Back in the early days of FPS games, a strong narrative was a rare gem. While modern games have evolved their storytelling techniques, the older classics had their own unique way of delivering compelling stories, hidden among the fast-paced action of the time.
Discovering story-driven boomer shooters from the past can be challenging, as their storytelling methods often differed from contemporary standards. For every groundbreaking narrative like Half-Life, there were numerous dated titles like Marathon. Let's delve into the top shooters that skillfully weaved stories into their gameplay.
7 Heretic
Setting a New Standard in Ambience
Once a major player in the shooter genre, Heretic by Raven Software, overseen by John Romero and published by id Software, emerged as a noteworthy successor to Doom. It not only continued the legacy of Doom but also pushed boundaries by focusing on immersive atmosphere and rich 3D environments.
Raven Software dedicated substantial effort to enhance the game's storytelling by emphasizing ambiance through sound effects and detailed settings. The meticulous attention to detail in creating a believable 3D world was evident, with modifications made to the game engine to enable players to look in all directions.
6 Heretic 2
A Narrative Evolution in Third-Person
- Platform: PC
- Released: 1998-11-24
- Developer: Raven Software
- Genre: Third-Person Shooter
The sequel to Heretic, Heretic 2, follows Corvus after the events of the original game, introducing a shift to third-person gameplay powered by the Quake 2 engine. This alteration not only provided a unique gameplay experience but also allowed for a more expansive narrative delivery resembling modern cutscenes.
5 Marathon
Forging a Path for Story-Driven FPS Games
Marathon played a pivotal role in the evolution of story-focused shooters, despite its relatively lower recognition. Initially exclusive to Mac, the series later released its source code, but the absence of an official Windows version hindered its widespread popularity.
The narrative revolves around Colony Ship Marathon, under attack by alien forces, leading to a complex plot involving AI power struggles, shifting allegiances among alien factions, and questioning the protagonist's identity.
4 Half-Life
A Game-Changer Through Freeman's Eyes
- Platform: PS2, PC
- Released: 1998-11-19
- Developer: Valve Corporation
- Genre: FPS
While not the first story-driven FPS, Half-Life reshaped the genre by presenting the narrative solely through the eyes of the protagonist, Freeman. This unique perspective ensured that story progression was intricately tied to gameplay, setting a new standard for immersive storytelling in FPS games.
3 Quake 2
Revamping the Franchise Narrative
Unlike its predecessor, Quake 2 diverged from the franchise's norm by incorporating a more cohesive storyline. The game's focus on humanity's struggle against the Strogg, an alien hybrid race, mirrored modern military shooter narratives, offering a consistent and engaging war-themed plot.
2 Marathon 2: Durandal
Innovative Storytelling Techniques
- Platform: Xbox 360, PC, Mobile
- Released: 1995-11-24
- Developer: Bungie Inc.
- Genre: FPS
Marathon 2: Durandal elevated storytelling in FPS games by introducing a unique narrative approach. While lacking visual storytelling elements, the game relied on textual cues like wall inscriptions and AI communications to convey its complex story, showcasing an unconventional yet intriguing storytelling method.
1 Marathon Infinity
An Abstract Yet Captivating Journey
- Platforms: iOS, Classic Mac OS, iPadOS
- Released: 1996-10-15
- Developer: Bungie Inc
- Genre: FPS
Marathon Infinity continued the series' tradition of narrative complexity, presenting a story predominantly through dialogues within computer terminals. Despite its unconventional storytelling medium, the game embraced experimentation, incorporating dream sequences and abstract writing that offered a fresh and engaging narrative experience.