FPS games have seen a lot of changes over the years. The graphics have become more realistic, the gameplay has been accelerated, and the entire genre has moved away from past conventions, all in the name of innovation and progress. However, as great as the modern landscape is, sometimes it is nice to turn back the clock and revisit the classics, many of which still hold up surprisingly well today.
Not every game manages to have that timeless appeal, with some suffering from outdated mechanics or styles that can make replaying them feel more like a chore than a joy. Yet there are still quite a few icons that not only defined the genre in their day but have also stood the test of time, continuing to wow players across the globe even decades after their initial launch.
BioShock
A Timeless Story With Timeless Gunplay
- Satisfying abilities and combos.
- Weighty gunplay that fits the flow of the narrative.
BioShock has consistently ranked near the top of many people’s FPS lists, and it has maintained its podium streak over a decade since its release. Deep beneath the waves, you are treated to a horrifying yet alluring adventure full of steampunk goodness and a healthy dose of magic, which is supplemented by a surprisingly satisfying gunplay loop that feels just as good as ever.
My two playthroughs were separated by many years, but I somehow feel as though my most recent sessions were actually more fun. Despite not having any crazy movement abilities or super-fast encounters, you are still put through the wringer and pressed right to the limit. The world of linear FPS games has become more contested over time, yet BioShock remains a stellar example of how to get the formula just right.
Half-Life 2
Physics Is King
- Classic Valve gameplay.
- The physics engine drives a lot of the combat.
Valve is virtually incapable of making a bad game, and while it has been a little while since they released a single-player title, even their early work feels great to play. Half-Life 2 is among their oldest creations, yet age has never been a problem for the game, thanks to the incredible physics engine and perfect level design that continues to surprise you all the way until the finish line.
Playing on my Steam Deck felt like the most fitting way to replay Half-Life 2, and no matter how far into the game I got, there was always another curveball thrown my way that kept the momentum from ever slowing down. It has the responsive feel of more modern shooters, with an older but timeless aesthetic that effortlessly captures the oppressive atmosphere of the universe and the story within it.
DOOM (1993)
Who Needs Sequels Anyway?
Details:
- Staple FPS design
- Mobility and aim reign supreme
The original DOOM established many of the foundations that first-person shooters still use today, and somehow, many of those gameplay concepts continue to hit just as hard in their original form. The blend of speed, aggression, and maze-like levels created an experience unlike anything seen at the time, and the game’s straightforward controls and instant responsiveness make it easy to jump into even for modern audiences.
I think what makes DOOM and the rest of the early franchise so timeless is its focus on pure gameplay. No lengthy cutscenes or complex progression systems are standing between you and the action, just a carefully crafted combat sandbox filled with secrets and relentless action that proves the power of a gameplay-first design approach.
Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Exceptional Then, A Masterpiece Now
- Incredible cinematic campaign.
- Grounded and fluid multiplayer matches.
When people discuss the best Call of Duty game, it is rare to hear a name other than Modern Warfare take the top spot. For starters, it fundamentally transformed the military shooter genre by moving away from World War 2 and embracing a contemporary setting, bringing with it a campaign filled with dramatic set pieces and a multiplayer mode that is still pointed to by developers several console generations later.
The game’s core mechanics also deserve a lot of credit for its longevity. Everything from the responsiveness of the weapons to the smoothness of the movement contributes to the timeless nature of the experience. I have followed the COD franchise virtually since the beginning, and after playing through almost every release under the sun, I would still put Modern Warfare among the best in the series.
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