Here’s a list of 10 popular new boomer shooters that pay homage to classic 90s FPS games while bringing modern gameplay improvements:
1. DUSK (2018)
- Why: A love letter to classic shooters like DOOM and Quake, DUSK features retro graphics, fast movement, and satisfying gunplay with creepy, rural horror aesthetics.
- Notable Feature: Smooth movement mechanics and fantastic level design.
2. Ion Fury (2019)
- Why: Developed on the Build engine (used in Duke Nukem 3D), Ion Fury nails the retro aesthetic with chaotic action, large explorable levels, and a charismatic protagonist.
- Notable Feature: Classic, 90s-style level design with secret areas and nonlinear progression.
3. Amid Evil (2019)
- Why: A fantasy-based FPS that takes cues from games like Heretic and Hexen. Amid Evil is fast-paced, with gorgeous environments and magical weapons that feel impactful.
- Notable Feature: Weapon variety with magical powers and large, intricate worlds to explore.
4. Prodeus (2022)
- Why: Blending old-school sensibilities with modern visuals, Prodeus has a unique “retro-modern” art style. It offers bloody action, classic shooting mechanics, and a built-in level editor.
- Notable Feature: Dynamic lighting and particle effects with a retro aesthetic.
5. Wrath: Aeon of Ruin (Early Access)
- Why: Built on the Quake engine, Wrath is a dark, gothic boomer shooter with fluid combat, intricate level design, and grotesque enemies.
- Notable Feature: True 90s FPS feel with detailed, non-linear maps.
6. Ultrakill (Early Access)
- Why: A hyper-fast FPS that combines DOOM-style shooting with Devil May Cry mechanics. Ultrakill is pure adrenaline, with fluid movement, over-the-top weapons, and a scoring system that rewards stylish play.
- Notable Feature: A combo-based combat system and insane speed.
7. Project Warlock (2018)
- Why: Inspired by DOOM, Hexen, and Wolfenstein 3D, Project Warlock blends pixelated graphics with modern design, offering varied levels, multiple weapons, and magic.
- Notable Feature: RPG-like elements such as skill upgrades and a vast arsenal of weapons.
8. Hellbound (2020)
- Why: Described as a “1990s FPS, 30 years later,” Hellbound delivers brutal, fast-paced action with gore-heavy visuals and a focus on nonstop combat.
- Notable Feature: Extremely violent combat and large hordes of enemies.
9. HROT (Early Access)
- Why: A Soviet-style FPS set in the 1980s, HROT embraces its Eastern European roots with unique environments, old-school graphics, and gritty combat.
- Notable Feature: Dark atmosphere and bizarre weaponry that reflect the Soviet-era vibe.
10. Forgive Me Father (2021)
- Why: A Lovecraftian shooter with a comic-book aesthetic, Forgive Me Father mixes eldritch horror with classic FPS mechanics, offering atmospheric levels and creepy enemies.
- Notable Feature: Comic-style visuals and a unique sanity mechanic that affects gameplay.
These modern boomer shooters capture the spirit of classic FPS games while incorporating new features and updated visuals for today’s gamers.