FPS (First-Person Shooter) games are a video game genre in which players experience the game through the eyes of the protagonist, seeing the game world in first person. Because of this perspective, they have become very popular over the years. Take a look back at the best FPS games of all time.
In these games, the player’s view is directly through the eyes of the character they are controlling, giving an immersive feeling of being inside the game.
FPS usually involve combat using a variety of firearms and other tools, and the player generally has to face enemies while progressing through the game’s story.
The importance of FPS games to the video games industry is significant. They have been pioneers in many areas, from graphics and technology to gameplay mechanics and storytelling. Check out the milestones of this journey.
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The best FPS games of all time
Doom (1993)
Doom is considered one of the best FPS games of all time for its pioneering influence on the genre and its lasting impact on video game culture. Released in 1993 by id Software, Doom was revolutionary for its 3D graphics, fast-paced action and visceral gameplay. In addition, the ability to create and share mods (modifications) helped establish an active community of players, contributing to its longevity and legacy in the electronic games industry.
Half-Life (1998)
Half-Life is widely recognized as one of the best FPS games of all time due to its gripping narrative, innovative gameplay and immersive atmosphere. Developed by the Valve Corporation, Half-Life introduced elements of storytelling and environmental interactivity that were unusual for the genre at the time. In addition, its silent protagonist, Gordon Freeman, and his fight against the alien forces of the Black Mesa Research Facility captivated players and set a new standard for FPS games.
Counter-Strike (1999)
Counter-Strike is one of the best FPS games of all time for its competitive gameplay and addictive online multiplayer. Originally a mod for the game Half-Life, Counter-Strike quickly became one of the most popular games in the world, offering intense matches between terrorists and counter-terrorists. Its focus on strategy, teamwork and individual skill helped shape the eSports scene and inspired countless subsequent games.
Quake (1996)
Quake is considered one of the best FPS games of all time for its revolutionary technology, frenetic multiplayer and innovative level design. Developed by id Software, Quake was a milestone in the genre, featuring hardware-accelerated 3D graphics and fast, fluid gameplay. In addition, its competitive multiplayer mode and active modding community helped solidify its place in gaming history.
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is widely praised as one of the best FPS games of all time for its cinematic campaign and addictive multiplayer. Developed by Infinity Ward, the game marked a change in the Call of Duty series by abandoning World War II settings in favor of a modern conflict. Its gripping narrative, impressive graphics and refined combat mechanics set a new standard for first-person shooters.
Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)
Halo: Combat Evolved is considered one of the best FPS games of all time for its innovative gameplay, engaging story and revolutionary multiplayer. Developed by Bungie Studios, the game introduced the iconic Master Chief and the sci-fi universe of Halo. Its fluid combat, controllable vehicles and LAN multiplayer mode helped popularize the genre on consoles and established Halo as an enduringly successful franchise.
GoldenEye 007 (1997)
GoldenEye 007 is widely recognized as one of the best FPS games of all time for its contribution to popularizing first-person shooters on consoles and for its innovative multiplayer. Developed by Rareware for the Nintendo 64, the game was based on the James Bond film and featured an exciting single-player campaign and a competitive multiplayer mode that became legendary among fans. Its intuitive controls and variety of game modes set the standard for future FPS console games.
Bioshock (2007)
Bioshock is considered one of the best FPS games of all time for its gripping narrative, unique atmosphere and innovative gameplay mechanics. Developed by Irrational Games, the game is set in the underwater city of Rapture and combines elements of action, RPG and psychological horror. Its non-linear approach to gameplay, along with its rich narrative and distinctive visual style, have won it critical acclaim and a special place in gamers’ hearts.
Deus Ex (2000)
God Ex is widely considered one of the best FPS games of all time for its innovative combination of gameplay, branching narrative and freedom of choice. Developed by Ion Storm, the game puts players in the role of JC Denton, an agent for an anti-terrorist organization in a dystopian future. The ability for players to approach missions in different ways, whether through direct combat, stealth or negotiation, offers a rich and immersive gaming experience that challenges the conventions of the genre.
Wolfenstein 3D (1992)
Wolfenstein 3D is often cited as one of the pioneers of the FPS genre and one of the best games of all time for its lasting influence and popularization of the format. Developed by id Software, the game puts players in the role of William “B.J.” Blazkowicz as he battles Nazi forces in a castle full of labyrinths. With its fast-paced gameplay, elaborate levels and intense action, Wolfenstein 3D established many of the fundamental elements of FPS games that are still seen today.
Team Fortress 2 (2007)
Team Fortress 2 is lauded as one of the best FPS games of all time for its unique art style, distinctive characters and balanced gameplay. Developed by Valve Corporation, the game is an online multiplayer shooter that emphasizes teamwork and strategy. With a variety of character classes, each with unique skills and roles, Team Fortress 2 offers a dynamic and highly replayable gaming experience that has captivated players over the years.
Doom (2016)
Doom (2016) is revered as one of the best FPS games of all time for its revitalization of the classic franchise, its frantic gameplay and its brilliant level design. Developed by id Software, the game puts players in the role of a lone space marine as he battles hordes of demons in Hell and in UAC facilities on Mars.
With fast-paced combat, powerful weapons and a focus on agile movement, Doom offers a visceral gaming experience that honors the legacy of the original series while bringing new things to the table.
