Best FPS Games For iPads

Highlights

Mobile games have come a long way, offering AAA experiences without the need for expensive consoles.
Call of Duty: Mobile retains classic gameplay, while Gunfire Reborn offers a unique FPS/roguelite mix.
Popular titles like Dead Trigger 2 and Modern Combat 5 provide fun experiences, despite their age.

As someone who grew up playing video games on various platforms, I have to admit that discovering great titles on my iPad has been a delightful surprise. Having spent countless hours on consoles and PCs, I was initially skeptical about the capabilities of mobile gaming. However, after trying out some of the best iPad games, I’ve been pleasantly proven wrong.

In the past, PC and console gamers would look down upon mobile games with disdain. However, times have changed, and while there’s still some elitism towards mobile titles, they’ve significantly improved. Nowadays, there are excellent high-budget (AAA) mobile games available.

In summary, discovering enjoyable iPad games, particularly first-person shooters, can be quite a challenge. The App Store feels chaotic, filled with free-to-play games burdened by ads or subpar imitations of popular titles like “Call of Duty.” To compile this list, we’ve selected games based on their entertainment value and positive reception, but have avoided delving into the potentially misleading App Store reviews. This collection includes both free and paid options, with an effort to exclude repetitive clones.

1 Call of Duty: Mobile

Still The King

Regardless of personal feelings towards it, “Call of Duty” has been the undisputed king of first-person shooter games since the debut of “Modern Warfare” in 2007. When news broke about the mobile version, “Call of Duty: Mobile,” in 2019, many fans were uncertain if this new release could preserve the iconic “COD” experience. However, to their surprise, the game has proven to be quite impressive and has continued to improve with regular updates.

As a long-time fan of the Call of Duty series, I must admit that the latest release brings back fond memories of my early gaming days. It’s refreshing to see a return to form in many ways, harkening back to the franchise before it became consumed by Battle Royale modes and battle passes.

2 Gunfire Reborn

A Console-Grade Indie Roguelite

The App Store has plenty of competitive FPS games modeled after “Call of Duty,” but not everyone prefers this type of game on their iPad. Fortunately, there are some premium FPS options that explore different genres. For instance, “Gunfire Reborn” is a terrific blend of FPS and roguelite elements, offering both single-player and 4-player co-op experiences.

In clear and conversational terms: This game, “Gunfire Reborn,” is evidently a paid production, available on PC and consoles. It offers a multitude of playable characters, unique in their abilities and skills, as well as an assortment of firearms and magical artifacts to discover. Although the graphics may appear basic with low-poly art, the game’s Chinese-themed style infuses it with distinct character. The roguelike design and randomly generated levels ensure countless hours of replayability. For players less accustomed to touchscreens, the game provides compatibility with Xbox and PlayStation controllers.

3 Critical Ops

For Counter-Strike Fans

Release: 2015	Platforms: iOS, Android
Developer: Critical Force LTD.	Genre: FPS

As a huge fan of first-person shooter games, I understand that some people might argue that because a game like Critical Ops resembles an established formula, such as Counter-Strike, it must be inferior. However, I would strongly disagree.

The developers have put in great effort to create a dedicated fanbase for the game, and Critical Ops boasts its own thriving esports scene. As a result, players can enjoy features typical of competitive titles such as enhanced gameplay mechanics, skill-based matchmaking, and frequent contests and tournaments. If you’re a fan of Counter-Strike, this game is sure to captivate you, and the best part is that you can invest countless hours without any financial commitment.

4 Modern Combat 5

A Free COD Campaign

Release: 2014	Platforms: iOS, Android, PC, Switch,
Developer: Gameloft	Genre: FPS

As a huge fan of first-person shooter (FPS) games on my iPad, I used to think that my fix was incomplete before the arrival of “Call of Duty: Mobile.” However, there was another game that held its ground and continued to impress me – “Modern Combat 5.” Although it may seem a bit outdated compared to current mobile gaming standards, this title remains one of the best games ever created for mobile devices. And the cherry on top? Regular updates keep it running smoothly on newer hardware.

