9 Influential Third-Person Shooter Games
9 Influential Third-Person Shooter Games
Top 9 Most Influential Third-Person Shooter Games
Third-person shooter games are a dime a dozen these days. But let’s travel back in time and explore the games that revolutionized the genre, paving the way for the action-packed experiences we love today.
- Tomb Raider

In 1996, Tomb Raider hit the scene and changed the game with its seamless movement in a 3D space. Despite its aged visuals, leaping around tombs and flipping between platforms is still as enjoyable today as it was over two decades ago. This game served as a blueprint for future action-adventure third-person shooters, inspiring titles like Uncharted and the Tomb Raider reboot trilogy.
- Ratchet & Clank (2002)

The original Ratchet & Clank introduced a fast, frantic, and incredibly fun third-person experience. Players dove back into the action in no time, taking down hordes of enemies with unique and destructive weapons. This gameplay loop became the go-to formula for many fast-paced third-person shooters, proving that gripping combat and engaging storytelling go hand in hand.
- The Evil Within 2

Tango Gameworks shattered expectations with The Evil Within 2 in 2017. This game successfully combined an open world, a surreal story, and intense atmosphere, taking the third-person horror genre to new heights. As detective Sebastian Castellanos, players explored the depths of the STEM system, scavenging for survival while uncovering hidden weapons. The Evil Within 2 proved that horror games can embrace the open world without sacrificing excitement.
- Star Wars Battlefront (2004)

Star Wars Battlefront wowed players with its breathtaking, large-scale firefights. Hailed as one of the greatest multiplayer games of all time, it offered unparalleled customization and the epic Galactic Conquest mode. The third-person perspective allowed players to roll around, strafe, and embody the mighty Jedi or Sith Lords. It truly brought the Star Wars universe to life like never before.
- Take-Two shuts down real-life GTA restaurants
- “Twitch bans PewDiePie once more.”
- WoW’s Awesome 19th Anniversary Mount Reward Unveiled
- Army Of Two

While Army of Two may have lacked in story and character depth, its gameplay was a breath of fresh air. The innovative Aggro system, where one player drew enemy attention while the other flanked for quick kills, changed the cooperative third-person shooter landscape. It set the standard for future games in the genre, pushing boundaries in gameplay and AI.
- Vanquish

Shinji Mikami, creator of Resident Evil 4, delivered another gem with Vanquish. This game brought a relentless pace and razor-edge gameplay to the table. Players suited up as super soldier Sam Gideon, gliding through stages with rocket boots and slowing down time with the Augmented Reaction system. Vanquish injected explosive action into the cover shooter element, blending the best of the ’90s “Bullet Hell” shooter genre with modern third-person mechanics.
- Spec Ops: The Line

Spec Ops: The Line turned heads when it released amidst a sea of similar war-themed third-person shooters. At first glance, it appeared to be just another generic shooter, but it quickly revealed its true colors. The game questioned the mindless killing that had become commonplace in the genre, challenging players to examine the moral ambiguity of their actions. Spec Ops: The Line sparked a movement towards more thought-provoking narratives in shooters.
- Gears Of War

Gears Of War tore down the walls of conventional first-person shooters and proved that cover-based third-person shooters could be just as, if not more, exciting. With an emphasis on fluid cover mechanics, intense gunfights, and deadly one-hit kill weapons, Gears Of War birthed and perfected the third-person cover-based subgenre. It redefined what players could expect from an action-packed shooter adventure.
- Resident Evil 4

Capcom took the third-person perspective to new heights with the groundbreaking release of Resident Evil 4. The game introduced a camera angle that would become a staple for future third-person games. Due to its close shoulder camera, aiming became more seamless and accurate. It also enabled players to execute exhilarating melee attacks, something unheard of in first-person shooters. Resident Evil 4 showcased the true potential of the third-person shooter subgenre, even redefining a classic horror franchise.
These nine influential games have left an indelible mark on the world of third-person shooters. From seamless movement to intense gunfights and thought-provoking narratives, they have shaped the genre into the thrilling and diverse landscape we know and love today.
MORE: The Most Innovative And Influential First-Person Shooter Games