As a seasoned gamer with over three decades of gaming under my belt, I must say that each one of these games holds a special place in my heart. They represent different eras and styles of first-person shooters, from the pioneering days of GoldenEye 007 to the modern masterpieces like Half-Life 2 and DOOM (2016).
For over several decades, the first-person shooter category has stood the test of time and served as a foundation for a variety of experiences, ranging from multiplayer to single-player modes. These games have consistently provided captivating narratives and stunning graphics. From numerous titles released thus far, some stand out as exceptional representatives of this genre. Therefore, here are our top 30 recommendations for the best first-person shooters ever created, up until 2024.
Duke Nukem 3D
Back in the day, I used to play Duke Nukem 3D by 3D Realms, and even though some of its edgier aspects might not hold up as well today, it was a game-changer for the first-person shooter genre. Duke’s witty one-liners really gave the character a unique personality that stood out, and the environmental interactions and destruction felt revolutionary at the time. Plus, who can forget the bizarre arsenal of weapons like the Shrink Ray, which let you reduce enemies to pocket-size?
SUPERHOT
In a unique and intriguing twist, the idea of time only advancing when you do, as seen in the game Superhot, offers a captivating, intellectually stimulating experience within the realm of first-person shooters. Unlike conventional games where the focus is on scoring headshots, manipulating weapons, or wielding katanas to eliminate hordes of enemies, Superhot shines in its thoughtful pauses between each kill, these moments creating a memorable and immersive gaming experience.
Valorant
As a gamer, I’d say you blend the strategic gunplay from Counter-Strike: GO with characters worthy of a hero shooter and what you get is Valorant. At first glance, it might seem slow or peculiar, but let me tell you, this tactical shooter is one of the best out there in its category, if not among competitive multiplayer games. Despite being relatively new, having been around for just over four years, Valorant delivers a nail-biting gaming experience that’s hard to tear yourself away from.
Borderlands 3
Disregard the narrative, personas, and dialogue of Borderlands 3 for your own well-being, and you’ll find that the gameplay has made substantial improvements. Enhancements range from smoother controls and feedback to increased agility, a wider array of weapon types, and more intricate character development – making it an impressive loot shooter, even if not quite as enduring as its predecessor.
DOOM 1 + DOOM 2
The combined edition of both games, DOOM 1 + DOOM 2, offers an outstanding compilation of the best aspects from each title. It includes all their extra content, such as Sigil, and a fantastic new campaign by MachineGames. What makes this release even more appealing is its built-in mod support, a superbly remixed soundtrack, cross-platform multiplayer deathmatch featuring 26 fresh maps for mayhem.
Killzone 2
Following the notorious E3 2005 event, Guerrilla Games’ first-person shooter could only improve, and it certainly did, delivering a stellar performance. The game’s stunning graphics undeniably played a role, but its engaging missions, satisfying gunplay, intelligent AI, and meticulously crafted levels created an extraordinary gaming experience (despite the anticlimactic ending).
Halo 3 ODST
Despite not living up to the high expectations following Halo 3’s dramatic finale, Halo: ODST remained an engaging side story. It spotlighted one of the most intriguing units, the Helljumpers, as they carried out covert operations in New Mombasa, participating in intense urban warfare against the Covenant. One of its major strengths lies in the introduction of Firefight, a mode similar to Horde with adjustable difficulty levels, a shared life pool, and various challenges to conquer.
Bulletstorm
The main aim of People Can Fly and Epic Games when creating Bulletstorm was to make killing enemies an art form, rewarding players for their creative and stylish methods of destruction. Although the narrative and characters may not be the focus, the joy comes from launching opponents into dangerous environments, blasting them out of the sky for a spot of skeet shooting, and so on – all for bonus points. Despite its disappointing VR port, Bulletstorm remains an exhilarating, action-packed gaming experience that’s well worth playing.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat
In GSC Game World’s S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat, the third installment of the series, still delivers a chilling experience. Despite occasional glitches, the blend of open-world gameplay with horror and survival aspects creates an intense adventure, whether you’re navigating Anomalies or interacting with different factions.
