Retro shooters from the 90s have set a high bar for challenging gameplay with their intricate levels, fast action, and surprise enemy attacks.

The boomer shooter genre is undergoing a revival with recent releases like DUSK and ULTRAKILL, offering both new and classic retro shooter experiences that can push players to their limits.

1 Metal: Hellsinger - Rhythmic Challenge

Metal: Hellsinger's Unique Rhythm-Based Action

Metal: Hellsinger, while slightly different from traditional boomer shooters, maintains an old-school vibe and pacing reminiscent of 90s classics. The game draws inspiration from DOOM (2016) and introduces a challenging rhythm-based combat system where players must maintain kill streaks in sync with the heavy metal soundtrack.

2 Project Warlock - Unforgiving FPS

Project Warlock's Limited Lives

Project Warlock, a classic FPS with pixel-art graphics, stays true to the genre's roots with its straightforward approach. Despite its simplicity, the game's challenging combat and punishing difficulty, including limited lives that can lead to save file deletion on failure, make it a demanding experience.

3 Cruelty Squad - Sensory Overload

Cruelty Squad's Immersive-Sim Challenge

Cruelty Squad may not appeal to all with its unique art style, but beneath its surface lies a challenging blend of retro shooter and immersive-sim elements. The game's intense and strategic gameplay, coupled with outnumbered combat scenarios, presents a steep learning curve for players.