Doom's Legacy: FPS Games That Ripped It Off! You Won't Believe #3!

Summary

Doom pioneered FPS genre mechanics, influencing many games that followed.
FPS titles like Killing Floor 2, Prodeus, and Metal: Hellsinger pay homage to Doom’s legacy.
Ultrakill stands out with modern mechanics while maintaining a retro Doom aesthetic.

It’s generally agreed that “Doom” played a crucial role in shaping the history of first-person shooter (FPS) games. Although FPS games were present before, it was “Doom” that managed to popularize this genre among the general gaming community. The distinctive image of the Doomslayer has become almost synonymous with FPS games due to its wide impact. Many elements of the FPS genre can be traced back to “Doom,” as it introduced mechanics that later became standard for the genre.

Many first-person shooter (FPS) games today carry significant influences from the classic game “Doom.” These games openly acknowledge their inspiration, often challenging conventions and moving away from the visual styles that have dominated the genre since the mid-2000s, which are typically associated with “Call of Duty.” Whether it’s their intricate world-building, high-speed action sequences, narratives about battling demonic forces, or a mix of all three elements, here are some outstanding FPS games that draw inspiration from “Doom.

10. Killing Floor 2

A Doom-Inspired Co-op Zed Killing Mayhem

Back in 2009, I found myself immersed in the exhilarating world of the Killing Floor franchise, marking its debut with an explosive entry into a post-Doom gaming landscape. After Doom had fallen silent since Doom 3 in 2004, fans like me were yearning for a worthy successor. It was then that Tripwire Interactive entered the stage, crafting a cooperative shooter inspired by the spirit of Doom.

Killing Floor 2 was the game where the franchise truly established itself, even though it came out around the same time as the 2016 reboot of Doom. However, unlike Doom, which focused on a single-player experience, Killing Floor 2 was praised for its cooperative gameplay and was incredibly popular among players.

9. Painkiller

A Doom-Inspired Franchise Even Darker Than Doom

The “Painkiller” franchise has followed a remarkably comparable path to the “Doom” series. After the underwhelming reception of “Doom 3,” both series found a strong fanbase with their initial installments, which were particularly appealing to FPS (First-Person Shooter) enthusiasts and fans of “Doom.

The game titled “Painkiller” presented a grittier perspective within the FPS genre, although its premise and mechanics bore some resemblance to that of “Doom.” Unlike the lighter tone of the demonic Earth invasion depicted in Doom, Painkiller took a more somber approach. Despite the sequels failing to match the original’s impact, the initial release of Painkiller remains an exceptional game. With a reboot inspired by Doom (2016) underway, now is the perfect moment to delve into the franchise.

8. Forgive Me Father

A Lovecraftian Boomer Shooter With A Unique Art Style

Forgive Me Father” stands out among other retro-style FPS games due to its comic book art style. It carries strong similarities to “Doom,” particularly in its combat and the concept of a solitary hero battling countless monsters.

Instead of “Forgive Me Father” taking place in a world inspired by Lovecraft, where players combat eldritch entities rather than demonic spirits, the original and its sequel are entertaining first-person shooter games with loads of character and an immersive story that fans of “Doom” should absolutely explore.

7. Prodeus

A True Spiritual Successor To The Original Doom

Characters maneuver their Prodeus entities within a research lab setting. You won’t find an intricate storyline here; instead, the main objective revolves around battling your way through thrilling, action-packed arenas in an attempt to escape.

Clearly, the game Prodeus proudly carries the imprint of the Doom series. The weapons echo those legendary from the Doom franchise’s arsenal, and the old-school art style is reminiscent of its roots. In terms of gameplay, players command a faceless future solider, just like in the classic Doom. However, it sets itself apart by offering quick-paced combat with an emphasis on verticality that mirrors the latest iterations of the beloved Doom games.

6. Turbo Overkill

Overkill By Name, Brutally Fun Overkill By Nature

Turbo Overkill stands apart as a unique take on the classic first-person shooter genre, often referred to as a “boomer shooter.” It doesn’t just echo the spirit of iconic retro FPS games like Doom; it enhances and builds upon their appealing aspects in creative and impactful manners.

