There have been so many amazing FPS games released in recent years. From the Halo series to the Call of Duty games that are released every year, the FPS genre always delivers quality games. However, you might have missed out on some of these underrated FPS games.
Not all FPS games are well appreciated, although there are many FPS games that are actually really great. But for some reason, they don’t get the attention they deserve.
Here are 10 underrated FPS games that you absolutely must try.
Underrated FPS Games Recommendations
10. F.E.A.R.
In some games, horror and action elements are often combined, although there are challenges in designing them. It’s hard to feel fear when you’re in a game with a full arsenal of weapons, and it’s hard to feel helpless when helping others. But, from time to time, there will be a moment where the perfect balance between the two can be achieved.
2005’s F.E.A.R. is a rare example of horror and action blended to perfection. A Vivendi Games production, F.E.A.R. first offered exciting combat filled with tense psychological scares, creating a unique gaming experience.
9. BioShock 2
The next underrated FPS game recommendation is BioShock 2. This FPS game is a sequel to one of the most famous FPS games, so many people have high expectations of it.
Although it is considered the weakest among the BioShock series, it still has good qualities and is worth playing.
This game takes many of the elements that made the first game so exciting, while also adding some new things that make the adventure in Rapture fun again.
8. Call of Juarez: Gunslinger
Although Techland’s Call of Juarez series never achieved the widespread popularity to continue producing new games, the few games that have been released have proven to be of quality. One of them is Call of Juarez: Gunslinger that could have gotten more attention.
With exciting gameplay, unique visuals, and an amazing story, Gunslinger is one of the best games set in the Wild West.
7. Painkiller
Games like Wolfenstein and Doom have played a significant role in changing the way FPS games are designed, as well as changing the gaming industry as a whole.
Although Painkiller was released when FPS games underwent a massive transformation, unfortunately this game still feels like a game from the Wolfenstein and Doom era. Painkiller can be the next underrated FPS game recommendation that you can play. This game follows the story of Daniel Garner who fights against hellish creatures.
6. The Darkness 2
Next up is The Darkness 2. This game is a continuation of Digital Extremes’ The Darkness game, which adapts the comic of the same name by Top Cow Productions.
Like the comic, The Darkness 2 also features violent scenes, supernatural horror elements, and plenty of action moments. This game manages to deliver an authentic comic experience in game form and is one of the FPS games you should play.
5. Metro: Last Light
Many players were only introduced to the Metro series through Metro Exodus, which was released in 2019. However, there are actually some previous games that are also worth checking out.
One of them is Metro: Last Light, which is the sequel to Metro 2033 and manages to outperform its predecessor in many aspects. Apart from improving the game mechanics, the game also offers a more interesting story.
4. Bulletstorm
The next underrated FPS game recommendation is Bulletstorm. An FPS game released in 2011, it looks like a normal FPS game at first. However, in reality, this game, developed by People Can Fly is one of the most unique FPS games ever.
In addition to shooting enemies with various weapons, players also have an energy whip that is useful for pulling and throwing enemies. The story in this game is also very good, so it’s a shame to learn that there will be no sequel for this game.
3. Star Wars: Dark Forces
In 1995, LucasArts released Star Wars: Dark Forces. Despite positive reviews and good commercial success, Dark Forces was never considered the best Star Wars game at launch. However, with the remaster in 2024, a new generation of players can now enjoy this forgotten game.
2. Resistance 3
Not all PlayStation exclusive games are of impeccable quality, there are some that are lesser known. One of them is Resistance 3 which didn’t succeed like the previous two games.
That being said, this PS3 game actually wasn’t that bad and deserved a chance. Unfortunately, Insomniac Games has no plans to revive the Resistance series.
1. TimeSplitters: Future Perfect
TimeSplitters is one of the most underrated FPS game series of all time. Although the development team, Free Radical Games, has launched three really great games that have been praised and commercially successful, no new games have been released in the last twenty years.
TimeSplitters: Future Perfect, released in 2005, is living proof of why the franchise is still so popular today. Sergen Cortez’s journey through time is full of charm, wit and emotion, making this game so beloved.
Coupled with excellent multiplayer features and a very creative map maker, it’s no wonder TimeSplitters: Future Perfect is still going strong without a sequel.
