15 best boomer shooters to play in 2023 if you like retro FPS and Doom

Gun games have quite a colorful history. Besides the realistic military first-person shooters made famous by Call of Duty, there's a special place in gamers' hearts for boomer shooters. These are a whole different kind of fun.

Sure, the modern titles are all about realism and complexity, but there's something primal about blasting foes in games like Doom (1993). It's pure joy and power as they drop like flies in a gory spectacle. No wonder there's been a revival of this genre lately. Developers are trying to bring the classics into the modern age, and it's been a blast!

What is a boomer shooter?

Although the term itself is relatively new, the gameplay style it describes can be traced back to the 90s and single-player FPS from the Doom and Quake series. It's not realism we’re looking for in boomer shooters but fast-paced, over-the-top action.

This genre is all about speed and movement. If you camp out in one spot, you're toast. Don't count on your health magically coming back when you hide. You'll need to hustle for a medkit or take out more baddies to patch up.

Thankfully, there's an armory full of weapons to play with. Forget the idea of carrying just a primary and secondary gun. Boomer FPS games usually give you a buffet of firearms, and you'll have to get cozy with all of them.

What are the best boomer shooter games like Doom?

In terms of visual style, our list includes titles with diverse aesthetics. Some boast impressive modern graphics, while others embrace the nostalgic pixel art of the retro FPS genre. This variety ensures that even younger players accustomed to polished visuals can find something appealing. The common thread among these is that they represent some of the best boomer shooters you can play on PC today.

DUSK

Dusk is like a blast from the past for fans of single-player FPS who remember the good old '90s gaming days. It unfolds in the quiet town of Dusk, where you stumble upon creepy Lovecraftian ruins. Things take a dark turn when scientists sent to explore the site get possessed by demons. And guess who's up for some demon-slaying fun? You, of course!

As the unnamed hero, you'll be facing off against a wild cast of enemies, from cultists to possessed farm animals and even undead scarecrows. But don't fret; you've got a killer arsenal at your disposal, including sickles, rifles, shotguns, and even rocket launchers. So, if you're craving some retro shooter action, it's your go-to game!

DOOM ETERNAL (Included with PC Game Pass)

We get it, it's a bit of an obvious recommendation for those searching for games like Doom (1993), but it's a true gem. While the series dabbled in horror with its third installment, it's at its best when it sticks to good old demon-slaying action. And that's where DOOM ETERNAL comes in – the latest and most intense entry in the series.

This boomer shooter takes everything that made the 2016 DOOM awesome and cranks it up to 11! It's faster, the weapons are deadlier, and the kill animations are insanely brutal. Of course, the hellish creatures you face are tougher than ever. Once you groove with the gameplay, you'll understand why this is one of the most remarkable single-player shooters on PC.

Using Microsoft's gaming subscription? You probably know DOOM ETERNAL is among the top FPS games on PC Game Pass. But there's more! Some other retro shooters are also included in its library. Check out the best deals for a 1-month membership below.

Prodeus (Included with PC Game Pass)

Prodeus is the brainchild of two industry veterans, Mike Voeller and Jason Mojica, who crossed paths while working at the legendary Raven Software studio. Their Kickstarter-backed debut isn't your run-of-the-mill project; it's a top-notch, action-packed FPS.

As one would expect from a boomer shooter, it prioritizes fast-paced action over a convoluted plot. Your mission is to obliterate Prodeus, the creator of the strange in-game world, along with any obstacles in your path. You also have the option to toggle between modern visuals and a low-res, old-school look with special shaders. This caters to the nostalgia of older gamers and the preferences of younger ones used to higher-res graphics.

ULTRAKILL

In ULTRAKILL, you're essentially a robot powered by blood. As humanity is extinct, you head to hell to slay demons, making for a rather unique backdrop for some boomer FPS fun! What sets this game apart is its scoring system, like something out of Devil May Cry. To rack up those high scores, you've got to chain combos and pull off stylish moves.

And when you're on the verge of death, surrounded by enemies, the answer is simple: kill more. Bathing in the blood of your foes doesn't just sound cool; it also heals you and keeps the action going. Without a doubt, it's one of the best boomer shooters out there.

Ion Fury

Ion Fury has quite an interesting backstory. It's a prequel to the poorly received multidirectional gun game Bombshell. But here's the twist: instead of going for a modern look, the developers decided to use the legendary BUILD engine, the same tech that powered Duke Nukem 3D. And the result? Well, it's simply fantastic!

You step into the shoes of Shelly "Bombshell" Harrison, a member of the Global Defense Force. Your task? Defend Neo D.C. from an army of cyber-soldiers led by the evil Dr. Jadus Heskel. If you're yearning for that classic retro shooter experience, Ion Fury will teleport you right back to the 90s.

HROT

Next up in our lineup of retro shooters, we've got HROT. Created by Spytihněv, this game thrusts you into a grimy Czechoslovakia crawling with all sorts of nightmarish foes. You kick things off in an underground shelter beneath a Prague Metro station, but soon enough, you'll be stepping out to defend your homeland from the invaders.

