Asking about first-person shooters (FPS) today will have gamers recommend the likes of Apex Legends, Call Of Duty, and even Battlefield to friends. However, during the 1990s when gaming was still in its infancy, there were a lot more experimental FPS games before hit franchises like Battlefield, Call Of Duty, and Apex Legends.

In fact, fans who look further down gaming history will see some great FPS games that have been forgotten. Nevertheless, fans of the genre might want to play these games for themselves to understand how some of their mechanics may have contributed to enjoyable FPS elements today.

Updated on February 28, 2024 by Rhenn Taguiam: With 2024’s Call of Duty teased for an October launch, fans of the acclaimed franchise may turn to other FPS titles such as Apex Legends, Valorant, and even Call of Duty’s own Warzone for their first-person shooting fix. However, for fans who want a true change of pace, perhaps looking into more classic FPS titles might help them understand the evolution of the popular genre. In fact, in terms of FPS history, it’s titles in the 1990s that formed staple mechanics that the genre enjoys today, with forgotten titles making small marks in the field through mechanics such as reinterpretations of hit sci-fi films about a lethal alien and stopping a future dominated by robots, a pilot of a mecha suit against an evil geneticist, a gory experience packed with pop culture references, and a hit mecha title.

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15 Kileak: The DNA Imperative (1995)

IMDb Score: 5.7

In the near future of 2038, the story of Kileak: The DNA Imperative lets players take on the role of Captain Matt Coda as he explores a military base in the South Pole on behalf of the International Peacekeeping Force. As players navigate the base using Coda's SJ 107 Assault Suit, a wide variety of enemies such as monsters and mutants start attacking him. While the story of Kileak itself has the undertones of a dark military tale, its gameplay also cements a worthwhile challenging encounter for players out to complete a dangerous mission.

Similar to Dark Souls today, gameplay in Kileak is often criticized for its difficulty. After all, Matt can only move in one direction while rotating his camera, with the game letting his Assault Suit equip a wide variety of armaments that consume either ammo and energy. The game's difficulty spikes not only with challenging encounters but also its survival component, as the game ends not only if the Suit is destroyed but if it also runs out of power completely.

14 The Terminator: Skynet (1996)

IMDb Rating: 7

Considered as among the best FPS titles in the 1990s, The Terminator: Skynet remains a niche experience today due to its more straightforward take on missions and objectives. The game takes place across eight levels, where players take the role of a Resistance fighter tasked to infiltrate a secret base. Unfortunately for players, this future remains dominated by the deadly Terminators, forcing players to use a wide variety of weapons in tandem with various upgrades.

The game is known for being among the first FPS games to use the keyboard and mouse to explore, while also allowing them to navigate terrain on foot or even in vehicles. The game's enjoyable multiplayer mode also allows players to fight each other in multiplayer, be it as humans or Terminators.

13 Blood (1997)

Metascore: 82

Film fans may be surprised to learn that the action-packed horror flick Priest was adapted from a manhwa that was, in itself, inspired by Blood. This 3D FPS title was released in 1997, where players embark on a journey across various dimensions while killing cultists, monsters, and demonic beings. Not much is known about Blood's story unless players see its readme text document and Monolith's website, where Blood is stated to on a journey of revenge of gunslinger Caleb against his former master Tchernobog.

From a thematic standpoint, Blood became a cult classic among fans for its inclusion of dark humor and pop culture references across its levels, monsters, and items. Similar to Doom, gameplay in Blood takes place across levels where players need to find exit while killing monsters along the way. The game is one of the earliest FPS titles to feature secondary attacks, while the game's "Guns Akimbo" is a temporary dual-wield "super mode".

12 Alien Trilogy (1996)

Metacritic User Score: 7.5

While the popularity of Ellen Ripley of the Alien franchise has reached crossover levels such as her appearance in Dead By Daylight, the legendary character also appears in some of the franchise's earlier video game adaptations. Such an example is the Alien Trilogy, an FPS loosely based on the first three Alien films as players control Ripley in her journey through survival. Instead of railroading players through a story, the game makes use of the films' settings to create an evocative and terrifying horror landscape.

Similar to the films, Ellen also has access to a wide array of advanced weaponry to wage war against the Xenomorphs. Using these guns form an important element of gunplay in Alien Trilogy as enemies take on various forms of the Xenomorph - from chestbusters, the iconic adult alien, and even, Queen alien bosses. The game is the first ever title to use 3D motion capture tech, with the Xenomorphs specifically using the system for their movement patterns.

