Not too long ago, hipsters were often viewed as cultural antagonists, known for their obscure music tastes and a preference for IPAs over water. While I may not be a fan of hipster culture, I do have a particular fondness for first-person shooters (FPS).However, much like the subjective nature of assessing a great beer, opinions on what constitutes an exceptional FPS vary greatly across the gaming community.
With numerous games available on platforms like Steam and through review aggregators such as OpenCritic, it can be challenging to differentiate between thousands of titles whose scores often appear arbitrary or heavily influenced by contemporary trends. To aid you in navigating this bewildering landscape, I’ve curated a list of nine exceptional shooters that, although they might not cater to everyone’s tastes, remain solid entries in their own right.
Some of these titles have garnered criticism from both reviewers and players alike, while others received lukewarm receptions overall. However, one consistent truth stands out: just like fine craft beers, each of these games has something unique to offer. For this selection, I focused on FPS titles that received scores lower than 70% on Steam or similar review aggregators.
9 Wolfenstein: Youngblood
Nazi-Bashing With Friends
Initially anticipated as a triumphant continuation of the Wolfenstein saga, Wolfenstein: Youngblood faced mixed reviews (67% on OpenCritic) and discontent from fans (45% on Steam).This title broke away from traditional shooter conventions and introduced a unique cooperative experience that didn’t resonate with everyone. The reliance on companions for gameplay and the introduced weapon leveling system, along with varied armor tiers, drew criticism.
However, if you can overlook these shortcomings, you will discover a highly immersive Wolfenstein journey. The level design by Arkane is stellar, offering a non-linear gameplay style that revitalizes the genre. Embrace the 1980s action movie tongue-in-cheek dialogue; it adds to the charm.
8 Spectre Divide
Another Victim of Live Service Models
Unsure if you’ve heard of Spectre Divide? It’s understandable. Launched in September 2024, this live service shooter boasted a stunning art style before its untimely demise just six months later—a stark reminder of the gaming industry’s harsh reality. This arena shooter featured a vibrant visual aesthetic, enjoyable gameplay mechanics, and an innovative twist that allowed players to control two characters simultaneously, adding a unique layer of strategy.
Despite its captivating visuals and seamless audio experience, Spectre Divide suffered from issues cited by critics, such as high cosmetic costs, extended matchmaking times, and performance troubles, resulting in a low 60% score on both Steam and OpenCritic. Ultimately, the game faltered mainly due to a lack of popularity, plummeting from over 30, 000 players at launch to just about 2, 000 a few weeks later. While Spectre Divide may be gone, the innovative spirit that birthed it can inspire future games.
7 Trespasser
Too Much, Too Soon, Too Good
Imagine if Steven Spielberg ventured into gaming with a Jurassic Park title; it sounds like a surefire hit, right? Unfortunately, the release of Trespasser fell short with an aggregate score of 57% and sales of around 50, 000 copies. Yet, as time passes, I find myself lamenting that society overlooked the game’s brilliance before its decline.
This 1998 PC adventure embraced realism with a no-HUD approach that relied on a physics-driven engine. Handling a revolver, players didn’t aim directly but maneuvered the character’s hand, creating an intensely immersive experience. While many titles today might incorporate similar features, Trespasser pioneered such commitments long before its time. Alongside its impressive realism, the expansive world-building remains noteworthy.
6 Green Army Men
Ramirez, Secure The Toy Box
Despite some backlash for including a DLC, I argue that Green Army Men deserves a spot on this list. If the Game Awards recognize DLC’s worth, so can I. This conversion for Rising Storm 2: Vietnam, humorously dubbed ‘PTSD Simulator’ for its visceral portrayal of war, turns the grim reality into innocent fun with childhood nostalgia.
While critics pointed out discrepancies in ballistics compared to the base game and occasional server population issues, these complaints hardly justify its 48% Steam score. If you can see past the flaws, Green Army Men offers some of the most enjoyable, whimsical experiences you can share with friends—nothing beats the hilarity of a grenade-induced tumble off a table.
