First-person shooters (FPS) have long been a defining genre in multiplayer gaming, with their roots extending back several decades. The groundbreaking work of John Romero and John Carmack, who introduced LAN multiplayer to the original Doom, solidified deathmatching as a pivotal element of gaming culture, a trend that continues to thrive today.
In recent years, while many FPS titles have shifted their focus towards multiplayer experiences, a significant number still prioritize providing an immersive single-player campaign. Although some may view these campaigns as mere add-ons, the thrill of battling against NPCs can be both entertaining and memorable, often enriched by captivating narratives and escalating gameplay challenges.
For me, an FPS transcends just being a platform for virtual combat with friends; it’s a genre that challenges players to think on their feet and adapt quickly. Below, I’ve compiled a list of my top FPS experiences featuring outstanding single-player campaigns that have left a lasting impression.
10 BioShock
The Pinnacle of FPS Storytelling
It’s widely recognized that the original BioShock drew inspiration from games like System Shock 2. However, despite the latter’s acclaim, BioShock is recognized for fitting more snugly into the classic FPS mold. While it may not qualify as a full horror game, its ability to create a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere is remarkable. Even though players are armed, the looming fear that danger could strike at any moment amplifies the experience.
The game is also celebrated for its iconic narrative twist, which continues to be hailed as a triumph in storytelling, especially for a game released in 2007 when such narrative subversions were less common.
9 Doom (2016)
Unleash Your Fury
Following a rocky transition to 3D gaming with Doom 3, the franchise found its footing again with the 2016 reboot. This iteration revitalized the series by adhering to the motto: “rip and tear, until it is done.” Every aspect of Doom 2016 is designed for high-octane action and relentless demon-slaying, making the experience engaging from start to finish.
One of the game’s success stories is its portrayal of the Slayer as an unstoppable force, perfectly embodying the essence of domination that players have come to expect.
8 Painkiller
Marvel at the Arsenal
Emerging in the wake of Quake, Painkiller is often celebrated for its multiplayer but shouldn’t be overlooked for its single-player campaign. The story may be simple—essentially a dead man battling through hordes of demons—but what stands out is the vibrant and unique weaponry, from the Stakegun’s massive wooden posts to the electrifying Electrodriver.
While the multiplayer experience showcases this arsenal, experiencing it in the context of the campaign allows players to engage creatively with the game’s mechanics, leading to some genuinely entertaining moments.
7 Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
Guns, Gadgets, and Glory
The 2014 reboot of Wolfenstein paved the way for a remarkable revival, and Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus built upon that foundation. It balances serious tone with the exuberance of classic pulp action, introducing a variety of firearms and gameplay mechanics like the Ram Shackles and Battle Walkers.
What makes this sequel shine is its willingness to embrace the absurd while keeping its narrative coherent. Early in the game, players are introduced to significant plot developments, illustrating that the story isn’t afraid to venture into the bizarre.
6 Half-Life 2
The Power of Physics
Half-Life and its sequel, Half-Life 2, are stalwarts in gaming history, particularly due to the latter’s expansive world design and innovative gameplay mechanics.Half-Life 2 retains a level-based structure yet introduces vast environments and new traversal elements such as vehicles that enhance the pace of gameplay.
Perhaps the most groundbreaking feature is the Gravity Gun, which allows players to manipulate the physical environment, turning everyday debris into weapons. This innovative mechanic was a game-changing addition that weaponizes physics in thrilling ways.
5 Halo: Combat Evolved
Expansive Worlds, Strategic Gameplay
Halo: Combat Evolved is iconic, not just for its contributions to the FPS genre through split-screen and online multiplayer but also for its sprawling narrative and gameplay integration. The game’s level design is sprawling, offering players multiple paths and encounters in an expansive world.
The dual-weapon system introduces a new method of strategic gameplay, encouraging players to experiment with different combinations of arms and tactics rather than relying on default weaponry.
4 Titanfall 2
Epic Mech Combat
Initially released as a multiplayer-only title, Titanfall 2 took a surprising turn by incorporating a single-player campaign that stands out for its creativity and engagement. Despite being relatively short, the campaign is teeming with innovative gameplay elements and crafting memorable experiences.
The unique mechanic of hopping between timelines in certain levels adds an exhilarating twist, allowing players to experience gameplay in diverse and unexpected ways. The storytelling accomplishes something significant, evoking emotional responses from players, even in its limited runtime.
3 Call Of Juarez: Gunslinger
An Adventure in the Old West
Creating a remarkable Wild West shooter is no easy feat, given the impracticalities of historical firearms.Call of Juarez: Gunslinger sidesteps this conundrum by framing its adventure as a tall tale recounted over drinks, allowing it to embrace a more arcade-like experience.
The game systematically rewards skilled play, enhancing player engagement with a robust scoring system. As the narrative unfolds, clever storytelling elements, such as adjusting the environment in response to character blunders, provide a delightful twist to traditional gameplay mechanics.
2 Bulletstorm
A Whimsical Approach to Combat
Amid a landscape dominated by serious shooters, Bulletstorm stood out in the early 2010s with its over-the-top humor and outrageous weaponry. Despite its commercial struggles, the game achieved memorable status through its innovative skillshot system, encouraging players to devise creative and often ridiculous ways to achieve kills, yielding rewards and upgrades.
Although the campaign isn’t the longest, it certainly succeeds in delivering laughs and unforgettable moments, especially as players engage in the sheer fun of creative combat tactics.
1 Call Of Duty: Black Ops
A New Paradigm of Warfare
Before I go further, I’ll admit that I’m not particularly drawn to the Call of Duty series. However, the original Black Ops from 2010 presents an exception. The game features straightforward and effective gameplay, with varied locales, characters, and weaponry that keeps the player engaged.
What caught my attention, besides the action-packed sequences, was the creative narrative approach exploring covert missions and intrigue, setting it apart from its contemporaries with more traditional combat scenarios.
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