Boomer gunman - a label being used, but is its accuracy under scrutiny?
The term "boomer shooter" has become a staple in the gaming community, referring to a specific style of first-person shooters (FPS) that harks back to the fast-paced, action-packed games of the 1990s. These games, often characterised by their bright color palettes, exaggerated weapons, and emphasis on gameplay over narrative, have seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years.
The origins of the boomer shooter genre can be traced back to early foundational games such as Wolfenstein 3D (1992), which established the first-person perspective, fast-paced movement, and limited field of view typical of early FPS titles. The genre's identity solidified with Doom (1993), which popularized multiplayer and modding, leading to numerous imitation games often called “Doom clones.”
Key characteristics of boomer shooters include speed and agility, a wide arsenal of distinctive weapons, a retro aesthetic, maze-like level designs, and a focus on gameplay rather than narrative or RPG-style progression. Players move fluidly through levels at high speed, emphasizing reflexes, and combat is often intense and fast-paced. The visual and auditory elements are inspired by 1990s shooters, often featuring pixelated or sprite-based graphics and bright colors.
Modern examples of the boomer shooter genre include Dusk, Ultrakill, Ion Fury, and the 2016 Doom reboot, which blend nostalgia for classic FPS mechanics with contemporary technical polish and design sensibilities. These games appeal to players seeking the intense, straightforward shooting action and old-school feel of early FPS games, distinct from more narrative-driven or tactical shooters common today.
Notable news in the boomer shooter genre includes the Painkiller remake and MGS Snake Eater. The genre remains alive with upcoming releases such as Interlopers, Breakky's Berserkers Domain, Gameshaped's Lost Anomaly's Blast Judgement, Ironworks' The Last Exterminator, Hydra Game Works' RetroBlazer, and the 2nd chapter of Altered Orbit Studios' Selaco.
The term "boomer shooter" is a relatively recent addition to the gaming lexicon, but it has stuck as fans of the genre have reclaimed it amid the growing revival of throwback FPS games since around 2018. However, it's important to note that the term does not refer to games played by baby boomers or games that go 'boom' in contrast to a tactical shooter.
In conclusion, the boomer shooter genre continues to captivate gamers with its fast-paced, action-packed gameplay and nostalgic aesthetic. Whether it's the adrenaline rush of combat, the inventive weapons, or the humorous cultural references of the 1990s, boomer shooters offer a unique and exciting experience that sets them apart from other FPS games.
- The pixelated or sprite-based graphics and bright colors of boomer shooters are influenced by the visual elements of 1990s shooter games.
- Boomer shooters, like Dusk, Ultrakill, Ion Fury, and the 2016 Doom reboot, are modern examples that blend classic FPS mechanics with contemporary design sensibilities.
- The layout of boomer shooter levels is often maze-like, encouraging players to move quickly and use their reflexes.
- The art of boomer shooters features distinctive weapons and a retro aesthetic, reminiscent of early first-person shooter games.
- The UI and UX designs of boomer shooters emphasize gameplay over narrative, providing players with a straightforward, intuitive interface.
- The upcoming games Interlopers, Breakky’s Berserkers Domain, Gameshaped’s Lost Anomaly's Blast Judgement, Ironworks' The Last Exterminator, Hydra Game Works' RetroBlazer, and the 2nd chapter of Altered Orbit Studios' Selaco are examples of creative applications of technology in the boomer shooter genre within the entertainment industry.
