The Most Original FPS Games - Investment Policy

Summary

Titanfall 2 offers a dynamic campaign with new gameplay variations and mechanics at every level.
Half-Life 2 balances gunplay and puzzles, introducing the innovative gravity gun mechanic.
Red Faction revolutionized FPS with “Geomod”, allowing players to dig holes and manipulate environments.

For an extended period, the First-Person Shooter (FPS) genre has been labeled as one of the least intellectually demanding video game categories. However, it’s important to note that blasting through hordes of enemies in FPS games isn’t all there is to it. Despite their seemingly straightforward structure, developers have had to constantly reinvent these games to keep them engaging.

For those who love immersive gaming experiences, particularly first-person shooters like “Doom: The Dark Ages,” now is a great opportunity to explore some of the most inventive First-Person Shooter (FPS) titles currently available.

9. Titanfall 2

Don’t Underestimate TF2’s Intelligence Just Because Of Its Size

In terms of action, Titanfall 2 is hard to beat. However, it might seem that the game lacks a deep campaign compared to other first-person shooters. But don’t be deceived! This game offers one of the most innovative and fluid campaigns ever created. Despite being shorter than many FPS campaigns, Titanfall 2 follows in the footsteps of Joseph Fares from Hazelight Studios by introducing fresh elements in every level.

Indeed, you’ve hit the mark! This game offers more than just the typical soldier or robot roleplay. Each level unveils fresh and captivating mechanics right up until the campaign’s conclusion. If you’re seeking a first-person shooter that leaves an indelible impact even after brief playtime, Titanfall 2 should be your go-to choice. Crossing fingers for the eventual emergence of Titanfall 3!

8. Half-Life 2

Foreseen Consequences

While Half-Life 2 is renowned for significantly outdoing its intelligent predecessor, it’s important to acknowledge another game that masterfully combines gunplay and puzzle action within the genre. The incorporation not just of physics but the innovative Gravity Gun, a brilliant invention that redefined what was thought possible in first-person shooter games, continues to be one of the most inspired design choices in gaming history.

Even though Half-Life 2 may not appear as visually stunning now compared to when it was first released, it continues to be just as enjoyable to play, and let’s face it, it still looks quite impressive.

7. Red Faction

Mining Without Crafting Can Be Just As Fun

The initial version of Red Faction, perhaps, was the pioneer in shattering the traditional boundaries of what a First-Person Shooter (FPS) game could offer. In this game, you assume the role of a miner on Mars amidst a revolution, and a unique feature called “Geomod” was introduced by developers. This revolutionary mechanic enabled players to burrow tunnels through walls, either as a means to circumvent closed doors or simply for amusement.

It’s not surprising that it doesn’t seem very exciting now, given the impact of games like Minecraft. However, back in the early 2000s, this was nothing short of groundbreaking. Unfortunately, subsequent installments in the series mostly abandoned what made the original unique, such as the first-person perspective. Despite that, they still offer a lot of enjoyable gameplay—except for Red Faction 2, which wasn’t well received.

6. Jurassic Park: Trespasser

Failed Just Like The Titular Park, But Shouldn’t Be Forgotten

As a gamer myself, I can’t help but reminisce about the massive impact “Jurassic Park: Trespasser” had on the gaming industry, especially in shaping the physics-driven gameplay of “Half-Life 2”. Many might not fully grasp its significance. This game was a trailblazer, introducing actual physics, an innovative aiming system that wasn’t common in shooters at the time, a minimalist HUD replaced by immersive, in-game health displays, and a vast, dinosaur-infested open world that demanded player interaction. It was truly ahead of its time.

Unfortunately, having a brilliant concept doesn’t guarantee a fantastic game, and Trespasser turned out to be more of a learning experience than a memorable one. Nevertheless, among Jurassic Park shooters,

5. Superhot

Slow Reflexes? No Problem

From its initial release up until February 2016, the First-Person Shooter (FPS) genre was dominated by players who were agile and swift in their movements and shooting. However, Superhot revolutionized this norm. Unlike traditional FPS games, where constant movement is essential, Superhot grants players ample time to strategize and triumph in a shootout, as long as they remain stationary while pondering their next move.

Unlike many other games, Superhot doesn’t require continuous play. Instead, it automatically pauses whenever players stop moving, allowing them to strategize their next actions. What makes Superhot unique among first-person shooter (FPS) games is that it only engages the player when they actively try to resist or fight back, resulting in an incredibly intriguing FPS experience.

4. Deathloop

Groundhog Death Day

Stories similar to “Groundhog Day,” where a character is stuck reliving the same day over and over until they break free from the loop, are not novel in movies or games. However, the game Deathloop was the first to attempt this concept in a major First-Person Shooter (FPS), and it proved to be quite successful. Not only does it include many exciting mechanics inspired by “Dishonored” that give the main character numerous abilities, enhancing the enjoyment factor, but it also offers a unique gaming experience unlike any other.

Despite Deathloop‘s storyline allowing players flexibility in its linearity, it stands out as an exceptional first-person shooter due to its encouragement for players to experiment with various strategies when eliminating their specific targets. Regardless of how often a player may die and restart, the experience remains enjoyable until the end credits appear.

3. Prey (2017)

Prop Hunt But Make It Spooky

A terrifying aspect of an alien invasion is when they’ve already infiltrated among us, and people are unaware. In 2017’s Prey, players engage in a massive hunt for hidden aliens, employing their intelligence and the game’s distinctive weaponry to locate the threat and eliminate it.

Besides its core concept, Prey stands out by encouraging players to think creatively about utilizing their items to construct passageways for traversing the levels within the Talos 1 space station. This inventive use of immersive-sim design and first-person shooter gameplay is a unique blend that Arkane Studios excels at. Here’s to hoping that a sequel will eventually be produced someday.

2. Prey (2006)

One Of The Most Underrated Games Of All time

Surprisingly, the classic game titled Prey, which shares no connection with the 2017 hit game of the same name, stands out even more. Not only does it deliver on its gunplay as effectively as any high-profile first-person shooter (FPS), but the original Prey was audaciously innovative. In this version, players find themselves captive aboard an alien spacecraft, and it excels at creating an atmosphere that is genuinely otherworldly. Navigating walls and ceilings, shrinking to fit in vast spaces, and employing Portals before the concept was popularized in Portal, are all part of a typical day in Prey.

Despite not reaching the same level of fame as many of its contemporaries, Prey remains one of the most unique and captivating shooter games ever created. A sequel was even announced (boasting exceptional gameplay), but unfortunately, it was scrapped in 2014.

1. Cruelty Squad

A Beautiful Nightmare In Video Game Form

In the game titled “Cruelty Squad“, players step into the role of an assassin, unlike the well-known game “Hitman“. Despite appearing straightforward in terms of mechanics, “Cruelty Squad” boasts innovative features. For instance, reloading is not your typical button press; instead, you need to simulate pulling back a real gun by moving your mouse, which adds an exhilarating boost to the tension during shootouts. This is only one of many unique aspects this game offers.

In the game “Cruelty Squad”, participants can engage in an unusual stock market, unlike any real-world version, but still not more bizarre than its original inspiration. It’s worth acknowledging the obvious, though. Graphically, “Cruelty Squad” stands out among the other games on this list—to the extent that it might feel uncomfortable for some. However, despite its unique appearance, players should definitely consider exploring this one-of-a-kind game.

2025-06-01 09:35