Bethesda’s Best Shooters: Redefining the FPS Genre with Rage, Wolfenstein, and Doom

Summary

Bethesda produces top-tier shooters like Rage, Wolfenstein, and Doom that redefine the FPS genre.
Unique gameplay mechanics, immersive narratives, and high-octane action are hallmarks of Bethesda shooters.
Bethesda’s shooters stand out for their creativity, brutality, and stylish gameplay experiences.

Bethesda’s prestige is often associated with expansive RPGs and post-apocalyptic open worlds, but behind the scenes, this publisher has also emerged as a reliable supporter of top-tier shooter games. From the mayhem of boomerang-wielding action to the fast-paced demon hunting, their collection encompasses some of the most creative, violent, and fashionable first-person games from the past two decades.

Here are the standout shooters that have matured gracefully over time, and even reshaped the boundaries of First-Person Shooter (FPS) gaming on occasion.

1. Rage

The Boomerang FPS That Had No Right Looking That Good

2011 saw the debut of Rage, id Software’s reentry into the First-Person Shooter genre following Doom 3. Technically speaking, it was a game that surpassed expectations for its time. Fueled by the id Tech 5 engine, it left players amazed by the megatextures which made even the most ordinary objects like rocks, rusty signposts, and canyon walls appear strikingly realistic. For a game that began with a character emerging from a cryo-pod in a desolate desert, it ran exceptionally smoothly, even on consoles.

However, “Rage” wasn’t merely a picturesque wasteland; it combined corridor shootouts reminiscent of “Mad Max” with vehicular combats, allowing players to customize and fortify their dune buggies for destructive drives against hordes of bandits armed with miniguns. The game’s weapons delivered satisfying impacts, particularly the wingstick—a boomerang-like weapon adorned with razor edges that became an unexpected emblem of the title. Although not groundbreaking, the AI displayed impressive mobility, as enemies leaped over cover and executed flanking maneuvers, hinting at some sophisticated programming skills.

Despite its disappointing storyline and controversial abrupt ending, which has been a frequent subject of criticism in gaming history, Rage continues to maintain its cult reputation due to its engaging gameplay mechanics and impressive presentation.

2. Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus

When A Shooter Goes Full Tarantino

In the opening scene of Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus, B.J. Blazkowicz is seen wielding a gun while confined to a wheelchair on a blazing U-boat, relentlessly targeting Nazis as his legs offer only limited mobility. This single scene encapsulates the game’s overall atmosphere: bold, fearless, strikingly violent, and unapologetically political.

MachineGames significantly amplified the raw, vibrant atmosphere from The New Order, placing players in an alternate 1960s America where Nazis are in power. This America, from the Ku Klux Klan’s patrols in small-town Roswell to the fiery remains of Manhattan, was a twisted, satirical reflection of American culture. However, beneath the violence and absurdity, The New Colossus carried a substantial emotional impact. B.J.’s struggle with his mortality, past traumas, and the weight of resistance lent the game an authenticity that surprised many players.

The gunfights were deliberately intense, featuring dual-wielding and unique weapons such as the Dieselkraftwerk, which reduced entire squads into regret-filled piles of flame. However, the game’s tempo was frequently contentious—the cutscenes were lengthy, stealth elements felt incomplete, and some boss battles veered towards bullet sponge encounters. Nevertheless, it presented a shooter with a strong narrative that was rare, not shy about being strange, daring, and enraged.

3. Rage 2

Neon-Pink Mayhem In A Desert Of Missed Potential

In the first game, Rage, the atmosphere was raw and realistic; however, in its sequel, Rage 2, they cranked up the energy to max chaos level, much like a can of Monster Energy drink would say. Avalanche Studios collaborated with id Software on this project, and it shows through improved driving mechanics, more explosive effects, and every confrontation resembling a comic book page drawn with markers and gunpowder.

Engaging in combat was absolutely thrilling. With nanotrite powers, players could smash into the ground with immense power, dodge bullets, and toss enemies around as if they were dolls. Add to that id’s unique weapon sensation, especially the shotgun, and every gunfight felt smooth, dynamic, and almost superhuman.

However, Rage 2 encountered a significant issue – it struggled to fill the gaps between battles. Despite its vast open world, it felt strangely devoid, with repetitive outposts and run-of-the-mill side missions. The narrative, intended to make players invest emotionally in Walker or the Authority, failed to gain traction before concluding prematurely.

Even at its best, it had the intensity of Doom combined with an open-world perspective – quite an appealing quality, despite moments when the game seemed to forget there should be pauses between gunfights.

4. Wolfenstein: The New Order

Nazis, Robots, And One Very Tired Man

2014’s unexpected sensation, Wolfenstein: The New Order, breathed new life into an old series by portraying B.J. Blazkowicz as a man rather than a stereotype. He was more than just a quip machine; he was a character with years of emotional baggage etched in his weary eyes, battling in a world where the Allies had suffered defeat.

