7 Shooter Games That Defined the 1990s (And Most Are Still Going Today

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The 1990s were a golden age for first-person shooter games. Even with simple, pixelated graphics and multiplayer requiring local network connections with friends, some truly groundbreaking titles emerged. These games had a huge impact on a generation of gamers, and it’s amazing to see how many of those franchises are still popular and inspiring today’s shooters.

The first-person shooter genre exploded in the 1990s, evolving from simple, pixelated games to expansive 3D environments. Every game on this list introduced something new, and those innovations continue to influence shooters today. Whether they became widely popular or gained a dedicated following, these games all had a lasting impact on the industry that’s still felt now.

7. Duke Nukem 3D (1996)

Duke Nukem 3D was a wildly fun game released in an era when video game rules were still being written. It was packed with a bold personality, over-the-top action, and plenty of crude humor that wouldn’t be acceptable in many games today. Duke’s funny lines and the game’s outrageous design made it truly memorable, especially for players who experienced it when it first came out.

The Duke Nukem series has seen its share of successes and failures, most notably with Duke Nukem Forever. However, it’s still remembered as one of the first first-person shooters to embrace adult humor. Duke remains a recognizable figure in gaming, appearing in remasters and as downloadable content in other titles. This helps keep his legacy alive and reminds players of the over-the-top action that defined shooters in the 1990s.

6. Medal of Honor (1999)

Electronic Arts’ Medal of Honor launched a popular series that brought the drama of World War II battles into homes. The games focused on creating a realistic experience, with accurate weapons, challenging missions, and a compelling story that put players in the shoes of a soldier. Over the years, the series has changed, but titles like Medal of Honor: Allied Assault and the more recent versions remain favorites among fans.

The Medal of Honor franchise isn’t finished, but it’s no longer the leading series it once was. Call of Duty actually started as a spin-off of Medal of Honor, but has since become its main competitor. EA hasn’t released a new Medal of Honor game in a long time, so the series is currently inactive. If it were to return, it would face tough competition from both Call of Duty and Battlefield, which has become a major player in the genre.

5. Unreal (1998)

When it first came out, Unreal was a visual masterpiece and revolutionized multiplayer gaming, making local network parties incredibly popular. Its single-player story was immersive and atmospheric, and the game’s engine went on to power many other titles. While it was a bit unusual, Unreal was incredibly influential, eventually leading to the creation of the hugely successful Unreal Tournament series years later.

If you search for ‘Unreal’ on Google today, you’ll likely find the Unreal Engine long before any information about the original game series. While the game franchise has been quiet for years, the Unreal Engine has become a leading force in the industry, used in everything from major video games to virtual reality. The original Unreal game demonstrated the potential of PC shooters when innovative technology and creative design come together.

4. Star Wars: Dark Forces (1995)

When Dark Forces was released, it really impressed Star Wars fans. It proved that first-person shooters could be more than just running through hallways and shooting enemies. The game added things like specific missions to complete, the ability to sneak around, and levels with multiple layers to explore, paving the way for the popular Jedi Knight series. Although the original games and their sequels haven’t been updated recently, Dark Forces remains beloved thanks to remasters and its lasting impact on Star Wars shooting games. It’s a fondly remembered title that showcases the creativity of game developers in the 1990s as they experimented with new ways to tell stories and design gameplay.

3. Wolfenstein 3D (1992)

It’s difficult to emphasize just how important Wolfenstein 3D was—it essentially created the first-person shooter genre. Running and gunning through maze-like halls while fighting Nazis was incredibly exciting, and the series remains popular today, with The New Order games continuing to win over players.

Although it’s become a classic from the past, Wolfenstein is still a well-regarded series. Beyond the recent New Order, the original Return to Castle Wolfenstein was a huge hit in the early 2000s – similar to Quake 3 and Unreal Tournament. It proved that the series is flexible and can successfully explore different ideas and styles.

2. Heretic (1997)

Imagine mixing dark fantasy and magic with the fast-paced action of Doom. The result is Heretic, a groundbreaking first-person shooter. Instead of traditional guns, you wield spells and magical crossbows, battling monsters with a unique, mystical spin on the classic Doom gameplay. What really set Heretic apart was its clever level design – full of exploration, hidden secrets, and dangerous traps, making it a truly innovative shooter for its time.

Although the Heretic series isn’t actively developed anymore, it did spawn a few follow-up games. The most well-known is Hexen, which built upon the original’s fantasy first-person shooter style by adding different character types, interconnected level design, and the ability to play with a friend. Raven Software later released Heretic 2, which was a third-person action game that drastically changed the gameplay while keeping the same hero and story. Despite these changes, Heretic is still a great example of the creative genre-mixing that was common in the 1990s, and many players still enjoy its unique approach, especially those tired of typical sci-fi or military shooters.

1. Doom (1993)

Let’s not forget Doom! Featuring the iconic Doomguy, this game was a turning point for first-person shooters, really putting the genre on the map. It essentially defined a generation of games and has had a huge impact on countless shooters since. The franchise remains popular today, with Doom: The Dark Ages recently released in 2025, showing that its core gameplay is still a winning formula.

Doom built upon the success of Wolfenstein 3D and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Even today, the game’s name brings back fond memories of the simple pleasure of fighting demons using skill and a shotgun.

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2025-12-16 18:42