It’s one of the most satisfying experiences in gaming: landing an awesome headshot and knowing that you’ve taken your enemy down. One shot, one kill. The feeling just cannot be beaten. But which games feature the most gratifying, most awesome, most visceral headshots? Read on to find out my top 5.

5 – Sniper Elite (Xbox)

Without a doubt one of the most realistic shooters ever released, Sniper Elite featured superbly accurate ballistics that were well ahead of their time, the game being released back in 2005. Elements such as bullet drop, wind effect and breathing combined to make this probably the best sniper simulation game to date (I have high hopes for Sniper: Ghost Warrior, but time will tell on that one). The most exhilarating part of the game was when the player landed a headshot and the path of the bullet was followed by the camera all the way onto the enemies head. That was then followed up by a view of said enemy crumpling to the ground. Brilliant.

4 – The Halo Series (Xbox + Xbox 360)

Not an obvious choice this one, but headshots are such a massive part of Halo that I really couldn’t leave it out. Whilst pelting your enemies heads with shots from the pistol or battle rifle forms a major staple of the gameplay, the headshot that meant I just couldn’t leave halo out of this list is the one players can make with the human sniper rifle. The weapon itself just oozes cool: in all of it’s various iterations it has always looked and sounded simply superb. Seeing the world lit up in green on the viewfinder as you walk around a map unscoped is just brilliant. Admittedly, ownership of this weapon has been behind many of the arguments I’ve witnessed on Halo over the years between n00bs who’ve picked it up and the l337 brigade who demand useage of it. But even that doesn’t diminish the incredible joy that comes from landing a headshot, seeing an enemy knocked off their feet and smiling as the little headshot badge pops up.

3 – Unreal Tournament 2004 (PC)

This game is included in my list for one reason and one reason only: the announcer. Manage to land a headshot in this amazing online multiplayer game and you’re greeted with an awesome ‘HEADSHOTTTTTT’ from the announcer. The feeling of empowerment this engenders in the player is incredible and it’s simply one of the best experiences I’ve had in gaming.

2 – Call of Duty: World at War (Xbox 360)

Another game I’m including for one main reason, and this time it’s the sound. That ‘dink’ which accompanies a headshot is a subtle yet effective means of letting the player know they’ve landed a kill shot. It’s exhilarating as the shooter and heartbreaking as the receiver. Arguably the most satisfying headshot in all of the Call of Duty series.

1 – Gears of War Series (Xbox 360)

There was only ever going to be one number one in this list, and that’s Gears. The popping sound, the blood gushing from an enemies neck and the view of skull fragments splattering over the battlefield just cannot be beaten. Whether the shot is landed by a sniper rifle or pistol, the sheer viscerality of the moment is simply sublime. Brilliant headpopping moments litter both the single player and multiplayer experiences throughout. It’s awesome, it’s Gears, it’s my number one gaming headshot.

Agree or disagree with my choices? Let me know in the forums.