With its low-poly graphics, it's like a time warp straight to the 90s. Armed to the teeth with a variety of weapons, you'll tear through levels in a whirlwind of nostalgic boomer shooter action. It's definitely a must-play for anyone who loves that old-school vibe.

Project Warlock

If you're looking for games like Doom (1993), Project Warlock is as close as you can get. It's a nostalgic throwback to the '90s with all the familiar elements found in classics like Blood and Heretic. Think non-linear levels, sprite-rendered enemies, hidden secrets, and the hunt for keys to progress. And, of course, there's no shortage of monsters and bosses to take on.

But what makes it special are the RPG mechanics. After every level, you return to a workshop where you can upgrade weapons, learn new spells, and unlock perks. You can also save your game there, as each mission must be completed in a single session. Nailing it is a tough cookie, so Project Warlock will truly test your patience and skills.

Quake and Quake II Enhanced (Included with PC Game Pass)

So far, we've focused on releases that try to capture the essence of old-school shooters. But it's time to revisit a true legend—Quake. It's one of the most important games in history, introducing fully three-dimensional environments and enemies. It also played a pivotal role in shaping online multiplayer gaming.

In 2021, the game received an update that greatly improved its visuals and more. This remaster includes all three previously released mission packs and a new one created specifically for the occasion. If you're curious about what makes boomer shooters so popular today, Quake has the answer.

And for those who've already conquered the first installment, Quake II Enhanced is a must. With revamped character models, locations, better AI, and tons of content, it's a retro FPS gem you won't want to miss.

Metal: Hellsinger

Metal: Hellsinger offers a modern twist on old-school single-player FPS titles. You take on the role of The Unknown, a demon set on rampaging through hell. Your objective is to eliminate all obstacles in your path and eventually face the final boss, The Red Judge.

As you play, you'll fight in enclosed arenas, running, jumping, dashing, and smashing all sorts of hellish creatures. However, unlike other games like Doom, you must synchronize your attacks to the rhythm. The better your timing, the more intense the music and the higher your damage multiplier. You'll find yourself headbanging to the beat in no time.

INCISION

Inspired by the classics of the genre, INCISION plunges you into a grotesque world where a living mass of flesh and machinery coexist with humans. Those people who don't comply end up as a piece of meat within the ever-expanding factory.

You play a fed-up worker trying to break out of this gory hell. But don't think it's a cinch—there are plenty of enemies itching for a fight. This boomer FPS doesn't pull any punches, but beating these tough stages? That's a victory worth celebrating.

Postal: Brain Damaged

Next on our list of the best boomer shooters is Postal: Brain Damaged. Anyone who is fond of the genre is probably well acquainted with this series. You'll once again play as the notoriously violent Postal Dude, who's even more unpredictable due to his head injury.

The game will take you back in time with its retro-style graphics and gameplay. Like the other installments, it's filled to the brim with dark humor, so die-hard fans won't be disappointed. Prepare yourself for nothing less than an intense ride.

Forgive Me Father

In short, Forgive Me Father is an FPS inspired by the works of Lovecraft. As either a priest or a journalist, you'll face swarms of otherworldly, terrifying creatures that look like they've been ripped right out of his stories.

Fortunately, you won't be left defenseless, as you have a variety of weapons at your disposal. However, the twisted visions will inevitably mess with your sanity. Not only does this affect the audio-visual experience, but the gameplay itself. Its distinctive art style and eerie atmosphere make it one of the best Lovecraftian games around.

Nightmare Reaper

This boomer shooter unquestionably earns its spot on our roster, thanks to its clever blend of retro and modern mechanics. Throughout the game, you'll traverse procedurally generated levels teeming with grotesque adversaries.

From pistols and rifles to crossbows and wands, your arsenal is undeniably impressive. This extensive selection enables you to efficiently dispatch a wide range of foes. Nightmare Reaper is a guaranteed delight for enthusiasts of games like Doom, featuring its fast-paced gameplay, stunning visuals, and exceptional heavy metal soundtrack.

Cultic

Cultic is hands-down one of the scariest games like Doom, owing to its unsettling atmosphere. You play as a detective who stumbles upon a sinister cult while trying to solve a series of gruesome murders. Even though he becomes one of their unfortunate victims, he's got to resurrect himself pronto to put a stop to their evil schemes.

In terms of gameplay, it has the vibe of typical retro FPS games . You'll be exploring various locations and blasting baddies as you go. But let us tell you, the level design here is something else. Undeniably, the game stands out as one of the best boomer shooters of 2023.

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun

Wrapping up our list of the best boomer shooters is Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun. In this game, you step into the boots of a veteran Space Marine, tasked with confronting Chaos Space Marines and daemons.

Prepare for heart-pounding action as you'll be in constant motion, leaping, charging, and battling foes. Your arsenal expands as you progress, delivering incredibly satisfying gunplay that'll keep you coming back for more. It's an absolute treat for enthusiasts of Warhammer 40K and shooters alike.

These games are the best boomer shooters you can play in 2023. Are you a fan of that old-school gameplay? Did you grow up playing classic shooters from the '90s? Or maybe retro gaming isn't your cup of tea?

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