Destiny 2
Bungie’s live-action shooter game, known for its lengthy journey filled with highs and lows, continues to stand out as one of the best in its genre despite numerous transformations. With impressive storylines like “The Witch Queen” and “The Final Shape,” a distinctive character to its weapons, captivating visual design, and top-tier raids, “Destiny 2” remains an engaging choice for players.
Unreal Tournament
When it seemed like Quake 3 Arena was undisputedly the best, unexpectedly, Unreal Tournament emerged and took over the crown. Although Quake 3 Arena continued to have a significant presence in esports, Unreal Tournament was generally considered the superior game, from its map layouts and graphics to the wide range of game modes it offered. The mode “Assault” alone significantly enhanced the competitive FPS genre, and playing against AI bots on higher difficulties was enjoyable rather than a chore.
Turok: Dinosaur Hunter
Initially, Turok might have seemed like a first-person shooter game with the twist of dinosaurs instead of humans to kill. However, it proved many wrong by offering intriguing exploration and stunning visuals on the Nintendo 64. The battle mechanics were equally impressive, as the 13 weapons available created plenty of gory scenes. This unique combination resulted in a shooter game that was unconventional yet memorable.
Prey (2017)
Pondering on the possible evolution of the Prey series if Human Head Studios’ sequel hadn’t been scrapped remains an intriguing speculation. Regrettably, we can only guess. However, Arkane Austin’s 2017 reboot, characterized by a more immersive gameplay design and chilling cosmic suspicion, stands as a testament to exceptional quality. In this game, players assume the role of Morgan Yu, navigating through a sprawling space station infested with Typhon. Yet, all is not as it appears. The end product is one of the most outstanding first-person games ever crafted.
Far Cry 3
Stepping aside from the realistic sandbox of Far Cry 2, Far Cry 3 expanded significantly and reverted to the tropical island setting, introducing an intriguing new antagonist. Although the narrative is more linear, the open world teems with quests, enemy outposts, wild creatures, and a multitude of other engaging elements. To this day, Far Cry 3 continues to stand alone in its category.
Metro: Last Light
In my gaming experience, Metro: Last Light stands out for me in a unique way compared to Metro Exodus’ open-world style. Each section within it, whether I was breaking free from captivity or sneaking through the surface to dodge mutants, felt meticulously crafted. Maybe it was the moral quandaries that Artyom found himself in, or maybe it was the perfect blend of survival and intense gunplay, but whatever it was, this game takes the Metro series’ essence to new heights for me.
Star Wars: Battlefront 2 (Classic)
Despite some issues encountered in its online version, Aspyr’s re-release of the classic Star Wars: Battlefront 2 remains a game that stands the test of time. The campaign offers a decent experience, but it’s the Galactic Conquest mode that truly stood out, offering a strategic battlefield reminiscent of Risk for single-player engagement. Multiplayer was undeniably the game’s crown jewel, boasting 24 maps and innovative modes such as Hero Assault.
Medal of Honor (1999)
Created by Dreamworks Interactive, it stood out as the flagship World War 2 game, providing players with an immersive experience of the era’s conflicts and boasting a superior visual presentation. While “Allied Assault” may be more renowned for its depiction of the Battle of Normandy, let’s not forget that “Medal of Honor” was equally deserving of recognition.
Left 4 Dead 2
Initially criticized as merely an add-on prior to release, Left 4 Dead 2 significantly built upon its predecessor’s captivating cooperative gameplay. Enhancements such as new Special Infected, more immersive campaigns with a broader range of tasks, a greater selection of melee weapons and firearms, and unparalleled replay value thanks to its AI Director were among the factors that set it apart. Additionally, its modability over time has provided plenty of amusing moments.
Resistance 3
From my perspective as an ardent admirer, wrapping up the Resistance trilogy, Insomniac’s Resistance 3 falls short of its predecessors, though it’s not without merit. The allure lies in the blend of fresh and familiar weaponry, coupled with a tense atmosphere and somber themes that heighten the urgency, making it seem like our last-ditch effort to survive as a species. Despite needing some fine-tuning, the gameplay and overall aesthetic delivery an appropriate conclusion to this gripping series.
