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In a world dominated by hype over ‘GOTYs’ and ‘10/10’ games, those who enjoy treasure hunts for hidden gems are the true chads.
The FPS genre has always been one of my go-to experience domains, right after the hack-and-slash genre. Its fast-paced, action-packed nature makes you feel like a total badass, and the games are almost always top-notch.
Today’s article offers a change of pace from the history content I’ve covered so far. We’re delving into something different this time. You probably know that discovering really great hidden gems in the gaming industry can be a bit challenging, especially when many of these gems are hard to find legally without resorting to eBay (cue the guy freaking out over eBay prices), or requiring some ‘creative’ methods to play (cue the pirate song).
If you’re like me and enjoy exploring lesser-known games that only a few people talk about, you’re in the right place. Here are the top 7 classic hidden gem FPS games that may have slipped under your radar.
Hades 2
Released in 1999 by the Brazilian company ESPAÇO INFORMÁTICA LTDA, Hades 2 is a hidden gem of a first-person shooter. Getting it to work can be quite a technical challenge, but once you conquer those obstacles, you’re good to go. What’s even better is that the developers gave it away for free on its tenth anniversary. So you have nothing to lose by trying this game out. I should also note that among the numerous games developed in Brazil throughout history, Hades 2 stands out as one of the rare titles that achieved international success.
In terms of gameplay, Hades 2 shines. It boasts solid controls, offers a multitude of powerful weapons, and even sports impressive visuals considering its release period. However, much like the ill-fate of games like Blood that still depended on an old engine, Hades 2 arrived on the scene during the rise of 3D first-person shooters as the new standard. Classics like Half-Life, Quake III, and Unreal Tournament were dominating the scene, casting a shadow on games still using engines like the Build engine and Acknex engine.
Still, if you’re a fan of first-person shooters, particularly hidden gems, Hades 2 is definitely a game worth exploring.
Wrath of Earth
I’ve always believed that Wrath of Earth stands out as one of the most unique gems from the DOS gaming era. It’s a game that often flies under the radar, but here we are, giving it the attention it deserves. Wrath of Earth not only offers solid gameplay for taking down enemies on screen but also keeps you on your toes with challenging stages. And let’s not forget the awesome soundtracks and the killer atmosphere — it’s a total package for its time.
Developed by Addix Software back in 1995, Wrath of Earth marked the company’s foray into the gaming world, and curiously, it was also their swan song before fading into obscurity. A quick dive into their history reveals that they had quite a rocky start before finally getting their first proper commercial game off the ground. Regardless, Wrath of Earth is an absolute blast, even if it’s a bit of a challenge to find these days.
In this game, you step into the shoes of a cybernetically enhanced fighter decked out in an exoskeleton loaded with all sorts of high-tech weaponry. Your mission? Investigate a distress signal on the Aragon mining colony, nestled on the planet Thermadax. With your futuristic arsenal, you’re the last line of defence for any survivors left in this dire situation.
Cyber Mage Darklight Awakening
Origin System carries quite a legacy on its shoulders as one of the most influential developers in the industry. Many of their games continue to be revered and discussed, with titles like Ultima and Wing Commander standing the test of time.
However, even a developer with such a prestigious history has a few hidden gems that didn’t quite get the recognition they deserved. One such game is Cyber Mage Darklight Awakening, a remarkable blend of RPG and FPS elements that pioneered mechanics later seen in various genre titles
In the majority of the game, you’ll find yourself darting through corridors, facing off against various creatures as you work to topple corporate overlords. On the surface, Cyber Mage appears to be your typical shooter, but what sets it apart from its genre companions is the incorporation of RPG elements. You can engage with specific NPCs in real-time, undertake sidequests in addition to the main campaign, and enhance your stats by absorbing souls and Manra. It’s this unique combination that makes Cyber Mage Darklight Awakening stand out. It’s one of the many games that definitely should be on GOG.
