First-person shooters (FPS) have become one of the most dominant gaming genres. However, their origins trace back to the retro era, when groundbreaking titles laid the foundation for modern FPS mechanics. These early games introduced fast-paced action, immersive environments, and competitive multiplayer battles, shaping the future of shooters.
This article explores the best retro FPS games that defined the genre, highlighting their impact, gameplay innovations, and lasting legacy.
1. Wolfenstein 3D (1992) – The Grandfather of FPS
Before Doom changed the industry, Wolfenstein 3D pioneered fast-paced first-person combat. Developed by id Software, this game popularized the FPS perspective and introduced players to adrenaline-fueled action. As William “B.J.” Blazkowicz, players fought through a Nazi fortress filled with heavily armed guards, attack dogs, and deadly bosses.
🔹 Why It Defined the Genre:
✔ Established the FPS formula with maze-like levels and key-based progression
✔ Offered simple yet engaging gunplay that made it easy to pick up and play
✔ Set the stage for future FPS games, influencing the entire genre
👉 Legacy: Wolfenstein 3D remains a cornerstone of FPS history, paving the way for Doom and countless successors.
2. Doom (1993) – The Game That Changed Everything
If one game revolutionized FPS gaming, it was Doom. Released by id Software, it refined Wolfenstein 3D’s mechanics while introducing multiplayer deathmatches, modding capabilities, and advanced level design. The game’s intense speed and relentless demon hordes made it an instant classic.
🔹 Why It Defined the Genre:
✔ Popularized high-speed FPS gameplay with fluid movement and intense combat
✔ Introduced networked multiplayer (deathmatches), shaping online FPS gaming
✔ Encouraged player creativity through mods, expanding the game’s lifespan
👉 Legacy: Doom remains an essential title for FPS fans. Thanks to modern ports, fan-made expansions, and an active modding community, it continues to thrive today.
3. Duke Nukem 3D (1996) – The FPS with Attitude
Unlike other FPS games that focused on horror or military themes, Duke Nukem 3D embraced humor, over-the-top action, and interactive environments. Developed by 3D Realms, the game followed Duke Nukem, a wisecracking hero battling alien invaders in cityscapes filled with pop culture references.
🔹 Why It Defined the Genre:
✔ Introduced interactive levels with destructible objects and usable items
✔ Expanded FPS level design beyond corridors, allowing for open-ended exploration
✔ Created an iconic FPS protagonist, influencing later shooters
👉 Legacy: Duke Nukem 3D inspired later titles like Serious Sam and Shadow Warrior, proving that FPS games could mix action with humor.
4. Quake (1996) – The Birth of True 3D FPS
While Doom relied on 2D sprites to simulate 3D, Quake featured fully 3D-rendered environments and enemies. Developed by id Software, it set new standards for multiplayer gaming by introducing dedicated servers and online play.
🔹 Why It Defined the Genre:
✔ First FPS with fully 3D environments, creating a more immersive experience
✔ Pioneered online multiplayer with dedicated servers, setting the stage for future esports
✔ Introduced rocket jumping, a movement technique still used in modern shooters
👉 Legacy: Quake became a major influence on competitive gaming, leading to QuakeCon and inspiring titles like Counter-Strike and Half-Life.
5. GoldenEye 007 (1997) – The Console FPS Revolution
Until GoldenEye 007, FPS games were mostly PC-exclusive experiences. Developed by Rare for the Nintendo 64, it proved that FPS games could work on consoles. Featuring a campaign inspired by the James Bond movie, it also introduced split-screen multiplayer, making it a favorite at gaming parties.
🔹 Why It Defined the Genre:
✔ Demonstrated that FPS games could thrive on consoles
✔ Integrated stealth mechanics, adding variety beyond run-and-gun gameplay
✔ Popularized four-player split-screen, setting a precedent for future console shooters
👉 Legacy: GoldenEye 007 directly influenced Halo: Combat Evolved and other console shooters. Its multiplayer mode remains a nostalgic favorite for N64 fans.
6. Unreal Tournament (1999) – The King of Arena Shooters
While Quake introduced competitive FPS gaming, Unreal Tournament perfected it. Developed by Epic Games, it focused entirely on fast-paced multiplayer combat, offering various game modes like Capture the Flag, Domination, and Last Man Standing.
🔹 Why It Defined the Genre:
✔ Set a new standard for competitive FPS gameplay
✔ Offered smooth movement and precise shooting mechanics, creating a skill-based experience
✔ Included multiple game modes, encouraging long-term replayability
👉 Legacy: Unreal Tournament became one of the most beloved arena shooters, influencing later titles like Quake III Arena and Overwatch.
7. Half-Life (1998) – The FPS That Revolutionized Storytelling
Before Half-Life, FPS games primarily focused on combat and key-hunting mechanics. Valve changed everything by integrating storytelling into the gameplay, removing cutscenes in favor of real-time narrative sequences. Players controlled Gordon Freeman, a scientist trying to survive an alien invasion at the Black Mesa facility.
🔹 Why It Defined the Genre:
✔ Blended storytelling with gameplay, eliminating traditional cutscenes
✔ Featured intelligent enemy AI, making combat encounters more strategic
✔ Inspired a wave of narrative-driven FPS games, including BioShock and Halo
👉 Legacy: Half-Life led to the creation of Counter-Strike, one of the most influential multiplayer FPS games ever. Its impact on storytelling in games is still felt today.
Final Thoughts – Which Retro FPS Is the Best?
The retro FPS era laid the foundation for modern shooters. These classic games introduced fast movement, competitive multiplayer, immersive storytelling, and technical advancements that continue to influence today’s FPS titles.
🎯 Most Influential FPS: Doom
🔫 Best Console FPS: GoldenEye 007
🏆 Most Innovative Multiplayer: Quake
📖 Best Storytelling FPS: Half-Life
Each of these games helped shape the FPS genre, making them essential experiences for any retro gaming fan.
Which classic FPS do you think had the biggest impact? Share your thoughts in the comments!