These games are made for shooting - and so much more!
The modern Wolfenstein games, starting with Wolfenstein: The New Order, reimagine the classic series with a strong narrative focus. Set in an alternate history where the Nazis won World War II, the games follow B.J. Blazkowicz as he leads the resistance against the regime. The series combines intense first-person shooting with compelling storytelling, memorable characters, and a darkly humorous tone. The gameplay is fast-paced and action-packed, but the narrative depth and character development set it apart from typical shooters.
© Bethesda
The Deus Ex series, particularly Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, features a mix of first-person shooting, role-playing, and stealth. Set in a cyberpunk future, the games explore themes of transhumanism, conspiracy, and social inequality. You control Adam Jensen, who can be equipped with various cybernetic enhancements that allow for different play styles. The series has been praised for its narrative complexity, player choice, and the ability to approach objectives through combat, hacking, or stealth.
© Eidos Interactive Corp.
Prey takes place aboard the Talos I space station, where you take control of Morgan Yu as he deals with an alien threat known as the Typhon. The game offers a blend of first-person shooting, exploration and puzzle-solving, with a strong emphasis on player choice. The use of neuromods allows you to gain different abilities that enhance combat and exploration. Prey is notable for its intricate level design, immersive atmosphere, and the freedom it gives players to approach challenges in multiple ways.
© Bethesda
Based on the novels by Dmitry Glukhovsky, the Metro series takes place in the post-apocalyptic Moscow metro system. The games, including Metro 2033, Metro: Last Light, and Metro Exodus, combine survival horror with first-person shooter gameplay. In these games, you must contend with limited resources, hostile mutants, and human factions. The series has been praised for its atmospheric design, tense gameplay, and immersive storylines that address themes of survival, humanity, and hope in a desolate world.
© Deep Silver
Set in a steampunk-inspired world, the Dishonored series follows the stories of Corvo Attano and Emily Kaldwin, both of whom possess supernatural abilities granted to them by a mysterious figure known as The Outsider. The games allow for a high degree of player choice, with multiple ways to approach each mission, including non-lethal options. The series is celebrated for its immersive world-building, intricate level design, and the freedom it gives you to combine stealth, combat, and magical abilities to suit your play style.
© Bethesda
The Mass Effect series blends third-person shooting with role-playing elements in a richly detailed sci-fi universe. You play as Commander Shepard, whose decisions shape the fate of the galaxy. The series is known for its deep storytelling, complex character interactions, and moral choices that impact the storyline. Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3 have been particularly praised for their compelling plots and character arcs. The gameplay combines shooting with squad tactics and biotic abilities to provide a varied combat experience.
© EA
The Last of Us games are known for their emotional storytelling and strong character dynamics. Set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungal infection, the first game follows Joel and Ellie as they face dangerous environments and hostile survivors. The sequel expands on their story, dealing with themes of revenge and redemption. Gameplay focuses on stealth, resource management, and tense combat encounters. The series is acclaimed for its cinematic presentation, narrative depth, and the complex relationship between its protagonists.
© Naughty Dog
Both Red Dead Redemption and Red Dead Redemption 2 offer deep, narrative-driven experiences set in the American Old West. The first game follows outlaw John Marston's quest to redeem his past, while the second serves as a prequel and focuses on Arthur Morgan's life in the Van der Linde gang. The games feature detailed open worlds with realistic ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and dynamic weather systems. Gameplay includes horseback riding, hunting, and a mix of gunplay and hand-to-hand combat.
© Rockstar
Known for its expansive open-world gameplay, each Far Cry game puts you in a vibrant, detailed environment, often with a tropical or exotic setting. From surviving and fighting pirates and mercenaries on a remote island in Far Cry 3, to taking on a doomsday cult in rural America in Far Cry 5. The series has been praised for its narrative-driven campaigns featuring memorable antagonists, as well as the freedom it gives you to explore and approach missions in different ways.
Can't decide? Here are all the Far Cry games ranked.
© Ubisoft
The original Bioshock takes place in the underwater city of Rapture, a once-utopian society turned dystopian nightmare. The game combines first-person shooter gameplay with the use of plasmids that give the player special powers such as telekinesis and electrical manipulation. The latest game, Bioshock Infinite, set in the floating city of Columbia, features a similarly compelling narrative with complex themes of American exceptionalism, racism, and alternate realities. The series has been praised for its storytelling, atmospheric design, and unique gameplay mechanics that blend traditional shooting with supernatural abilities.
© 2k
If you're anything like me, you like shooters, but you don't really like the typical multiplayer first-person shooter. For me, a good shooter should have a nice story, a great setting, and nice gameplay mechanics in general. So here are 10 great shooters that aren't just about shooting, but offer a lot more than that.
