Summary
Countless players lovethe gameplay loop of first-person shooters, giving them a bunch of guns to experiment with as they blast enemies to smithereens while running around the environment. For the longest time, this genre has relied on this simple gameplay to satisfy fans, but people expect way more from their video games now than ever before.
A great way to make the combat of these first-person shooters more engaging is to integrate parkour and extended traversal options that do a great job of keeping the gameplay varied and interesting. Platforming around to find secrets and make progress before using these traversal options in combat is a smooth and satisfying experience that a lot of titles have nailed.
TheDOOMreboot wowed many fans with its impressive visuals,old-school gameplay, and enough modern advancements to entice fans. So, it’s easy to see thatDOOM Eternalwould build upon these concepts even more.
The parkour inDOOM Eternalis way more engaging than ever before, adding new options that let players take a breather before eventually engaging in another action-packed shootout. Jumping around platforms is imperative to carry out a run-and-gun strategy that helps the Doom Slayer avoid needless damage.
Neon Whitecame out of nowhereand surprised players with its focus on speed runs as players tackled levels that were designed like a puzzle platformer at times. Players can find Soul Cards in every level that serve as either a weapon or traversal option.
This means that players must figure out the optimal route for every level, which is easier said than done. Sometimes, a double jump or dash is way better than a shot from a pistol or rifle, which mandates a decent amount of trial-and-error for the tougher levels which is challenging but never too frustrating.
It’s a shame that fans won’t get a sequel toTitanfall 2any time soon. It was a huge improvement from the first game, with its improved movement mechanics anda surprisingly emotional storyhelping it stand out as one of the best modern FPS titles fans can get their hands on.
Not many first-person shooters boast platforming and parkour elements that are just as satisfying as the shooting action itself, butTitanfall 2accomplishes this in spades. It’s easy to see why the movement mechanics inApex Legendsare so satisfying, given how much of its DNA is shared with this beautiful sequel.
Halo Infiniteis a great example of how a grappling hook can elevate the quality of any video game, even one in an established video game series likeHalo. The single-player campaign boasts an open world that may feel tacked-on at times, but it’s never frustrating to explore these locations because ofInfinite’s excellent traversal mechanics.
Moving from point A to point B in the quickest time possible can genuinely turn into a platformer at times as players figure out the most ingenious ways to use the Master Chief’s grappling hook. This tool aids him in combat too, giving him another option to terrorize the Covenant, Flood, and other alien species that dare to stand in his way.
Metroidis one of the most legendary video game series of all time, coining the name for a whole new genre of gaming along with theCastlevaniaseries. Fans wondered whether this formula would translate well to a first-person perspective, andMetroid Primewasted no time in dispelling any doubts players had at the time.
Platforming in first-person is as ingenious as they come courtesy of the game’s stellar level design. All of this is augmented with simple yet engaging shooting mechanics, fun boss fights, and the familiar Metroidvania mechanics fans have grown to love.
Some people may wonder ifHalf-Life 2qualifies as a platformer, but the game does a great job of mixing up numerous gameplay loops to augment its core shooting mechanics. The physics engine was revolutionary at the time and was held up with some simple yet engaging movement mechanics.
Fans can turn its traversal into one of the most engaging parts of the game courtesy of movement hacks fans have found, which include (but are not limited to) bunny hopping, damage boosting, and the legendary back hopping that serves as the bedrock for many speedruns. Circumventing level design and figuring out unique ways to escape environmental hazards is a huge part ofHalf-Life 2’s charm and why fans can’t stop praising this title to this day.
A hero shooter that has quickly become one of the mostpopular free-to-play FPS titlesof all time,Apex Legendsbuilds upon the ingenious traversal mechanics ofTitanfall 2and integrates it with the battle royale formal to make for a winning combination.
Players can turn its levels into platforming challenges as they try to scale impossible walls and find the best vantage point to take out their enemies and secure victory. While the game has slowly declined in both quality and popularity, the core gameplay ofApex Legendsis solid and something that will keep players engaged for hours on end.
What madeQuake 3such a revolutionary gamefor its time was the way players found exploits in this game to enhance their movement options. The game may be an arena shooter at heart but can turn into a platforming challenge if players wish, especially if they download some of the custom maps that make full use of these traversal discoveries.
Iconic FPS movement hacks like rocket jumping and bunny hopping became popular courtesy of this title and helped this game stand out as one of the most beloved classic shooters of all time. It’s a shame that arena shooters aren’t all that mainstream anymore, withQuake’s decline showing how the changing gaming trends led to this series becoming a forgotten memory in the eyes of many.
