allow you to play through an internet connection. There are some foolish souls that defend the loss of bot play and split-screen, but these excuses do little more than make it right for the industry to cheat its consumer base. For those still loyal to playing shooters with the computer, I give you a list of the best shooters released this gen with bot play.

1. Metroid Prime: Hunters
Console(s): Nintendo DS
Local Play: 1-4 Players
Online Play: 2-4 Players
Bot Players: 1-3

Almost unanimously considered the greatest shooter available on portable consoles, Metroid Prime Hunters is an extremely impressive package. The game modes are the real draw here- it features a great story mode, fantastic online modes, download play, multi-card play, and multiplayer bots! The different hunters are all varied- each has their own special properties and weapons. The game supports up to 4 players in multiplayer with bots optional for empty spots.

All the classic game modes are there as well as some original Metroid variations- you've got Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Capture The Flag, Bases (Nodes), Bounty, and several more! Graphically the game is extremely impressive for a portable title and the controls are excellent- better than anything else on the DS or PSP. Too bad Metroid: Other M wasn't this good... Do yourself a favor and get this multiplayer gem- be it for local, online, or bot multiplayer. You can find it for around $15-$20.

2. Haze
Console(s): Playstation 3
Local Play: 1-2 Players
Online Play: 2-16 Players
Bot Players: 1-15

Haze suffered the unfortunate fate of being pegged as a 'Halo Killer' by PS3 fanboys. As soon as it was pitched as a rival to "the only reason to own a 360", it went downhill for Haze. People were suddenly critiquing the graphics, story, controls, the online options... and the game hadn't even come out yet! Haze released to mediocre reviews, lackluster sales, and fan disappointment. For all the hate it gets, Haze did a few things right. The game offers 16 player online, 2 player split-screen, bot multiplayer support, and offers a free DLC map pack- as well as other content you can purchase. The story mode might be dull and a little annoying, but the multiplayer is really the only reason to own this game. In a nice twist, the classic 'Red Vs Blue' team-play is tweaked with two different factions.

Play as a trooper and gain the ability to inject yourself with the performance altering drug, 'nectar'. The effects of nectar include increased agility, endurance, accuracy, and the ability to perceive enemies through a bodily glowing effect. Play as a rebel and you gain the ability to play dead and recover health as well as being able to convert almost any ammo into your current weapon's type. Maps are large, battles are hectic, and the faction dynamic is a nice departure from the norm. The weapon selection is fairly standard with no surprises and the graphics could use some more polish. The bot play is a lot of fun and makes the experience worthwhile- though they're limited to Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch. One big plus is the price point- you can get Haze for around $10

3. Water Warfare
Console(s): Nintendo Wii
Local Play: 1-2 Players
Online Play: 2-8 Players
Bot Players: 1-7

Hudson hit one out of the park with this Wiiware exclusive. Wide-scale battles take place across playgrounds, beaches, geyser-filled valleys, and port cities. The catch? The combat is based around super soakers, water bombs, pails of water, rain coats, and more. A self-described 'First Person Soaker', this addictive $8 title manages to play with the big dogs in the FPS genre. Water Warfare is an anime-styled water-based shooter with an entertaining mission mode, superb 8 player online play, and great split-screen action. The multiplayer mode variety is highly impressive- Battle Royale, Deathmatch, Capture The Treasure Chest, Bases, Point Rally, and more!

The controls are responsive and fun and support the Wii Zapper. The maps are randomly generated, come in the aforementioned four varieties, and can be played either in 'large' or 'small' form. Playing by yourself gives you access to up to 7 bot players- 2-player split-screen offers 2 bot players. The game is top notch from the bright, colorful graphics to the smooth online play. The weapon selection is made up of the water equivalents of the standard FPS arsenal- water bazookas, shotguns, pistols, sniper rifles, machine guns, and so-on. With a criminally low price tag and an extremely addictive multiplayer spread, Water Warfare deserves to be on your Wii Menu.

4. Small Arms
Console(s): Xbox 360
Local Play: 1-4 Players
Online Play: 2-4 Players
Bot Players: 1-3

It's fairly common knowledge that Xbox 360 fans hate anything that isn't fueled by Mountain Dew or involves shooting. How do you get 360 fans to buy an RPG? Sell them Borderlands- a so-called FPS-RPG hybrid. How do you get them to play a 2D fighting game? Throw in guns. Small Arms is that game. Fortunately, it's pretty good. Borrowing elements from Super Smash Brothers, Metal Slug, and Power Stone- Small Arms manages to be a fast-paced, entertaining experience. This 4-player 2D shooter is a downloadable title for the Xbox 360 and is fairly impressive.

The graphics are fine- nothing amazing but they do the game justice. The controls are a little loose, but overall work well. It's no masterpiece, but the multiplayer makes it worth the $5. Playing with a mix of friends or bots, you can battle across several different stages with all sorts of zany weapons. Explosive arrows, Molotov cockails, lightning guns, and samurai swords- all can be found and more in the weapon selection. Eat oversized pieces of meat to heal and collect batteries as ammo while playing as the kinda cute, kinda bad-ass characters. If you enjoy it, feel free to purchase the DLC pack- it includes two new characters and maps. Small Arms' only glaring fault is the lack of team play or extra game types- a real shame.

5. Unreal Tournament 3
Console(s): Playstation 3 & Xbox 360
Local Play: 2 Players
Online Play: 2-16 Players
Bot Players: 1-15

I've saved the best for last! UT3 is fantastic- near perfect as a multiplayer, shooter title. Well, the PS3 version is at least- but more on that later. For those that have never played an Unreal Tournament title, throw out all thoughts of realism and human limitations. The game is filled with over-the-top vehicles, high-energy gameplay, a chaotic arsenal of weapons, and so much more. This arcade-styled arena shooter is filled with run & gun, frenzied action. The online play is smooth and reliable, the game modes are varied and fun, and the multiplayer is fast and addictive. But that's only half the fun...

What makes Unreal Tournament 3 so great? The PS3 version supports mods- a rarity for console shooters. Don't realize the implications of that statement? PS3 owners have access to community-made game types, weapons, characters, maps, features, and much, much more! You can find literally hundreds of maps, character, and gameplay mods across the internet for free. All are online and bot compatible with gameplay that defines the word 'addictive'. My personal copy of UT3 has over a dozen downloaded game types (Greed, Betrayal, Safari, several 2D game modes, Elimination, Onslaught, Jailbreak, Bombing Run, and numerous others)- as well about sixty extra maps. All free, free, free. The 360 version has none of this because Microsoft basically hates you. Unreal Tournament 3 I picked up at GameStop for a paltry $7.

Visually the game is stunning- the maps are varied and impressive to look at. The controls are tight and responsive- the online community is fairly friendly. The PS3 version supports mouse & keyboard input for PC fans. The campaign mode, which isn't too great, is a lot of fun when played in co-op. If you even have a passing interest in the shooter genre, do yourself a favor and get this game!

Honorable Mention

Killzone 2

Gears of War 2

Perfect Dark Zero

Enemy Territories: Quake Wars

Call of Duty: Black Ops

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