In this alternate reality, the atmosphere was bleak yet captivating, as a Nazi lunar base seemed less far-fetched than the notion of Jimi Hendrix becoming part of the rebellion. The stealth tactics were straightforward yet engaging, enabling players to silently eliminate commanders before they sounded alarms. When things escalated, they did so dramatically—particularly when dual-wielding automatic shotguns or slicing through heavily armored foes with the Laserkraftwerk.

The rhythm of the game was noticeable. Players moved between different time periods, broke into prisons, led assaults using colossal robots, and faced decisions that altered the storyline. While it wasn’t flawless—stealth felt secondary at times, and the checkpoints were harsh—it rejuvenated the Wolfenstein series for a new audience without abandoning its core principles.

5. Prey

The Most Underrated Shotgun In Sci-Fi History

Referring to the game “Prey” as a “shooter” seems odd. While it does have weapons such as a shotgun, pistol, and GLOO Cannon which shoots foam that freezes enemies and can also be used as a climbing tool, “Prey” plays more like a psychological puzzle-solving experience in a zero-gravity environment.

As I found myself on the Talos I space station in the game Prey, I discovered a unique experience as Morgan Yu, a character unexpectedly caught amidst a facility overrun with sneaky mimics and mind-bending Typhon creatures. What truly set it apart wasn’t just the thrilling combat encounters, but the freedom that came with exploring every nook and cranny of Talos I.

Players could choose their own paths, using abilities, clever environmental manipulation, or simply placing objects strategically to achieve our goals. If you wanted to stack boxes to squeeze through a narrow vent, skipping an entire level, the game allowed for that kind of creativity. Or perhaps if you preferred to create a path up a wall and then take down aliens while leaping mid-air, the game facilitated such unconventional tactics.

From a gamer’s perspective, I found myself deeply immersed in the intricate web of identity and consequences. Every decision mattered, and the characters seemed to remember my actions, adding a layer of realism that was both captivating and chilling. As I delved deeper into Talos I’s history, I uncovered more about its dark past, which only served to make the game even more unsettling. It was clear that Prey had inherited the immersive sim genes from games like System Shock and Deus Ex. Despite not setting the world on fire with sales initially, Prey has since earned a reputation as one of Arkane’s most ambitious and brilliant projects.

6. Doom

Rip And Tear Until It Was Cool Again

2016’s revival of Doom surprised everyone with its quality, given its rocky development phase that initially envisioned the game as a gritty war shooter akin to Call of Duty. However, id Software took a drastic turn and produced something boisterous, swift, and delightfully brutal instead.

In my perspective as an avid gamer, this revamped version of “Doom” transformed the Slayer into an awe-inspiring embodiment of raw nature. The storyline, though present, was smart enough to step back when it saw that I had already laid waste to anything explaining its intricacies. Instead, the spotlight shone on the exhilarating combat loop: slay demons with panache to restore health, employ chainsaw fuel as ammo, and blend weapons mid-battle like a death metal improvisation. No cover mechanics, no healing regeneration, no pauses in the action.

The design of the levels was reminiscent of the original ‘Doom’, filled with hidden treasures, multiple levels, and combat arenas that encouraged continuous movement from players. Moreover, the music, created by Mick Gordon, gained legendary status, as its chainsaw melodies and heavy bass beats harmoniously matched every kill.

Not only did it revive the franchise, but it also served as a powerful reminder to the entire First-Person Shooter (FPS) genre about embodying relentless aggression, swift agility, and unyielding tenacity.

7. Doom Eternal

The Chess Match Of Demon Slaying

In the game Doom Eternal, players were tasked with not only unleashing chaos, but also mastering it. Every demon, weapon, and resource functioned as part of a fast-paced, brutal dance where hesitation was penalized and precision was rewarded. Players didn’t simply shoot enemies—they engaged in high-speed combat puzzles set to a tempo of 200 beats per minute.

Effective resource utilization was crucial. Running low on ammo? Grab the chainsaw. In need of armor? Opt for the flamethrower’s fiery belch. Low on health? Go for the glory kill. This continuous cycle required players to make swift decisions during combat, all while navigating arenas using monkey-bar like traversal and dashes reminiscent of platforming games.

Instead of delving deeply into mythology and legend, as one might expect, the narrative took an unexpected turn and became heavily immersed in lore. The Slayer was portrayed as a legendary figure in a celestial conflict, with scenes depicting events ranging from historical betrayals to epic mechanical battles against colossal demons resembling kaiju. Some found this more serious narrative tone challenging, but it imbued the series with an energy reminiscent of both “The Lord of the Rings” and the music of Slayer albums, which surprisingly came together harmoniously.

2025-05-10 06:07