Best explosions in gaming

Every gamer loves a good explosion, and every explosion needs a good presentation. From colour, fullness, flames and even debris, there’s a lot that goes into it. A bad explosion can break a game, but a compelling one can send the title into the stratosphere leaving only a fiery trail. Here are some of the games that went “boom” better than others.

Fallout 3 – Megaton

Easily one of the most explosive games around, Fallout 3 raised the bar with the destruction of Megaton. Megaton is a post-nuclear city built around a nuke that never went off. Players stumble across the opportunity to take up an offer where they can let the bomb be, or detonate it. The latter is a little more pleasing to the eye.

Mercenaries 2: World in Flames

Mercenaries 2 definitely lived up to its name as it did everything the first game did, but with more attitude, guns and, most importantly, explosions. Mercenaries 2 did have its faults, however it really flexed its muscles when players acquired airstrike and nuke abilities. Just aim, call it in, and watch the fireworks.

Far Cry 2 – Cars, Landmines, Anything Really

Where Far Cry become somewhat painful in its long walks and drives, it more than made up for it in its explosions. They were beautiful things to witness; the swaying trees, flying leaves and spreading fires only added to the visual treat of Far Cry 2’s booms.

Resident Evil 5

Resident Evil 5 is still hands-down one of the best looking games around. One of the standout features of RE5 is the explosions. Bright, vivid and motion-blur inducing explosions propelled the game into action-fan heaven. Aim for the red barrels (duh).

‘Splosion Man – Himself

We can’t talk about great explosions in games without mentioning a game that’s primary mechanic is based on blowing yourself up. After a scientific experiment, ‘Splosion Man is created, but he breaks free and is on the run. Blowing himself up in order to propel himself across gaps, over obstacles and to defeat enemies, ‘Splosion Man becomes one dude you don’t want to mess with.

Army of Two: The 40^th Day

Army of Two: The 40^th Day is one overwhelmingly action-packed title, and what makes it so incredible is the amount of explosions and chaos around. Players will see helicopter crashes and exploding cars, while Shanghai itself goes down in a ball of flames.

Burnout 3: Takedown

A game that’s filled with over-the-top, high speed racing action can only have some explosive results; but Burnout is always pushing the envelope, and the Crash Mode in Takedown sent everything to new heights. The game mode rewarded players for causing damage, and when you’ve got a supercar at your disposal, it’s incredibly fun. A little hint: head for the petrol tankers and watch the mayhem ensue.