The Most Influential FPS Games From The 90s

The FPS genre has produced many groundbreaking titles over its long history. The 1990s in particular saw the FPS develop into one of the most dominant game genres in the world. Classic games that pushed the boundaries of mechanics and technology to new levels were commonplace, with many still holding up today.

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The decade was a golden age for the FPS, with classic games released to critical acclaim and developers eager to outdo each other. These games set the genre's standard and remain influential to this day. While some of these games have fallen into obscurity, many have continued as successful franchises and are enjoyed by a new generation of FPS gamers.

9 Heretic

A Step Into Fantasy

In 1994, id Software continued their fantastic 90s FPS streak with Heretic. This classic title moved away from the sci-fi, gun-heavy games the genre is famous for and into the realm of fantasy. The game broke new ground with its inventory system and gameplay. While Heretic was created using the DOOM engine, it offers a unique take on the genre, using magic over bullets.

Heretic's influence can still be seen today, most notably in the retro shooter genre. Several fantasy-themed shooters have been released, such as Graven, Wizordum, and Amid Evil, which are all heavily-influenced by this original release.

8 Duke Nukem 3D

A Controversial Classic

While the Duke Nukem series never quite reached the critical acclaim of DOOM or Quake, 1996’s Duke Nukem 3D remains an influential release in modern video games. Starting out as a platformer, the third entry in the series would introduce FPS gameplay to its audience, creating an instant classic to compete with other big name games.

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Known for its self-referential and X-rated humor, Duke Nukem 3D brought fast-paced action into an interactive and irreverent environment. Duke Nukem's influence can be felt in games such as Borderlands and High on Life, as well as retro-style shooters such as Ion Fury and the Postal series. Duke Nukem’s legacy is cemented as one of the most highly-rated FPS games of the 90s.

7 Quake

The New Peak Of 3D Design

The 1990s saw id Software on a legendary run of FPS games, with titles such as Wolfenstein 3D and DOOM breaking new ground in the genre. In 1996, the developer would continue this streak with Quake, the next step in 3D graphics and level design.

Quake took all the monster-shooting fun of DOOM and threw in a Lovecraftian twist. The levels are atmospheric and complex, while the action is fast and challenging. Quake was a step forward in game design and introduced more verticality into the 3D world. The series would go on to have a big influence on competitive and online gaming with Quake III Arena. However, the original Quake remains an all-time classic that has stood the test of time.

6 GoldenEye 007

Pushing Multiplayer Gaming Forward

Few film-to-video game adaptations have received as much acclaim as 1997's GoldenEye 007. GoldenEye revolutionized FPS gaming on consoles with its slick action, fantastic visuals, and seminal multiplayer mode. GoldenEye became a fan favorite and helped push console gaming to the next level.

The game follows James Bond’s mission to stop a criminal syndicate from using a dangerous satellite weapon. The game featured a variety of weapons for players to use and modes to try out, most notably the multiplayer Deathmatch mode, which could be played in split-screen. GoldenEye’s influence can be seen in almost all modern AAA games. Its multiplayer was a big step forward for co-op play, with titles such as Halo and Call of Duty owing much to this early FPS release.

5 Medal Of Honor

The Start Of A Popular Trend

The WW2 FPS classic, Medal of Honor was a landmark moment in FPS games. It marked the start of an industry love affair with World War 2-set shooters that would dominate the genre. Conceived and written by legendary film director Steven Spielberg, the game was the perfect companion to his 1998 war epic Saving Private Ryan.

The game features intense combat that immediately immerses players in the war against the Axis powers. Players complete various missions across numerous war zones, witnessing as the Allied forces push their way through Europe. The game was a critical and commercial success and helped to popularize the World War 2 shooters that would dominate the FPS genre for many years to come.

4 System Shock

An Influential Cult Classic

System Shock never quite reached the commercial success that other games featured on this list enjoyed. However, its influence is widespread and can be seen in titles such as BioShock, SOMA and Control. Set on a cyberpunk-style space station, the game follows an unnamed security hacker who must stop a rogue artificial intelligence who has taken control of the station and population.

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System Shock brought horror and RPG elements into the FPS genre. It set a new standard for narrative storytelling in games and helped define the immersive sim genre. While System Shock today enjoys more of a cult status in video game history, its legacy is no less important.

3 Wolfenstein 3D

A Strong Start For the Genre

Id Software started the 90s in style with the release of the seminal Wolfenstein 3D. This groundbreaking classic laid the framework for all FPS shooters that came after, and set a new standard for action games. The game follows William Joseph "B.J." Blazkowicz, a spy for the Allied forces who must escape from Castle Wolfenstein, a nazi prison, and complete his mission.

While the game looks dated by modern standards, Wolfenstein 3D set the standard for all modern shooters. Its simple 3D graphics, complex world, and fast-paced action made the game a critical success. While subsequent shooters would push the genre further, Wolfenstein 3D remains the starting point that all others would follow.

2 DOOM

The Standard That Others Follow

The DOOM series has become one of the most famous game franchises in history. Its basic premise, blood-drenched combat, and vibrant game design create a simplistic gaming experience that never gets old. 1993 saw the beginning of this groundbreaking franchise with the release of the first DOOM.

In this original release, an unnamed marine takes on hordes of demons after being reassigned to the moons of Mars. While the plot of the game is rather thin, its gameplay shines, as players hack and shoot their way through numerous enemies, making their way to the game's finale in hell. DOOM pushed the FPS genre forward with its bloody action and 3D-rendered world. Doom was a commercial and critical success that launched a long-running series that continues today.

1 Half-Life

The Beginning Of The Modern Era

1998’s Half-Life was a universally acclaimed FPS that has become one of the most influential titles in modern gaming. The game follows Gordon Freeman, a scientist working at the Black Mesa Research Facility, who must fight against a sudden incursion of alien creatures after an experiment goes wrong.

Half-Life pushed the FPS genre forward with its next-level graphics, gameplay, and narrative storytelling. Half-Life was a breath of fresh air, bringing more atmosphere, immersion, and roleplaying than any other shooter of the era. Its influence can still be seen in modern narrative games such as BioShock, Cyberpunk 2077, and Prey.

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