Classic PC Games: First Person Shooters (1998-2005)

For those without the latest graphics card, here is a list of the best First Person Shooters for the PC between 1998 and 2005. These games are great choices, and the best-of-the-best in their time.

Quake III Arena

Developer/Publisher: id Software, Activision (1999)

When all you have on your mind is a fragfest, but you're limited by a video card on a computer not up to snuff to handle most games, then you just might want to consider turning to Quake III Arena for some solid action.

Unreal Tournament

Developer/Publisher: Epic Games, GT Interactive (2000)

Though there is single player mode, mainly for training, the multiplayer side of Unreal Tournament is where the fun begins. Map and bot graphics in scenarios such as Deathmatch, Capture The Flag, and Domination are terrific.

Call of Duty

Developer/Publisher: InfinityWard, Activision (2003)

The cold of World War II battle is felt in Call of Duty. Any version of this pc game is solid, with intense battles giving the feeling that you'd rather the war would end, if only you had time to think about it.

Halo: Combat Evolved

Developer/Publisher: Bungie Studios/Gearbox Software, Microsoft Game Studios (2003)

If your main concern is the storyline in your computer gaming, then Halo delivers what you're looking for. Also, this first person shooter is a must-have for those of you who are fans of driving around in vehicles during game play.

Half Life 2

Developer/Publisher: Valve, Vivendi Universal Games (2004)

Whether it be single player or death match campaigns, Half Life 2 offers everything you'd want in a pc game. Warming up to the Steam engine is painless, becoming non-existent as the game play and graphics take over.

Far Cry

Developer/Publisher: Crytek, Ubisoft (2004)

Unlike most first person shooters, Far Cry gives the impression your being hunted rather than hunting. It is a top notch game, set in the jungle, where survival against man and monster depends on your ability to remain unseen.

Painkiller

Developer/Publisher: People Can Fly, DreamCatcher Interactive (2004)

If your only agenda is pure chaos, then any edition from the Painkiller series is the game to play. A heavy metal soundtrack backdrops the blasts from your shotgun. Better yet, nail 'em to the wall with the stake gun.

Doom 3

Developer/Publisher: id Software, Activision (2004)

State-of-the-art graphics marks this forever improving series based mainly on single player campaigns. Doom 3 adds an additional element of fear by being extremely dark, so you'll need to pack your flashlight much of the time.

The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay

Developer/Publisher: Starbreeze Studios, Vivendi Universal Games (2004)

Based on the movie series, The Chronicles of Riddick is a first person shooter that features great graphics, sound, and commentaries. The detailed hand-to-hand combat is top-notch, as well as the storyline.

Fear

Developer/Publisher: Monolith Productions, Vivendi Universal Games (2005)

More than a pc game, Fear is like playing a movie, and a horrific one at that. Combat is as intense as it gets, with death being an inevitability throughout a game as much a mental assault as a physical one.