If you’re a gamer who thrives on heart-pounding excitement, classic first-person shooters (FPS) are likely a staple in your gaming lineup. Over the years, we have witnessed the FPS genre’s remarkable evolution, immersing gamers in dynamic and diverse worlds.
Whether you’re battling extraterrestrial invaders, navigating strategic military campaigns, or engaging in wildly entertaining shootouts with friends, these games undoubtedly challenge your reflexes and keep you on the edge of your seat.
With an ever-growing array of outstanding FPS titles being released, it’s crucial for enthusiasts of classic shooters to remember the iconic games that laid the foundation for this genre.
In this article, we present a curated selection of ten must-play games that blend retro charm with modern excitement, ideal for any self-proclaimed classic shooter connoisseur.
10 Medal Of Honor
A Pioneer of War Games
A cornerstone of the FPS landscape, Medal of Honor revolutionized gaming with its focus on World War II. Esteemed for its captivating campaigns and groundbreaking storytelling, it significantly influenced subsequent franchises like Call of Duty and Battlefield.
Even if you missed its original release, experiencing this classic is essential to understanding the genre’s origins. Plus, it remains a genuinely fantastic gaming experience.
9 Perfect Dark
Retro Hall of Famer
Perfect Dark set a new bar for multiplayer gaming by enabling players to include up to eight AI opponents and customize win conditions, weapons, and maps.
With a reboot on the horizon expected in the second half of 2025, this is a prime opportunity for fans of classic shooters to revisit the genre-defining title.
8 Turok 2: Seeds of Evil
Know Your Roots
Another 90s classic, Turok immerses players in the role of a time-traveling Native American warrior fighting to prevent an alien menace named The Primagen from taking over the universe.
Explore unique weaponry while combating foes in a world teeming with dinosaurs and enjoy multiplayer modes offering deathmatch and capture the flag, showcasing why Turok remains beloved among fans.
7 Counter-Strike
Fierce Competition
With a dedicated competitive community that thrives today, Counter-Strike is a staple in eSports. Professionals earn lucrative incomes playing this beloved title, making it a clear inclusion in our list.
Counter-Strike serves up both chaotic fun with friends and the opportunity for strategic mastery, catering to gamers of all skill levels.
6 Battlefield
Join the Action
Renowned for its expansive online multiplayer experience, Battlefield stands out as one of the most popular FPS franchises in recent years.
With a range of ten entries, players can navigate battles set from WW2 to futuristic settings. The game excels in vehicle warfare, allowing you to pilot aircraft and operate tanks, offering a vast, immersive gameplay experience.
If large-scale military confrontations are your preferred playstyle, Battlefield is sure to impress.
5 Halo
Master of Any Weapon
Halo’s epic narrative began with the launch of Halo: Combat Evolved in 2001, captivating gamers around the globe.
At that time, its graphics, exploration, combat mechanics, and weapon variety set a high standard within the gaming industry.
With gripping campaigns and a revolutionary approach to multiplayer combat, Halo created unforgettable battles in maps like Blood Gulch, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to resonate with gamers today.
4 Call Of Duty
No One Fights Alone
For over two decades, Call of Duty has dominated the FPS landscape, emerging as a frontrunner since its debut in 2003.
Offering a diverse gaming experience, it allows players to eliminate zombies, engage in intense multiplayer combat, and partake in battle royale formats. With a plethora of weapons, upgrades, and customization options, players can truly make the game their own.
3 GoldenEye
The Name’s Bond, James Bond
For gamers who grew up in the 90s, GoldenEye 007 remains a nostalgic favorite. Set as the iconic James Bond, your mission is to thwart a criminal syndicate attempting to control the GoldenEye satellite.
The thrill of competing in split-screen deathmatches with friends remains unparalleled, ensuring memorable experiences filled with chaos and laughter.
If you’re passionate about retro gaming, GoldenEye 007 is an essential addition to your playlist.
2 Doom
The Godfather of FPS
Released in 1993, Doom became an instant classic, propelling the FPS genre into popular culture. As a trailblazer in the field, it exemplified the potential of video games.
Taking on the role of a hero fighting against the armies of hell, Doom gives players a unique and exhilarating experience. Not only did the original make a significant impact, but it’s also set to celebrate its legacy with a new installment, Doom: The Dark Ages, launching in 2025.
1 Quake
The King of Classic Shooters
Quake stands as a titan in gaming history, created by ID Software—the masterminds behind Doom. This pioneering title utilized one of the earliest 3D engines, greatly influencing the evolution of gaming.
The introduction of Quake 3: Arena transformed online multiplayer gaming, setting an incredibly high standard with its fast-paced, high-mobility PvP combat.
With 21 titles in the Quake franchise, there’s a wealth of content for both new and veteran players to explore, cementing Quake as one of the greatest franchises in gaming history.
Leave a Reply