Abhimannu Das
If there has ever been a franchise that has completely dominated an entire generation and its culture, it’s probably ‘Call of Duty’ (‘CoD’) without question. The first-person shooter (FPS) series started off in a characteristically gritty fashion, with World War II being the focus of the very first game. Its varying perspectives and fresh shooting mechanics was a stark departure from similar games that were already on shelves.
From that point on, ‘CoD’ has been the mainstay of the FPS genre, branching out from its WWII setting to more contemporary battles, covert operations, and even futuristic locations. The franchise has also stepped up its multiplayer component, and while that has seen a fall in the main story’s quality over recent years, it has enabled the series to garner a humongous fan following unrivalled by any game in the same genre. If you want more of the fast-paced, exhilarating action of ‘CoD’, here is the list of video games similar to Call of Duty that are our recommendations. You can play these games like Call of Duty for ps4, Xbox 360, mac, Xbox One and even online.
16. Battlefield V
Battlefield has always been the direct competitor to Call of Duty over the years and the latest installment from the Battlefield franchise has been a mixed bag so far. Just like Battlefield 1, there were a lot of bugs at launch but there is a tremendous amount of potential in the game and the developers are working towards making the title a whole lot better. Unlike most other FPS games that have 3-6 players fighting against each other, that scale of combat is far greater than anything you have ever seen in other games. Up to 64 players battle it out against each other split between two 32-man teams. There is a lot of single-player content available as well if you are looking for a campaign. A battle royale game-mode is set to launch as well to compete against the likes of Fortnite and PUBG.
15. Overwatch
Overwatch became the biggest sensation in gaming at launch in 2016 and it is currently the most popular hero shooter out there. The game has a brilliant cast with a bunch of unique characters and the objective-based game is one of the most fun FPS games you will ever play. The game has unique events that happen every now and then and new heroes and maps are added to the game to keep things fresh. While the title might not be the traditional shooter game you might have in mind when you compare it to COD, it has its own style of gameplay. Even if you are not a veteran at FPS gaming you will not have any trouble getting into the game as awareness and game sense are far more important in the game than mechanical skill and a number of heroes that are well-suited to non-FPS players are available as well. The game sees a massive audience on PC, Xbox, and PS4 so you’ll get a great experience on any platform.
14. Titanfall 2
Titanfall 2 is one of the most underrated games to release in the past five years even though it is easily one of the best FPS games out there. While the single-player campaign might take you about five hours at best, it still is a memorable experience. The classic FPS game modes are all here and there are titans that you can call down for combat as well. If you want to feel like a Power Ranger, this is the right game for you. The visuals and the movement will blow you away and it is one of the few games that got wall riding right. You will love how you are able to move your character around the map with crazy maneuvers and take out enemies hiding behind cover. Unfortunately, the game did not see much success as it was released right between Battlefield and Call of Duty, which led to mediocre sales for TF2. However, with Respawn coming back to the scene with Apex Legends, the player base is seeing a resurgence and more people are hopping into Titanfall 2.
13. Splatoon 2
If you are looking for a shooter experience on Nintendo Switch, Splatoon 2 is the perfect pick. With Nintendo’s platform lacking all of the standard shooters that you’d find on other platforms Splatoon 2 is one unique game. It is a kid-friendly game that anyone can pick up but there are quite a few mechanics that you will need to learn to truly master combat in-game. You need to spray your opponents with paint and there’s no better place to do it than a turf war. There is a horde mode as well that you can try out if you want to go for long endurance runs. Just like standard shooter games you get access to capture the flag and king of the hill game modes which are incredibly fun. You will need the Nintendo Online subscription if you want to play online, else you will be limited to offline play only. There are a lot of new events that come up along with new gear and maps which will make you keep coming back for more.
12. DOOM
If you do not care about multiplayer much and want to involve yourself in some monster-slaying mayhem, DOOM is one of the most fun games you can try right now. The gameplay is absolutely fantastic thanks to Mick Gordon’s brilliant soundtrack, the moody red visuals, and great performance. Throughout my playthrough, I faced zero lag or FPS drops and absolutely zero performance issues. The game is a reboot of the original DOOM and it is an entertaining experience from start to end. The story is quite barebones as the game is all about the gameplay and mind-boggling action on-screen more than anything else. The multiplayer component of the game is quite fun as well but the number of players is dwindling at this point with DOOM Eternal just around the corner and other multiplayer games raking in all the players. If you love old school action games, this is not a title you want to miss out.
