5 Great FPS Games With Unique Control Schemes

Key Takeaways

Killzone: Shadow Fall uses touchpad controls creatively.
Red Steel 2 implements Wii motion sensors for combat.
DOOM Eternal rewards fast weapon switching.

As a seasoned gamer who’s seen more gamepads than I care to remember, I must say that these three titles stand out as some of the most innovative and entertaining experiences in the first-person shooter genre. Each one offers a unique twist on the controls that not only makes the gameplay fresh but also pushes the player to adapt and master new skills.

In the thrilling first-person shooter (FPS) genre, players immerse themselves in intense, adrenaline-fueled battles where they unleash a barrage of firepower against hordes of enemies and formidable bosses determined to halt their progress prematurely. With roots dating back over three decades, FPS games have consistently evolved with time, enhancing gameplay mechanics, graphics, and the imagination of weapon designs.

Experience the joy of playing First-Person Shooter (FPS) games, where firing typically requires the right trigger on a standard controller. However, when game developers innovate by incorporating unusual yet engaging control mechanisms into their creations, magic happens. Below you’ll find some top-notch FPS games that offer a unique control experience.

Killzone: Shadow Fall

The PlayStation’s DualShock 4 Controller Shines Here

The game is set several decades after Killzone 3
Players can use the DualShock 4’s touchpad to select OWL’s mode

30 years following the events of Killzone 3, Killzone: Shadow Fall places players in a narrative involving two rival factions living side by side, separated only by a massive barrier, within the same city. Players who have completed Killzone 3 might recall the Petrusite explosion from that game, which resulted in the annihilation of Helghan. Subsequently, the Helghast survivors migrated to Vekta, and it’s now the players’ role to keep peace on a planet where hostilities run deep.

In “Killzone: Shadow Fall,” there’s a sophisticated combat drone called OWL that players can manipulate in multiple ways. What sets this game apart is its innovative control system, as players can choose OWL’s mode using the touchpad on the DualShock 4 controller. Swiping right activates Zip line Mode, while swiping down triggers Shield Mode, and so forth.

Red Steel 2

The Wii’s Motion Sensors Make The Experience Amazing

The original Red Steel was not warmly received by many
Players can use their Wii Nunchuks to fight

In the beginning, an unnamed protagonist finds himself imprisoned by a ruthless gang called The Jackals in Red Steel 2. In a twist of fate, he manages to break free and saves his former swordmaster, sparking a chain of events that propels the narrative forward. Although Red Steel 2 didn’t receive universal acclaim, it garnered generally positive reviews and effectively rectified some of the criticisms leveled at its predecessor, which had left many players dissatisfied initially. When the Nintendo Wii was introduced, it revolutionized gameplay by integrating controller usage into the gaming experience, and Red Steel 2 skillfully leverages this feature.

As they engage in the game, players have the ability to employ their controller to perform actions such as swinging a katana, defending against attacks, and discharging weapons to obliterate adversaries. This distinctive control system, though not entirely unique to this game, was significantly distinct from what other consoles were providing at that time.

DOOM Eternal

Combining Various Weapons And Switching Between Them Quickly Is Key

The 2016 DOOM reboot breathed new life into the franchise
The Ballista-Super Shotgun combo is very powerful

Since the 90s, it appeared that the DOOM series had faded from mainstream popularity, not quite reaching the level of success its ’90s titles enjoyed. However, this trend reversed with the 2016 reboot of DOOM and its sequel, DOOM Eternal. Unlike the 2016 game which was set on Mars, the sequel portrayed a Hell on Earth scenario, as the demonic invasion had overrun our planet.

Despite DOOM Eternal‘s control setup not standing out uniquely among other games on this list, it offers a rich blend of commands through buttons that significantly enhances gameplay. Unlike other first-person shooters that might penalize players for swiftly switching between multiple weapons, DOOM Eternal actually rewards such agility. A testament to this is the Ballista-Super Shotgun combo, which can swiftly eliminate even formidable enemies in mere seconds—players simply need to master the skills necessary for rapid weapon switches while dodging.

Metroid Prime Trilogy

Aiming With The Wii’s Controller Adds A Welcome Challenge

This title includes three great entries in the franchise
Many players argue that Nunchuk responsiveness in this game is even better than the joystick in other titles

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but sing praises about the Metroid Prime Trilogy – a collection of three masterpieces from this iconic series: Metroid Prime, Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, and Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. This package is brimming with pulse-pounding battles against an assortment of formidable foes, including colossal bosses that will test the mettle of even seasoned gamers.

In contrast to other games with similar attributes, the Metroid Prime Trilogy stands out by effectively optimizing motion control, offering players a seamless gaming experience. Many users even find that aiming in this game feels smoother and more intuitive using Nunchuks rather than a traditional joystick.

GoldenEye 007

A Timeless Classic That Used An Unconventional Controller Layout

GoldenEye 007 had a wonderful multiplayer that helped shape FPS multiplayer modes in later years
The unique “Honey” control scheme allowed for fun gunplay that felt more realistic than other layouts

GoldenEye 007, a game, holds a special place in many players’ hearts who recall the era of the Nintendo 64. Even if they haven’t played it recently, its allure hasn’t faded. The game closely followed the plot of the film with the same title, providing an engaging single-player campaign and a well-rounded multiplayer mode that contributed to its enduring popularity. Due to the distinctive design of Nintendo 64 controllers, they facilitated unique control schemes.

Navigating through the game GoldenEye 007 was quite straightforward, as it utilized the central joystick to move around. Changing directions, whether looking up, down, or sideways, required players to press the D-Pad on one side or C-buttons on the other. But what stands out is the fire button for Bond’s weapon, positioned on the “Z” button at the back of the controller. This unique placement resulted in engaging gunplay that differed significantly from contemporary FPS control schemes, and possibly even those prevalent during its time as well.

2024-10-27 10:33