Rainbow Six Siege (2015)
Rainbow Six Siege is hailed as one of the best FPS games of all time for its tactical gameplay, strategic depth and ongoing community support. Developed by Ubisoft, the game is an online multiplayer shooter that focuses on confrontations between teams of special operators in realistic urban environments.
It stands out for its variety of operators, each with unique abilities, and dynamic maps that offer infinite tactical possibilities and a deeply immersive gaming experience that continues to evolve over time.
Far Cry 3 (2012)
Far Cry 3 is celebrated as one of the best FPS games of all time for its open-world gameplay, engaging narrative and exotic setting. Developed by Ubisoft Montreal, the game places players on a tropical island full of dangers and secrets as they fight to survive and rescue their friends from the hands of pirates. It set a new standard for open-world FPS games.
Titanfall 2 (2016)
Titanfall 2 is recognized as one of the best FPS games of all time for its thrilling campaign, innovative gameplay and fluid movement mechanics. Developed by Respawn Entertainment, the game combines fast-paced on-foot combat with intense action from pilots and giant mechs called Titans. With creative levels, captivating characters and a variety of weapons and abilities, Titanfall 2 offers a dynamic gaming experience that defies genre expectations.
Destiny 2 (2017)
Destiny 2 is appreciated as one of the best FPS games of all time for its cooperative gameplay, vast world and deep RPG mechanics. Developed by Bungie Studios, the game is an online multiplayer shooter set in a large-scale science fiction universe. With a variety of character classes, customizable skills and expansive content to explore, Destiny 2 offers an immersive gaming experience that continues to grow over time.
Metro Exodus (2019)
Metro Exodus is considered one of the best FPS games of all time for its immersive atmosphere, gripping narrative and detailed settings. Developed by 4A Games, the game is a sequel to the Metro series, based on the novels by Dmitry Glukhovsky.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world devastated by nuclear war, Metro Exodus combines FPS elements with survival horror and open-world exploration. With its bleak setting, challenging gameplay and memorable characters, Metro Exodus offers a unique gaming experience that resonates with players.
Borderlands 2 (2012)
Borderlands 2 is hailed as one of the best FPS games of all time for its unique blend of action, RPG and humor, along with its innovative system of randomly generated weapons. Developed by Gearbox Software, the game is set in a post-apocalyptic sci-fi world and follows a group of treasure hunters as they battle against diverse enemies and powerful bosses.
Left 4 Dead 2 (2009)
Left 4 Dead 2 is recognized as one of the best FPS games of all time for its thrilling cooperative gameplay, advanced artificial intelligence and immersive horror atmosphere. Developed by Valve Corporation, the game puts players in the role of survivors fighting hordes of zombies in a variety of urban and rural environments.
Overwatch (2016)
Overwatch is lauded as one of the best FPS games of all time for its accessible gameplay, charismatic characters and focus on teamwork. Developed by Blizzard Entertainment, the game is an online multiplayer shooter that features a variety of heroes with unique abilities in 6v6 battles.
DOOM Eternal (2020)
DOOM Eternal is considered one of the best FPS games of all time for its frenetic action, visceral combat and inspired level design. Developed by id Software, the game is a sequel to the 2016 DOOM reboot and continues the story of Doom Slayer as he battles hordes of demons invading Earth. New weapons, enemies and movement mechanics, along with an intense soundtrack and impressive graphics, make DOOM Eternal one of the best FPS games of all time.
Crysis (2007)
Crysis is revered as one of the best FPS games of all time for its impressive graphics, innovative gameplay and advanced physics. Developed by Crytek, the game puts players in the role of a soldier equipped with an advanced combat suit as they fight enemy military forces and aliens on a tropical island.
Bulletstorm (2011)
Bulletstorm is appreciated as one of the best FPS games of all time for its frenetic action, unique scoring mechanics and over-the-top humor. Developed by People Can Fly and Epic Games, the game puts players in the role of Grayson Hunt, a former member of a special force who has become an outlaw in a futuristic world.
Medal of Honor: Allied Assault (2002)
Medal of Honor: Allied Assault is considered one of the best FPS games of all time for its cinematic narrative, authentic setting and immersive gameplay. Developed by 2015, Inc. and released by Electronic Arts, the game puts players in the role of a United States Marine as they fight against the Axis forces during World War II.
System Shock 2 (1999)
System Shock 2 is celebrated as one of the best FPS games of all time for its complex narrative, tense atmosphere and innovative RPG mechanics. Developed by Irrational Games and Looking Glass Studios, the game is set on a space station infested with monsters and hostile artificial intelligence. Non-linear gameplay, character customization, a deep hacking system and a frightening atmosphere make System Shock 2 one of the best FPS games of all time.
List: the 25 best FPS games of all time
- Doom
- Half-Life
- Counter-Strike
- Quake
- Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
- Halo: Combat Evolved
- GoldenEye 007
- Bioshock
- Deus Ex
- Wolfenstein 3D
- Team Fortress 2
- Doom (2016)
- Rainbow Six Siege
- Far Cry 3
- Titanfall 2
- Destiny 2
- Metro Exodus
- Borderlands 2
- Left 4 Dead 2
- Overwatch
- DOOM Eternal
- Crysis
- Bulletstorm
- Medal of Honor: Allied Assault
- System Shock 2
An essential and vibrant part of the video game industry, these games have become known for immersive and exciting experiences, and continue to shape and define the genre. And if you enjoyed following the best FPS games of all time, don’t miss out on our other content from the gamer universe:
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