Old school FPS classics are a great source of fun and nostalgia. FPS titans likeDOOM,Quake,Duke Nukem, and many more are timeless masterpieces and have been key inspirations behind the resurgence of retro-inspired FPS games.
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Let’s take a look through Metacritic to see some of the best new Retro FPS games. Firstly, there are many freshly inspired games, but not all have received ratings yet. Secondly, we will not be mentioning any re-releases of older titles on this list.
Updated on June 10, 2025, by Jack Pursey:The FPS genre has had a change in identity over the last few years. The genre has predominantly leaned ever further into the multiplayer market, with loot shooters, hero shooters, andfree-to-playmicrotransaction-heavy titles all starting to dominate.
Thankfully for those who prefer the shooters of old, there are plenty of excellentretro-inspired FPS gamesthat offer a modern take on classic gameplay. For those searching for shooters with an old-school vibe, we’ve updated this list to include key information such as each game’s beat feature and main story completion time.
15Hellbound (62)
Hellboundis one of the most straightforward games on this list, which can be fun or off-putting for those who want something more. Firstly,Hellbounddoes not innovate much as a retro shooter. However, it does maintain a lot of the core arena-style elements that fans love.
The game is light on content; with only seven levels, six weapons, and one boss fight, it does not last long. However, there is a free-to-play survival mode that is fun to run and gun around maps mindlessly. For all this, it only clocks around a current rating of 62.
14Heavy Bullets (72)
Heavy Bulletsis a retro FPS dungeon crawler roguelike with randomly generated levels with an overall rating of 72. One of the main mechanics of the game is the ability to reuse bullets. Players will most likely have to clear stages with just six shots, reloading them after picking them up after firing.
Mixing the difficult elements of randomness that roguelikes bring with a limit on your bullets creates an interesting new challenge. This game offers a fresh experience with eight stages to go through in this neon dungeon and tons of replay value.
13Post Void (74)
For players looking for a new experience similar to an arcade shooter that plays likeDOOM 2on acid, thenPost Voidis worth a shot. Sitting at a rating of 74 and with a price of under five dollars, there isn’t much reason not to give it a try.
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Gameplay boils down to killing for health, obtaining a high score, and repeating. It’s a bit shallow, but it’s undeniably entertaining. On top of a unique art style, this game is mesmerizing to look at and play, and it’s almost akin to a first-personHotline Miami.
12Immortal Redneck (74)
Absurdity is the name of the game inImmortal Redneck.Thisroguelike Doom-cloneisn’t exactly what one would call complex, but that’s not essentially a bad thing. As the title would suggest, this game has the players take up arms as the titular redneck to combat an army of the undead as they attempt to reach the top of three pyramids.
The concept is simple, and the gameplay is addicting, but there will definitely be some grinding throughout the experience. That being said, one can’t fault the title for having an original premise. Certainly worth more than a 74.
11Ziggurat (75)
Zigguratis another roguelike title but takes theHexenapproach to its design, style, and gameplay - forgoing standard shooter weapons in favor of a more dark-fantasy-inspired take on its combat. As a well-armed wizard, players move through rooms full of enemies to blast and spells to cast.
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It’s nice to see the FPS genre dip from hardcore guns to something a bit rarely used in the medium. After all, a well-aimed magic wand can be just as deadly as a BFG in a pinch. A passible game with a 75 rating, but one that fans of the genre shouldn’t miss.
10Shadow Warrior 2 (78)
With thereboot of the popular 90s franchise, the second installment rates at a 78. Combining a bigger arsenal, upgrades, and enemies from the first entry,Shadow Warriorbrings some new things to the table.
Enemies can now be infused with elemental powers, though this can be counteredPokémon-style with countering elemental weapons. It may seem a bit clunky, but it does quite a bit to liven up the gameplay.
9Project Warlock (78)
For players who areDOOM,Hexen, orWolfensteinlovers, this game is certainly worth considering. A unique blending of modern and classic styles,Project Warlockis full of bullets, magic, and monsters that will get players' hearts racing.
In addition, players will find themselves getting lost fighting their way through 60 carnage-packed. This pixel gorefest sits at a rating of 78 and will keep you coming back for more and more.
8Void Bastards (78)
They don’t all have to pull from the likes ofDOOM, Duke Nukem,orQuaketo be considered throwbacks. In fact,Void Bastardsfeels like something out of the minds ofBioshockorSystem Shockwith a sprinkling of Douglas Adams. Probably because it is.
Add a touch of dark humor and comic-book-styled visuals, and players have a retro-styled original on their hands. Exploring decrepit spaceships while taking out ranting and raving enemies definitely has its quirky charms.
7Call of Juarez: Gunslinger (79)
While many will be quick to compare this game tothe likes ofRed Dead: Redemption,Call of Juarez: Gunslingerhas more in common with the arcade shooters of old than with the popular Rockstar classic. Forget about emotional storytelling and morally grey protagonists, just lock and load and go after some desperados.
Gunslingeris exactly what the title implies. Players take the role of a bounty hunter straight out of a Clint Eastwood movie and explore this tall tale of the wild west. With tons of gunplay, dastardly villains, and a score of 79, what more does one need to give this game some attention?
6Ion Fury (79)
A love letter to the new wave of retro FPS games developed by3D Realmsand made on the same engine that brought playersDuke Nukem 3D,Shadow Warrior, andBlood;Ion Furyplays similarly to the rest of the classic build engine games with a similar difficulty, but with immense detail.
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Ion Furyhits every mark on what a classic FPS stands for and brings more modern tricks to the table. Sitting at a rating of 79, this is a must-play game for old school fans and new ones alike.
