Cover-system(s): Pros and Cons

[Hagan]

Devs implement cover-systems in their games; have done so or years now, but, is there a CS that like, maybe you favour one over another...

Playing 2 games with cover-systems, very similar in style, but I've noticed something...

I'm growing a little tired of contexually-based cover-systems. Tomb Raider and Far Cry (3 and 4) have a "seamless cover-system"... A 'slip-in, slip-out' system... That, I like more... "Maybe I don't want to take cover behind that explosive barrel 'cause I'm sorta looking at it while proceeding forward and it's slightly off to my right-hand side...".

I want your opinions. Are you big fans of cover-systems, or do you wish they simply do away with that nonsense, as "side-strafing is a skill I'd been honing for years, so why would I want to change it?".

Should have made this a "Pole'd" thread, doesn't warrant it though, simply wish to know others' opinions.

As always...

Lemme know; comment below.

[HavocXphere]

Hate them. Strikes me as a crutch needed for consoles. Much like the whole "Mash button X" to do something...

[mottamort]

I believe it has its place...but it seems like alot of devs at the start were going and adding it to their games just to say they have it...

[DarthMol]

Well taking cover makes sense from a realistic point of view - the problem is there is an abundance of mid-height walls everywhere just for the sake of cover - I prefer it when the cover looks natural or part of the scene and it's not obviously placed for the purpose of there being cover.

[The_Imp_ZA]

Not really a fan of how GoW or ME handles it. This is how I think cover mechanics should be implemented: