Skill based shooter recommendations

[VitalSyntax]

I'm relativity new to PC gaming and I'm looking for some aiming skill based shooters to play. I enjoy Battlefield 3's military setting, graphics, but can't stand the way vehicles spawn/lock on mechanics with air maps and the blatant imbalance with the assault kit/m16a3 on infantry maps. I like Counter Strike Global Offensive, but I feel like it is too random, I get killed by a guy spraying from a random headshot. I also don't like the uber fast bunny hopping games like quake or the run and gun spray call of duty games.

Basically I'm looking for a FPS that is actually balanced, has a high "time-to-kill", has an emphasis on headshots or aim based skill, a high skill ceiling, and I also enjoy the RPG leveling up elements of many shooters today. Lemme know what games I might enjoy.

For example I've really enjoyed Tribes Ascend, I'm redownloading that now...

[penguin_]

ArmA II.

[Milo Pod]

Have you tried Team Fortress 2? That would be a good change of pace from the typical shooters.

[Bpsmooth]

You should really look into a game called Firefall. It sounds like it might be something you could be into. It is still in beta, and not everything is perfectly balanced, yet. But they are currently working on a PvP/PvE split. If you are interested, I can give you a beta key.

[RuecanOnRails]

Arma 2 - definitely worth checking out, plus thousands of mods to go with it keeping gameplay always fresh and new.

Red Orchestra 2

Sniper Elite V2

I appear to be listing only sequels :)

While the games may not follow the traditional "level up" rank system, skills in these game are obtained through practice and training. I personally am against most tier ranks in games which reward better gear and kits based purely on how long someone has played or how many kills they get. It really puts new players at a huge disadvantage. There is something to be said about being killed because the guy was 70 levels above you.. versus being killed by the weakest weapon simply because he used cunning and stealth to sneak in and get a fatal shot. Keep everyone on a level, balanced playing field and a players true skill will lead the outcome of battle.

[Jmjam]

Halo.

[TechTheWorld]

Arma 2 - definitely worth checking out, plus thousands of mods to go with it keeping gameplay always fresh and new.

Red Orchestra 2

Sniper Elite V2

I appear to be listing only sequels :)

While the games may not follow the traditional "level up" rank system, skills in these game are obtained through practice and training. I personally am against most tier ranks in games which reward better gear and kits based purely on how long someone has played or how many kills they get. It really puts new players at a huge disadvantage. There is something to be said about being killed because the guy was 70 levels above you.. versus being killed by the weakest weapon simply because he used cunning and stealth to sneak in and get a fatal shot. Keep everyone on a level, balanced playing field and a players true skill will lead the outcome of battle.

I agree.I was beating the level 70 guys when I first started:)