11. Apex Legends
Apex Legends is the next big thing in gaming and it has been garnering attention from a number of FPS fans. The days of classic FPS gaming have evolved into battle royale and objective-based hero shooters and Apex cashes in on the battle royale hype. While Fortnite and PUBG still might be the behemoths of the BR genre. The fact that it is completely free and better optimized than any other battle royale game out there right from day one is a testament to Respawn’s caliber. The game does have a lot of microtransactions but all of them are purely cosmetic and do not affect gameplay in any way. Of course, the game is not perfect yet and the developers are working towards implementing a battle pass system and reworking the hitboxes. One thing that stands out about Apex is that it is a squad-based game currently and there is no solo play whatsoever, but a solo only battle royale mode may be added in the future. It is truly one of the most pleasant surprises players had so far this year and it is definitely going to be remembered as one of the best battle royale games of all time if it continues to live up to fan expectations in the future.
10. Resistance 2 (2008)
‘Resistance 2’ is the last military-themed title in a much appreciated FPS line of post-apocalyptic games set in the 1950s. The game centres around an alien invasion by the Chimera race, who seek to occupy Earth and possess human soldiers to turn them into their own enforcers. The game makes ample use of innovative weapons made possible by integrating human weapons with alien technology, and the multiplayer offered five separate, comprehensive modes such as Deathmatch, Core Control, and Skirmish, which could support upto 60 players simultaneously, a number unmatched for many years on the PlayStation 3 until ‘MAG’ was released in 2010. The engrossing storyline and uniquely designed weapons recall the earlier ‘CoD’ games convincingly.
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9. Metro 2033 (2010)
‘Metro 2033’ is based on the riveting work by Russian writer Dmitry Glukhovsky and convincingly carries the haunting, broken down locales of post-nuclear war Moscow. The build-up of the atmosphere, the realistic shooting mechanics, and the absorbing plot is akin to both the ‘CoD: Modern Warfare’ series, as well as ‘CoD: Ghosts.’ The gameplay banks on realism, with scarce ammunition and more traditional weapons such as a crossbow, so ‘CoD’ fans can look to ‘Metro 2033’ for a different experience along similar lines.
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8. Sniper Elite V2 (2012)
‘Sniper Elite V2’ is a tactical shooter set in WWII, and right from the outset, establishes itself as a close relative to the ‘CoD’ series. Its gameplay is mostly stealth-based, with the game urging players to conduct missions from afar, using the eponymous sniper rifle. However, there is a wide range of other weapons available, from submachine guns to pistols, and they can be used to approach a mission differently, which the game enables as well. The multiplayer modes are quite different from each other, and offer even more unique gameplay experiences. While Kill Tally makes two players battle unending enemy waves with infinite ammunition, Bombing Run and Overwatch are more mission-based. Overall, ‘Sniper Elite V2’ is a must-play for ‘CoD’ fans.
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7. Killzone 2 (2009)
The futuristic setting of the critically acclaimed ‘Killzone 2’ by Guerrilla Games bodes well for fans of ‘CoD: Advanced Warfare’, ‘CoD: Infinity Warfare’, and even ‘CoD: Black Ops III’ to a certain extent. Here, however, it is seamlessly combined with a steely approach to shooting enemies and progressing through the detailed game environments. The game uses tried-and-tested weapons such as the M82-G, and even makes use of motion controls in actions as varied as sniping and setting up explosives. The ‘lean and peek’ cover system is highly innovative, allowing players to fire while remaining close to cover, and also to be aware of enemy positions. All in all, ‘Killzone 2’ is a fascinating entry in the series and one that should be played by those who cannot get enough of ‘CoD.’
