While you may think you’ve already heard of every game genre there is, you may be surprised to find that as more games come out, new genres are formed to lasso like-minded titles. Metroidvanias, battle royales,and looter shootersare just a few of the more recent examples.
Another newer genre is that of the boomer shooter. Loud, fast-paced, and often over the top, these FPS games bring action to your screen often to a near overwhelming amount. While some of the games in this genre are new, you’d be surprised to find some of them have been around for decades. Here are some of the best boomer shooter titles.
Sometimes a new genre can be retroactive, such is the case forDoom Eternal. While it started off as a sort of FPS game, the Doom series falls in line perfectly with the idea of what the concept of a boomer shooter is today.
Killing demons across Earth and Mars, Doom throws wave after wave of enemies at you and tasks you with demolishing them with some prettyhigh-explosive weaponry. It’s a game that’s fast-paced, and often over the top.
TheWarhammer 40,000universe is the perfect setting for a game inthe boomer shooter genre. There are plenty of enemies, lots of over-the-top weapons, and even some characters that defy all odds to bring home victory.
Boltgun’s Malum Caedo is one such character. As a space marine of the Ultramarines chapter, you have to rev up your chainsword and cut your way through countless daemons, cultists, and chaos space marines to bring glory to the imperium of man, all with some seriously retro graphics.
7Ultrakill
Keep That Score Up
Few games take the concept of FPS violence to the extreme thatUltrakilldoes. Dual-wielding, fast-moving, and plain over the top action is what you can expect in this game that seems to hold nothing back.
One of the more fun additions to the game is the score counter on the game’s HUD, which will reward you for fast and creative kills. It feels like the next level of classic games like Doom, where you’ll find yourself playing levels over and over again to try and beat your last score.
One of the oldest games on this list, but that shouldn’t dissuade you, because its age definitely doesn’t hold it back any.Quakehas thrilled fans for decades now, and paved the way for modern FPS shooter and spinoff genres as well.
Whether you’re a fan of the multiplayer or the storyline, there’s no wrong answer, as each one is incredibly fast and explosive. An invasion by interdimensional aliens makes for a solid storyline, and a compelling challenge that you’ll need your entire arsenal for.
5Shadow Warrior 3
A Warrior Of Legend
Shadow Warrior 3often times feels like an 80s B movie, but in the best of ways. The game takes you to a world beset upon by an evil dragon and hordes of bloodthirsty demons. All of which may or may not be your fault.
Thankfully, you have the chance to right your wrongs and overall cause some chaos along the way. There are katanas, laser weapons, grappling hooks, and so many more cool weapons and tools for you to get your hands on in this fast-paced game.
4Serious Sam 4
Seriously Good
A game series that doesn’t often take itself seriously, but in such a fun way. Similar to theDuke Nukemseries,Serious Samfollows a solitary protagonist as he tries to quell an alien invasion with a series of powerful weapons.
It’s a recipe that never seems to get old, and while this is technically a prequel, you definitely don’t need to know the game’s lore to have an incredibly fun time. Waves of varied enemies, bright visuals, and plenty of maps, this game covers all the bases.
3Metal: Hellsinger
Talk About Heavy Metal
A boomer shooter with a musical twist,Metal: Hellsingercame out of nowhere and has brought out a cult following among its fans. The extra fun in this game comes from the extra challenge. Every attack or dodge must be in rhythm with whatever background music is playing at the time.
It makes for an extra bit of excitement, and once you get the hang of it, can actually make the game easier to win. There are a handful of different levels, demons to kill, and even songs to choose from; just verify you keep the beat.
2Project Warlock
Guns Meets Magic
A unique art style, plenty of different levels, and a story that includes plenty of fantasy elements,Project Warlockis one of the most entertaining boomer shooters out there. This is a game that is deceptively deep with all the elements it adds to a simple concept.
Old-school Doom fans will appreciate the refreshing take on theold art-style, and Wolfenstein fans will appreciate the weird dark fantasy weapons and monsters. There’s something about this game that can really makes it exciting to a broad audience.
1Dusk
It Only Gets Darker
While it came out in 2018, Dusk has some retro graphics and simple gameplay that bring it to the level of some of the more classic boomer shooters out there. Dusk does lean more on the creepy side so keep that in mind if you aren’t a big fan of horror games.
The multiple levels of this game take you through a wide range of environments, each brimming with cultists and worse things beyond that. Whether it’s with your double-barrel shotgun, rocket launcher, or even crossbow, you’re sure to have a fun time with this modern ode to retro boomer shooters.
