Over the past few years, more and more players have expressed that they're feeling fatigued by certain video game genres, and the one that often receives the most complaints is the open-world genre. It is pretty easy to see why, as it can be exhausting to explore gigantic worlds over and over again, many of which can take dozens of hours to even scratch the surface of, which is frankly too much time for even some die-hard players.
This means that lots of gamers are on the hunt for more streamlined experiences that can be digested in a much shorter period of time, while still feeling engaging from a gameplay and narrative perspective. Thankfully, there are so many great linear games out there, specifically in the FPS space, giving players burned out on open worlds the chance to enjoy a shorter yet equally enjoyable playthrough that they can easily get through in a weekend.
DOOM Eternal
As Good As A Boomer Shooter Can Get
- Fast-paced and short levels loaded with secrets.
- Constant motion and action.
DOOM Eternal is considered by many to be the best game in the series, and in the world of FPS games, it sits pretty close to the top. Right from the start, players find themselves running and gunning down demons left, right, and center, constantly moving forward and never slowing down for long to avoid the countless incoming attacks.
What makes the game so great is how well each level is designed: there are always different ways to approach a new area. While it is certainly a very linear experience, there are still enough secret passages and sneaky alternate routes to reward keen-eyed players with some extra resources and collectibles should they choose to explore just a little further.
BioShock Infinite
All In Due Time
- Guided exploration through linear sections.
- Strong story focus throughout, despite the frequent shooting arenas.
BioShock Infinite is a surreal and exhilarating story about the past, present, and future, taking players on a journey that twists and turns as much as any other game in the industry. It doesn't take long for the guns to start firing, and players have a huge arsenal at their disposal to respond with, ranging from pistols to rocket launchers and a few special powers to help them when things get dicey.
As fun as the gunplay is, the world-building is where the game really shines. Not only are players running around a breathtaking city in the sky, but they are also following a compelling story that will keep them guessing right up until the end. It is the perfect game for players who enjoy story-focused campaigns with a lot less side content to distract them from the importance of the main quest.
Metro 2033
Claustrophobic In The Best Way
- Tight environments create constant tension.
- Meaningful locations rather than bloat.
Metro 2033 rejects open-world excess in favor of suffocating environments that add tension to every encounter. It doesn't matter if players are navigating underground tunnels or making a mad dash on the surface; the sense of vulnerability never leaves them, something that just wouldn't be possible in a large open world.
As players progress, they will be forced to manage their resources and pay attention to their surroundings, as one wrong move can easily lead to a quick trip to the afterlife. In a lot of ways, linearity isn't a constraint but a tool used to increase tension through confinement, as even when the action seems to die down, there is always a chance for a surprise around the corner.
Wolfenstein: The New Order
Always Moving To The Next Objective
- Insistence on moving forward.
- Fast tempo shifts during combat.
Wolfenstein: The New Order thrives on constant momentum. Levels are built to push players forward, blending stealth and action without ever deviating too far from the main path. This structure allows combat encounters to escalate naturally, maintaining a constant level of pressure while giving just enough breathing room so players never feel overly panicked.
The linear format also strengthens its surprisingly emotional narrative. Rather than encountering characters across a giant world, players are confronted in a controlled manner, ensuring that every beat lands and the importance of the mission never leaves their mind.
Half-Life 2
Still An FPS Titan 20 Years Later
- Seamless transitions between levels.
- No need for backtracking.
Half-Life 2 is as close to gaming royalty as it gets. Not only was it exceptional on release, but it remains one of the best FPS games ever made to this day. Part of what makes it so great is how well-paced the narrative is. Rather than rushing players from location to location, they can take a much slower pace if they choose, picking off enemies and using different techniques to clear out rooms rather than just unloading a mag and moving on.
As things progress, new mechanics are introduced that alter how players engage with enemies and the world itself. At the same time, these mechanical jumps never feel too drastic, instead slotting into the gameplay perfectly without ever breaking the flow of the narrative that holds it all together.
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This article originally appeared on GameRant and is republished here with permission.
