First-person shooters have long histories crossing console generations, but the PS4 in particular has cultivated iconic entries gamers will enjoy for ages. As Sony‘s 4th PlayStation console after industry-shaping predecessors, the PS4 arrived at an auspicious time when FPS games moved from niche to utterly mainstream.
Let‘s analyze the 7 PS4 FPS titles that best showcase the genre‘s evolution and importance for PlayStation gamers. From bombastic sequels advancing legendary series, to trailblazing new IPs catalyzing popular subgenres, these games encapsulate the diverse, definitive FPS experiences the console offered.
The Explosive Appeal of First-Person Shooters
Before diving into the PS4 specifics, what distinguishes FPS games broadly? At their core, FPS feature shooting mechanics and obstacles from a first-person visual perspective. This immersive viewpoint connects players directly to the avatar, differentiating FPS from third-person games.
While Wolfenstein 3D pioneered FPS in 1992, seminal 90s games like DOOM and Quake honed the genre‘s signature traits:
- Fast-paced run-and-gun shooting action
- Diverse arsenals of creative firearms
- Frantic battles against endless legions of enemies
- Exploring 3D maze-like environments from the protagonist‘s eyes
These characteristics popularized FPS among early PC gamers and laid foundations for future franchises. By providing white-knuckle tests of reflexes and aiming skill, FPS tapped into gamers‘ competitiveness with deathmatches and online battles.
As FPS gained popularity on PCs and later consoles, new mechanics like parkour mobility or squad tactics formed subgenres. Combined with increasing multiplayer focus, FPS landed a prime spot among best-selling games today.
In fact, 9 of the top 20 best-selling video game franchises are FPS series. On PlayStation specifically, FPS titles grew from PS2 experiments to PS4 royalty. Let‘s analyze key PS4 FPS to see how PlayStation‘s console history intertwines with genre milestones.
The Rise of FPS Dominance on PlayStation Consoles
| PlayStation Console | Top FPS Titles | Key FPS Innovations |
|---|---|---|
| PS1 (1994) | Doom, Quake, Medal of Honor | 3D graphics, multiplayer deathmatches |
| PS2 (2000) | Timesplitters, Medal of Honor | Console aim-assist, vehicle combat |
| PS3 (2006) | Resistance: Fall of Man, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare | Online connectivity, high player counts |
| PS4 (2013) | Overwatch, DOOM Eternal | 4K graphics, user-generated content |
Sony positioned FPS as integral parts of PlayStation consoles since the first iteration. As visuals and online connectivity advanced from PS1 to PS4, the FPS potential grew exponentially.
The PS4‘s 2013 launch came at an opportune moment then – gamer appetites peaked for immersive, seamless FPS games with console hardware finally capable of delivering them. Beyond just graphical improvements though, social functionality became expected thanks to PS4 OS capabilities supporting networked experiences.
For reference, early PS4 FPS launch title Call of Duty Ghosts supported 6v6 to 12v12 multiplayer on PS3. PS5 sequel Call of Duty Vanguard by contrast offers modes supporting 48 players simultaneously. These expanded player counts exemplify the wider, more social FPS experiences PS4 owners enjoyed.
Now let‘s showcase the individual PS4 FPS titles that best demonstrate the genre‘s advances and influence this past decade!
7. Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
- Developer: MachineGames
- Release Date: Oct 27, 2017
- Single Player Campaign Length: ~8 Hours
- Metascore: 87
- Available On: Amazon
Wolfenstein II continued MachineGames‘ alternate history reboot with a gripping single-player story campaign. As featured protagonist BJ Blazkowicz, the mission is sparking a revolution against Nazi rule in occupied America.
Despite no multiplayer, Wolfenstein II remains a must-play PS4 FPS for the explosive narrative action. Carefully designed levels encourage exploration with secrets aplenty for history buffs. Intense gunplay offers satisfying shooting whether going in guns blazing or stealth assassinating.
However, Blazkowicz‘s personal relationships and inner monologues bring emotional weight otherwise lacking in pure action FPS titles. Combined with the freedom to approach objectives creatively, the 8-10 hour campaign invites replayability despite linearity.
Ultimately, Wolfenstein II creatively subverts expectations to offer one of PS4‘s most impactful single-player FPS experiences. The refreshing setting explores distressing but thought-provoking alternate history plots as well.
6. DOOM Eternal
- Developer: id Software
- Release Date: Mar 19, 2020
- Campaign Length: 18+ hours
- Metascore: 87
- Available On: Amazon
DOOM eternalized its legacy as a non-stop adrenaline rush FPS celebrating intense heavy metal visuals and gore. There‘s no time for caution as enemies flood arenas and players dance on razor edges of death.
While critiqued for platforming puzzles slowing campaign momentum, DOOM Eternal‘s refined combat encourages aggression. Glory kill animations both replenish health and ammo while offering blood-soaked flair. Balancing firearms, the shoulder-mounted flamethrower, and chainsaw keeps horde-killing kinetics creative.
With 18+ hour single-player content and added Invasion or Battlemode multiplayer, DOOM Eternal marks a welcome revival for this longstanding FPS icon. Supporting 4K 60 FPS visuals on PS4 Pro, hellish gunfights gain extra visual punch worth their AAA price tag. Visceral FPS fans can rest assured this sequel upholds the quality action its forebears began in the 90s.
5. Quake Remastered
- Developer: id Software, MachineGames
- Initial Release Date: June 22, 1996
- Remaster Release Date: Feb 22, 2022
- Single/Multiplayer Modes
- Metascore: 87
- Available On: Amazon
The original Quake pioneered trends like rocket-jumping and mouselook controls for FPS games in 1996. The 2022 PS4 remaster modernizes the graphics while keeping vintage charm intact through subtle lighting and texture upgrades.