11 Shogo: Mobile Armor Division (1998)

Metascore: 92

Hailed as one of the best games from Monolith Productions, Shogo: Mobile Armor Division may as well be a love letter to the Japanese mecha genre. In Shogo, players take the role of Sanjuro Makabe of the United Corporate Authority during the war that decides the fate of the planet Cronus. Makabe does this mission as a Mobile Combat Armor pilot, where he takes a large mech in a series of battles to kill the rebel commander known only as Gabriel.

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The game is memorable for its inclusion of critical hits, where constantly hitting foes has a chance of healing players while also inflicting more damage to foes. However, the enemies also share the same mechanic against the player, forcing more tactical plays while not sacrificing the game's inherent intensity. This removal of a clunky "mech sim" element while paving the way for action mechanics has made Shogo a memorable FPS for fans.

10 Codename Eagle (1999)

IMDb Score: 7.3

It’s not every day that a first-person FPS enters the open-world setting, and yet Codename Eagle attempted this as early as 1999. While it doesn’t boast the same level of depth and exploration as in Bethesda titles, Codename Eagle introduces the unique blend of features such as typical FPS elements with drivable land, sea, and air vehicles.

The game is set in an alternate history, where somehow the 1917 October Revolution didn’t happen and World War I didn’t occur. Players take on the role of Agent Red of the Shadow Command, an alliance of the world’s free nations that want to oppose a malevolent Russian Empire. Missions in the game involve high-stakes objectives in sprawling areas, with players deciding how to pursue objectives.

9 Requiem: Avenging Angel (1999)

Steam Rating: 85%

A lot of fans may not have heard about Requiem: Avenging Angel back in 1999, and perhaps even when it received a re-release in 2016. However, Requiem: Avenging Angel is an early attempt to subvert the typical FPS formula of wartime and instead includes fantastical elements. In Requiem, players take on the role of Malachi, an angel serving God tasked to stop rebel angels of the Fallen led by Lilith from instigating Armageddon.

Unlike other titles at the time, Requiem takes a lot of inspiration from concepts in Christianity and the Bible, with descriptions and themes used heavily in the gameplay and story. Whereas DOOM had a more gory theme, Requiem had a more stylish take on its shoot-em-up premise. For instance, Malachi begins his mission in the realm of Chaos, the realm between Heaven and Earth. Before getting access to conventional weaponry, he must use his angelic powers - akin to Force powers in Star Wars: Jedi Knight - to survive against hordes of monsters.

8 Spec Ops: Rangers Lead The Way (1998)

IMDb: 6

It’s not necessarily Medal of Honor or Call of Duty that spawned realistic tactical shooters, and Spec Ops: Rangers Lead The Way was perhaps one of the games that were already exploring the genre’s potential. Released in 1998, Spec Ops was the first title of an eponymous game series, which spanned 10 titles up to 2012.

Fans of tactical shooters will appreciate the level of realism in Spec Ops, primarily because it’s intended to be more of a simulation of ground forces control than an actual game. Devs from Zombie Studios particularly did extensive research in the game, as reflected in the game’s unique design at the time. Missions include eliminating enemy forces, blowing up infrastructure, and recovering data, all weaved in a realistic story. Gameplay-wise, tactical shooter fans will love the element of choosing a team of two soldiers across a variety of specializations, alongside personalized inventory and weapon choices.

7 Carnivores 2 (1999)

Metacritic User Score: 9.0

Hunting games remain a staple in FPS, especially in its early days. However, those who want a twist in their virtual hunting experience might appreciate the sheer thrill in Carnivores 2. This sequel to the original 1998 release packs a lot more punch when it comes to its creature offerings and AI. Whereas the original Carnivores offered a more timid and relaxing hunting experience, Carnivores 2 had the dinosaurs actually fight back more often.

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Similar to the previous game, players begin as a hunter with 100 Credits. They use this currency to select an area, a particular dinosaur to hunt, and even a weapon they can use. As they advance their hunting skills, more dinosaurs could be hunted and more weapons could be used at the same time. This simple approach transforms Carnivores 2 into a very immersive experience and is the closest to an early yet decent Jurassic Park game.

6 Kingpin: Life Of Crime (1999)

Steam Rating: 80%

It’s hard to imagine a game like Kingpin: Life Of Crime had been largely forgotten when it got quite a lot of media attention for its heavy profanity and graphic violence. Set in the modern day, the player begins the game with their character beaten half to death by thugs of the Kingpin - establishing a mafia premise. For an unexplained reason, the Kingpin wants the player out of Skidrow, the setting of the game. Picking up a piece of lead piping, the player begins the game plotting revenge against those who wronged him.

