The Ten Most Breakthrough FPS Games of all time
The FPS is undoubtedly the most dominant genre in gaming today. From the first attempts at breaking down the 2D barrier to the massive polygons and extensive multiplayer suites offered by games today , it’s mind boggling how much the genre has leaped ahead with the release of a new game every year or two. While we did consider the technical achievements of each one of these jewels, most weight was placed on how much they moved the industry forward.  Sadly we had to make some tough cuts to limit the list to ten, but we couldn’t justify denying the following games a spot on the list. Without further delay, here is our list of the ten most breakthrough FPS games of all time.
Half Life 2
Half Life 2 not only took everything that we loved about the first Half Life one step further but also paved the way for in-game physics. The moment we first got to mess around with the gravity gun is as memorable as a first kiss. If only more games had a weapon as ingenious. Console gamers were rudely awakened when they first set their sights at this master piece at their friend’s place and all of a sudden, they felt like they were living in the pong era. Half Life 2 was the complete package and set the new bar for immersive and cinematic shooters. Even today, few games can match its level of polish and diversity.
Unreal Tournament
When Unreal Tournament first hit the scene, the fast paced action and awe-inspiring amount of maps and multiplayer options out of the box blew everyone’s socks off. While gamers on the console side of the river were glued to Golden Eye, PC gamers applied for internet connections solely to play UT and the then soon to release Quake III. Maps were no longer filled with narrow corridors and thanks ridiculous pacing and range of well balanced weapons, the game demanded skill and strategy unlike any other FPS preceding it, the formula for the perfect competitive shooter. Though the franchise stumbled a little bit with UT3 and the future may not seem so bright with developer Epic dead set on expanding Gears of War to the nth degree, a healthy online community for UT and UT 2004 ensures that the head shots keep coming. And hopefully it stays that way.
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Everybody predicted Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare to sell well but not a single soul expected it to redefine the online competitive scene and become the most imitated game of the next few years to follow. The levelling up system and customizable perks added a whole new layer to multi-player and set a new industry standard. Gamers found themselves burning the hours by the hundreds and fraging their way to prestige status. COD 4’s influence can be seen everywhere in online gaming today and is not just restricted to the genre, not to mention it still has most of the industry playing catch up. Even Reach was left with no other option but to resort to the groundwork laid down by MW. COD 4 not only broke new ground on the multi-player front but in the single player camp as well. The campaign’s pacing and adrenaline fuelled gameplay made us forgive its extremely short length. All military shooters since then followed in its footsteps. Modern Warfare along with the slew of sequels spawned by its success helped establish Call of Duty as the most dominant FPS game of this generation. Even with the release of a new installment every single year, gamers find themselves returning to the game that started it all every once in a while.
Deus Ex
One of the first hybrids of its kind, Deus Ex effortlessly blended FPS and RPG elements and gave birth to an entire new sub-genre in the process. Its untouchable design and sheer depth offered more freedom to the player than most RPG’s of its time.
Its legacy extends to more than just its core gameplay. Multiple choices, an impressive length and a deep, twisted and convoluted plot left an lasting impression and a craving for more which could never be quenched.