With both solo and multiplayer support, Quake Remastered lets PS4 gamers experience an FPS artifact. Finding keys, hitting switches, and opening secret doors evoke 90s shooters where exploration drove gameplay as much as combat. This trip down memory lane shines in frantic 8-player deathmatches full of rocket and lightning gun chaos however.
While clearly outdated next to contemporary FPS, the strong art direction keeps Quake atmospheric, especially with dynamic lighting from lava or glowing relics. Updated 1080p visuals make its sprite-based enemies like shamblers and ogres comprehensible instead of pixelated messes too. There‘s no hand-holding for newcomers however – Quake retains historical charm by remaining fast, fierce and for Forgotten Realms fanatics who lived through 90s FPS heydays.
4. Battlefield 1
- Developer: EA DICE
- Release Date: Oct 21, 2016
- Multiplayer Modes/Maps: 6/9
- Metascore: 89
- Available On: Amazon
Despite the name, Battlefield 1 broke the military FPS formula by going back to World War 1 rather than modern or future warfare. Wide-open battlefields with extreme weather generate epic warfare highlighting differences like bolt-action rifles versus machine guns.
With smaller scale combat than recent sequels, Battlefield 1 emphasizes squad tactics over lone wolf skill. Unique Behemoths function like mobile spawn points while adding heavy firepower if utilized properly. Combined arms missions also showcase Battlefield‘s specialty vehicle gameplay – flying planes or driving tanks blurs lines between FPS and flight simulator.
Overall graphical quality and smooth 64 player matches made Battlefield 1 a technical showpiece early into the PS4 lifecycle. Alongside a solemn single-player campaign shedding light on global fronts ignored in history classes, Battlefield 1 took strategic FPS immersion to new levels.
3. Apex Legends
- Developer: Respawn Entertainment
- Release Date: Feb 4, 2019
- Player Count: ~115 million
- Metascore: 89
- Available On: Free-to-play on PSN
Apex Legends dominated 2019 by breaking Fortnite‘s burgeoning battle royale stranglehold on gaming. Featuring varied "Legend" characters with unique skills, Apex modernized FPS hero shooters for consoles.
Eight starting characters offered defined roles like Frontline assaulters, Recon scouts, and Support healers. This encouraged complementary team compositions over individual skill, with intuitive contextual pings facilitating planning. Regular new Legend additions keep squads experimenting with novel abilities too.
Rounds launch 60 players simultaneously onto a massive map, adding scale first-person battle royale matches lacked before Apex. Hard sci-fi weapons and slick traversal including grappling hooks or jump pads optimize FPS mobility as well. Combine these innovations with excellent netcode and visuals, and Apex Legends keeps breaking PS4 FPS records.
2. Titanfall 2
- Developer: Respawn Entertainment
- Release Date: Oct 28, 2016
- Campaign Length: ~8 hours
- Metascore: 89
- Available On:: Amazon
After Titanfall received critcism for omitting single-player content, Respawn packaged an excellent FPS campaign alongside top-tier multiplayer in this sequel. A buddy plot between the protagonist rifleman and his very own playable Titan mech creates rare connections in competitive shooters.
Highly mobile pilot gameplay blends acrobatic wall-running with hard-hitting firearms for fast and fun FPS chaos. But hijacking enemy Titans or piloting your own introduces strategic vehicle elements as these hulks trade explosive ordnance. Overall polished mechanics, advanced movement techniques, and creative mode designs resulted in a rewarding skill gap benefitting dedicated players.
Unfortunately undersold commercially but beloved by critics and players, Titanfall 2‘s underrated popularity perhaps suffered due to releasing between Battlefield and Call of Dutyjuggernauts. What it lacked in strong revenue however it made up through long-term influence on subsequent FPS titles, becoming the blueprint for modern hero shooters.
1. Overwatch
- Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
- Release Date: May 24, 2016
- Player Count: ~50 million
- Metascore: 90
- Available On:: Amazon
The first original IP from developer legends Blizzard in 17 years, Overwatch showcased their creative design chops evolved for modern FPS fans. Featuring 32 distinct heroes across offensive, defensive, tank, and support archetypes, Overwatch forged its own style of strategic 6v6 FPS.
Instead of individual prowess, victory requires teamwork using complementary abilities. For example, Reinhardt shields Mercy healing fellow damage dealers like Junkrat or Genji. This "easy to play, hard to master" approach appeals for solo or squad players. Those preferring tactics over twitch reflexes found a new FPS home.
With accolades including Game of the Year awards and over $1 billion earned by 2018, Overwatch shares rare company with fellow top-sellers like Call of Duty or Grand Theft Auto. Continuous content updates keeping gameplay fresh several years post-launch showcases excellent post-release support as well.
As a stylish, instantly accessible multiplayer FPS accommodating diverse playstyles, Overwatch fittingly caps off PlayStation‘s ascension nurturing massively popular first-person shooter experiences over decades of console generations.
The Defining PS4 FPS Showpieces…So Far
The PS4 leaves behind an outstanding FPS legacy pushing graphical limits and online connectivity to new highs. While franchises like Call of Duty ensured annual tuned gameplay iterations, fresh series like Overwatch and Apex Legends brought new design ideas leading fps gaming into the 2020s.
With PS5 out now and VR support broadening immersive avenues for first-person experiences, the future looks bright for PlayStation fans craving more shooter spectacle and strategy evolution. For now though, be sure to explore these PS4 FPS landmarks demonstrating how far the genre has come since 1990s conventions!
