Summary
First-person shooterstend to dominate the gaming landscape, but not every gem gets the recognition it deserves. WhileCall of Duty,Battlefield, andHalograb the headlines, there are plenty ofunder-the-radarFPS gamesthat offer something truly unique
Whether it’s quirky gameplay, bizarre settings, or sheer experimental spirit, these games deserve more love than they’ve received. Here are some ofthe best FPS games you’ve probably never heard of,but should definitely check out.
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Genre
Casual, Puzzle, FPS
Lovely Planet Arcadeis an FPS that completely flips the genre’s gritty reputation on its head. Imagine if someone combined the bright, upbeat aesthetic ofKatamari Damacywith the fast-paced precision of a twitch shooter, and that’s pretty much the vibe. Set in a world of pastel colors and cheerful tunes, players blast away atcute enemieswhile leaping and weaving through simple geometric landscapes. Despite its saccharine appearance, the game is deceptively challenging, demanding pinpoint accuracy and impeccable reflexes.
What sets it apart is the way it turns speed-running into an art form. Each level is designed to be beaten in seconds, but only if players master the perfect sequence of shots and movements. There’s no story to speak of, but the sense of accomplishment from finally nailing a run is addictive. It’s like if a Zen garden had a competitive shooter phase.
Some FPS games take themselves way too seriously. Then there’sBulletstorm, which gleefully throws subtlety out the window and opts for pure,chaotic fun. Set in a world where profanity is practically a second language, players take on the role of Grayson Hunt, a washed-up space pirate seeking revenge on a corrupt general. The story is hilariously over-the-top, but the real draw is the Skillshot system.
Players earn points by creatively dispatching their enemies, like kicking them into electrified barriers or shooting them in particularly unpleasant areas. It’s all about improvisation and racking up combos, turning firefights into chaotic spectacles of carnage. This game never gained mainstream success, partly because it leaned too hard into its crude humor, but those who stuck around found a surprisingly well-crafted shooter underneath the bravado.
Darkest of Daysis what happens when a game’s concept is way cooler than its execution, but it’s still a wild ride for those who stick with it. The premise is simple: a soldier from Custer’s Last Stand gets recruited by atime-travelingorganization to correct historical events. This means players find themselves fighting in ancient Rome one minute and in World War 1 trenches the next.
The game’s biggest selling point is the weapon variety. In one level, players are stuck with a single-shot musket, and in another, they’re mowing down Roman soldiers with futuristic firearms. It’s ridiculous in the best way. Unfortunately, the graphics are a bit dated, and the AI isn’t the sharpest, but the sheer novelty of fighting through famous battles with wildly inappropriate weaponry makes it memorable.
Unlike most shooters that stick to realism orsci-fi,The Darkness2goes full comic book mode, leaning into its graphic novel roots with brutal, cel-shaded visuals and a story that’s equal parts gritty and tragic. Players control Jackie Estacado, a mob boss cursed with a demonic power known as The Darkness. It’s a tale of revenge, betrayal, and inner demons—literally.
What makesThe Darkness2stand out is the way it lets players dual-wield both firearms and demon arms, creating some truly chaotic combat scenarios. There’s something unnervingly satisfying about using demonic tentacles to skewer an enemy while unloading a shotgun in the other direction. It’s stylish, violent, and surprisingly heartfelt, with Jackie’s struggle to control his dark side adding depth to the carnage.
Tactical FPS
In a world where most FPS games keep players glued to the ground,Shattered Horizonliterally launches them into space. Developed by Futuremark, this multiplayer shooter takes place in the debris field of a massive space station explosion. Players must navigate zero-gravity combat, which means thinking in all three dimensions rather than just running and gunning.
The novelty of floating and shooting in every direction makes for a steep learning curve, but the sense of freedom is unmatched. There’s nothing quite like sneaking up on someone from below while they’re busy defending a higher platform. Sadly, the lack of asingle-playercampaign and dwindling player base kept it from thriving, but those who experienced its unique take on FPS mechanics still remember it fondly.
Simulation, FPS
Receiveris the polar opposite of the typical FPS. Instead of bombastic firefights, it focuses on meticulous gun handling and realistic mechanics. Every bullet must be loaded manually, every safety toggled, and every hammer cocked. It’s more of a gun simulator than a traditional shooter, but that’s where its charm lies.
Set in a dystopian world where rogue drones patrol empty buildings, players must collect audio tapes to piece together a fragmented narrative. One wrong move means death, and the procedural level design keeps every run fresh. There’s an almost meditative quality to the slow, cautious gameplay. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but those who appreciate realism and strategy will find it strangely captivating.
E.Y.E.: Divine Cybermancyis easily the most ambitious game on this list, but it’s also the most confusing. Created by a small indie studio, it mashes together cyberpunk themes, RPG mechanics, and an incomprehensible plot about a secretive organization fighting rival factions. Players are cyber-enhanced warriors with access to psychic abilities, hacking, and a ridiculous arsenal of firearms.
The game’s biggest appeal is its sheer unpredictability. One minute, players are sneaking through a futuristic city, and the next, they’re facing supernatural horrors. The janky controls and steep learning curve don’t help, but its cult following swears byE.Y.E.‘sbizarre charm. It’s a fever dream of an FPS, and honestly, that’s what makes it so hard to forget.