Although advertised as a retro-styled shooter, Turbo Overkill draws inspiration more from the modern Doom trilogy rather than 90s shooters. It incorporates contemporary elements such as upgradable weapons, vehicle play, and engaging storyline-enhancing cutscenes, while preserving a link to 90s shooters like Doom through its visual aesthetic.

5. Metal: Hellsinger

An Unprecedented Doom-Inspired Rhythm Action Shooter

In the world of gaming, there’s nothing quite like diving into Metal: Hellsinger. It’s an action-packed first-person shooter with a twist – it’s rhythm-based! As you blast your way through the eight different hells, you’ll find that this game takes everything you love about Doom and amps it up by adding a unique rhythm element to the mix.

As a gamer, nothing gets my adrenaline pumping quite like obliterating demons while rocking out to heavy metal tunes. Metal: Hellsinger delivers on this concept in an unparalleled way, offering a fresh and exceptional first-person shooter experience that’s truly one of a kind. Plus, if you’ve got the gear, you can immerse yourself even deeper with VR gameplay.

4. Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun

Warhammer In The Style Of Doom

One of the most renowned franchises globally is Warhammer 40,000. However, one area where this franchise faced challenges was in video game adaptations, which has been a source of frustration for fans. But with the 2023 launch of Boltgun, those frustrations have begun to subside. Although Space Marine 2 is currently more acclaimed among recent Warhammer adaptations, Boltgun paved the way and set a new standard.

As a passionate gamer, I can’t help but feel exhilarated when I think about how perfectly the Warhammer 40,000 universe meshes with the adrenaline-pumping gameplay of Doom. It’s as if these two titans were destined to collide, and Boltgun has brilliantly executed this cosmic union. This first-person shooter masterfully blends the thrilling action of Doom with the rich, immersive world of Warhammer 40,000, creating an experience that’s nothing short of a gaming dream come true.

3. Quake

Id Software Iterates On Their Doom Formula

In a sequel to the games Doom 1 and 2, known as Quake, id Software aimed to elevate the gaming experience for their primary series. Quake brought forth numerous gameplay advancements that were initially pioneered in Doom, while still preserving the visual style and brutal elements reminiscent of its forerunner.

Although the series might not have strongly resonated with gamers’ memories, it certainly left an indelible mark on gaming. Whereas numerous contemporary retro-styled shooter games draw inspiration from Doom for aesthetics, their gameplay tends to resemble Quake more closely. Remarkably, the original Quake and its subsequent sequels, released as far back as 1996, continue to be an exhilarating gaming experience.

2. Dusk

The Game That Started The Recent Wave Of Doom-Inspired Boomer Shooters

The latter part of the 2010s marked the emergence of a trend for throwback first-person shooters that harkened back to the “boomer” era. One of the earliest games to delve into this FPS style and gain significant traction among gamers was Dusk. Notably, despite being one of the pioneers in its genre, Dusk is considered one of the best boomer shooters. The developers have been candid about their inspirations for the game, which include Doom.

At dusk, gamers assume control over an unnamed treasure seeker engaged in a thrilling, frenetic battle against hordes of cultists, soldiers, and demons. This high-speed, bullet-filled combat also offers an engaging multiplayer mode for added enjoyment.

1. Ultrakill

They Don’t Get Much More Doom-Like Or Better Than This

Ultrakill is widely recognized and cherished as one of the top boomer shooters. It initially launched in early access back in 2020, and it continues to be in this stage currently. Despite not being fully-featured yet, Ultrakill has earned a place among the genre’s greats by drawing inspiration from both classic and contemporary versions of the Doom games, skillfully blending modern movement mechanics with a nostalgic aesthetic.

In terms of weapon selection, speed, and grisly action, Ultrakill delivers as expected within its genre. What sets it apart is the incorporation of robot arms into gameplay, adding a layer of complexity that allows for intriguing combos. The narrative is surprisingly rich, making it a rewarding experience for fans of the Doom series.

2025-05-19 12:39

Doom’s Legacy: FPS Games That Ripped It Off! You Won’t Believe #3!