What was the first big FPS game?
The first big First-Person Shooter (FPS) game was Wolfenstein 3D, created by id Software as a successor to the successful 1980s video games Castle Wolfenstein and Beyond Castle Wolfenstein, and released in 1992. Wolfenstein 3D was an instant success, fueled largely by its shareware release, and has been credited with inventing the first-person shooter genre, although it was not the first FPS game, with that title belonging to Maze War, developed in 1973.
Introduction to FPS Games
The first-person shooter genre has a rich history, with various games contributing to its evolution over the years. To understand the significance of Wolfenstein 3D and other FPS games, it’s essential to look at the genre’s origins and notable milestones.
History of FPS Games
The first-ever first-person shooter videogame was Maze War, developed by Steve Colley, Greg Thompson, and Howard Palmer in 1973. However, Wolfenstein 3D is often considered a pioneering game in the FPS genre due to its widespread popularity and influence on subsequent games.
FAQs about FPS Games
Here are some frequently asked questions about FPS games:
- What was the first FPS game?: The first FPS game was Maze War, developed in 1973.
- Is Doom the grandfather of FPS?: DOOM is often considered the father of the FPS genre, as it popularized the genre and was widely influential, but it was not the first FPS game.
- What was the first FPS console?: A modified version of Wolfenstein 3D was the first FPS game on a console platform, released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in Japan in 1993.
- Which came first, Wolfenstein or Doom?: Wolfenstein 3D was released in 1992, one year before DOOM.
- Is Wolfenstein illegal in Germany?: Wolfenstein was not explicitly banned in Germany, but it was part of a group of games dubbed “killer games” by mainstream media, which led to controversy and restrictions.
- Who is the father of FPS?: DOOM is often considered the father of the FPS genre due to its significant influence on the genre.
- What is the oldest console?: The Magnavox Odyssey, released in 1972, is considered the world’s first home video game console.
- How old is the oldest gaming console?: The Magnavox Odyssey was released in 1972, making it over 50 years old.
- What was the first FPS with free look?: The first commercial FPS to allow players to use the mouse to freely look around a 3D environment was Marathon, developed by Bungie in 1994.
- How many FPS is the original DOOM?: The DOOM engine runs at 35 frames per second, regardless of the hardware.
- Is DOOM the best shooter?: DOOM Eternal is widely regarded as one of the best shooters of all time, with its fast-paced action and heavy metal soundtrack.
- Which was first, Quake or DOOM?: DOOM was released in 1993, followed by Quake in 1996, which introduced fully rendered 3D worlds and fast-paced gunplay.
- What was the first 3D game?: The first-ever commercial 3D video game is Battlezone, released in 1980.
- What was the first FPS stealth game?: Thief: The Dark Project is credited as a pioneer of the FPS stealth genre, released in 1998.
- What is the highest FPS ever?: The highest FPS ever recorded is 70 trillion frames per second, achieved by a scientific camera developed for documenting nuclear fusion and radioactive molecule decay.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Maze War was the first FPS game, Wolfenstein 3D is often considered the first big FPS game due to its significant influence on the genre and widespread popularity. The FPS genre has evolved over the years, with various games contributing to its development, including DOOM, Quake, and Marathon. Understanding the history and milestones of the FPS genre can provide valuable insights into the development of modern games.