The first-person shooter genre (often abbreviated as FPS) began in the early 90s. Many mistakenly cite 1993’s DOOM as the “first” FPS, but that title actually goes to Wolfenstein 3D, which was released a year earlier.
However, DOOM was easily the most influential as it became a huge hit and sold millions of copies, launched sequels, and of course, solidified the genre.
Battlefield: Bad Company 2
Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is widely seen as the best in the franchise. It is praised for its cinematic gameplay and interactive environment. When it was released in 2010, there was nothing like it.
The main praise for the game was for its beautifully rendered environment, which kept great resolution even when playing online multiplayer matches. It was also famous for its wide variety of weapons, vehicles and destructive structures, which helped to constantly change the battlefield.
Apex Legends
Apex Legends is set in the Titanfall universe, although it has little to do with the game. Instead of fighting in Titans, Apex Legends is an online battle royale hero shooter. Gamers can take on the role of a wide variety of different characters, adapting and customizing them to their personal liking.
In an era where “free-to-play” battle royale games are taking over consoles and PCs everywhere, Apex Legends has managed to stand out thanks to its distinctive characters, who all bring their own unique touches and special moves, create a varied and fun gaming experience.
Superhot
Superhot is one part puzzle game, one part FPS and one part cinematic gunfight simulator. This unique shooter is built around the ability to slow down time while standing still. Taking a moment to survey the situation is the key to victory, but only speed will save you in this impossibly stylish and devilishly difficult game.
Be sure to play Superhot in VR if you ever get a chance to do so, but there’s no bad way to play one of the most creative and engaging FPS games ever created, as well as one of gaming’s most powerful shots of pure adrenaline.
Team Fortress 2
It wouldn’t be entirely accurate to say that no one thought Team Fortress 2 would be a success. Actually, at that time many people expected it to be a very good game. Still, few were prepared for how lucrative TF 2 would be and how its growth would change the video game industry forever.
Look beyond those ways TF2 controversially led us to the “game as a service” era, and you’ll find that it’s one of the most mechanically enjoyable multiplayer FPS games of all time as well as a great deal of personality. There is a testament to the ways. Turn an already great game into something magical.
The Operative: No One Lives Forever
It’s true that No One Lives Forever’s permanent residency in the licensing hell has only raised the voice of those who call this 2000 FPS game one of the best ever, but that doesn’t mean Monolith’s spy shooter. Doesn’t deserve all the praise it gets.
What impresses me the most about NOLF after all these years is that it really is a comedy game. While having a really funny comedy game is an achievement in itself, NOLF goes a step further by offering one of the most creative and engaging FPS campaigns ever produced. The game holds up favorably even under the most sensible design analysis, but its most enduring legacy is the smile it puts on your face.
Payday 2
A seven year old heist game that still hasn’t been perfected. As a squad of four – best played online with friends – you and your fellow hooligans explore banks, jewelry stores and art galleries, drawing up an action plan. You can get burned in all kinds of fire, but usually, you want a more covert, more tactical approach: Your first step might be to disable the cameras and tie someone’s hands up that could waste your money.
Eventually, and inevitably, the bullets will start flying. It didn’t win awards for its weapons handling, but it’s a joy to be in the chaos every time you fire. You have to command your squad mates to stop being tag-teamed by security guards and SWAT teams, and trying to grab bags of cash while sprinkling lead from behind cover is a thrill few other shooters can match.
also read: 10 Best FPS Games Of All Time, According To Metacritic 2022