Requiem: Avenging Angel
You may be familiar with Cyclone Studios and their real-time action strategy franchise, Uprising. However, the company had developed several other games before being acquired by 3DO. Since then, they have seemingly faded into the shadows.
Cyclone Studios created “Requiem: Avenging Angel,” a first-person shooter where you journey into the chaotic realm between Heaven and Earth, fighting all kinds of creatures. What makes this game worth mentioning on this list is that it introduced the Bullet Time mechanic back in 1999, before it became popularized by Max Payne. Plus, you can possess enemies to use their weapons, which your character can’t. It’s a great game worth checking out.
Thanks to Ziggurat Interactive, you can play this game today either via Steam or GOG without worrying too much about the technical stuff.
The Terminator: Future Shock
We’ve got System Shock, Bioshock, and Terminator: Future Shock. The funny thing is, they are all shockingly great. Terminator: Future Shock, developed and published by Bethesda Softworks, the same company behind the Elder Scrolls franchise and Fallout series, once held the PC rights to create a game within the Terminator universe. It even spawned a sequel titled Skynet which addressed many of the flaws from its predecessor.
Both of these games, Future Shock and Skynet, ran on the XnGine, the same engine that powered The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall. While Bethesda sometimes receives criticism for its bug-infested games, Terminator: Future Shock was truly a revolutionary game in its genre. Notably, it was the first game to introduce the use of a mouse and keyboard combination, a feature that would later become a staple in the genre and played a significant role in the development of fast-paced shooters in the following years.
The Terminator: Future Shock was incredibly popular in its time, but as the years have gone by, it has become a mere relic of the past. Today, it’s just another abandonware, patiently waiting for its chance to reappear on platforms like GOG. Perhaps one day, this classic will get the recognition it deserves again.
Chaser
The 2000s witnessed the rise of numerous first-person shooters. Some of them evolved into high-production blockbusters, while others faded into obscurity. A few were disappointingly terrible, and a fraction of these games remained exclusive to specific regions, such as Europe and Russia. It’s safe to say it was a decade of diversity and experimentation in the FPS genre.
For today’s list, I’ve chosen “Chaser,” a sci-fi first-person shooter developed by Cauldron Interactive, which is known today as Bohemia Interactive. “Chaser” is a hidden gem, but that doesn’t mean it’s without its flaws. The gunplay is solid, though it has its share of difficulty spikes, and the inclusion of a bullet time mechanic adds a cool factor, allowing you to take on groups of foes like a potent soldier.
The main issue I had with Chaser is its story. It begins strongly but continues to drag on and on, leaving you to wonder, “When will this nightmare end?” And when it finally does conclude, you’re met with an ending that doesn’t adequately answer your questions. For me, this was Chaser’s most significant flaw. However, aside from that, it’s a solid hidden gem that offers good value for its $5 price tag. Or you can wait for a sale if you’re unsure.
Quarantine
If you keep digging into hidden gems, you’re bound to find something that’ll burn your eyebrows with fascination. One such game I’ve come across is “Quarantine” on the MS-DOS, an intriguing FPS racing hybrid developed by Imagexcel, a company that would later be recognized as Rockstar Toronto.
Released on the PlayStation, Sega Saturn and 3DO using different names, Quarantine puts you in the role of a taxi driver navigating through a post-apocalyptic world where you shoot enemies or just drive on them if you feel like it. What’s interesting is that you can customize your Cab by upgrading your gear, adding lethal weapons, talking with NPCs and so much more. And did I forget to mention the soundtrack rocks too? Quarantine would go on to receive a sequel titled Quarantine II: Road Warrior, which is also as good as its predecessor.
FreeckyCake’s Info
Just your average gamer with a tender spot towards anything obscure-games related. My love for Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams is like a truck. Try it out!
Just your average gamer with a tender spot towards anything obscure-games related. My love for Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams is like a truck. Try it out!
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