Mobile.” Moreover, technical issues on newer iPads slightly mar the multiplayer experience. Nevertheless, “Modern Combat 5” is still worth downloading due to its free campaign.

5 Dead Trigger 2

A Classic Zombie Shooter

Release: 2013	Platforms: iOS, Android
Developer: Madfigner Games	Genre: FPS

The fact that many top-tier FPS (First Person Shooter) games in the iPad market are older versions speaks volumes about the market’s dynamics. One such classic game is Dead Trigger 2, which has retained its fun factor since its release. With visual enhancements, this game continues to impress on the iPad, and its FPS controls remain among the best for touchscreens. Although there are numerous free-to-play zombie games available on iOS, Dead Trigger 2 remains a standout choice due to its excellent gameplay.

The game has grown significantly, introducing elements such as base construction and additional missions, while preserving its fundamental mechanics: traverse through sequential levels, gun down zombies, and enhance your weaponry using multiple forms of currency. These stages are linked by an engaging, if incomplete, narrative that unfolds across continents. The thrill of battling zombies remains enjoyable due to the diverse enemy types and intricately designed levels, preventing monotony from settling in prematurely. However, there are disadvantages. As a classic free-to-play title, Dead Trigger 2 incorporates an excessive number of ads and disrupts gameplay with annoying timed intervals between stages. Moreover, the game includes unexpected challenges that necessitate either extensive grinding or monetary investment in real currency.

6 DOOM

An Improved Port

It’s a running joke that, at this point, Doom has been ported to everything with a screen, and that includes the iPad. In 2019, to celebrate Doom’s 25th birthday, Bethesda announced a rerelease of the original game for a host of modern devices. Doom fans were excited until they got their hands on the iPad version. It’s safe to say that it wasn’t a great way to play one of the best Doom games.

I was thrilled to play Doom on modern hardware as a longtime fan, expecting top-notch graphics and smooth performance from a 25-year-old title. However, the controls left much to be desired initially. Fortunately, updates have addressed these issues, making the iPad version an enjoyable experience for me once again. Doom holds a significant place in gaming history, and revisiting it today is like engaging in an interactive masterclass on game design. Although newer gamers might find it challenging, the game’s longevity is remarkable, with its level design continuing to impress.

7 Shadowgun Legends

Great Character Customization

Release: 2018	Platforms: iOS, Android, Switch
Developer: Madfigner Games	Genre: FPS, RPG

Shadowgun Legends can be considered as Destiny 2‘s equivalent for iPad users. This game is a blend of First-Person Shooter (FPS) and Role-Playing Game (RPG), offering over 200 missions that can be completed solo or with friends. The game places great emphasis on customizing your character, allowing you to create unique builds. With over 600 weapons and 1,000 armor sets at your disposal, each addition significantly influences the way you play the game. For a free-to-play title, Shadowgun Legends offers a rich experience when it comes to fine-tuning the perfect setup for various weapon classes.

On the iPad, the “Shadowgun Legends” game boasts an impressive appearance that could easily be mistaken for its notable influencer, “Destiny 2.” The narrative is engaging, albeit predictable for a sci-fi shooter, and provides enjoyment during both solo and multiplayer sessions. For those who favor cooperative play over competitive battles in the first-person shooter genre, “Shadowgun Legends” stands out as a top choice on iPad. However, its PVP modes fall short of expectations. Regrettably, numerous features for the PVP experience are hidden behind paywalls, and the game grapples with a significant hacking issue.

8 Resident Evil Village

Technically Impressive

The label of Resident Evil Village as a first-person shooter might be debatable for some; instead, it should be regarded as a horror game featuring FPS elements. Despite this classification, the game on the iPad is no less impressive or diluted – it’s essentially the same high-quality experience enjoyed on consoles and PC, thanks to Apple’s powerful M1 (and more recent) chips.

As a dedicated gamer, I can confidently say that the elements that made one of my favorite Resident Evil games shine are all present in Village. The graphics are stunningly realistic and, although it had some initial glitches at launch, it now runs smoothly, especially on high-performance iPads. This game delivers a top-tier gaming experience with a few minor caveats.

2024-07-24 05:14