5 Delta Force
The Best Things in Life Are Free
Entering the oversaturated gaming market as a newcomer can be daunting, especially when stepping into a legacy space.Delta Force from Team Jade isn’t related to Novalogic’s series, yet it enjoys a similar mix of scathing reviews (61%) and admiration from dedicated fans.
This 2024 rendition of Delta Force impresses with its diverse gameplay modes that feel distinctly different from each other—creating an engaging amalgamation of experiences. The title offers a warfare mode akin to Battlefield 2042, alongside operations echoing Escape From Tarkov, paired with a hardcore combat experience reminiscent of Six Days in Fallujah.
Often dismissed as simply “free, ”Delta Force deserves more credit. This game runs smoothly on various computers while delivering a polished FPS experience, highlighting the shortcomings of the Call of Duty franchise over recent years.
4 Gray Zone Warfare
Better Run Through The Jungle
What was that saying about delayed games? Upon its release in April 2024, Gray Zone Warfare faced harsh critiques surrounding poor AI, a lack of engaging gameplay, and a repetitive loop of action. Review scores remain disappointing, hovering around 66% on Steam, despite its potential.
This game is not for everyone, as traversing on foot can be a tedious process, and scarce encounters leave gameplay feeling somewhat barren outside cities and bases. Nevertheless, the tactical aspects combined with straightforward mercenary missions deliver an enjoyable, albeit niche, experience.
The community aspect is its highlight—I’ve spent countless hours on Lamang Island with random players, conducting raids and executing stealth attacks, reminiscent of 1980s action thrillers. When everything aligns perfectly, Gray Zone Warfare becomes an exhilarating experience.
3 Battlefield Hardline
Miami’s Finest
There’s something appealing about the classic cops versus robbers narrative that Battlefield Hardline embodies. This game leans heavily into this motif, thanks to its array of weapons and fresh gameplay mechanics. After the tumultuous launch of Battlefield 4, DICE sought to regain momentum with Hardline, which significantly shifted the tone and gameplay style of the franchise.
The game elicited mixed feedback, but Battlefield Hardline stands out amid the chaos, offering new game modes like Rescue and Hotwire that breathe fresh life into the traditional Battlefield framework. The campaign, while occasionally disjointed, tells an engaging story about a Miami police officer embroiled in the drug trade. Although it doesn’t reach the pinnacle of previous titles, it remains one of the franchise’s most memorable narratives.
2 Medal of Honor: Warfighter
Tier One Gaming
The unfortunate launch of Medal of Honor: Warfighter effectively marked the decline of one of the most beloved shooter franchises in gaming. Despite its failing debut in 2012, I often find myself revisiting this title. Yes, the storytelling can feel somewhat cheesy, presenting a non-linear plot execution that doesn’t fully deliver, earning it a 53% aggregate score
In retrospect, while Call of Duty pursued an increasingly bombastic narrative style, Warfighter offered gameplay grounded in tangible problems—like missions requiring cooperation with Philippine special forces during a typhoon, which stands out as an unforgettable encounter.
The game paints a gritty yet realistic picture of small-scale operations, offering moments filled with tension and urgency, enriching the players’ experience.
1 Verdun
Embrace The Trench Life
Occasionally, debates arise about the divide between gaming media and the community, but few instances illustrate this better than Verdun. Released in 2015, this World War I trench shooter faced harsh criticisms, earning a 57% rating from major critics citing its “unintuitive slog.”However, user reviews on Steam consistently rate it above 80%.
The disconnect seems straightforward: much like an unforgiving war scene, Verdun demands immersion and can be an acquired taste. The game’s dedication to realism provides a haunting experience devoid of heroic cinematic moments, enveloping players in the harsh realities of warfare.
As you navigate enemy trenches and witness the chilling consequences of conflict, Verdun serves as a critical reminder of the brutal human cost associated with war, similar to the purpose behind This War of Mine. It’s a game that compels players to reflect on the darker side of history.
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