Summary
Fans can’t help but curse Warner Bros. for shutting down Monolith Productions, a studio that deserved better. The company was known forpushing the envelope with its titlesand letting players enjoy a wealth of action-packed experiences.
While the company is best known for itsMiddle-earthgames and the Nemesis system, there was a time when this developer specialized in first-person shooters. Fans can enjoy some of the best action-packed experiences around if they check out one of the many FPS games developed by this great developer that deserved better.
Bloodis one of the manyDoomclones that managed to stand on its own two feet instead of being labeled as a cheap imitator of id Software’s magnum opus. While the sequel felt somewhat dated when compared to other FPS games around the time, it’s still a blast to play through.
The game takes place a century after its predecessor and features futuristic technology that players will love to mess around with. It may lack the oomph of the first game, but players who want to enjoy a mindless, action-packed shooter will findBlood 2: The Chosento be right up their alley.
Condemned 2: Bloodshotis a sequel to one of the best action-horror games players can get their hands on. While Monolith should be praised for addressing the complaints from the first game, this came at the cost of the game’s atmosphere.
Players didn’t feel all that scared when they could rely on combos and powerful firearms to decimate the maddened enemies hunting them down. However, as long as players don’t mind a less immersive atmosphere, the gameplay ofCondemned 2will keep them coming back for more.
Another Monolith sequel that failed to emulatethe atmosphere of its predecessor isF.E.A.R. 2. Alma Wade was a sinister presence in the first game who could scare players out of their wits, but her appearances in the sequel felt less sinister because of how gratuitous they were.
However,F.E.A.R. 2’s gameplay and AI boasts the same level of brilliance as its predecessor, if not more. This fact alone is enough to convince fans of the first game to give the sequel a shot as they engage in breakneck shootouts across numerous well-paced levels.
AfterDoom’s runaway success, many other titles tried to emulate its success. While the majority of theseDoomclones failed to capture mainstream attention, the same can’t be said forBlood.
With gothic and Lovecraftian elements elevating the horror vibes ofBlood, it’s easy to see why fans could easily immerse themselves in this title. Players can always check outBlood: Fresh Supplyif they want to check out this nostalgic title without facing any issues while running this game on modern systems.
One of the mostcharming and beloved FPS gamesof all time,The Operative: No One Lives Foreverlets players control Cate Archer, a spy with a confident demeanor who takes part in several missions to ensure world peace.
The hilarious script and charming visuals of this game elevate it considerably. It helps that players have the option to use either stealth or direct combat to deal with their foes, enhancing the dynamic quality of this title’s gameplay.
Fans who want to check out a horror game that will send chills down their spine will love whatCondemned: Criminal Originsbrings to the table. Despite the first-person viewpoint, the game focuses on melee combat and treats firearms like a secondary option.
This allows players to engage in some crunchy combat as they pummel their way through foes and explore the fictional city of Metro. Controlling Ethan Thomas and clearing his name as he hunts down a serial killermakes for a riveting taleas players try to steel their nerves whenever they have to deal with the many deranged enemies that try to smash them to a pulp.
The sequel toNo One Lives Forevermoved things in a bigger and bolder direction, making for a great sequel and a rare instance of Monolith’s second game being better than its first. While some people felt that the first title was more charming,No One Lives Forever 2boasts so many gameplay additions and improvements that it’s hard not to give this title the praise it deserves.
Level objectives allow for more freedom in gameplay, weapons feel better to use than before, and the simple skill system added to this game enhances the sense of progression players feel. This ensures thatNo One Lives Forever 2will stand out as one of Monolith’s best first-person games that will keep players entertained from start to end.
F.E.A.R.is one of the best video games ever made, transforming Alma Wade into one of gaming’s scariest antagonists. It helps that the gameplay is riveting and makes firefights more action-packed than ever.
The game’s revolutionary AI systems meant thatplayers had to be on their toeswhile dealing with the numerous foes that stood in their way. Despite the many years that have passed,F.E.A.R.still stands strong as one of the best FPS games ever made, and it is a must-play for fans of this genre who don’t mind a tinge of horror.
