Expert: Joseph - 6/17/2007

Question
Hi--

I would like to know how to improve my accuracy while playing multiplayer video games; specifically, TimeSplitters Future Perfect on PS2. I've been playing and practicing for upwards of six months and I'm still the same abysmal player I was when I started. It seems like everyone can kill me with one shot but I can never kill anyone else. Any tips?

Thanks!

Answer
Here's some tips I can offer for multiplayer games:

-Aim for the head/chest.  Shooting limbs won't deal as much damage.  Master this technique while doing things like straffing and circling opponents.

-If you play games online, check your connections.  Make sure you're not lagging, this can give other people the drop on you.

-Learn your weapons.  Some guns work best at close range, some only at far range.  Check websites like www.gamefaqs.com for strategy guides that break down the gun by stats and techniquies.  Choosing the best gun for the right situation can mean victory in even the most dire situations.  This also goes for learning were all the best guns are located on a map and learning the quickest paths to them, so you can nab the good weapons before the other opponents do.

-Keep your eyes and ears open.  Listen for footsteps around a corner/gunfire.  Check your back often.  Keep an eye out for far away bad guys that you could snipe form a distance.  In other words, always be on the lookout for anything that could kill you.

-Stick with teammates.  There is strength in numbers.  Even if you just follow around someone on your team and assist them, your lifespan will will improve.  Plus you may learn some tricks by watching other players.

-Check the sensitivity settings on your thumbsticks on the controller.  If they're set too low you won't be able to follow an enemy with your crosshairs.  If they're too high you'll overshoot them.  See what settings work best for you.

-Crouching before taking aim at bad guys far away on many games will improve your accuracy.  Also, don't use try to use something like a shotgun to kill someone far away, this goes back to the tip on "knowing your weapons."

Hope these help.  These are universal tips that will apply to most any multiplayer game.  Websites like www.gamefaqs.com can offer more specific tips.  Search for the game and look at the forums and strategy guides.