The launch of the PlayStation 3 marked one of the most challenging beginnings for any console in Sony’s history. Competing against the Xbox 360 during its release, the PS3 initially struggled to make a significant impact. However, over time, it managed to regain its footing and build an impressive game library across various genres.
Among the many genres represented, first-person shooters (FPS) were particularly saturated. While competition typically fosters innovation, this abundance led to numerous titles slipping into obscurity. Despite a high standard within the FPS sector on the PS3, not all mid-tier shooters were subpar; in fact, some hidden gems and unique narratives await discovery. Below is a curated list of overlooked shooters that deserve a second look.
9 Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood
The Wild Wild West
Wild West-themed games are surprisingly rare, and the options dwindle even further when excluding notable titles like Red Dead Redemption 2, which features a third-person perspective.Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood offers a refreshing take in the FPS genre, presenting a fun yet imperfect gaming experience. This title is part of a series that includes four entries, each delivering a distinct experience while retaining core elements.
Players navigate the game through a variety of characters, each possessing unique play styles. A standout feature is the ‘Concentration’ mode, allowing players to slow time to gain the upper hand. The duel mechanic, which transitions gameplay into a stylish third-person perspective for dramatic finishing moves, adds an extra layer of engagement.
8 Clive Barker’s Jericho
A Sprinkle of the Supernatural
Clive Barker’s Jericho stands out as an ambitious FPS with a gritty, gothic aesthetic and unique hero abilities. Infused with elements of horror, it effectively captures unsettling atmospheres through a captivating sound design.
The narrative immerses players in a complex storyline where they eventually control a diverse cast of characters, each with distinct strengths and weaknesses. However, the AI companions sometimes hinder immersion, requiring players to manage their wellbeing throughout the missions.
Despite its shortcomings, the game offers a wealth of good material and has unfortunately faded into obscurity, alongside rumors of a canceled sequel.
7 Aliens vs Predator
Not Your Average Movie Tie-In
Movie tie-ins often carry a reputation for being uninspired cash grabs, especially during the PS3 era. However, Aliens vs Predator defies this stereotype, proving to be a well-crafted FPS that elevates the source material.
This title encourages players to engage in combat as humans, aliens, or predators—each with distinct weapons and a tailored campaign. The gameplay loop is refreshingly dynamic, appealing to fans regardless of their franchise affinity.
6 MAY
One for the History Books
MAG is a unique entry on this list, primarily because it is no longer playable. Released in an era before “always online”games became the norm, MAG operated between 2010 and 2014, featuring ambitious online battles with over 200 players and persistent faction campaigns that kept the community engaged.
The game included six distinct modes, even the smallest allowing for 64-player matches. Although many gamers today may have missed out on MAG, it set a precedent for online shooters, leaving a legacy that gamers hope will see a revival in the future.
5 Bulletstorm
Killing in Style
Bulletstorm stands out as a well-regarded title that deserves more attention than it typically receives. This innovative shooter emphasizes style in combat, rewarding players for executing elaborate kills. Instead of merely aiming for headshots, players can achieve high scores by performing over-the-top kill combos—like launching an enemy into the air and detonating them mid-flight.
The excitement is amplified by co-op gameplay, allowing friends to coordinate lethal tactics and maximize their scores. Notably, many Xbox users initially purchased Bulletstorm for a demo of another title, only to become captivated by its chaotic gameplay.
4 RAGE
A Forgotten ID Franchise
Id Software, known primarily for the Doom series, has another noteworthy title that doesn’t often receive the recognition it deserves: RAGE. Set in a post-apocalyptic landscape reminiscent of the Mad Max films, the game offers players freedom in combat, with options for both brute force and stealth tactics.
Players can select from a diverse array of weapons, each behaving uniquely due to different ammunition types. While I’m typically not drawn to desert-themed games, the visual presentation of RAGE is striking for PS3 standards, immersing players in a harsh, yet fascinating, open-world experience.
3 Far Cry 2
Before We Had Cool Bad Guys
While Far Cry 3 and its successors have received significant acclaim for their engaging antagonists, we must not overlook the earlier entries, particularly Far Cry 2. Set in a fictional African region amidst a tumultuous power struggle, players take on the role of a battle-hardened mercenary.
Unique mechanics, such as contracting malaria, add a layer of strategy, requiring players to manage their health while navigating missions filled with chaos and conflict. Although the villains don’t rival those in later titles, Far Cry 2 remains a solid FPS experience.
2 Homefront
Gritty but Great
Homefront presents a dark vision of the future where Korea threatens the United States, offering a gritty and intense military shooter experience. Although the narrative intertwines real-world issues—such as pandemics—into its plot, it succeeds in delivering a solid shooting experience with contemporary weaponry.
While the campaign polarized gamers upon its 2011 release, its well-crafted shooting mechanics and intense encounters maintain its relevance even today. It may not have stood out in a crowded FPS market, but those who enjoyed the game can find its thematic echoes in the 2016 sequel on the PS4.
1 Singularity
Horror and Time Travel? Sign Me Up!
Raven Software, primarily known today for contributions to the Call of Duty series, presented a different vision through Singularity. This game centers around a fictional timeline where a newly discovered element, E99, leads to catastrophic events at a research facility, setting the stage for a gripping narrative.
Featuring both time travel and psychological horror elements, Singularity transports players between different eras, offering a rich storyline that keeps them engaged. Although the game encountered numerous developmental challenges, its creative concepts and compelling execution remain impressive, making it one of the standout surprise titles of the PS3 era.
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