Thirty Shooters That Reshaped Gaming History

From pixelated shootouts of the 90s to today's cinematic battles, the shooter genre has consistently captivated players. This article revisits 30 influential shooters that redefined video games.

Selection Criteria:

Our selection considered several factors:

• Industry Impact: Games that established lasting standards.
• Gameplay & Mechanics: Uniqueness and player experience.
• Popularity & Legacy: Enduring influence on subsequent developers.
• Atmosphere: Visuals, style, and overall feel.

The Games:

Escape from Tarkov

Image: gamerjournalist.com

• Metascore: TBD
• Developer: Battlestate Games
• Release Date: July 27, 2017
• Download: Official page

A hardcore survival shooter emphasizing realism, tactics, and high stakes. Permanent gear loss upon death creates intense, strategic gameplay.

Ultrakill

Image: dreadcentral.com

• Metascore: TBD
• Developer: New Blood Interactive
• Release Date: September 3, 2020
• Download: Steam

Non-stop, frenetic action inspired by 90s classics, featuring modern mechanics and breakneck speed. A stylish combo system and unique health regeneration mechanics enhance the experience.

Rainbow Six Siege

Image: playstation.com

• Metascore: 73
• Developer: Ubisoft
• Release Date: December 1, 2015
• Download: Steam

A tactical shooter prioritizing strategy, communication, and adaptability. Diverse operators with unique gadgets create dynamic and evolving gameplay.

Fortnite

Image: insider.razer.com

• Metascore: 78
• Developer: Epic Games
• Release Date: July 21, 2017
• Download: Fortnite

A cultural phenomenon blending action and dynamic building mechanics. Its battle royale mode and constant updates maintain its popularity.

Payday 2

Image: itl.cat

• Metascore: 79
• Developer: OVERKILL
• Release Date: August 13, 2013
• Download: Steam

A heist simulator offering strategic freedom and tense gameplay. Players choose between stealth and all-out chaos.

Prey (2017)

Image: reddit.com

• Metascore: 79
• Developer: Arkane Studios
• Release Date: May 4, 2017
• Download: Steam

An immersive sim challenging players with environmental puzzles and unconventional problem-solving. Freedom of choice and unique abilities define the experience.

Duke Nukem 3D

Image: middleofnowheregaming.com

• Metascore: 80
• Developer: 3D Realms
• Release Date: January 29, 1996
• Download: Steam

A brash and iconic shooter reflecting 90s pop culture. Its humor and interactive elements were groundbreaking for its time.

Counter-Strike 2

Image: ensigame.com

• Metascore: 82
• Developer: Valve
• Release Date: August 21, 2012
• Download: Steam

A reimagining of the classic tactical FPS, utilizing modern technology and the Source 2 engine while preserving core gameplay.

DOOM (1993)

Image: brainbaking.com

• Metascore: 82
• Developer: id Software
• Release Date: December 10, 1993
• Download: Steam

A foundational FPS title establishing the "run-and-gun" formula and pioneering network multiplayer.

Bulletstorm

Image: mixed-news.com

• Metascore: 84
• Developer: People Can Fly
• Release Date: April 7, 2017
• Download: Steam

An explosive shooter rewarding creative enemy elimination. Its "stylish kills" system and dark humor set it apart.

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

Image: switchplayer.net

• Metascore: 87
• Developer: MachineGames
• Release Date: October 27, 2017
• Download: Steam

A visceral and emotional resistance story blending classic shooter mechanics with a powerful narrative.

Max Payne 3

Image: shacknews.com

• Metascore: 87
• Developer: Rockstar Games
• Release Date: May 15, 2012
• Download: Steam

A dark and gritty story of redemption featuring iconic "bullet time" mechanics and cinematic action sequences.

Far Cry 3

Image: gamingbible.com

• Metascore: 88
• Developer: Ubisoft
• Release Date: November 29, 2012
• Download: Steam

An open-world shooter offering diverse gameplay options within a vibrant tropical setting. Stealth and explosive action are equally viable.

F.E.A.R.

