Summary
- ID Software’s best FPS games, like the Doom and Quake series, set the foundation for the FPS genre.
- Doom 3 offers a horror-themed experience with revamped gameplay in the BFG Edition.
- Quake 2 polished mechanics with brilliant gunplay, making it a peak in id Software’s game collection.
id Software is one of the most reputed and legendary video game companies around. Their revolutionary work on games like Wolfenstein 3D and Doom paved the way for the FPS genre to establish a foundation that other developers would build upon.
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First-person shooters are some of the most popular games around, but for players without much free time, these games offer short and sweet sessions.
Suffice it to say, the developer has done a great job of making quality first-person shooters that fans can’t get enough of. If fans want to check out an action-packed FPS jam-packed with violence, then id Software’s best games will be right up their alley.
8
Doom 3
An Experimental Title That Leans Into Horror Elements

- Released
-
August 3, 2004
- ESRB
-
M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence
Doom 3 was a major departure from the previous games that split fans down the middle. While the focus on a horror atmosphere and slow-paced combat helped the gameplay stand out in the eyes of many, long-time Doom fans wondered why this direction wasn’t taken for a different IP instead.
Thankfully, with the BFG Edition addressing core complaints about the base title’s gameplay, it’s easy to see why Doom 3 is more palatable now. The iconic demons of the series are scarier than ever before and will make players think twice before entering a dark and desolate corridor.
7
Doom 2: Hell On Earth
A Great Sequel To One Of The Most Legendary FPS Games Of All Time

- Released
-
October 10, 1994
- ESRB
-
M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Violence
Given how successful Doom was, it’s easy to see why id Software wasted no time in developing a sequel to let players enjoy more of this shooting action. The addition of the Super Shotgun is enough to cement this game as a must-play for fans of the series.
Some people felt that the level design paled in comparison to the first game, but that’s a minor complaint in the grand scheme of things. As things stand, Doom 2: Hell on Earth‘s expanded levels and array of enemies make it a sequel that is almost as legendary as the first game.
6
Quake
One Of The Best Competitive Shooters Of All Time

- Released
-
May 22, 1996
- ESRB
-
M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Violence
One of the greatest arena shooters ever made, Quake‘s legacy speaks for itself. Bunny hopping and rocket jumping are popular FPS tropes that were established in this game, letting players figure out the best ways to move quickly from one side of the map to another.

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The single-player campaign is surprisingly engaging and eases players into the game if they want to test the waters before jumping into this title’s arena shooting goodness. If players manage to locate an active server, then the multiplayer battles are off the charts and will keep players coming back for more.
5
Doom Eternal
Fast-Paced Gunplay With Beautiful Visuals And Brutal Combat

- Released
-
March 20, 2020
- ESRB
-
M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence
With the immense success of Doom (2016), it’s easy to see why fans were hyped for a sequel that would move things in a bigger and bolder direction. Not only did Doom Eternal‘s design principles pay homage to the classic roots of the series, but the gunplay was more engaging than ever before.
Players could use a wealth of unique weaponry to zoom around arenas and smash foes to a pulp in style. Nailing Glory Kills and bossing tough enemies feels just as great as the first game, even if Doom Eternal may be a bit too self-serving for its own good.
4
Quake 2
An Excellent Sequel With Brilliant Gunplay

- Released
-
December 9, 1997
- ESRB
-
M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Violence, Language
Players who wanted the mechanics of Quake to feel more polished and balanced will love what the sequel brought to the table. As long as players didn’t mind less of a focus on the atmosphere, everything from level design to gameplay was a step above in Quake 2.
This is the perfect game for players who want to enjoy tight arena matches where players need to be at the top of their game to rack up as many kills as possible. Most people feel that Quake 2 is where the series peaked, making it a must-play for players who want to check out one of id Software’s greatest games.
3
Doom (2016)
A Return To Form For This Legendary FPS Franchise

- Released
-
May 13, 2016
- ESRB
-
M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
2016’s Doom reboot was a massive return to form for the series, allowing players to enjoy one of the best video games ever made that combined the best of classic FPS action with modern sensibilities.

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First-person shooters are a tough genre to get into if someone has never played them before. Some get so hard that they are nearly impossible.
The end result is a gory and satisfying FPS with expansive levels, a boatload of secrets, modern progression systems, satisfying weapons, and a ton of demons to rip & tear. The glory kills in this game are satisfying to execute and never get old as players are encouraged to get valuable health and continue their mobile assault in tough combat arenas.
2
Wolfenstein 3D
A Classic FPS With Simple Gameplay And Iconic Levels

Wolfenstein 3D
- Released
-
May 5, 1992
- ESRB
-
m
One of the most important FPS games ever made, Wolfenstein 3D made it clear to the masses that shooting Nazis will never get old. The fact that this enemy type is still rampant in most modern action games is proof of just how cathartic Wolfenstein 3D was back in the day.
Players took on scores of Nazis as B.J. Blazkowicz before eventually taking on Mecha Hitler himself. It’s an over-the-top game with an iconic aesthetic that fans will still love playing to this day.
1
Doom (1993)
One Of The Greatest Video Games Ever Made

- Released
-
December 10, 1993
- ESRB
-
M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
The sheer impact that Doom had on the gaming landscape can’t be stated enough. Teenagers all over the world were enamored by its violence, while adults were shocked at the level of gore in this title.
This made Doom a center of controversy that seems tame by modern standards. Its legacy has endured courtesy of its amazing level design, iconic soundtrack, and simple shooting action that never ceases to be engaging.

id Software
- Date Founded
-
February 1, 1991
- Headquarters
-
Shreveport, Louisiana, United States
- Known For
-
DOOM