Old-style FPS games have come back recently, so why don’t you check out these 15 boomer shooters that we found highly worthy of playing?
Just like any other genre, first-person shooters have subgenres that differentiate each game from another. Subgenres like military shooters, arena shooters, stealth-focused shooters, and many more allow us to skim through every game and find what we like. There is this niche genre, however, that kept returning in each decade despite its long history. Old-style shooters, or as it’s called, boomer shooters, have been the craze since the mid-2010s, as people liked to play classics.
Although the formula is solid with games such as Doom, Wolfenstein, Duke Nukem 3D, Blood, and Heretic, people wanted more. The sensible thing to do was, of course, expand upon the idea of shooters of old age. And for their credit, it works like a treat with the titles being released under the retro and FPS together. Here are the 15 examples of the great craftsmanship of boomer shooters that were both released a few years ago and as recent as a few days ago.
DUSK – Released December 2018
We can easily consider DUSK the second coming of retro shooters, as it popularized the genre even further with its roots in simple premises like linear level designs, boss fights, secrets to find, and weapons to collect. There are, however, reasons why DUSK is completely a banger of a shooter, such as the art style and how guns feel. You see, boomer shooters have always been 2D or 2.5D. DUSK takes the 2.5D element and gets it sorted on the 3D environment instead.
You might feel like it is Quake, but DUSK plays like Doom instead. The enemies are actually scary to fight against, and guns feel absolutely gorgeous to use. Shout out the hunting rifle, my beloved. DUSK is utterly suggested if you want to get into boomer shooters.
Ion Fury – Released August 2019
Ion Fury’s case starts with a bit of controversy. While it was in its developmental stage, the game was called “Ion Maiden”; the maiden implied by the female protagonist. However, the reason why it was changed to Ion Fury is apparent: it’s because of the legal dispute between the rock band, who have a similar name. Besides the name controversy, Ion Fury is one of the games that utilized Build Engine after a long time since its disappearance.
Build Engine is famously known for games like Duke Nukem 3D and Blood; expanding the list with Ion Fury was a great choice. On top of that, 3D Realms, the original creators of the Engine, helped publish this neat game too. It flew under the radar, but it’s worth checking out.
ULTRAKILL – Released September 2020
Now hear me out, Ultrakill might not fit into the category of Doom or Duke Nukem, but there is this little niche genre of FPS that was forgotten in the ’90s: Arena shooters. Popularized by Quake III, arena shooters put players into a limited space and test their movements and patience with oncoming enemies. Ultrakill, on the other hand, is arena shooters turned into 11. With extremely flashy graphics, very tight controls, a high skill ceiling, and infinite play styles, it is one of the most unique out of the bunch.
Just a heads up, though. Flashy graphics are both a good and bad side of Ultrakill, as some new players might have problems choosing what to shoot at or understanding what’s going on their screen. Be warned about photosensitive epilepsy before checking out Ultrakill.
Warhammer 40,0000: Boltgun – Released May 2023
Warhammer, in terms of a franchise, can fit into a variety of genres since it is based on wars between colonies in space. While Real-Time strategy games are on top, some shooter games of Warhammer 40.000 are also available on the market. The latest one, Warhammer 40.000: Boltgun, takes the formula of being an over-the-top military shooter and turns it upside down by making it a boomer shooter instead.
It’s very gory, visually fancy, and quite challenging. The levels provide hours of good experience and help people get familiar with the never-ending lore behind the Warhammer series. The number of options to make it look like an ancient Windows 98 game is also provided, making it a very faithful creation for boomer shooters.
BPM: Bullets Per Minute – Released September 2020
As stated earlier, people will try their best to build up new genres to be settled on top of boomer shooters, and Bullets Per Minute is one of them. Easily understood from its name, Bullets Per Minute is a boomer shooter that also focuses on the rhythm aspect. Players are awarded combos and multipliers depending on how well they keep up with the bumping soundtrack in the background.
While the subgenre might be a limiting factor, as you are not allowed to roam the maps freely, once you get accustomed to the rhythm of heavily blasting rock music, the rest follows like a well-composed harmony. I recommend it.
Turbo Overkill – Released August 2023
Turbo Overkill is one of those games that appeared out of nowhere. There was some coverage of its development, but the title was mostly hidden away from the masses, and once it arrived, it caused a big storm in the boomer shooter community. The whole cyberpunk aesthetic is currently overdone, but taking a different spin on the same theme can lead to a better outcome. Turbo Overkill is the same in that regard.
With its cyberpunk aesthetic and fast-paced gameplay, Turbo Overkill is one of the boomer shooters of this year that you do not want to miss.
SPRAWL – Released August 2023
While talking about boomer shooters, the genre might be stretched even further to meet the aspects of the idea of boomer shooters. SPRAWL does not fit any specifications, but it plays like a boomer shooter with built-in parkour mechanics and gameplay that mostly depends on your reflexes. Guns feel very good to use, and their nicely laid out enemy placements allow you to approach fights with different mindsets. Being able to use the environment as your tool while fighting your way out is also a superb mechanic.