Image: relyonhorror.com

• Metascore: 88
• Developer: Monolith Productions
• Release Date: October 17, 2005
• Download: Steam

A unique blend of intense action and terrifying paranormal elements, creating a suspenseful and unsettling atmosphere.

DOOM Eternal

Image: nintendo.com

• Metascore: 88
• Developer: id Software
• Release Date: March 20, 2020
• Download: Steam

A fast-paced, aggressive shooter demanding constant movement and strategic combat.

Borderlands 2

Image: epicgames.com

• Metascore: 89
• Developer: Gearbox Software
• Release Date: September 21, 2012
• Download: Steam

A blend of shooter and RPG featuring a vast world, diverse characters, and countless customizable weapons.

Titanfall 2

Image: metro.co.uk

• Metascore: 89
• Developer: Respawn Entertainment
• Release Date: October 28, 2016
• Download: Steam

A fast-paced shooter featuring parkour, giant mechs, and a surprisingly compelling single-player campaign.

Left 4 Dead 2

Image: gameplayscassi.com.br

• Metascore: 89
• Developer: Valve
• Release Date: November 17, 2009
• Download: Steam

A co-op shooter where teamwork is essential for survival against overwhelming hordes of zombies.

Overwatch (2016)

Image: reddit.com

• Metascore: 91
• Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
• Release Date: May 24, 2016

A team-based shooter blending FPS and MOBA elements, emphasizing coordinated teamwork and diverse hero abilities.

Battlefield 2

Image: beztabaka.by

• Metascore: 91
• Developer: DICE
• Release Date: June 21, 2005

A military shooter known for its large-scale battles, diverse vehicle combat, and emphasis on team coordination.

Crysis

Image: archive.org

• Metascore: 91
• Developer: Crytek
• Release Date: November 13, 2007
• Download: Steam

A technically groundbreaking shooter setting a new standard for graphics and environmental detail.

Team Fortress 2

Image: gamedeveloper.com

• Metascore: 92
• Developer: Valve
• Release Date: October 10, 2007
• Download: Steam

A team-based shooter with a unique art style, diverse classes, and a successful cosmetic system.

Unreal Tournament 2004

Image: portforward.com

• Metascore: 93
• Developer: Epic Games
• Release Date: March 16, 2004
• Download: Steam

A fast-paced arena shooter emphasizing speed, accuracy, and reflexes.

Quake III Arena

Image: reddit.com

• Metascore: 93
• Developer: id Software
• Release Date: December 5, 1999
• Download: Steam

A pure arena shooter focusing on intense, fast-paced combat.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

Image: mehm.net

• Metascore: 94
• Developer: Infinity Ward
• Release Date: November 12, 2007
• Download: Steam

A military shooter shifting the setting to modern warfare, featuring a cinematic campaign and influential multiplayer mechanics.

GoldenEye 007 (1997)

Image: cnet.com

• Metascore: 96
• Developer: Rare
• Release Date: August 23, 1997

A console FPS that set new standards for controls, level design, and multiplayer.

Half-Life

Image: youtube.com

• Metascore: 96
• Developer: Valve
• Release Date: November 19, 1998
• Download: Steam

A revolutionary FPS prioritizing immersive storytelling and seamlessly integrating narrative into gameplay.

BioShock

Image: inverse.com

• Metascore: 96
• Developer: 2K Games
• Release Date: August 21, 2007
• Download: Steam

A story-driven FPS set in the atmospheric underwater city of Rapture, exploring themes of philosophy and morality.

Perfect Dark (2000)

Image: altarofgaming.com

• Metascore: 97
• Developer: Rare
• Release Date: May 22, 2000

A futuristic espionage shooter expanding upon the success of GoldenEye 007 with a complex plot and varied gameplay.

Halo: Combat Evolved

Image: wallpapercat.com

• Metascore: 97
• Developer: Bungie
• Release Date: November 15, 2001
• Download: Steam

A landmark console shooter establishing a beloved sci-fi universe and introducing innovative gameplay mechanics.

These 30 games, each impactful in its own right, collectively demonstrate the evolution and enduring appeal of the shooter genre.