FPS: What It Is and Characteristics of the Game Genre
The FPS genre, or First Person Shooter, is one of the most popular in electronic games. This popularity is due to the dynamic experience they offer, captivating thousands of fans over the years with classic titles like Quake (1996) and increasingly realistic graphics as technology advances.
In this ExitLag guide, understand more about first-person shooter games, their characteristics, and examples of games that have marked history in this category and are worth trying.
What is FPS?
FPS can refer to two distinct things depending on the context. In the realm of video and games, FPS stands for “Frames per Second,” which measures the number of frames displayed per second on a screen, with higher rates resulting in smoother and more fluid images.
In the context of games, FPS also stands for “First-Person Shooter,” a genre where the player experiences the action through the eyes of the main character. Popular examples of this genre include “Call of Duty,” “Counter-Strike,” and “Fortnite.”
What are FPS games?
FPS is an acronym for First Person Shooter, meaning games where the player views the interface through the character’s eyes. Thus, only the hands appear in front of you with the chosen weapon while traversing the scenarios. These games offer a more immersive approach, enhanced by the quality of graphics that have evolved significantly over the years.
Subgenres of First-Person Shooter Games
Within the FPS category, there are several subgenres that follow the main premise of first-person gameplay but incorporate different elements regarding the narrative or combat style. Some subgenres are:
- Battle Royale: These games gather thousands of players who must fight each other, with the last survivor being the winner. To achieve this, players need to avoid danger zones, win battles, and find weapons.
- Tactical: In this type of game, strategy is more valued, with less frequent direct battles. Special missions, such as hostage rescues, often require teamwork and specific skills.
Other games combine RPG elements with the FPS style. In these, players can explore environments, collect new weapons, and enhance character traits as they progress.
Characteristics of FPS Games
The main characteristic of FPS games is the immersion that the first-person view provides. Additionally, they require precision in aiming at targets and quick decision-making since the environment is dynamic and allows for the exploration of scenarios.
Another common feature in this style is the variety of weapons. Depending on the title, players can choose character accessories and receive new weapons as rewards during activities.
Moreover, in other games, players can acquire more equipment by accumulating wealth or trading with other players. Strategy use is present in many titles of this genre. Players must know how to use the environment to their advantage, such as finding hiding spots from enemy attacks.
FPS Games in 2024
Among the most famous FPS games are titles like Counter-Strike, Call of Duty, and Halo, as well as classics like Doom, one of the pioneers of the genre. Here are some details about them:
Counter-Strike
The series, which began with its first release in 2000, is one of the biggest successes in the genre. Consequently, the developer has launched new versions, the most recent being Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, featuring completely revamped graphics while maintaining the essence of the franchise.
In it, players must navigate war scenarios and choose their weapons to face challenges in each new map.
Call of Duty
Another major success in shooting games, Call of Duty stands out for its modern scenarios and excellent graphic quality. Players can embark on single-player missions in regions like the Middle East and must use strategy to win.
There is also a multiplayer mode with an interactive community. One of the game’s highlights is the vast arsenal of over 70 weapons, from rifles to machine guns, along with night vision accessories and special suits.
Halo
Halo combines a futuristic touch with a first-person gaming experience, following a super soldier on a mission to save humanity. With detailed graphics, it offers players over 120 maps to explore in solo campaigns or multiplayer mode.
Doom
The game is considered a milestone in the genre for introducing 3D graphics and an engaging soundtrack.
The saga follows a marine who must face hordes of demons on Mars. Besides the single-player option, it pioneered multiplayer mode with local network connections and later via the internet. It inspired many other sagas in the same category and received a reboot in 2016 with improved graphics and features.
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The Importance of High FPS Rates in Games
The term FPS also means frames per second, an important metric in the gaming world. In summary, it defines how many image frames are displayed on the screen per second, and the higher this rate, the more responsive the game is, an essential feature, especially in shooting games.
A good FPS rate ensures that commands sent by the keyboard or mouse are shown on the screen more quickly. This can be crucial in determining victory in a direct combat scenario. It also brings more fluidity to movements and reduces image blurring, contributing to a more immersive experience. Games with at least 60FPS are considered to have good performance, but above 120, the experience becomes even more stimulating.
The Difference Between FPS and Hz
Hertz (Hz) measures how many times the monitor can refresh the screen per second. Thus, it directly relates to FPS, although each has a responsible component.
The number of frames is defined by the graphics processing hardware (GPU), while the monitor configuration determines the hertz rate. For a better experience, these two factors should be aligned, so the FPS rate generated by the GPU should match or exceed the monitor’s refresh rate.