System Shock (2023)
One of the most outstanding first-person games ever created, System Shock, is no simple task to recreate. However, Nightdive Studios bravely attempted this challenge, completely revamping the visuals while preserving the futuristic cyberpunk atmosphere of the original. Despite enhancements in user interface, redesign of Cyberspace and other modifications, it retains the chilling sense of fear and horror that characterized the original version.
GoldenEye 007
Before the release of “GoldenEye 007”, Rare was already well-known and successful, but its launch significantly boosted the developer’s reputation even further. It wasn’t just a good video game adaptation of a movie (which was often a recipe for disaster at that time), but it demonstrated that console shooters could be exceptional. The local multiplayer mode alone played a significant role in shaping the lives of many gamers during their childhood.
Cyberpunk 2077
Following numerous updates, enhancements, and redesigns, Cyberpunk 2077 has elevated itself from a decent first-person shooter to an exceptional one. Now, it offers a wide range of playstyles, whether you’re a fan of the Mantis Blades, a Netrunner who can overload all enemies, or someone adept at handling various firearms. To top it off, everything else that makes the game fantastic, such as its side quests and open-world activities, adds even more appeal.
Wolfenstein 3D
Wolfenstein 3D, though not the very first of its kind, played a pivotal role in propelling the First-Person Shooter genre into prominence. It was characterized by its frenetic pace, groundbreaking graphics, and top-tier weaponry. Despite hidden secrets scattered across its ten episodes, it was the game’s straightforwardness that contributed to its widespread success.
Quake 2 Remastered
With Nightdive Studios’ help, the latest enhanced version of Quake 2 brings together all mission packs, Quake 2 64, and a new episode from MachineGames in one collection. It also includes the id Vault, intelligent AI opponents for multiplayer, support for 4K/120 Hz resolution, and numerous user-friendly upgrades. This transforms one of id Software’s best shooter games into a modern essential for gamers to experience.
The FINALS
Often overlooked in conversations about competitive shooter games, particularly free-to-play options, is Embark Studios’ THE FINALS. Despite this oversight, it offers a robust experience with distinctive game modes, engaging combat due to complete environmental destruction, and strategic depth thanks to its unique gadgets. While the arena-style combat might not suit everyone’s taste, it leads to some thrilling player versus player encounters.
Black Mesa
As a devoted gamer, I can tell you from personal experience that crafting a sequel to the legendary game, Half-Life, is no walk in the park. However, recreating that iconic experience, especially when you’re part of a passionate, small team of fans, feels like tackling the Twelve Labors of Hercules!
DOOM (2016)
Given the apparent waning enthusiasm for the series, it’s astonishing that DOOM managed to see the light of day at all. The fact that it turned out to be so exceptional is quite unexpected. Every aspect of it, including the graphics, gameplay, and especially the innovative Glory Kills, is simply outstanding.
Perfect Dark
GoldenEye 007 demonstrated Rare’s unexpected proficiency in creating exceptional first-person shooter games, and Perfect Dark further confirmed this ability. With a more concentrated storyline and well-developed characters, such as the iconic Joanna Dark, it seamlessly combined stealth, intense firefights, unforgettable scenes, and superb level designs into a harmonious whole. The fact that it managed to deliver so much quality gameplay towards the end of the Nintendo 64’s lifespan is quite remarkable.
Titanfall 2
It’s unfortunate that the initial version didn’t gain much traction, but the popularity of Titanfall 2 is especially sad considering the exceptional quality it offers. The multiplayer aspect is engaging due to its diverse Titans, weapons, and abilities (although some maps may not always hit the mark). More importantly, the single-player campaign stands out with its innovative level design, challenging boss battles, and compelling narratives – features that make it a must-play, even without considering the game’s price.
Half-Life 2
When you find yourself in Valve’s position and “Half-Life” stands as the epitome of narrative first-person shooters, there are significant expectations. However, “Half-Life 2” effortlessly exceeds these anticipations, from its aesthetics, world development, and storytelling to its engaging characters. Each location is distinctively memorable; the Combine offers delightful adversaries to battle; and the Gravity Gun becomes an iconic tool all by itself.
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2024-09-06 20:43