For a long time, Call of Duty was just one of many World War II-based first-person shooter games. But Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare changed everything. Many fans consider it the best game in the series, and it launched a successful trilogy and later, a rebooted trilogy. Its popularity earned the game’s developer, Infinity Ward, a lot of recognition and support.
Even after all these years, I still have a blast playing Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare! It’s not perfect, though, and I’ve been looking for other first-person shooters that bring something fresh to the table. Don’t get me wrong, Modern Warfare is a classic, but if you’re like me and love shooters, you might really enjoy these lesser-known gems too.
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Titanfall 2
Modern Warfare’s True Spiritual Successor
Many consider Titanfall 2 to be a spiritual successor to the original Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. The team at Respawn Entertainment was formed by developers formerly of Infinity Ward, and their first game focused on fast-paced multiplayer action with both soldiers and giant mechs. Titanfall 2 then introduced a full single-player campaign that’s just as exciting as Call of Duty 4’s, especially with its memorable action sequences. One standout moment involves navigating a surreal, automated cityscape, which created a unique and challenging platforming experience.
The movement in this game is outstanding, and the weapons feel great to use. The mechs are powerful yet controlled, and both standard and advanced weapons respond perfectly. This sequel builds on the foundation of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, taking a good idea and improving it for the benefit of the shooter genre as a whole. There’s also a particularly memorable section later in the game that I won’t spoil. Without a doubt, Titanfall 2‘s campaign is better than Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, although the multiplayer experience is a different matter.
BioShock 2
The Most Fun Game Under The Sea
Often considered the weakest entry in the BioShock series, BioShock 2 returns to the underwater city of Rapture. This time, you play as a unique Big Daddy – a prototype with enhanced strength. This leads to exciting new gameplay features, making it arguably the most enjoyable BioShock game to play. Players can equip powerful Big Daddy weapons, like a massive drill arm, and the satisfying impact of turning enemies into goo remains incredibly fun.
BioShock 2 introduced several improvements, including the ability to use weapons and supernatural powers (Plasmids) at the same time, which made battles more exciting. The new Big Sister enemy was a great addition, and the game focused more on action than exploring or solving puzzles, giving it a fresh feel. While the shooting wasn’t as refined as in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, BioShock 2’s incredibly atmospheric setting and diverse Plasmids helped it create a unique experience.
Bulletstorm
Creatively Evolving Shooters
Few games are as bold as Bulletstorm, and that’s what makes it stand out. While the game is packed with over-the-top violence and crude humor, and its main character, Grayson Hunt, isn’t exactly a hero, that’s intentional. It’s a playful take on the intense first-person shooters of the 90s, updated with modern graphics. Bulletstorm doesn’t just want you to shoot enemies – it encourages you to find fun and inventive ways to take them down.
Players use a special electronic lasso to pull enemies towards them, then kick or blast them into dangerous surroundings like cactus, spikes, and off cliffs. The game rewards skillful and creative takedowns with points that can be spent on ammo and upgrades. While the shooting feels excellent and features impressive levels, what really sets Bulletstorm apart from games like Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is its focus on using the environment to eliminate enemies in unique ways.
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
An Open-Ended RPG
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided continues the story of Deus Ex: Human Revolution, building on what made the first game so popular. Both games are immersive, first-person role-playing games, but Mankind Divided is set in a futuristic version of Prague. Players control Adam Jensen as he investigates a case that quickly unravels into a larger terrorist conspiracy. The game allows for open exploration of Prague, and Jensen’s cybernetic augmentations unlock access to previously unreachable areas.
For instance, improving hacking skills could allow players to unlock apartments containing valuable gear or important information. During missions, players can choose to be sneaky and avoid killing enemies, or they can play as a more traditional first-person shooter, all based on Adam’s cybernetic augmentations. This freedom in how you approach missions and explore the world is a key reason why fans enjoy the Deus Ex series. While Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is a more straightforward experience, it demonstrates how engaging a linear game can be. When it comes to campaign flexibility, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided offers the most choice.
Call Of Duty: Advanced Warfare
A Call To Arms
No list of great games would be complete without a Call of Duty title, and Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is a strong contender, even rivaling the popular Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. This was Sledgehammer Games’ debut as an independent developer, after previously contributing to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. Advanced Warfare revitalized the series with its near-future setting and exciting new features like drones, exoskeletons, and robotic allies. The game’s story was particularly engaging, featuring excellent acting, especially from lead actor Troy Baker.
Building on established multiplayer features, this game introduces a leveling system between missions, allowing players to upgrade their exosuits and encouraging higher performance. While the controls maintain the familiar feel of a Call of Duty game, the added mobility from the exosuit—including abilities like large jumps and a grappling hook—make this a standout sequel. It wasn’t a radical departure for the series, but Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare earned a follow-up just like Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare did, which unfortunately never materialized.
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2026-04-02 17:05