The first-person shooter has been one of the most popular genres in the gaming world for over 40 years. From rough vector graphics to photorealistic worlds, the principle of “aim and shoot” has been reinvented again and again. But which titles were really crucial for this development?
We’ll take you on a journey through history and show you the most important and influential first-person shooters that shaped, revolutionized or even invented the genre.
Battlezone (1980)
In 1980, Battlezone was released as an arcade title by Atari and already simulated tank battles from a first-person perspective. Basically the great-great-great-grandfather of World of Tanks. The game world had no textures at all and was built using vector graphics.
Midi Maze (1987)
In Midi Maze, up to 16 players chase each other through a labyrinth in the shape of a giant smiley. The concept of the death match, which is still popular today, was born. The game was released in 1991 under the fantastic name Faceball 2000 also on the Game Boy.
Wolfenstein 3D (1992)
The title is considered one of the forefathers of the modern first-person shooter. With its fluid 3D presentation, fast action and maze-like levels, it laid the foundation for an entire genre. Many later shooters were based on his gameplay principle.
Doom (1993)
While Wolfenstein 3D proved that 3D shooters could work purely technically, Doom made the genre a mass phenomenon. The game was supposedly installed on more computers than Windows 95. Gabe Newell, the later Steam father, was responsible for porting it to Microsoft’s operating system. It is now a running gag to install the game on absurd systems such as robotic lawnmowers or pregnancy tests.
Duke Nukem 3D
Duke Nukem 3D brought a breath of fresh air to the shooter genre by combining fast-paced action with humor, interactive environments and a charismatic main character. Unlike many competitors, the game featured destructible elements, numerous secrets and varied levels based on real locations. The distinctive, saying-popping Duke quickly became one of the most famous characters in video game history.
Quake (1996)
Although Doom was officially a 3D game, the graphics were actually largely based on two-dimensional sprites and heightmaps. Among other things, it was technically impossible for two rooms to be on top of each other. Quake, on the other hand, was real 3D made of polygons, which are still used to build 3D games today.
GoldenEye 007 (1997)
Until 1997, first-person shooters were at home on the PC. GoldenEye 007 proved that the genre could also work on consoles. The now legendary multiplayer mode was originally added as a last-minute addition.
Half Life (1998)
First-person shooters can’t tell stories? Are you kidding me? Are you serious when you say that! Half-Life convinced with a gripping story full of scripts and a dense atmosphere and without any cutscenes or speaking protagonists.
Unreal (1998)
With Unreal, developer Epic Games impressively demonstrated how atmospheric and technically impressive first-person shooters could be at the end of the 1990s. Above all, the spectacular graphics at the time, extensive outdoor areas and dynamic lighting effects caused a stir. At the same time, the Unreal Engine, used for the first time, laid the foundation for one of the most successful game engines in history, which is still used in countless video games today.
Unreal Tournament (1999)
One of the greatest arena shooters of all time. The fast gameplay, varied weapons and excellent multiplayer made Unreal Tournament a perennial favorite at LAN parties.
Counter Strike (1999)
One of the most successful multiplayer shooters ever emerged from a Half-Life mod. The tactical gameplay, the short rounds and the competitive focus still characterize e-sports today.
Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)
Halo redefined the console shooter. Vehicle combat, regenerating shields and precise controller controls made the title the flagship of the Xbox.
Battlefield 1942 (2002)
Although occasional vehicle combat was already possible in Halo, Battlefield 1942 pulled out all the stops in this regard. Up to 64 players, vehicles, planes, ships, multiple classes and an enormous variety of different maps made the multiplayer shooter a revolution.
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)
The shooter shifted the focus from World War II to modern conflicts and established progression systems, classes and perks in multiplayer. Many of today’s online shooters are based on this.
Bioshock
BioShock combined shooter action with role-playing elements and an extraordinary story. The underwater city of Rapture is one of the most iconic locations in gaming history.
Left 4 Dead (2008)
The cooperative gameplay against hordes of zombies and the dynamic “AI Director” ensured that every game felt different. The game had a lasting impact on the co-op shooter genre.
Borderlands (2009)
Borderlands popularized the term “loot shooter.” Millions of randomly generated weapons and role-playing mechanics ensured long-term motivation and numerous imitators.
Overwatch (2016)
Team shooters per se existed long before, but Overwatch managed to popularize the genre across platforms and is now considered one of the most successful online shooters ever.
DOOM (2016)
The reboot returned to the roots of the genre: fast movement, aggressive combat and all-out action. It showed that classic shooters can still be successful today.
Apex Legends
Apex Legends brought a breath of fresh air to the battle royale genre. Hero abilities, fluid movement and an innovative ping system made the game one of the most successful online shooters of today.
Half-Life: Alyx (2020)
Half-Life: Alyx is considered a milestone for virtual reality games. It impressively showed how immersive first-person shooters can work in VR and set new standards for the medium.
That was an overview of the most influential shooters in gaming history. Of course, as in every leaderboard, there are gaps. In most of these games you are on the good side. Here, however, you will find games in which you become the villain yourself.