8 FPS Games That Have Aged Like Milk

Over the years, a multitude of timeless masterpieces have graced the first-person shooter (FPS) genre. These range from groundbreaking titles that were decades ahead of their time to nostalgic favorites we can’t help but revisit. Just like a comforting glass of milk, some older FPS games have only grown more appealing with age.

Over time, it seems that the initial awe and admiration for these remarkable games has faded away, as they now appear less impressive compared to newer ones.

At times, subsequent versions have rendered the initial ones outdated. On other occasions, we’ve realized that certain games were restricted by the technological constraints of their era.

Let’s review formerly great first-person shooters that have aged poorly.

8. Team Fortress Classic

A Dated Innovator

In recent times, classic variations of games have experienced a resurgence in popularity, particularly noticeable with the re-emergence of World of Warcraft’s Classic edition and Old School RuneScape.

Many individuals continue enjoying older iterations of multiplayer shooting games, particularly Counter-Strike, however, Team Fortress Classic doesn’t seem to attract as much interest.

As soon as Team Fortress 2 hit the shelves, there was no turning back, and rightfully so. Compared to its predecessor, Team Fortress Classic, TF2 boasts a more refined, sleeker, and overall improved design.

There’s no reason to go back in time and play an outdated multiplayer experience.

7. GoldenEye 007

The Spy I Loved

It’s undeniable that the N64 version of GoldenEye 007 shows its age significantly. The Nintendo 64 system struggles with the game, the control scheme feels clumsy, and we underestimated the restrictions in split-screen multiplayer when it first came out. Perhaps our familiarity with playing on smaller TV screens might have been a factor, but I’m wandering off topic.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but reminisce about the timeless charm of GoldenEye 007. In its essence, this game offers an extraordinary first-person shooter (FPS) adventure, shining particularly bright on contemporary hardware, such as the Xbox Series X|S. However, it’s not the latest iteration I yearn for; instead, I find myself drawn back to the original version. Unfortunately, playing it today can be a frustrating ordeal.

As an adult, I eagerly looked forward to revisiting the fun times of my childhood by bringing out the Nintendo 64 again. The nostalgia was palpable among us, and we were particularly thrilled because Mario Kart 64 still managed to entertain us effectively.

Rather, we found ourselves unable to continue with GoldenEye 007 for longer than just a few minutes at a time before changing activities.

6. Perfect Dark

Not So Perfect Today

I’d dare say that while Perfect Dark is often praised as the best N64 first-person shooter, it has shown more signs of aging compared to GoldenEye 007.

25 years ago, the game struggled to sustain itself due to the immense ambitions placed upon it. Nowadays, it has been surpassed multiple times by contemporary games in the industry.

It’s indisputable that Rare earned its reputation as a leading developer within the industry and delivered an extraordinary console FPS experience, even prior to Halo: Combat Evolved. Despite the Nintendo 64’s controller not being particularly helpful for these games, it didn’t diminish their impact. These games were essential parts of our childhood memories.

Regrettably, over time, it became apparent that more significant and superior console First-Person Shooter (FPS) games were emerging in the gaming landscape.

5. Call of Duty

Never Forget Your Roots

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve often found myself pointing out that some game entries can seem overshadowed by their successors. Take Call of Duty for instance, where the original versions sometimes feel dwarfed in comparison to their sequels.

Interestingly enough, it might seem counterintuitive, but Call of Duty wasn’t even close to being the top-tier first-person shooter during its initial release era. I’ve previously stated that Halo: Combat Evolved surpassed it in quality, and numerous other games from the same period outperformed the 2003 debut of Call of Duty as well.

What was it that truly made it so legendary? This groundbreaking first-person shooter (FPS) title offered a unique and immersive experience unlike any other. It presented a grittier, more realistic portrayal of the FPS genre, creating an atmosphere that felt more like watching a movie than playing a video game.

In a relatively short span, Call of Duty’s initial release found itself surpassed by later installments in the series, largely due to its launch on hardware that would soon become outdated, such as the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube.

The Xbox 360’s Call of Duty 2 blew this thing out of the water, making it impossible to go back.

4. Medal of Honor

The Birth of the WWII Shooter

Although Medal of Honor didn’t initiate World War II video games, it was the title that sparked the widespread interest in the World War I setting that ruled the gaming industry in the 2000s.

Years after it was initially released, the game found itself surpassed, surprisingly, by Call of Duty. However, its influence on the video game genre cannot be disputed.

In the development process, Steven Spielberg contributed significantly by focusing on the game’s idea and narrative, aiming to create an atmosphere similar to his critically-acclaimed movie, Saving Private Ryan.

Remarkably, the game dazzled despite being released on PlayStation 1 hardware.

The primary cause of Medal of Honor’s decline in quality is that it was launched on hardware nearing obsolescence, as the PlayStation 2 was introduced only a year afterward.

It didn’t take long for its restrictions to show up, but it’s clear that Medal of Honor left a significant mark on the gaming world.

3. Quake

Arguably Overhyped

It can’t be argued that Quake didn’t make a significant impact on the gaming world. Compared to the Doom series, its level designs and gameplay were a noticeable enhancement.

Yet, whenever I’m feeling nostalgic, I boot up the original Doom instead of Quake. What gives?

The primary reason is that Doom is a more concentrated, streamlined, and rhythmically structured game. In my younger days, most of my memories associated with Quake didn’t come from playing the initial 1996 first-person shooter (FPS); instead, they stemmed from enjoying the multiplayer aspect of Quake III: Arena.

Instead of saying the sequels offer a superior experience, this can also be expressed as: The FPS (First Person Shooter) in question has struggled to meet the high expectations set by its earlier versions. However, it’s important to note that Quake is not a poor game; rather, it seems less impressive when compared to games of its era such as Doom and Half-Life, which have aged more gracefully.

2. Crysis

Can Your PC Run It Yet?

Leaving memes out of the equation, it’s important to note that Crysis wasn’t merely known as “the game that only NASA could play on top settings.” In reality, it offered a delightful open-world journey filled with extraordinary rough edges and charm, often referred to as its unique character – the “incredible jank.

I recall equipping a laser sight and long-range telescopic sight onto a shotgun, then eliminating opponents at a distance. It seemed implausible, yet it provided an enjoyable experience.

After some time, the excitement of the original game began to fade, particularly as the sequel provided a more refined and immersive first-person shooter (FPS) experience where players could feel consistently powerful. Essentially, Crysis 2 is a more polished and skillfully designed FPS game.

As a passionate gamer, I’d say that while Crysis might shine as a follow-up enhancing its original, it simply can’t keep up with the immersive open-world island FPS adventure offered by Far Cry 3.

1. Far Cry

Absolute Jank

Let’s delve into the topic of Far Cry, shall we? The initial release of Far Cry, created by Crytek, was actually quite enjoyable when it first came out.

In comparison to other first-person shooter (FPS) games from that era, it was justly praised as a refreshing change. The genre had become somewhat monotonous, and the World War II theme was beginning to lose its appeal.

In a refreshing shift, the lush backdrop of Far Cry offered a welcome change. Its gameplay was thrilling and instantly recognizable, but unfortunately, there are two other elements of the game that have become equally noteworthy.

Initially, let me share a tale that’s so extraordinarily bizarre and illogical, it’s hard to believe. This narrative is almost as theatrically absurd as The Room, starring Tommy Wiseau.

Next, the game had several programming issues which often resulted in challenging experiences while battling opponents.

Without Far Cry, though, we wouldn’t have Far Cry 2 and 3, so there’s that.

2025-03-30 21:39