Despite the negative media buzz, the game garnered praise for its depiction of the metropolitan underworld, and gameplay elements such as improved AI and even area-based damage when shooting. Moreover, the game also offers weapon modifications - with players being able to modify various properties of weapons. Unlike other FPS, players can also interact with NPCs and choose responses, determining whether fights may accidentally begin or not.

5 Outtrigger (1999)

Metascore: 73

Despite the growing popularity of PC and consoles in the 90s, even the arcade had some impressive FPS titles that were underlooked, with Outtrigger being a prime example. Playable first in the Sega NAOMI arcade cabinets in 1999 before receiving a 2001 Dreamcast port, Outtrigger tasks players to help an anti-terrorist group catch terrorists in various missions. Players can choose one of four specialists with specialized gear, or create their own custom character to personalize their experience.

Outtrigger earned praise particularly for its refreshing aesthetic and explosive visuals, which was quite different from the more realistic FPS titles at the time. Levels also feature various power-ups, such as thermal specs, bouncing projectiles, and even damage buffs. Combined with the game’s penchant for multi-level action, Outtrigger was a memorable ride for fans.

4 Aliens Versus Predator (1999)

Metascore: 73

Fans of the Alien franchise know that Xenomorphs are a challenging sport for the Yautja, or the Predator. And as their crossover franchise reveals, the Yautja enjoy hunting the Alien’s Xenomorphs very much. Thanks to Aliens Versus Predator, players take a front seat with this experience. Not only that, but they can play as either Aliens, Predators, or Colonial Marines.

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This title provides players with three different story modes to complete, each from the perspective of the aforementioned factions. The game earned praise for this, as well as the inclusion of various weapons and abilities for each. Colonial Marines enjoy the protection of armor and even have options to view better in dark areas. Meanwhile, Predators have iconic weapons such as throwing discs, shoulder-mounted weapons, and wrist blades. Lastly, Aliens can climb on walls and ceilings and use their body’s claws and appendages to attack.

3 Star Wars: Dark Forces (1995)

Metascore: 7.7

Before Star Wars Battlefront became a hit, there was the attempt at another shooter in the form of Star Wars: Dark Forces. Set in the Star Wars Expanded Universe, the game will have players control Kyle Katarn. Although a mercenary, Katarn works under the employ of the Rebel Alliance as he infiltrates the Galactic Empire, discovering a Dark Trooper project set to build more powerful iterations of Stormtroopers and droids.

Aside from being a Star Wars title, Dark Forces earned the praise of players for its unique take on the FPS genre upon release. Unlike other games, Dark Forces feature levels with multiple stories as well as the option to look vertically. Power-ups and even various interactive environmental elements provide immersion and unique ways to play through various levels.

2 Star Trek: The Next Generation: Klingon Honor Guard (1998)

Metascore: 7.8

Unlike Star Wars, Star Trek doesn’t get a lot of video game adaptations, especially in the modern era, which was why Star Trek: The Next Generation: Klingon Honor Guard was a welcome change of pace at the cusp of the 21st Century. Set in The Next Generation series, Klingon Honor Guard sees players as a new member of the Klingon Honor Guard tasked to stop an assassination attempt.

Set up like a typical FPS at the time, Klingon Honor Guard has 20 missions across 26 different maps, with options to choose various weapons and face numerous opponents. Despite qualms about repetitive levels, the game did earn praise for above-average AI, unique franchise-themed weapons, and opponents, providing an up-close-and-personal take on a Star Trek game.

1 Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six (1998)

Metascore: 85

What better game to highlight the improvement of the FPS genre throughout the 1990s than the game that started the Rainbow Six franchise? After all, FPS fans enjoy Rainbow Six today for its combination of intense action and immersive strategy, and it’s something that began early on in this 1998 title. Set between 1996 to 2000, counter-terror unit Rainbow is deployed in various parts of the world to combat various threats.

While the plot is typical for any tactical FPS, what makes Rainbow Six special even back then was its emphasis on tactics and stealth. Its immense realism made even a single bullet lethal, and the series’ iconic planning stage allows players to choose particular operatives, weapons, and equipment to be used. The game also had impressive AI back then, as players were able to use the planning stage to direct them to wherever they needed to go and what they needed to do for the mission.

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