Summary
The first-person shooter is perhaps one of the most popular genres in video gaming, booming in popularity with breakout hits likeDOOMandHalf-Life, not to mention the abundance of BUILD engine games. From the expansive and wholly ambitious linear campaigns ofHaloto multiplayer shooters such asBattlefield, there are all kinds of FPS experiences on the market.
However, when it comes to presentation, many (but not all) FPS games shoot for realism and graphical fidelity, especially in the AAA and AA space. While high-fidelity games can certainly be stylish in their own right, the heavily stylized experiences found in the indie scene are numerous. Furthermore, every one of these games is not just visually stylish but has the gameplay to match it.
Set in the richly detailed,grim-dark world ofWarhammer 40,000,Warhammer 40,000: Boltgunhad a deep well of inspiration to draw from when developing its stylish 3D environments and pixelated 2D characters. Despite being based on an existing IP, however,Warhammer 40,000: Boltgunmaintains its sense of self, primarily thanks to its lovingly crafted old-school presentation.
This presentation extends outside of the game’s surface-level visuals, however, with dazzling visual effects and weighty sound design that elevates the action in all the right ways. Unfortunately, the game can be a little hard to read, especially when there are a bunch of enemies on the screen, but the chaos to be found in its combat encounters usually makes up for it.
Players could blink and miss their own deaths inAnger Foot. Its chaotic combat encounters are only heightened by the game’s electric paceand thumping soundtrack, with a wild art style to match. Characters look like computerized versions of claymation puppets, sprinting around with exaggerated animations and dying with comedic style in a fit of flopping ragdolls. Explosions are bright and loud, environments are artfully dingy, packed with color and little details, and the visual effects - from simple flames to flowering gunshots - are all perfectly fitting.
Anger Footis practically built to make players feel stylish, much in the same ways as games such asHotline Miami. The game’s breakneck pace and low time-to-kill make the whole experience a breeze, and short levels reduce the potential frustration that comes with repeatedly dying. Furthermore, most levels are dashed with extra rooms and/or hallways that allow for slight variations in route, and each of them has been designed to direct the player through the action without fuss.
ULTRAKILL’slow-poly modelsand pixelated textures may not offer the highest fidelity look in the first-person shooter genre, but it’s stylish to a T, boosted by inventive character designs, immersive lighting, and over-the-top gore. The exaggerated movements of its animations, explosive visual effects, and brilliant use of space within its level design make for an experience that’s brimming with style, and it’s a consistent joy to blitz through its blood-fueled levels.
The satisfying gameplay ofULTRAKILLis driven primarily by its score system, which emphasizes speed and skill in equal measure, propelling players through its dark hallways and expressive combat arenas at a ruthless pace. While players may feel overwhelmed to begin with, those who take the time to master its fast-paced combat will find themselves flying through each level with style.
Neon Whiteis afast-paced first-person shooterthat tasks players with barreling through a multitude of brisk missions in highly stylized environments, taking down every enemy along the way using a variety of weapons represented by cards. Each of these cards also features a secondary ability, useful for navigating around each level. The game’s visuals are almost minimalist, with a sparse but effective use of colors and a clean-cut user interface.
More important than its visuals, however, isNeon White’s slick and stylish gameplay. Players zip through perfectly short missions, using the aforementioned cards to cut mere seconds off of their time. Even players who aren’t into speedrunning or score-attack games will likely get a kick out of replayingNeon White’s missions, as it uses a unique system to tip the player off as to how to improve their performance.
Fans of gangsters, boomer-shooters,and immersive simsshould certainly consider givingFallen Acesmore than a passing glance. The game has many strengths, but its visual style is arguably one of its biggest draws, a comic book style that’s rich in detail and a perfect fit for the game’s tongue-in-cheek tone.
Fallen Acesis comedic, violent, and pulpy, offering a unique flavor and vivid vision even as an Early Access title. The game is drenched in a classic noir atmosphere, and the pulp comic book panels that tell its story are both exceptionally efficient and stylish.
Arguably one of the mostwell-crafted boomer-shootersof the genre’s recent revival,CULTICis a tremendous blend of fast-paced FPS games such asBloodand action-oriented survival horror such asResident Evil 4. This unique combination results in one of the most stylish, memorable, and expressive FPS experiences on the market.
CULTIC’s gameplay is weighty. Each gunshot and impact is packed with punch, from the sprite-based animations to the sound design. Thecommitment to an old-school look, combined with the game’s unique color palette and cinematic lighting, makes for consistently memorable visuals. But it’s not justCULTIC’s presentation that’s stylish, as its fluid gameplay, intuitive level designs, and expressive movement controls also exude style.
