Best FPS Games Only Playable On Console

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Summary

  • Some of the best FPS games are exclusive to consoles, offering unique mechanics and experiences.
  • Halo 5, the weakest game in the series, still provides fun gameplay and unique multiplayer features.
  • TimeSplitters 2 stands out as a console-only shooter, offering a fantastic campaign and fun multiplayer modes.

First-person shooter (FPS) games have traditionally been linked to PCs, and it’s understandable why. The precision and control offered by a mouse and keyboard when maneuvering and aiming a weapon is unrivaled. Nevertheless, devotees of the genre might be missing out if they dismiss console shooters entirely.

Many exceptional shooter games, which have left an indelible mark on their respective genres, remain confined within the hardware of systems they can only be played with controllers attached. Yet, this limitation is not a hindrance at all. Below is a rundown of some of the finest shooters ever created that are yet to make their way onto PC platforms.

Killzone 2

The Franchise At Its Peak

The realm of console gaming underwent a significant shift when the initial trailer for PS3’s “Killzone” was unveiled at E3 2005. This visual spectacle seemed almost too incredible to be genuine, and indeed, it turned out that it was just a CGI sequence. However, following some intense criticism, the authentic “Killzone 2” eventually emerged, and it nearly matched the original’s impressive visuals.

Instead, it significantly outperformed the initial “Killzone” game, demonstrating that the PlayStation 3 was nearly as capable as the Xbox in producing original shooter games. While “Killzone 2” didn’t quite match the caliber of “Halo,” it stood out as one of the most enjoyable shooters exclusively available on the PS3. The series continued with “Killzone 3” and “Killzone: Shadowfall,” two more titles that never made their way to PC, but neither managed to replicate the success of the second installment in the franchise.

Halo 5

Worst Of The Best Is Still Something

Let’s talk openly about it, indeed Halo 5 is generally considered the least impressive title within the Halo franchise. Comparing it to the NBA’s dream team, you could say it’s their weakest player. The storyline in Halo 5: Guardians doesn’t venture into uncharted territories, and switching from Master Chief as the protagonist may not have been the best decision to generate excitement. However, Halo 5 still offers an enjoyable experience for fans, whether they prefer a challenging campaign or improvements on the multiplayer aspect. Regrettably, Halo 5: Guardians is the only game in the series that can only be played on Xbox systems.

Perfect Dark

Lives In Goldeneye’s Shadow, But Just As Good

The much-anticipated continuation of the Perfect Dark series has been unfortunately canceled. It’s truly disappointing since it would have been the follow-up to one of the best shooter games ever made, not just among console titles. The original Perfect Dark was a sequel and spiritual successor to the hugely successful GoldenEye 007, produced by Rare. Despite its potential to be as legendary as its predecessor, its recognition has been limited due to being a new intellectual property instead of being based on a well-known franchise.

Despite the occasional hiccups due to its ambition, leading to some sluggish moments, “Perfect Dark” stands out as an exceptional shooter game that introduced many groundbreaking gameplay elements that could have been commonplace in gaming. Regrettably, this captivating universe of sci-fi espionage and alien intrigue may remain unexplored for players.

Far Cry Instincts: Evolution

Not To Be Confused With The Original Far Cry Instincts

Instead of handling the vastness of the original Far Cry, the original Xbox struggled, leading to the creation of Far Cry Instincts, a streamlined, less open-ended gameplay experience. While it wasn’t poor quality, it was no match for Xbox versions of first-person shooter games like Doom 3 and Half-Life 2. Later, they released an enhanced version called Far Cry Instincts: Evolution, which offered numerous intense mechanics not found in the PC version of the game, making gameplay more enjoyable.

The Darkness

A Horror Shooter Where You Are The Horror

In 2007, the video game “The Darkness,” based on a less popular comic, was one of the year’s unexpected blockbusters. While its dark ambiance could have sustained a typical shooter game, “The Darkness” introduced unique mechanics. Instead of relying solely on the player’s weaponry, it allowed players to utilize the heads of an evil entity as additional tools within their arsenal.

This game skillfully manipulates light and darkness, similar to Splinter Cell, yet pushes boundaries even further. Unlike its successor The Darkness 2, which was released on PC as well, this original title has been confined within the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles of numerous gamers.

GoldenEye 007

A Gameplay Revolution That Many Missed Out On

Speaking about outstanding console shooter games, many gamers find themselves reminiscing about the universe of “GoldenEye 007” for the Nintendo 64, which is often considered one of the most entertaining multiplayer activities on a system renowned for top-notch multiplayer offerings. The astonishing aspect lies in the fact that it wasn’t a “Mario” themed party game, but rather an FPS-a genre some believed consoles could never excel at.

Critics were mistaken, and this game not only shattered the curse of first-person shooter games on consoles but also the curse associated with movie tie-ins. It offers a remarkably faithful adaptation of the film. Although it’s no longer the pinnacle of console FPS, it’s one of the finest games that can only be played on the Nintendo 64.

TimeSplitters 2

The Gold Standard Of Console-Only Shooters

Greetings! It’s worth noting that while Halo is often credited with defining the modern console shooter genre due to its PC port, this isn’t entirely accurate. Before the debut of Halo on Xbox, there was already Timesplitters for the PlayStation 2, and an even more refined version, TimeSplitters 2, which built upon the greatness of its predecessor.

TimeSplitters 2 significantly built upon the foundations laid by GoldenEye, applying those lessons to create a more refined and seamless first-person shooter (FPS) experience. This game boasted an engaging campaign and multiplayer modes that were nothing short of thrilling. Unfortunately, TimeSplitters never graced PC users with its presence, despite the fact that the developers had developed a high-definition remaster hidden as an Easter egg within Homefront.

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2025-08-06 07:04