The origins of first-person shooter (FPS) games lie in the 1992 title Castle Wolfenstein by iD Software, which, though not a true FPS, introduced pivotal concepts like weapon usage, enemy confrontations, and complex environment exploration. This set the stage for the revolutionary game Doom, released in 1993, which truly pioneered the FPS genre with its first-person perspective gameplay, immersive 3D graphics, multiplayer capabilities, and captivating level design. As a result, Doom established a new standard for FPS games, demonstrating the genre’s massive potential and solidifying its legacy in the gaming world. A boomer shooter is a first-person shooter (FPS) video game that emulates the style, design, and gameplay mechanics of classic 1990s-era FPS games like “Doom,” “Quake,” and “Duke Nukem 3D.” They typically feature fast-paced action, a focus on skill-based movement, pixelated graphics, an arsenal of varied weapons, hordes of enemies, and minimal focus on narrative. The term “boomer shooter” is a playful reference to the ‘Baby Boomer’ generation who were the initial audience for these games. If you dislike the term “boomer shooter” consider retroFPS a viable alternative. Dusk [https://store.steampowered.com/app/519860/DUSK/] (For the Doom addict) [https://lemmy.ninja/pictrs/image/5d20443d-edc0-4871-b5fe-275c0a1cb08d.jpeg] Boomer shooters vary in art style, appealing to both fans of high-quality graphics and retro aesthetics. Notable among these is Dusk, a single-player FPS reminiscent of 90s games. It’s set in a town named Dusk, under which lies massive Lovecraftian ruins. When scientists investigating these ruins become demonically possessed, the player’s fight begins. As an unnamed adventurer, you combat demonic foes using a variety of weapons like sickles, rifles, and rocket launchers. Dusk is a superb introduction to retro shooters. Project Warlock [https://store.steampowered.com/app/893680/Project_Warlock/] (For the Hexen addict) [https://lemmy.ninja/pictrs/image/fb8f1412-d9f7-4887-ad13-0b85e02c168a.jpeg] Project Warlock is an homage to 90s classics like Blood and Heretic, with non-linear levels, sprite-based enemies, secret areas, and key-based progression. However, it introduces RPG elements. After each level, players can upgrade weapons, learn spells, and unlock perks at a workshop. There’s no quick save option: each mission must be completed in a single session, putting a premium on player skill. Thus, Project Warlock combines old-school charm with fresh mechanics to create an exciting gameplay experience. Prodeus [https://store.steampowered.com/app/964800/Prodeus/] (Modern design adjustable to classic graphics) [https://lemmy.ninja/pictrs/image/41203f02-b74a-432a-a4ee-e0eb59c68017.jpeg] Bounding Box Software’s “Prodeus” is a captivating retro shooter game that expertly merges classic and modern design. Players embody a space marine in a war between order and chaos on a mineral-rich asteroid. Its distinctive visual style emulates early id-tech and Build engine games, enhanced by modern lighting and visual effects. The game is excessively gory but satisfying, with a collection of potent weapons to mow down hordes of foes. While its weaponry and enemies aren’t radically innovative, Prodeus’ real strength is its increasingly creative level design. Despite some minor drawbacks like late-game weapon acquisition and a somewhat limiting double-jump feature, the game is still a thrilling experience. It’s considered the most impressive retro-shooter since 2018’s “Dusk”, and possibly the best shooter overall since “Doom Eternal” in 2020. Ultrakill [https://store.steampowered.com/app/1229490/ULTRAKILL] (Devil May Sob) [https://lemmy.ninja/pictrs/image/66b2a683-4de0-4325-a439-0804df380cbc.jpeg] ULTRAKILL is a unique first-person shooter where you play as a robot powered by blood, harvesting it from demons in hell due to the extinction of humans. This sets a thrilling stage for an action-packed game. A standout feature is the scoring system, similar to Devil May Cry, where player performance is graded based on combo chains and stylish maneuvers. As health is replenished by soaking in enemy blood, the game pushes you to constantly stay in combat, turning dire situations into opportunities for recovery and high scores. Amid Evil [https://store.steampowered.com/app/673130/AMID_EVIL/] (Quake in devils clothing) [https://lemmy.ninja/pictrs/image/5a020a13-345a-45e5-9744-91933b314a50.jpeg] AMID EVIL is a dark fantasy-themed first-person shooter (FPS), a refreshing change from traditional sci-fi shooters. Despite its magical weaponry and evil hordes, it’s essentially a Quake clone with a fresh look. The game leverages modern technologies like Unreal Engine 4, used in many major modern PC and console games. It even supports advanced features like Ray Tracing and NVIDIA DLSS 2.0, combining the appeal of retro and modern games with