Friday, 11 Oct 2024

10 Old-School Shooters To Play While Waiting For Doom

Lucky QuakeCon attendees got a sneak peek of the latest Doom in action. The newest entry in the influential first-person shooter series refocuses on old-school genre pillars like fast movement, gory gunplay, and taking down large packs of enemies. It’s an exciting time for fans of the franchise! While waiting for id’s new Doom, let’s take a look at some awesome old-school first-person shooters that you can play to satisfy your cravings for classic gaming experiences.

Catacomb 3-D

Year: 1991
Developer: id Software

Catacomb 3-D is an important piece of gaming history for anyone with an interest in the popular genre’s roots. Similar to Wolfenstein, it began as a 2D adventure before making the leap to 3D, first-person dungeon crawling. Players shoot fireballs at orcs, spiders, spear-toting tribesmen, and all sorts of fantasy tropes. It’s a great game to explore if you want to delve into the roots of first-person shooters.

Catacomb 3-D

Blake Stone: Aliens of Gold

Year: 1993
Developer: JAM Productions

Blake Stone: Aliens of Gold is a sci-fi shooter that looks like Wolfenstein in space. It operates on a modified version of id’s foundational engine. Blast aliens and enemy soldiers with a recharging pistol, resulting in bloody deaths as they cry out “medic!” in their tinny voices. It’s a great choice if you want a futuristic twist on the classic Wolfenstein gameplay.

Blake Stone: Aliens of Gold

Rise of the Triad

Year: 1994
Developer: Apogee Software

Rise of the Triad offers something unique for fans of old-school shooters – increased verticality. With floating platforms and elevators, this game takes the genre to new heights in both the campaign and multiplayer maps. Choose from a host of deadly weapons to unleash carnage against cultists and military forces. Its 2D sprites and ambitious MIDI soundtrack make it a memorable experience.

Rise of the Triad

Marathon

Year: 1994
Developer: Bungie Software

Marathon is a must-play for fans of Microsoft’s lauded FPS series. Developed by Bungie Software, Marathon combines 2D characters with detailed 3D environments. It features colorful, unique enemy design and an audio experience well ahead of its time. If you want to explore the roots of Bungie’s first-person storytelling, Marathon is the game for you.

Marathon

Heretic

Year: 1994
Developer: Raven Software

Heretic offers a completely new aesthetic while delivering the core gameplay of Doom. Set in a dark fantasy world, the game replaces Doom’s sci-fi corridors with flying monsters and giants. Say goodbye to the pistol and hello to a magic staff, and swap the shotgun for a powerful crossbow. Heretic is a great choice for those who want to experience Doom from a fresh perspective.

Heretic

Star Wars: Dark Forces

Year: 1995
Developer: LucasArts

Step into the Star Wars universe in Dark Forces, a game that combines the thrill of shooting enemies with the iconic franchise’s universe. Join mercenary Kyle Katarn as he steals the fateful Death Star plans, battling storm troopers and other foes. Experience standout sequences like a showdown with Boba Fett and battles around full-scale TIE fighters. Dark Forces laid the groundwork for the terrific Jedi Knight series.

Star Wars: Dark Forces

Chex Quest

Year: 1996
Developer: Digital Café

Chex Quest is a unique entry in the history of early shooters. Running on id’s Doom engine, it features a sci-fi theme starring a laser-toting Chex Warrior with Chex-shaped armor. Players shoot through waves of green enemies called Flemoids on the planet of Bazoik. It’s an oddity but surprisingly fun, especially if you’re looking for a quirky and enjoyable experience.

Chex Quest

Blood

Year: 1997
Developer: Monolith Productions

Blood is a moody shooter that will keep you engaged with its gory kills, creative weaponry, and unique level design. Play as a resurrected, trench-coated badass on a mission to rescue his kidnapped wife from cultists. The game’s tone shifts from creepy funeral homes to bizarre carnivals, creating an immersive experience. It’s a great choice if you enjoy both horror and first-person shooters.

Blood

Shadow Warrior

Year: 1997
Developer: 3D Realms

Slice and dice demons with a katana in Shadow Warrior. This 3D Realms title takes the developer’s excellent level design in a unique new direction. With Lo Wang as the protagonist, the game offers witty one-liners and intense action. The recent visual update of the original game and its 2013 sequel make this a franchise worth exploring.

Shadow Warrior

Redneck Rampage

Year: 1997
Developer: Xatrix Entertainment

Redneck Rampage throws out the traditional clichés of first-person shooters and swaps demons for potty-mouthed trailer park residents. Armed with double-barreled shotguns, pistols, and dynamite, you’ll clean up a variety of trashy enemies. It’s a goofy, over-the-top game packed with secrets and humor – a great choice if you’re looking for something unconventional.

Redneck Rampage

FAQs

What are some of the best old school first-person shooters?

Here are some of the best old-school first-person shooters that are worth playing:

  • Catacomb 3-D
  • Blake Stone: Aliens of Gold
  • Rise of the Triad
  • Marathon
  • Heretic
  • Star Wars: Dark Forces
  • Chex Quest
  • Blood
  • Shadow Warrior
  • Redneck Rampage

Conclusion

These old-school first-person shooters offer a great way to experience the roots of the genre and have fun while waiting for the latest Doom release. Whether you’re a fan of classic FPS gameplay, sci-fi shooters, or the Star Wars universe, there’s something for everyone. So grab your weapons, step into these retro worlds, and get ready for some nostalgic gaming goodness!