10 Best Boomer Shooters To Play in 2024

Key Takeaways

Boomer Shooters offer timeless enjoyment with their lack of modern mechanics.
“Old school” attributes like fast movement and unrealistic physics define Boomer Shooters.
Titles like Alien Trilogy, Wolfenstein 3D, and Serious Sam encompass the Boomer Shooter genre with classic gameplay.

As a lifelong gamer who grew up in the golden age of arcades and console gaming, I can confidently say that the world of shooters has never failed to captivate me. From the iconic, breakneck speed of form in its original incarnation, Doom, to the modern marvel that is Doom Eternal, this genre has consistently pushed boundaries and delivered unforgettable experiences.

Classic Shooter Games belong to a distinctive category, transporting players to an era where concerns such as reloading were considered insignificant.

Simplified shooting games don’t always require advanced mechanisms to be entertaining. On the contrary, their lack of realism often gives them an enduring appeal for older gamers, making them seem classic. If you’re still skeptical about this genre, I recommend giving a few of these games a try before dismissing it altogether.

If you pose the question about what a “Boomer Shooter” means to ten unique individuals, you may receive ten diverse responses. In this case, we are opting for a description such as “an old-fashioned” or “retro-style” shooter game.

Characteristics commonly associated with this genre often involve swift gameplay, absence of aiming down sights (ADS), and exaggerated physical properties. Numerous ’90s shooting games fit this description, yet adherence to the “Doom” format is not a requirement for classification in this category.

10 Alien Trilogy

Still One Of The Best Alien Games

Alien Trilogy is one of the finest first-person shooters on the original PlayStation.

The game’s title fits the category of a Boomer Shooter due to its intense combat speed, preference for hip-firing, and nostalgic graphics that remain appealing even now.

The Alien Trilogy game is undoubtedly among the most terrifying games on the list. You get to handle famous gear such as the Assault Rifle from the films and the Motion Tracker. Every piece of your advanced gear delivers authentic sounds, with the Tracker exceptionally good at building suspense.

Even with their basic visuals, Xenomorphs continue to send shivers down my spine. There’s something about them lurking in the dark and bursting out unexpectedly that really gets under my skin.

The game combines numerous film-like aspects and forms an outstanding console shooter as its base. I’m eagerly hoping for Alien Trilogy to receive a makeover similar to what Nightdive Studios might offer, though we can only wait and see.

Over time, video games based on an alien license have provided a varied experience, but they consistently offer distinct perspectives on Xenomorphs that are unparalleled elsewhere.

9 Immortal Redneck

A Roguelite Boomer Shooter

If you’re one of those gamers who refer to modern games with vintage elements as “Boomer Shooters,” I’d like to present to you an exciting option: “Immortal Redneck“.

In “Immortal Redneck,” you get all the thrills a classic Run-and-Gun game promises. It moves at breakneck speed, allowing for on-the-fly shooting, and it’s packed with hordes of adversaries to vanquish.

This game shines most in its roguelike features. Each level is uniquely created through procedural generation, ensuring that every playthrough offers something new. Additionally, there’s a permanent death mechanic, meaning one wrong move could reset your progress and force you to start all over.

In the game Immortal Redneck, it’s advantageous that there is a system called meta progression. This means you continuously gather gold throughout the game which you can use to enhance your character’s base stats, making the overall gaming experience smoother.

I enjoy the Egyptian-themed design, as it brings back memories of the classic Serious Sam games. Regardless of the nostalgia factor, Immortal Redneck effectively combines various game genres in a way that is impressively harmonious.

8 Wolfenstein 3D

Move Over, New Blood

It’s impossible to discuss the iconic boomershooters without bringing up another colossus from the ’90s – Wolfenstein 3D.

The “Wolfenstein” series represents another triumphant franchise from id Software, comparable to hits like “Doom” and “Quake.” Unlike those two titles, Wolfenstein leans towards a more realistic setting, incorporating modern weaponry and human adversaries as its main focus. Interestingly, these human adversaries are portrayed as Nazis, and certain game versions feature Nazi decor in their environments.

Among all the classic games listed, “Wolfenstein 3D” doesn’t resonate with me the most. The fighting is enjoyable, but it seems to lack an immersive environment due to its brighter stages.

Regardless, Wolfenstein 3D is a solid Boomer Shooter and a must-play if you’re exploring the genre.

By the way, did you know that there is a version of Wolfenstein 3D called Super 3D Noah’s Ark by Wisdom Tree? In this game, instead of fighting Nazis, you’re knocking out goats with a catapult – it’s not a joke!

7 BPM: Bullets Per Minute

An Unlikely Combination

I’m a sucker for Rhythm Games, and BPM: Bullets Per Minute is an admirable attempt at merging the genre with old-school shooters.

In BPM, the rhythm mechanics significantly enhance gameplay, making it more engaging. You need to synchronize your shooting actions with the rhythm of the music, which might seem a bit unusual at first.

Luckily, the soundtrack is packed with catchy tunes that make it enjoyable to sync your movements with while firing. The combat turns out to be quite swift, and the boss fights necessitate learning attack patterns.

In the game BPM: Bullets Per Minute, you should be prepared for a challenging experience as you familiarize yourself with its unique mechanics. As you progress, battles become increasingly rewarding. The game’s exceptional soundtrack really comes alive when played with headphones.