its top-tier visuals. Though it retains the retro feel, AMID EVIL offers a unique, tech-forward twist on the genre. Wrath: Aeon of Ruin [https://store.steampowered.com/app/1000410/WRATH_Aeon_of_Ruin] (Built using Quake engine) [https://lemmy.ninja/pictrs/image/28aaa9e2-37f6-4780-863a-0ac592056317.jpeg] 3D Realms, creator of Duke Nukem, is developing a new game, Wrath: Aeon of Ruin, in the original Quake Engine from 1996, unused in major releases for two decades. The game maintains a retro aesthetic while utilizing modern hardware, allowing more detailed models, better textures, and expansive, varied level design. Unique features include a dashing mechanic and a checkpoint system linked to in-game items, adding new gameplay considerations. The design philosophy of Wrath embraces past lessons about fun shooting mechanics. The game, expected to have 15 levels, is set to release on PC, Xbox One, PS4, and Nintendo Switch, combining retro FPS design with modern capabilities. Metal: Hellsinger [https://store.steampowered.com/app/1061910/Metal_Hellsinger/] (retroFPS + Crypt of the Necrodancer) [https://lemmy.ninja/pictrs/image/b48e4de1-9565-4fd2-9399-0794de9d0e6a.jpeg] Metal: Hellsinger is a modern take on the old-school single-player FPS. Players control The Unknown, a demon journeying through hell to defeat The Red Judge. Gameplay involves arena fights, running, jumping, dashing, and defeating enemies. Its unique mechanic is rhythm-based combat, where damage multipliers increase as you attack in sync with the game’s soundtrack. The music intensifies with accurate rhythm, creating a thrilling and immersive experience. Forgive me Father [https://bytebarrel.com/] (Lovecraftian comic book) [https://lemmy.ninja/pictrs/image/a96f6631-d0c8-45e3-9428-753311819548.jpeg] “Forgive Me Father” by Byte Barrel is a unique retro-styled FPS game that blends '90s shooter gameplay with H.P. Lovecraft’s horror themes. The game features a comic-book-like aesthetic and lets players choose between two characters with different play styles: a male priest for slow, defensive play, or a female journalist for aggressive play. It’s reminiscent of old “Doom” or “Blood” games, with claustrophobic levels full of cultists and zombies. The arsenal comprises Prohibition Era weapons and unusual ones like a ball-lightning gun, along with magic spells. Players can earn weapon and character upgrades via a progression tree. While the game has been praised for its overall feel and gameplay, its storyline and balance of health, ammo pickups, and enemies have faced criticism. Despite some flaws, it’s recommended for those seeking a quality retro shooter. Warhammer 40k: Boltgun [https://store.steampowered.com/app/2005010/Warhammer_40000_Boltgun/] (YOU MUST PLAY THIS) [https://lemmy.ninja/pictrs/image/184fd23f-42d3-44f1-a6d0-f00c7788702a.jpeg] Warhammer 40K: Boltgun, developed by Auroch Digital, is a boomer shooter inspired by classics like Doom and Duke Nukem. Set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, the player becomes an Ultramarine battling cultists, Chaos Space Marines, and daemons on the world of Graia. Despite its apparent silliness, the game boasts a solid gameplay mechanism, balancing combat and exploration. Players can discover new weapons and upgrades while traversing diverse environments, ranging from snowy peaks to vivid realms of Chaos. Boltgun employs retro visuals with modern elements, providing a unique, engaging, and fun exploration of the Warhammer universe. Cultic [https://store.steampowered.com/app/1684930/CULTIC/] (retroFPS + Detective Noir) [https://lemmy.ninja/pictrs/image/3b39759c-601b-46a2-8445-bcacc1caad5f.jpeg] Cultic, a promising spiritual successor to the classic game Blood, has launched into early access. Developed by Jasozz Games, Cultic offers engaging Halloween-themed FPS fun. The player is a detective, risen from the grave to exact revenge on a cultist army. The story unfolds through environmental storytelling and journal entries. Gameplay is quick and aggressive, with a balance between offensive and defensive tactics. Its levels contain a mix of confined and open areas for different combat strategies. The weaponry, reminiscent of the 1950s, is diverse and impactful, with secret upgrades available for further enhancement. Deadlink [https://deadlinkgame.com/?lang=en] (Cyberpunk retroFPS) [https://lemmy.ninja/pictrs/image/ac8c18b1-8b36-488e-a6da-433a11cf0f8f.jpeg] Deadlink is an FPS game with a cyberpunk theme, featuring fast-paced shooting mechanics inspired by DOOM Eternal. Although its narrative and world-building are underwhelming, and the level design could be improved, the gameplay is enjoyable thanks to three unique combat shell classes and a strategic run-specific upgrade system. Despite its limitations, the core mechanics and cartoonish take on the cyberpunk aesthetic make Deadlink worth a look for fans of the genre.