We have covered SPRAWL here on GamesCreed, and you should check it out if you want to hear more. We certainly did have a great time going through the levels and learning the pacing.
AMID EVIL – Released June 2019
Boomer shooters do not necessarily mean everything has to be involved around guns. That’s why everyone likes the genre because it does not stick to one formula only. The whole perspective of turning an old shooter game into a wizardry simulator on drugs is nothing new. Heretic and Hexen did the same thing in the 90s, but people thought they needed the latest versions of mythical boomer shooters. So, we have the AMID EVIL as a response to it.
Instead of focusing on guns, aliens, or cyberpunk, AMID EVIL turns you into a wizard who fights for their freedom by taking care of evil entities and taking back their world. We must say that this game has a very different take on weapons, so it will undoubtedly draw your interest.
HROT – Released May 2023
Have you ever felt like brown might be the best color out there? Does it remind you of the Soviet Union, too? Well, look no further because HROT is one of those games that encapsulate the theme of its own exceptionally on point. Set in the distant past, HROT takes the player to an alternate universe where the Soviet Union-ruled Slovakia is being invaded by aliens and unworldly creatures. Your job is to be a good citizen and eliminate all the pesky creatures that dishonor your nation.
HROT might get too stale after the brown infestation on your screen, but the gameplay is so well-designed that it will keep you hooked. Weapons you get provided are also fun to use as they do not get too godly, despite the formula saying there must be one overpowered weapon in the inventory.
Prodeus – September 2022
Here’s a good showcase of both worlds cooperating very efficiently. Ever since Doom (2016) was the new era of boomer shooters, nobody tried to capitalize on it. The 3D execution of an established formula was challenging to break, but id Software came on top and could still deliver a good experience. What if the new 3D boomer shooter was mixed with a touch of old graphics? Proteus is the correct answer.
Just by glancing, Prodeus shows you that you can turn Doom (2016) into a pixelated game and still have a good time with it. Prodeus also employs execution of the idea, making it one of the most unique-looking ideas out there. Worthy of a try.
Wizordum – Released December 2023
The freshest game on our list, Wizordum, has the vibes of the grandad of the first-person genre: Wolfenstein. However, as the name suggests, you are playing as a wizard, trying to eliminate every problematic hell-spawn you encounter. It might look primitive; however, the “gun” plays are highly diverse and well-established, and combining your spells and projectiles makes it a worthwhile experience.
Fortunately, Wizordum got enough exposure to be bundled with AMID EVIL, two wizard-themed boomer shooters. So you can get them on a nice bundle and cast your spells to defeat the devil.
Beyond Sunset – Released November 2023
Beyond Sunset is one of the games that you would not believe if we told you it runs on the modified Doom engine. The graphics and sound parts of Beyond Sunset take it to the next level and hide any showcase of the Doom engine being in front. Double jumps, one-hit kill katana slashes, robot armies, and huge corporations to take down. With three already available episodes and two being in the works, Beyond Sunset provides quite a lot of content that some AAA games can’t offer.
Beyond Sunset might be one of the titles that use the usual cyberpunk themes with a semi-cyborg trying to remember her past, but it is one of the games we have on our list built on the genuine Doom engine.
REAVER – Released November 2023
REAVER is sadly not good for the eyes, which get offended easily. For the other half, you might find yourself in a trance of explosions, flying colors, and the urge to destroy whatever is in your path. REAVER plays like an arena shooter where you are greeted by enemies in waves, and by using your environment, you have to beat every enemy as a high BPM soundtrack blasts in the background.
Let us say this, though: REAVER isn’t a game for the light-hearted, as graphics can be a challenge to see through. However, if you do not mind that factor, REAVER just might be the game for you.
Blood West – Released December 2023
Here’s another fresh release: Blood West, which takes you into the world of the Wild West. It isn’t the Wild West you know of, though. Monsters, mutated beings, and hostile creatures roam around, and you are the only surviving human being left alive in the world. With the combination of stealth, action-packed shootouts, and looting, you have to devise the best ways to stay alive in the barren lands of forgotten dunes and desserts.
Blood West is a 3D game, much like Quake, but takes inspiration from other boomer shooters too, making it favorable in the community like any other titles in the list.
CULTIC – Released October 2022
Do you remember Blood? If not, here’s a quick rundown: Death is the new beginning for you, and you are mad at the cultists who want you to be dead again. CULTIC takes the same route with Blood but makes it even a better experience with today’s take on boomer shooters. It was published by 3D Realms, too, who provided the Build Engine for Blood.
Mysterious cultists, an endless forest, and reason to find get back to life. CULTIC is one of the boomer shooters who focuses on the story and protagonist’s backstory while sprinkling horror and epic shootouts with people who want you to be dead more than ever. It is highly recommended that you check out CULTIC sometime.
The boomer shooter fad seems not to die down as people are still creating mods for the original Doom, making .wads- map packs- and still developing the Engine even further. Combined with new games, old-styled first-person shooters are here to stay, more than quickly fading away like other niche subgenres.