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6. Spec Ops: The Line (2012)
‘Spec Ops: The Line’ is arguably the most innovative and definitely the most heartrending game on this list. The only reason why it isn’t higher is because while this game has a lot in common with ‘CoD’ through its shooting mechanics, and fluid movement of vaulting over obstacles, and cover systems, it is also a departure from the series in an emotionally significant way. The game’s focus on the futility of war, and how it is seen as entertainment in films and video games, among other media, makes it wholly unique. The game follows Michael Walker, as part of an elite Delta Force team in war-torn Dubai, whose failing mental health gives this game a perspective unlike any other. ‘CoD’ players should give this a go to delve deep into the harsh and cruel reality of war and its devastating effect on our collective psyche.
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5. Half-Life 2 (2004)
Any amount of praise that would seem superfluous for any other video game, would fall short for this masterpiece. Valve’s ‘Half-Life 2’ is certainly one of the very best that gaming has ever had to offer. The game defined the modern FPS to an astonishing degree, building up from its remarkable predecessor, and carving out its place in gaming royalty. It makes use of innovative weapons such as the pulse rifle and the Gravity Gun, has a robust inventory system, and different enemy classes. While ‘CoD’ is what defines modern FPS games, ‘Half-Life 2’ is what took the genre to an unprecedented level, making it an absolute must-play immediately.
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4. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (2012)
‘Counter-Strike: Global Offensive’ (CS:GO) is the most significant and enduring entry in the world-renowned series, owing to modern graphics combined with several maps, weapons, and the classic fluid gameplay mechanic of ‘Counter-Strike.’ The game brought in new weapon types, detailed character models, and seamless gameplay, while retaining the familiar and simple style of the old games. It would be quite fitting to suggest that ‘CS:GO’ is the benchmark of multiplayer gaming, and has gone on to leave a mark on other shooters in the process, including and especially the multiplayer components of the recent ‘CoD’ games.
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3. Crysis (2007)
“Can it run Crysis?” is perhaps the defining meme of the gaming subculture, emphasising on how high-maintenance the game was, and how it punished low-end systems. ‘Crysis’ was a definitive next-gen gaming experience way back in 2007. It is astonishing how well the game holds up even to this day, from the tessellated vegetation to the nanosuit’s incredible abilities. The combat is innovative, fast-paced, and breathtaking, and it is a sheer pleasure taking enemies out so seamlessly. The more recent ‘CoD’ titles, especially ‘Advanced Warfare’ and ‘Infinite Warfare’ have taken a few leaves out of its book, to varying degrees of success. In short, it is an unmissable game.
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2. Battlefield: Bad Company 2 (2010)
When ‘Battlefield 1’ hit shelves two years ago, gamers all over the world rightfully went gaga over its high production values, and its loyalty to genuine WWI storytelling. It was seen as the first proper success of the franchise in a long time. The previous instance was undoubtedly 2010’s ‘Bad Company 2.’
The game has always been under the radar, which is quite surprising, considering the magnificence of its presentation, and the coherence of its overall vision. ‘Bad Company 2’ had a terrific story campaign set in modern times, backed by solid multiplayer content. The latter consisted of 5 different modes such as Conquest and Rush, four solider classes, and 15 different kinds of vehicles, spread across land, water, and air. While hardcore ‘CoD’ have never set much store by ‘Battlefield’, this is a game they must experience, if only to see the FPS genre from the other side.
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1. Medal of Honor (2010)
For a long time, the ‘Medal of Honor’ series of video games was the principal competitor to ‘CoD’ and with good reason. The games have always had gripping war-centred plots, well-drawn characters, a large variety of weapons, and of course, multiplayer content to satiate gamers’ appetites long after they’re done with the story.
The 2010 reboot sought to move away from the WWII setting that was popularised by the previous games, and was instead set in the War in Afghanistan. This change brought in a more direct approachability to war, which was also reflected in the multiplayer, developed separately by EA DICE, the developers of a certain series called ‘Battlefield.’ The mode had three classes in Rifleman, Special Ops, and Sniper, and player progression was detailed, grinding but ultimately rewarding. ‘Medal of Honor’ would receive due praise, but the reboot effort wouldn’t go too far, with its sequel ‘Warfighter’ being a critical and commercial failure. Nevertheless, ‘CoD’ fans would be pleasantly surprised by the action and satisfaction that ‘Medal of Honor’ has to offer, right from the get-go.
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