8 Best Modern Shooter Games That Use PS1-Style Graphics

Key Takeaways

FPS games like Dread Templar & ULTRAKILL offer PS1-style graphics & fun combat mechanics.
Project Warlock combines magic & guns in a vintage-style shooter with expressive movement.
Games like Cultic use PS1-style graphics to deliver a horrifying experience with unique gunplay.

As a seasoned gamer who grew up playing the classics like Doom and Quake, I must say that these modern FPS games with PS1-style graphics have truly captured my heart. Each one offers a unique blend of nostalgia and innovation that keeps me hooked for hours on end.

In terms of the thrilling and swift-moving category within gaming, there’s a general consensus that First-Person Shooter (FPS) games rule supreme. For years, shooters have been perfected, introducing innovative gameplay mechanics, powerful customizable weaponry, and formidable foes to engage with.

As a gaming enthusiast, I must say that not all first-person shooter (FPS) games are equally lengthy; some can consume months, providing an unforgettable experience each time. Most contemporary titles in this genre leverage the latest hardware for stunning visuals. Yet, some developers choose to imbue their creations with a more nostalgic aesthetic, harkening back to the PlayStation 1 era. Here are some of the top modern shooter games that pay homage to the PS1’s graphical style.

8. Dread Templar

Fight Unholy Creatures With A Wide Arsenal Of Weapons

Platform(s): Microsoft Windows
Developer(s): T19 Games
Released: January 26, 2023
Genre(s): Shooter Video Game
Various weapons to choose from
Players must face unholy creatures

In the game titled Dread Templar, individuals assume the character of the eponymous hero. During play, they engage in battles against relentless hordes of sinister beings, which challenge their mettle at each juncture.

Even though Dread Templar was published as recently as 2021, its visual aesthetic harks back to the PS1 era, offering a nostalgic gaming experience for gamers in their late 20s and early 30s. This game is packed with enjoyable mechanics and an engaging upgrade system that will keep players engaged for quite some time.

7. Project Warlock

Magic And Guns Must Be Used To Kill Evil Creatures

Four different realms with creatures from each one
Expressive movement that feels smooth

Project Warlock is a remarkable shooter game that employs graphics reminiscent of the PS1 era. The combat isn’t just entertaining, but it feels like you’re playing an old-school classic. You’ll take command of the Warlock, a character endowed with supernatural magic and gun expertise, who embarks on a destructive crusade against various corrupted beings hailing from the Middle Ages, Antarctica, Ancient Egypt, and Industrial worlds.

This game is a joy to experience due to its swift action, diverse stages, and dynamic player movements during gunfights. In no time at all, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back into the early 2000s thanks to the exceptional design of Project Warlock.

6. ULTRAKILL

A Fast-paced Shooter With Deep Lore

Unique art style that looks vintage, but might not fit the PS1 look to the letter
Interesting lore

In contrast to numerous shooter games developed outside AAA studios that often lack compelling lore, ULTRAKILL stands out as an exception. It boasts not just a deep and intriguing background story, but also exceptional combat mechanics and an outstanding visual style.

As a gamer, I’ve noticed that this game seems to boast graphics that are a tad more modern than the typical PS1-style games out there. But don’t be fooled, if you squint your eyes just right, you’ll spot that classic aesthetic. Now, when it comes to gunplay, it’s not as brain-busting as what you’d encounter in a game like DOOM (2016), but let me tell you, it’s still got a good level of difficulty that makes every victory feel incredibly rewarding.

5. Ion Fury

A Futuristic City Needs Saving

Futuristic setting with cybernetically-enhanced soldiers
An outstanding throwback title in every sense of the word

Unlike many games in the list, which feature players battling unholy beings from Hell and barren landscapes, Ion Fury brings a fresh twist by telling a story centered around cybernetically-upgraded soldiers. Players assume the role of Shelly “Bombshell” Harrison to navigate this captivating game, which promises hours of enjoyable playtime.

Clearly, Ion Fury draws influence from iconic first-person shooter games of the ’90s, reflected in its retro style and combat mechanics that are deliberately reminiscent of those found in classic titles from the same era.

4. Cultic

Players Must Defeat A Twisted Cult

Mysterious disappearances affect a small town
Wide arsenal of weapons to choose from

In the town where numerous people have vanished, shrouded in enigma, the game Cultic offers a gripping narrative. This tale is skillfully enhanced by its exceptional firearm combat mechanics. Initially, it may seem unlikely for a game with PS1-era graphics to create a chilling atmosphere, but Cultic demonstrates that it can be done effectively.

While this game title may not evoke excitement comparable to others, it certainly promises an ongoing tension that can be quite engaging in specific scenarios. Featuring a variety of weapons and a distinctive visual style, it’s evident that Cultic draws inspiration from some of the finest First-Person Shooters of the 1990s.

3. Nightmare Reaper

The Mind Is Home To Many Horrors

Platform(s): PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
Developer(s): Blazing Bit Games
Released: July 16, 2019
Genre(s): Shooter Video Game
Players take on the role of an unnamed asylum patient
Explosives, firearms and magical artifacts are at players’ disposal

A first-person shooter game tends to be captivating when it delves into the protagonist’s dreams or nightmares – and that’s precisely what Nightmare Reaper does. The game centers around an unidentified inmate within a chilling asylum, where players must fight their way through the menacing creatures lurking in the darkest recesses of the patient’s psyche.

In this game, players will find an array of firearms, hand-to-hand combat tools, explosives, and even mystical weapons available for use. However, despite having such resources, they’ll need to rely heavily on their abilities and quick thinking multiple times.

2. HROT

A Scary Title With Lots Of Action

No story, only a creepy atmosphere that sets the tone for the game
Creative enemy designs

In a straightforward and engaging manner: A first-person shooter game with horror aspects can be challenging when it lacks a narrative, as the story or lore often serves to prepare players for their upcoming experience. However, the game HROT succeeds in offering an outstanding gaming experience without relying on extensive backstory. The only information given is that the player finds themselves in a country with a socialist system situated near the Soviet Union.

Rather than using traditional storytelling techniques, this title creates an unsettling atmosphere by playing with players’ perceptions, fostering a persistent sense of a malevolent force hidden in the shadows.

1. DUSK

Demonic Forces Emerge From Mysterious Ruins

A network of ancient ruins is discovered beneath a small town
Players will have to face the demonic forces that are after them

The title DUSK stands out not just for its robust combat mechanics, but also due to its captivating and eerie narrative. When an extensive network of enigmatic ruins is unearthed beneath the fictional town of Dusk in Pennsylvania, the authorities step in, only to uncover terrifying facts as a chain of demonic attacks and possessions unfold.

As a dedicated gamer, I can confidently say that DUSK stands out among the top shooter games from the past decade, thanks to its impressive arsenal of weapons and nostalgic PS1-style graphics.

2024-12-05 09:34