Hitscans and Telefrags and Rocket Jumps, Oh My!
It’s been just over a year and a half since the last time I highlighted some amazing indie shooters. The genre’s been on fire since then, so here’s a few more that are worth your time and attention!
SELACO
By Altered Orbit Studios
Let’s start this off with an (appropriate) bang. SELACO is a stunning sci-fi FPS made entirely in the GZDoom source engine. While expected to be in Early Access until 2026, the current release has the game’s full Act 1 (of 3) ready to go, featuring 31 levels, incredibly satisfying weapons, and tons of secrets. It’s already a stellar deal that promises to only get better with time.
Platforms: Windows PC, Steam
Herald of Havoc
By Zeldars Zone
Switching gears to an even smaller team, Herald of Havoc is a solo-developed homage to DOOM and Quake that keeps things simple. Levels are all oriented around maximum running and gunning, with an absolutely devastating arsenal that is a consistent blast to use. The Volcanic Shotgun might actually be the most satisfying double-barrel shotgun since DOOM II, and I don’t say that lightly.
Platforms: Windows PC, Steam
Extraneum
By David Jalbert
Taking things back to the earliest days of the genre, Extraneum harkens back to the horizontal map-crawling of Wolfenstein 3D. With as much of an emphasis on secret hunting as shooting, this is one for people who love trying to find every nook and cranny of absolutely massive, grid-based maps.
Platforms: Windows PC, Steam
Zortch
By Mutantleg
Another solo-developer project, Zortch reminds me of a combination of the original Unreal and the vibes of a Nintendo 64 shooter like Turok 2. Shamelessly weird and retro (complete with a bizarre story found only in the game’s manual), this has enough gunplay and chunky polygons to please anyone nostalgic for 1999.
Platforms: Windows PC, Steam, itch.io
Fida Puti Samurai
By Zanardi and Liza
Maybe the entries on this list have been a little too traditional for you, and you want something a little more modern? Fida Puti Samurai has you covered. Combining the run-and-gun action of a classic shooter with the randomization and unlocks of a Rogue-like, this is a trip into the world of a friend’s all-too-revealing anime game that’s often as hilarious as it is fun. Really colorful graphics, too!
Platforms: Windows PC, Steam
Exophobia
By Zarc Attack
Another genre mashup, this time combining the aforementioned Wolfenstein format with the backtracking and ability unlocks of a Metroidvania. While a bit slower-paced than the other entries, it’s no less as compelling. The pixel art is great too, feeling almost like an 8-bit System Shock.
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, Windows PC, Steam
Beyond Citadel
By doekuramon
The follow-up to 2020’s The Citadel, this game comes courtesy of a solo developer from Japan! A surprisingly deep experience with lots of details you wouldn’t expect, it features a distinctive vibe that evokes ’90s anime. Fair warning, though, the character designs are relentlessly horny in a way that may not appeal to everybody.
Platforms: Windows PC, Steam
Wizordum
By Emberheart Games
Trading guns and ammo for swords and sorcery, Wizordum is a shooter designed to feel like blasting your way through the D&D campaign of your dreams. It’s already a winner thanks to engaging exploration and tons of gear to try out, but the cherry on top is its absolutely gorgeous 2D graphics.
Platforms: Windows PC, GOG, Steam
Brutal John
By OldSchool Laws Interactive
Easily the most bonkers game on this list, Brutal John sees its eponymous character trading bullets and curse words with a cryptocurrency-mining lizard alien (yes, really). Completely bizarre but also very well made, with an equally wild arsenal of guns. Duke who?
Platforms: Windows PC, Steam
Coven
By Gator Shins
Gothic horror, a combination of magic and weapons, and impressive gore define Coven. It’d be worth it for the vibes alone, but thankfully the combat is thrilling, and the level design is brilliant. This is a Coven worth joining.
Platforms: Windows PC, Steam
Let us know if you know about any other retro FPS games you’d like us to cover!
