First-person shooters are video games in which players wield weapons and use them from the main character’s POV. These games also have quite a story to tell.
They have evolved drastically from this genre of games, as seen in “Wolfenstein 3D” in 1992, to immersive, multiplayer experiences such as “Overwatch” and “Call of Duty,” revolutionizing gaming with strategic gameplay, intense action, and gripping graphics.
If you’re somebody who likes the look and feel of these games, you’d want to know the best first-person shooters of all time. Here’s the list.
The Best Of The Best: ‘Counter-Strike: Global Offensive’
“Counter-Strike: Global Offensive” is leading the pack of several first-person shooters out there. It has already been over a decade since this game, developed by Valve and Hidden Path Entertainment, was released. Yet, it is still consistent as one of the most-played games on Steam, a testament to how intricate and impressive its gameplay mechanics were designed.
This game sees terrorists going head-to-head with counter-terrorists to fulfill an objective on one of the most legendary video game maps of all time.
More Quintessential First-Person Shooters
Now here’s a look at the other first-person shooters that made a mark in gaming history.
‘Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare’
“Call of Duty” games span two glorious eras, each representing two distinctive first-person shooter game design eras. The first was more about single-player campaigns with complimentary multiplayer options. The second was about a multiplayer style that would transform the “Call of Duty” series into a worldwide sensation.
“Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare” offers the best from those two eras. Why? It has managed to feature arguably the best single-player campaign and some of the best multiplayer games in the history of this genre.
This game takes place in 2011 when a radical leader has perpetrated an execution of one of the presidents in the Middle East, coinciding with an ultranationalist movement igniting a civil war in Russia.
‘Destiny 2’
Meanwhile, if you don’t mind embarking on a lengthy multiplayer campaign with your friends, “Destiny 2” is the game for you. You’ll love its PvP battle areas, as well as its campaign and multiple expansions where the game rests. So, gather your friends around and experience this phenomenal first-person shooter.
You’ll also be wowed by its setting, a “mythic science fiction” world present with a multiplayer “shared-world” environment featuring elements of role-playing video games.
‘BioShock Remastered’
Another game considered an authority in the genre of first-person shooters is “BioShock Remastered.” It’s a shooter game not afraid to showcase its uniqueness, from your weapons to your tactics. Complete with an arsenal of shotguns, revolvers, and grenade launchers, you will be forced to genetically alter your DNA to become an even deadlier weapon.
‘Half-Life 2’
“Half-Life 2” is a game that many millennials are familiar with. Older compared to the others on this list, this first-person shooter stands out for its innovative gameplay mechanics and captivating storytelling. It also comes from Valve. When this game was first launched, it was ahead in gameplay and graphics during that time. Interestingly, “Half-Life 2” still feels fresh and unique even today, so this is a must-play.
‘Doom’
Often cited as the “godfather of FPS games,” “Doom” needs no introduction. It has set the standard in the genre, which is why other games that followed suit were called “Doom clones.”
Here, you assume the role of a space marine, who is later unofficially referred to as Doomguy. You’ll fight your way through hordes and hordes of undead humans, and invade demons. “Doom” commences on Mars’ moons and ends in hell. With that said, we’d want to play this game right now.
‘Apex Legends’
“Apex Legends” is relatively young and fresh, but it doesn’t let that youth hinder it from being one of the best first-person shooters of all time. It’s a game that just keeps growing.
It may have taken the template of “Titanfall 2” and significantly toned down the movement mechanics, but it transformed it into a strapping ground-based battle royale game.
“Apex Legends” features several extreme battles lasting several minutes, so you have plenty of time to utilize the resources you’ve collected to take down enemy teams. Battle royale? That’s “Apex Legends.”
‘GoldenEye 007’
Don’t laugh when we say “GoldenEye 007” has you playing as James Bond. Nonetheless, it has made it to this list. The game hails all the way back to 1997 and is based on “GoldenEye,” a James Bond spy movie.
This game was released for Nintendo 64 featuring a single-player campaign where players assume the role of Bond, a British Secret Intelligence Service agent, as he battles around to thwart the plans of a criminal syndicate from using a satellite weapon against London and causing a global financial meltdown. This game also has a split-screen multiplayer mode where up to four players may compete in various deathmatch games.
‘Quake’
While “Doom” introduced gamers to the definition of a shooter, “Quake” is the future. With its devilishly constructed levels dotted with traps, ambushes, and delectable opportunities to use your grenade launchers and mulch clusters of Ogres and Knights, this game is a masterpiece. Nothing has transported players to a world that feels different.
Here, find yourself navigating maze-like Medieval environments while battling monsters using various weapons. Moreover, the game is inspired by Gothic fiction and the works of weird, fantasy, science, and horror fiction writer H. P. Lovecraft.
Bubbling Up
Other games that deserve special mention on this list are “Halo: Combat Evolved,” “Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus,” “Battlefield: Bad Company 2,” and “Halo 2.”
The Takeaway
The first-person shooter genre has played a crucial role in the gaming industry for decades now. However, it is still welcoming new entries. Its impact will undoubtedly continue to impress gamers. There are a lot of games in this genre that you should have in your collection.
