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Great FPS Games With Free-Form Level Design

Summary

  • In FPS games like Neon White, freeform level design encourages non-linear exploration and player agency.

  • Neon White focuses on speed and movement over a typical shooter, using unique cards for abilities.

  • FPS games like DUSK, HROT, Quake, Gloomwood and Fallen Aces offer immersive atmosphere and open gameplay.

First-person shooters are a broad and diverse genre that includes everything from the run-and-gun style of old-school titles. as DOOM For twitchy multiplayer games like Call Of Duty. A bit of a revival of old-school design, even though modern FPS titles are focused on multiplayer gameplay. the indie scene brought level design back to the fore.

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More specifically, these games support freeform level design that emphasizes non-linear exploration and enhances player agency. While this open design doesn’t rely on a lock-and-key structure more often than not, some of these games manage to break free from the norm.

7

Neon White

FPS Speed ​​Runner that encourages multiple approaches



Neon White

He was released

June 16, 2022

Developer(s)

Angel matrix

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Neon White is an essentially linear, level-based FPS title with an emphasis on speed and speed Action on a typical shooter game. In each level, players are tasked with blasting demons as fast as possible on their way to the final goal, racing to beat their best time.

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For this, players are given a variety of unique cards, each representing a different weapon. These weapons are not only used to dispatch the aforementioned demons, but can also be used as mobility abilities that allow players to take shortcuts and/or cut corners.

6

CULTURE

Slow-Burning Intelligence of the Atmospheric Campaign



Cultic

Systems

He was released

October 13, 2022

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

levels CULTURE it may be closer to linearity at times than others, but it has many environments that champion freeform design within its single-player campaign. In true boomer-shooter fashion, CULTURE allowing players to explore levels at their own pace in most cases. Along with a secret to find and a sense of winning atmosphere, CULTIC’s levels are consistently fun and immersive to explore.

Each level is filled with a variety of aggressive enemies, different environments, and even a few rare scenarios that are truly memorable. This experience is nothing but crisp sound effects, stylish old school graphics and great soundtrack.

5

ALABAN

Good Hidden Mysteries and Immersive Sim Elements Elevate Exploration



ALABAN

Systems

He was released

December 10, 2018

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

DUSK’s levels may be somewhat shorter, but others offer less linear experiences that require exploration and backtracking to progress. There are many secrets hidden in each of them DUSK’s freeform levels, some of which can be achieved using immersive sim elements in the background of the game.

These are immersive sim elements is secondary to DUSK’s design, but they help support the freeform nature of the game and distract from the lock-and-key structure. Best of all, dense, STALKER-inspiring atmosphere and B-movie horror that ALABAN Help is wrapped to make each level memorable.

4

TIP

Typical gunplay enhanced by evocative environments



TIP

Systems

He was released

May 16, 2023

Developer(s)

Interesting anger

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

This dry and gloomy first-person shooter features old-school 3D graphics and pixelated textures that will make you feel a little nostalgic. While the brown-heavy color palette and palette may be too much for some, it provides a palpable atmosphere supported by freeform level design that elevates the overall mood.

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On many levels TIP are typical boomer-shooter designs with multiple battle arenas and maze complexes that require players to engage in meaningful exploration. The gunplay may not be significantly polished, but the level design and immersive atmosphere more than make up for it.

3

Earthquake

Secrets, Shortcuts and Savings Loops



Earthquake

Undoubtedly a staple of the FPS genre, Earthquake is a classic for good reason, offering players fluid motion controls and expressive combat encounters in a variety of labyrinthine levels. Lock-and-key structure Earthquake enhanced by clever level design and unique sci-fi settings, both of which help provide the player with an intense atmosphere.

On many levels Earthquake full of secrets, shortcuts, and satisfying twists and turns that make exploration a rewarding experience. the best Earthquake it’s been around for years, and there’s plenty of custom content to master even after players exhaust the extensive core content.

2

Gloomwood

Open-ended levels powered by Immersive-Sim Gameplay



Gloomwood

Systems

He was released

September 6, 2022

Publisher(s)

New Blood Interactive

channeling survival-horror classics like Resident Evil 4 alongside immersive sims like Thief: The Dark Project, Gloomwood is a unique animal. Featuring gorgeous old-school graphics enhanced by immersive lighting and immersive environments, Gloomwood able to offer an atmospheric experience that emphasizes creative problem solving through free-form level design.

Gloomwood It’s built from a simple, intuitive set of mechanics with a strong focus on stealth, supported by immersive sim systems that allow players to overcome obstacles in creative ways. There are few firearms that players can use Gloomwoodthough in true survival-horror fashion, their ammo tends to be limited. This only further emphasizes the freeform design, forcing players to be careful with their choices and research thoroughly to succeed.

1

Fallen Aces

Old School FPS/Fighter with Immersive Sim Level Design



Fallen Aces

Systems

Publisher(s)

New Blood Interactive

ESRB

t

Sporting heavy influences from the immersive sim genre, Fallen Aces is a combat-oriented FPS where firearms and ammo are powerful but limited. This often results in a sloppy game that encourages players to explore every nook and cranny of any given level.

At every level Fallen Aces It’s quite open, providing miniature open-world areas closed with a classic lock-and-key design. All of this without mentioning the game’s gorgeous comic book art style, music, voice acting, and attention to detail in its environments.

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