Varieties of First Person Shooter titles
Varieties of First Person Shooter titles
I've been playing FPS titles for a while now and have observed clear contrasts among the three most recent ones. This motivated me to compile a list so I can discover fresh options. Let's discuss the types of FPS games I encounter. At the top are the DOOM-inspired titles—both contemporary and old-school. These are characterized by rapid, action-packed gameplay with no cover systems or substantial storytelling. Weapons reload quickly, projectiles move slowly enough to be dodged, and combat often involves close-quarters encounters. You typically face weaker foes with a single shotgun shot, while tougher enemies can be eliminated with one precise blast, usually at their vulnerable spot (head). Movement is swift; staying still means certain death. These games feel like classic arena shooters from earlier eras.
Moving to the middle, there are titles that depend heavily on cover. Players peek behind barriers to engage enemies and can linger in one spot for a while without dying—provided they remain hidden. This style is reminiscent of later Warcraft entries. The Gears of War series fits this category well.
At the lower end are games that emphasize stealth rather than gunplay. Enemies rarely appear suddenly, and survival hinges on patience and careful positioning. These feel more like modern war simulations than traditional shooters.
Recent titles include Far Cry 3 and 4, Bioshock Infinite, and Wolfenstein: The New Order. I was particularly hoping for a game that blends DOOM-style intensity with the strategic depth of Gears of War. However, most current offerings lean toward either fast-paced combat or stealth-based tactics.
I’m proposing a ranking from 1 to 100 based on how intense the gunfights are, using a scale where 1 is very similar to DOOM and 100 is akin to Gears of War. I’d like to submit 80 for Wolfenstein: The New Order, with 90 for Tomb Raider (modern) and Uncharted, 100 for Gears of War. Please add your thoughts or corrections—this list is still evolving!
Modern Call of Duty and Battlefield games generally sit around 80 years old, with their multiplayer sections leaning toward the 20s. Campaigns demand patience—planning attacks, securing cover, loading gear—while multiplayer favors fast-paced action with infrequent cover needs. Most players quickly find cover ineffective. Medal of Honor, especially the late-2000s entries, mirrors this style, emphasizing calm, methodical play. Metroid Prime offers a distinct FPS experience with scripted boss fights and precise shooting. The boss encounters resemble Doom’s, with predictable patterns followed by vulnerable spots. Enemies are easily eliminated with a few hits; targeting is straightforward, similar to Ocarina of Time’s approach. Various weapon upgrades add depth, though it’s hard to pin down exactly where this fits. Killzone shares tactical elements with Gears of War. Counter Strike blends both fast and layered strategies, sometimes feeling rushed but always complex.
Include titles such as Half-Life (several episodes), 1 & 2, Left 4 Dead, and Stalker on your list. Engaging narrative, mix of action and physics challenges—use items like trash cans, rocks, crates, radiators, or cutting discs to engage enemies. See the Half-Life 2 series as well. Open-world but still fairly structured, combining shooter mechanics with RPG aspects, rich atmosphere, and intense suspense, especially with stalker mods enhancing visuals and audio. Fallout 3 and 4 offer similar experiences with RPG features and VATS technology for better aiming. SOMA provides a smooth linear experience with strong storytelling and sound design, delivering a tense thriller without heavy jump scares but offering great value.
They usually sit near the bottom of the rankings. Most players focus on sneaking up from behind cover, which makes them less visible.