Headsets, Multiplayer and, you know, People

You may have noticed that there’s been something of a glut of online focused games hitting the shelves right now. There’s Battlefields, Call of Dutys, even Saint’s Rows if co-op’s your thing. Now, playing these games is all very well, we all like a bit of mindless running and gunning. But if you ask me, that’s not what they were designed for. The beauty of these games is that you are connecting with OTHER PEOPLE! And what use is that if you’re not going to work WITH them, or at the very least, rub that 300 metre sniper shot in a little. Too many people go into these games with only the game to keep them entertained, but believe me when I say, the people you are playing against can be just as entertaining.

It was actually through the use of a headset and Bad Company 1 and 2 that myself and 3 of the closest friends from my youth stayed in touch. University can be a tough time on your friendships back home, with months away from each other at a time and often wildly different experiences. So being able to log on and shoot the breeze whilst playing a superb bit of online shooter action, was a great way of catching up. Yes this could be done on the phone, and quite often would be, but by combining it with gaming you are sharing an experience together, rather than telling each other about them.

It’s not just staying in touch either. Battlefield has to be the ultimate example of an online game made infinitely better by talking to your team. Whilst playing with radio silence you can guess tactics, and follow troops into battle, sure. But throw on a headset, and you are instantly part of the plan, standing around the war room map with your brothers in arms, plotting the best way to success. The game becomes…not easier…but certainly more intuitive. Much like a man-on call during a game of football, enemies can be called out and quick counter attack or siege mentalities adopted. All in all, it makes for a better experience, and a much more fun one.

The reawakening of Co-Op gaming online is another huge reason to invest in a decent headset. Saint’s Row The Third’s drop in drop out co-op is about as much fun as it’s possible to have playing a video game. I can’t say it’s the best game you’ll play, but seriously, I don’t think I’ve ever had so much fun as skydiving in tandem straight onto the roof of an enemy penthouse. Moments like these should be shared with your friends list, vocally and visually.

Ever since I got my hands on the frankly delectable Tritton AX PRO headset, my online gaming has never been the same. Being able to talk clearly with my friends in perfect comfort has turned a night on Xbox Live or PSN into a social club, once again, the reason that these services were set up in the first place. Of course, the AX PRO is at the higher end of the headset market. It’s 5.1 surround sound is a revelation, and the best way of playing triple A titles without shelling out hundreds and hundreds of pounds for a home theatre. Cheaper headsets are available and will get you connected, but if you have the means to save up, I cannot recommend this headset highly enough. Why end your relationship with late night Modern Warfare 3 battles, when your partner doesn’t even have to know you’re playing, whilst you’re surrounded by the sounds of war and your buddies heckling!

So yea, really, there is no excuse for not owning a decent headset. Beyond the stunning performance of the Tritton AX PRO I opted for, the chat connectivity is as vital to online gaming as a decent internet connection and a steady supply of salty snacks. Trust me, for all the nut jobs and obsessive’s you meet online, you’ll get an equal amount of new friend requests.

Get chatting folks, I’ll see you on the modern battlefield row.

WORDS: Sam Conisbee