5 underrated FPS games that you should play

FPS games saw a boom in the mid-2000s and are still in fashion. However, in this massive genre dominated by Call of Duty, Battlefield, PUBG, Fortnite, etc., it's easy to be unaware of a few diamonds hidden in the rough. These include titles like Bulletstorm, Shadow Warrior 3, and more.

With that in mind, here are five of the most underrated FPS games you need to play today.

Note: This list is purely subjective and reflects the writer's opinions.

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Exploring five underrated FPS games

1) Bulletstorm

A still from Bulletstorm - Full Clip Edition (Image via Electronic Arts || Gearbox Publishing)

After working on the Painkiller franchise, People Can Fly developed its first triple-A game — Bulletstorm. While originally supposed to be a cover shooter, the game shifted gears, turning into a first-person action-adventure shooter with an emphasis on gameplay.

Bulletstorm was designed by Gears of War fame, Cliff Bleszinski, which is the reason it has such a satisfying, creative, unique, and fun combat system. Players who want an FPS title with engaging gameplay and don't mind an over-the-top, self-aware campaign can buy this offering without hesitation.

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2) Shadow Warrior 3

A still from Shadow Warrior 3 (Image via Devolver Digital)

The adventures of Lo Wang have been part of the FPS genre for many years. After the second title in the reboot trilogy received mixed reviews, the developer changed its approach for the third installment. Shadow Warrior 3 did away with the RPG elements of its predecessor to offer a no-nonsense run-and-gun arena shooter similar to Doom Eternal.

The game focuses on Lo Wang's quest to defeat the Dragon that nearly wiped out the world after its appearance. The protagonist's journey to his nemesis sees him fight against various Yokai monstrosities with the help of eight unique weapons and various movement abilities.

If you're looking for something with Yokai mythology and run-and-gun gameplay, you can try Shadow Warrior 3.

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3) Ultrakill

A still from Ultrakill (Image via New Blood Interactive)

Although not as famous as some of the giants in this genre, Ultrakill is an indie arena boomer-shooter that blends the frantic pace of an arena shooter with the depth of a Devil May Cry-style ranking system.

The game, developed by Arsi "Hakita" Patala, doesn't shy away from providing players with a reality check through its difficulty. This title creates a satisfying gameplay look involving dashing around, switching weapons, dodging attacks, and parrying.

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4) Trepang2

A still from Trepang2 (Image via Team17)

Monolith's F.E.A.R. was a revolution in the FPS industry. However, the series started floundering with subsequent entries. Trepang2 is Trepang Studio's offering and is supposed the spiritual successor to the juggernaut from 2005.

The game, similar to F.E.A.R., is a first-person shooter with horror elements. This title encourages constant movement and close-quarter engagements to deal with its numerous enemies.

The game focuses on Subject 106, a test subject with the ability to slow down time and become invisible during his quest to take down a private militaristic organization named Horizon.

Those wanting an experience with engaging gunplay, movement-based gameplay, and a campaign with an eerie atmosphere can play the title.

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5) Titanfall 2

A still from Titanfall 2 (Image via Electronic Arts)

While Apex Legends is very successful, it was inspired by Titanfall 2 and shares similarities with its assets and gameplay features. The latter is one of the few FPS games that has mastered agility-based movement, which makes performing actions like wall running, double jumping, and sliding feel buttery smooth.

Titanfall 2 focuses on Jack Cooper, a Frontier Rifleman, and his relationship with Titan BT-7274 as they try to stop the Interstellar Manufacturing Corporation from destroying the planet Harmony.

The campaign is a remarkable blend of compelling characterization, witty banter, and impeccable level design, peaking at its fifth level — "Effect and Cause."

If you want a title with advanced movement, sci-fi elements, and memorable characters, you can pick up this game.