6 Selaco

Blurring The Lines

Selaco” pays homage to the shooter games from the early 2000s, such as “Doom 3” and “F.E.A.R.“, by incorporating numerous nods that enthusiasts will appreciate.

The game’s pace is comparatively relaxed compared to most games listed here, yet it doesn’t hinder the experience. The settings are intricately designed, while battles necessitate a strategic, deliberate strategy.

Moving on, the opponents in Selaco are far from being simple-minded. They have a knack for maneuvering around you, often positioning themselves so that you’re compelled to keep moving, always striving to maintain an advantageous position.

“Someone might say that Selaco is not so much like a Boomer Shooter but feels more similar to first-person shooter (FPS) games from the early PlayStation 2 era, such as Timesplitters. Nevertheless, the combat remains intense, and the explosions and gunfire create an excessive amount of dazzling, exaggerated particle effects on the screen.

For those who enjoy classic shooting games infused with a touch of contemporary flair, Selaco is undoubtedly a top choice.

5 Quake

Another Id Software Classic

Back in the 90s, it was like id Software could do no wrong in the shooter genre.

Following the triumphant launch of both Doom and Doom 2, the studio unveiled a new game named Quake. Although they share similar titles, the primary distinction lies in the creatures we encounter – instead of battling demons and hellish beings, we now face off against extraterrestrial lifeforms and monstrous entities.

The sensation of Quake seems somewhat similar rather than significantly improved, yet this isn’t necessarily negative given its distinguished background.

In the opinion of many, the preferred game for movement is Quake over Doom. This preference stems from a cleverly designed speed-up mechanism in Quake that significantly enhances the pace of the combat, making it more exhilarating.

I’ll always be a Doom guy, but Quake is an essential shooter, and Steam’s port is a solid remaster.

4 Serious Sam

The One Man Army

Serious Sam” stands out as an exceptional First-Person Shooter, featuring humorous one-liners and gameplay that defies contemporary conventions.

As a gamer, I can vouch that Serious Sam is every bit as action-packed as big names like Doom. The enemies are an eclectic mix of adversaries, ranging from colossal charging mammoths to headless shrieking soldiers brandishing explosives – yes, they scream even without heads; just one of those game mysteries you learn to live with!

In the game Serious Sam, the enemy population is dense, making it feel as though Sam is battling through massive battlefields rather than individual stages. To put it another way, Sam obliterates countless armies in this series, ensuring an exciting and action-packed experience throughout.

Here’s one way to rephrase that in a natural and easy-to-read manner:

3 Doom

No Introduction Required

It was inevitable that the classic Doom would appear on the list, given its iconic status as the epitome of a shooter game popular among the Baby Boomer generation. Many other games on the list share similar characteristics with it.

If you haven’t tried it before, Doom is an incredibly fast-paced shooting game that lets you move swiftly and smoothly at high speeds.

The weapon selection is almost as iconic as the monster lineup. Tearing up Imps with a Chainsaw is sadistic and satisfying, and it doesn’t take long for Doom to throw armies of hellspawn your way.

All of this frenetic action is paired with one of the most recognizable soundtracks in gaming, and yes, it absolutely slaps.

Doom offers an all-encompassing experience, and there are numerous methods to savor this classic game with contemporary enhancements. Personally, I appreciate playing Doom 1&2 on the PlayStation 5, but everyone has their preferred approach to enjoying the series.

2 Powerslave Exhumed

Not Your Average Doom Clone

PowerSlave Reimagined,” originally titled “PowerSlave” in the ’90s and known as “Exhumed” in Europe, is a remastered version of the game. Upon first glance, it appears to be a “Doom”-like game with an Egyptian theme, but it offers so much more than that.

In addition to an impressive array of weaponry, your adventure also involves gathering Holy Relics. These relics grant you extraordinary skills along the way. Some of these skills enable high leaps, dives, and even the ability to hover, thereby eliminating any potential fall damage.

In numerous aspects, Powerslave Exhumed resembles a Metroidvania-style game long before the term was coined. Players are motivated to explore extensively and are rewarded for their efforts. Additionally, it offers multiple endings, with a favorable conclusion only accessible to those who have meticulously uncovered every hidden corner.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but sing praises for “Powerslave Exhumed”. This gem embodies all that I crave in the genre, with its captivating storyline escalating to a point where your character becomes nearly divine by the climax.

1 Doom Eternal

An Iconic Boomer Shooter

I feel a bit cheeky putting two Doom games on the list, but a lot has changed in the 25+ years between the titles.

In a nutshell, Doom Eternal boasts the style you’d expect from a big-budget, contemporary shooter. It features an awesome licensed soundtrack, precise controls, and stunning visuals tailored for high-definition splatters and gore.

In Doom Eternal, the movement feels strikingly like its predecessor. Once again, the intense, rapid-fire battles are a highlight, with realistic considerations taking a backseat as you soar through the levels.

In this version, there’s no need for reloading, and instead of the contemporary concept of regenerative health, there are traditional health packs available.

Additionally, there are Glory Kills. By executing powerful melee attacks during close-quarters combat, you can regain health, and these animations are as intense and realistic as they come.

Everlasting is an exceptional shooter game, especially appealing, that caters to a vast range of shooter enthusiasts, leaving no one indifferent.

2024-10-05 15:09