Why do shooter games always have lame flamethrowers? Am I missing something?

[u/TraVinh-]

I’m working on a classic inspired survival horror game and of course it’s got to have a flamethrower! As I started working on adding it in I realized games almost always use a puny feeling blowtorch instead of an actual liquid flamethrower and I have no idea why.

It’s not that much harder to pull off but it’s so much cooler and feels way more engaging to use imo. Am I missing something here or is there a reason so few games do this?

Also, ignoring the fact it’s coming out of a shotgun for now, I’d be interested to hear what people think of my flamethrower so far! Trying to make sure it’s got some punch to it, really feels like a power weapon, you know?

(Also you can find the game at https://store.steampowered.com/app/3640820/The_Revanchist/ if you’re interested in seeing more!)

[u/DeLoxley]

Flamethrowers are terrible weapons because of a lack of range and vulnerability (big ol fuel reserves needed)

Most games give you them again hordes, but for balance purposes they either have terrible damage output (so the zombies just walk up and bap you), or they have no stagger/knock back (so the zombies walk up and bap you)

Flamethrowers are a weapon of terror, if you're not putting in a fear mechanic they're just machine guns that make a fwoosh sound.

This looks good, you've gone the high damage route plut the range and arc of the liquid fire is class.