The FPS genre is all about players using guns to shoot things, this leads to a ton of blood and violence as is. So, it's hard to find many popular FPS games that are rated by ESRB to be suitable for younger audiences. Most modern FPS games, be it behemoths like Call of Duty and Battlefield or games more focused on storytelling and narrative like Spec Ops: The Line, and all have Mature (M) 17+ ESRB ratings.
The question that then arises is which FPS games utilize these ratings the best. This is not to mean the best FPS games period, but the best FPS games that are M rated and utilize the M rating to depict a compelling narrative or offer entertaining gameplay. Needless to say most of these games by virtue of their existence are violent in nature.
6 Doom Eternal
A Doom game was always going to be on this list. Doom essentially shaped the scope of the entire FPS genre, and definitely made some impact on how rating boards judge video game content. Doom Eternal is the latest installment by id Software and players once again take up the mantle of the Doom Slayer and follow an, admittedly, cookie-cutter story. Earth has been overrun by demons and players have to battle the Icon of Sin among others.
Doom Eternal is just a perfect adrenaline-fuelled power trip. The gameplay is incredible, from the soundtrack to the fluid gunplay to how the game's difficulty increases at an appropriate pace. Coupled with this, there's a variety of different enemies and nothing ever gets stale. And, of course, the game features a ton of blood and violence, making it an adrenaline-fueled marathon.
5 Metro Exodus
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Metro Exodus was the latest installment in the post-apocalyptic Metro series, based on the novels by Dimitry Glukhovsky. Metro Exodus is a story-focused FPS with tons of survival horror elements and a stunning narrative. While the game has solid gunplay and satisfying combat overall, what makes it shine is the presence of survival gameplay features.
The game has a few open-world elements and focuses a lot on the in-game environment showing the deteriorated state of the world. The plot focuses on human nature in a state of desperation, both the dark ends humanity can degrade to and the hopeful mindset of people. This game is gritty, dark, and somber, but it makes for an excellent experience and is a unique twist in the classic genre formula.
4 Wolfenstein 2 - The New Colossus
The Wolfenstein series is known for being over the top in pretty much every aspect, as is signified by the protagonist's name: BJ Blazkowicz. This game series is all about what would have happened if the Nazis had won World War 2, with the player and their team are working to stop them.
Wolfenstein 2 has a solid gameplay system and most of the guns feel rewarding to use. On top of that, this game is somewhat difficult and requires players to decide how they approach the foe, making it all the more gratifying when Blazkowicz tears through hordes of enemies.
The New Colossus builds on the foundation laid in the previous game. The narrative is tense, and it feels like the player is fighting against the clock the whole time. Overall, it's a great FPS and it's somewhat under-appreciated.
3 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
This entry is referring to the original Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 which took the gaming world by storm. This game was a blockbuster movie wrapped up into a video game. It features one of the best story modes in any FPS game ever and has tons of memorable characters players still love to this date.
This game has a more mature and serious approach to storytelling that isn't common in most Call Of Duty games, and it makes the most of it. Moreover, it has one of the best multiplayer systems of the time with varied game modes and a solid variety of weapon choices.
2 Spec Ops: The Line
Spec Ops: The Line is another rarity in the genre, as it is focused solely on the single-player story. This game was created with the intention of showing the realities of war and combat, its repulsiveness and brutality that turns ordinary people into monsters. It also shows that there are no 'good guys' on a battlefield and perspective is key.
Players follow the story of Martin Walker and his slow descent from a war hero to a monster. It's extremely dark, and the third act especially sees the 'good guys' do a lot of questionable and frightening deeds. A ruined Dubai portrays a harrowing but compelling tale of war horrors, completely going against their typical glorification in pop culture.
1 Titanfall 2
The Titanfall series was responsible for some genre re-defining steps in the FPS scene. Not only did it take high-adrenaline, action-packed combat to the next level, but it also made everything fluid and extremely fast-paced. Titanfall 2 made incredible strides, not only thanks to a fun and organic campaign mode but thanks to a fantastic multiplayer mode, too.
From the wall-running to the all-out brawls with titans of different models, the game had everything aside from proper support from the publishers, which is a shame. Fans are still hoping for a Titanfall 3 to this date.