The Shooter That Proves Tight Mechanics Still Matter More Than Presentation

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There’s still plenty of potential for innovation in first-person shooter games, and DOOM Eternal, released in 2020, is a perfect example. I consider it one of the best single-player FPS games ever created. However, after experiencing its fast-paced, exciting gameplay, most other first-person shooters just feel ordinary and lack inspiration.

First-person shooter (FPS) games have evolved a lot over time, and the DOOM series was a key part of that development. Games like DOOM, Quake, Duke Nukem, and Wolfenstein on MS-DOS created fast-paced, imaginative experiences in unreal settings, prioritizing fun over realism. However, things shifted with games like Rainbow Six, Medal of Honor, and Call of Duty, which aimed for a more realistic feel. Instead of playing as a powerful hero, you became a soldier or special operative – often in the US military. While these realistic shooters had their strengths, they began to emphasize visuals and atmosphere over interesting gameplay, which eventually paved the way for a return to fast-paced action with games like DOOM Eternal.

How DOOM Eternal Makes Running and Gunning Feel Fresh Again

When Id Software announced the return of DOOM in 2016, a lot of people, myself included, were uncertain. I wasn’t thrilled with DOOM 3 when it first came out (though I’ve heard it holds up better now), so I was skeptical about a modern reboot. However, the new DOOM turned out to be surprisingly good. While the 2016 game really embraced the idea of the Doom Slayer as a relentless demon-killing machine, DOOM Eternal took that concept even further.

DOOM 2016 was a solid first-person shooter, but DOOM Eternal really pushes the boundaries of the genre. Most shooters reward players for finding cover and avoiding damage, but DOOM Eternal actively requires constant, aggressive play. Like the previous game, you regain health by performing Glory Kills, making it more dangerous to retreat than to keep fighting. DOOM Eternal builds on this with new additions like armor drops, dashing, and the powerful Blood Punch, encouraging a relentless, forward-moving style of combat.

As a huge fan, I have to say the changes they made to DOOM Eternal, especially the incredible new weapons – seriously, looking back, the starter pistol from the first DOOM feels so basic now! – create a combat experience unlike anything else I’ve played. Everything just works. Nothing feels unnecessary or like a cheap trick. It’s perfectly balanced so that being fast and aggressive isn’t just more enjoyable, it’s actually the smartest way to stay alive by getting health and ammo. Plus, every weapon has a specific use – like snipers for those annoying Maykr Drones, or grenades for taking down Cacodemons – which makes the combat feel incredibly tight and well-designed.

DOOM Eternal Is Far from the Only Modern FPS with Unique Mechanics

It’s important to note that many other games are also pushing the boundaries of what first-person shooters can be. DOOM Eternal isn’t the only one doing exciting things in this genre. Here are a few other recent first-person shooters that stand out for their creativity and innovation:

  • Ghostrunner 1 & 2
  • I Am Your Beast
  • Neon White
  • Prey
  • SUPERHOT
  • Severed Steel
  • Titanfall 2
  • Turbo Overkill
  • Ultrakill

These games stand out because they cleverly combine first-person shooting with elements from other genres. For example, Titanfall 2 takes the standard sci-fi shooter and elevates it with incredibly creative level design and gameplay, surpassing the single-player experiences in games like Call of Duty or Battlefield. Meanwhile, games like I Am Your Beast and Severed Steel offer fast-paced, almost puzzle-like action that’s rare in the genre.

While not as impactful as DOOM Eternal, DOOM: The Dark Ages still stands out as a solid and exciting first-person shooter.

Franchises Like Call of Duty Are Fine, but Can’t Define the FPS Space Anymore

Comparing games like Call of Duty or Battlefield to something like DOOM Eternal highlights a shift in popularity. For a while, games like Call of Duty and Medal of Honor – the latter even produced by Steven Spielberg – became more popular than older franchises like DOOM, Wolfenstein, and Quake in the early 2000s. This likely happened because audiences were drawn to realistic American war stories, which may have offered a sense of comfort after 9/11. It’s also possible that players were simply more interested in the newer, more cinematic gaming experiences these titles offered, rather than the more challenging gameplay of older, mechanically complex games.

The first-person shooter genre has definitely changed over time, but popular games like Call of Duty and Battlefield haven’t focused much on creating innovative single-player experiences. Instead, they prioritize impressive visuals and memorable moments over complex gameplay. For example, when a new Call of Duty game features a car chase, it’s usually a visually stunning, action-packed sequence, but it doesn’t let you truly experiment or play around with the environment. While these games deliver thrilling, fast-paced action, sometimes players want something with more depth and freedom. Thankfully, games like DOOM Eternal and others that prioritize gameplay innovation will continue to offer that kind of experience.

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2026-02-06 20:36