Summary
- Many fans believed Monolith deserved better than its ultimate fate.
- Monolith's FPS game catalog has been praised throughout the years.
- Games such as Blood and F.E.A.R. Represent Monolith's excellence even years after.
Fans can't help but curse Warner Bros. For shutting down Monolith Productions, a studio that deserved better. The company was known for pushing the envelope with its titles and letting players enjoy a wealth of action-packed experiences.
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While the company is best known for its Middle-earth games and the Nemesis system, there was a time when this developer specialized in first-person shooters. Fans can enjoy some of the best action-packed experiences around if they check out one of the many FPS games developed by this great developer that deserved better.
8 Blood 2: The Chosen
A Sequel To An Underappreciated Classic FPS
Blood 2: The Chosen
- Released
- October 31, 1998
WHERE TO PLAY
Blood is one of the many Doom clones that managed to stand on its own two feet instead of being labeled as a cheap imitator of id Software's magnum opus. While the sequel felt somewhat dated when compared to other FPS games around the time, it's still a blast to play through.
The game takes place a century after its predecessor and features futuristic technology that players will love to mess around with. It may lack the oomph of the first game, but players who want to enjoy a mindless, action-packed shooter will find Blood 2: The Chosen to be right up their alley.
7 Condemned 2: Bloodshot
A Fun Sequel With Crunchy Combat, Even If The Story Falters Somewhat
Condemned 2: Bloodshot
- Released
- March 11, 2008
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- Monolith
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror, Shooter
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Condemned 2: Bloodshot is a sequel to one of the best action-horror games players can get their hands on. While Monolith should be praised for addressing the complaints from the first game, this came at the cost of the game's atmosphere.
Players didn't feel all that scared when they could rely on combos and powerful firearms to decimate the maddened enemies hunting them down. However, as long as players don't mind a less immersive atmosphere, the gameplay of Condemned 2 will keep them coming back for more.
6 F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin
Loses Some Of The Original Game's Creepiness But Makes Up For It With Its Combat
F.E.A.R. 2
- Released
- February 10, 2009
WHERE TO PLAY
Another Monolith sequel that failed to emulate the atmosphere of its predecessor is F.E.A.R. 2. Alma Wade was a sinister presence in the first game who could scare players out of their wits, but her appearances in the sequel felt less sinister because of how gratuitous they were.
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However, F.E.A.R. 2's gameplay and AI boasts the same level of brilliance as its predecessor, if not more. This fact alone is enough to convince fans of the first game to give the sequel a shot as they engage in breakneck shootouts across numerous well-paced levels.
5 Blood
A Classic FPS Reminiscent Of Games Like Doom
Blood
- Released
- June 20, 1997
WHERE TO PLAY
After Doom's runaway success, many other titles tried to emulate its success. While the majority of these Doom clones failed to capture mainstream attention, the same can't be said for Blood.
With gothic and Lovecraftian elements elevating the horror vibes of Blood, it's easy to see why fans could easily immerse themselves in this title. Players can always check out Blood: Fresh Supply if they want to check out this nostalgic title without facing any issues while running this game on modern systems.
4 The Operative: No One Lives Forever
A Charming FPS With Fun Characters And Excellent Gameplay
The Operative: No One Lives Forever
- Released
- November 9, 2000
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M // Blood, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Monolith Productions
- Genre(s)
- FPS, Stealth
One of the most charming and beloved FPS games of all time, The Operative: No One Lives Forever lets players control Cate Archer, a spy with a confident demeanor who takes part in several missions to ensure world peace.
The hilarious script and charming visuals of this game elevate it considerably. It helps that players have the option to use either stealth or direct combat to deal with their foes, enhancing the dynamic quality of this title's gameplay.
3 Condemned: Criminal Origins
A Haunting First-Person Game With A Focus On Melee Combat
Condemned: Criminal Origins
- Released
- November 22, 2005
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Monolith Productions
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror, Action
Fans who want to check out a horror game that will send chills down their spine will love what Condemned: Criminal Origins brings to the table. Despite the first-person viewpoint, the game focuses on melee combat and treats firearms like a secondary option.
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This allows players to engage in some crunchy combat as they pummel their way through foes and explore the fictional city of Metro. Controlling Ethan Thomas and clearing his name as he hunts down a serial killer makes for a riveting tale as players try to steel their nerves whenever they have to deal with the many deranged enemies that try to smash them to a pulp.
2 No One Lives Forever 2: A Spy in H.A.R.M.'s Way
A Massive Improvement Over Its Predecessor
No One Lives Forever 2: A Spy in H.A.R.M.'s Way
- Released
- October 1, 2002
WHERE TO PLAY
The sequel to No One Lives Forever moved things in a bigger and bolder direction, making for a great sequel and a rare instance of Monolith's second game being better than its first. While some people felt that the first title was more charming, No One Lives Forever 2 boasts so many gameplay additions and improvements that it's hard not to give this title the praise it deserves.
Level objectives allow for more freedom in gameplay, weapons feel better to use than before, and the simple skill system added to this game enhances the sense of progression players feel. This ensures that No One Lives Forever 2 will stand out as one of Monolith's best first-person games that will keep players entertained from start to end.
1 F.E.A.R.
One Of The Best And Most Chilling FPS Games Ever Made
F.E.A.R.
- Released
- October 18, 2005
WHERE TO PLAY
F.E.A.R. Is one of the best video games ever made, transforming Alma Wade into one of gaming's scariest antagonists. It helps that the gameplay is riveting and makes firefights more action-packed than ever.
The game's revolutionary AI systems meant that players had to be on their toes while dealing with the numerous foes that stood in their way. Despite the many years that have passed, F.E.A.R. Still stands strong as one of the best FPS games ever made, and it is a must-play for fans of this genre who don't mind a tinge of horror.
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