A review of shooters that can be run on weak PCs

It’s not every day that a project becomes a benchmark for a genre, capable of radically changing the gaming industry. The Call of Duty series of games is a phenomenon that has left an indelible mark on gaming. Since the release of the first part in 2003, the project immediately marked itself as a powerful player in the first-person shooter market. It captured the attention of millions and set a new standard of quality for other representatives of the genre. Today, we will look at how the concept was able to evolve and have an incredible impact on the entire industry.

The history and evolution of the Call of Duty series

The humble beginnings in 2003, when Infinity Ward released the first part of the Call of Duty series of games, did not seem to foreshadow the success that was waiting for them. At that time, the first-person shooter market was saturated, and the developers had a difficult task – to create something that would be different from the rest. The story began with a desire to convey the realism of military conflicts, emphasizing brotherhood and teamwork on the battlefield. The first release attracted attention with its focus on different perspectives of the war: the game allowed you to play as American, British and Soviet soldiers, offering players a unique perspective on the events of World War II. This approach was unique and immediately made the game a cult favorite among gamers.

The first part already attracted thousands of players thanks to its cinematic presentation and intensity of battles, and subsequent releases continued to improve and expand on this concept. The evolution began with improved graphics, an expansion of the game world and the introduction of innovative mechanics that became the hallmarks of the series. For example, the use of the “health regeneration” mechanic, which allowed players to recover while hiding from enemies, became the standard for many subsequent shooters.

How the Call of Duty series changed first-person shooters

While most games in the genre previously relied on linear missions and did not really develop characters, Call of Duty brought a deeper narrative and a high level of interactivity, which made the gameplay exciting and unforgettable. First-person shooters in this format not only gave the opportunity to shoot at enemies, but also immersed the user in an atmosphere of full participation in the war.

What innovations did Call of Duty bring? One of them is cinematic missions with a strong narrative focus, where every moment of the game is like a frame from a Hollywood movie. Missions such as the Normandy landing or the attack on a terrorist base became truly iconic. The participant was given the opportunity not only to fight, but also to watch the development of the plot through emotional scenes that immersed them in what was happening on the screen. This made the project revolutionary and set a new standard for other developers.

The impact of the Call of Duty series on the gaming industry

First of all, the concept changed the attitude towards multiplayer modes, which have become an important component of any modern shooter. Previously, they were smaller in scale and not so interesting, but Call of Duty offered something more. Multiplayer battles here made it possible to participate in large-scale online battles that united players from all over the world.

One of the main reasons for the success of the multiplayer is its accessibility. Multiplayer shooters that existed before Call of Duty were often difficult to master, requiring a deep understanding of mechanics and strategies from the player. In this project, on the contrary, it is easy to master the basic principles of the game and quickly get involved in the process, which attracted a wide audience. Fast respawn, constant updates and competitive spirit made the game popular among eSports athletes and ordinary players.

Comparison of the Call of Duty series with other shooters

It is impossible not to mention Battlefield, Halo and other famous franchises. While Battlefield emphasized the scale and realism of battles, the Call of Duty series focused on dynamics and intensity, offering players sensations similar to those experienced by action heroes.

Military shooters like Medal of Honor also influenced Call of Duty, but the latter, unlike its predecessors, managed to combine historical accuracy and modern game mechanics, which made it unique. It is thanks to the desire to implement cinematic moments and dramatic plot twists that Call of Duty maintains its leading position.

The best and most iconic parts of the Call of Duty series

When talking about the best parts of the project, Modern Warfare 2 and Black Ops inevitably come to mind. They became iconic not only because of their well-thought-out mechanics, but also due to their impressive plot. All Call of Duty games are original, but these are the ones that really set the bar for game design.

The best Call of Duty games:

1. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare — was a revolution, moving the action from World War II to the modern era. It was a bold move that breathed new life into the genre.
2. Modern Warfare 2 — introduced multiplayer elements like leveling systems and customizations that are still used in most modern shooters.
3. Black Ops — introduced a gripping and unexpectedly deep storyline set in the Cold War, showing that shooters could be not only dynamic, but also intriguing.

Why Call of Duty is so popular

The answer is simple: because of the combination of high-quality gameplay, an engaging storyline, and the ability to compete with friends. Throughout its existence, the best Call of Duty series has remained true to its roots — entertaining and engaging. Users were not only able to immerse themselves in combat, but also feel like they were part of something bigger.

The project was able to offer a variety of modes: from a single-player campaign with emotional stories to an exciting multiplayer, where each battle brings new challenges and emotions. This ability to adapt to the interests of the audience and constantly introduce new elements is the main secret of success.

The Call of Duty Legacy and What’s Next

Today, the Call of Duty series of games continues to be an example of how to develop a franchise in a competitive environment. It successfully adapts to new market conditions, constantly making changes and improvements that attract new players and retain old ones.

The legacy is part of the history of video games, which has influenced the development of the industry for more than two decades. In the future, we will have even more new parts and expansions, and we can be sure that the project will surprise its fans more than once and offer something truly special.

In 2025, the world of video games is expecting a real storm of cool new products. The best studios are targeting ambitious projects that promise incredible gameplay and new dimensions of immersion. In this article, we will tell you about the most hotly anticipated shooters of the coming year, which simply cannot go unnoticed.

Mouse: P.I. For Hire – when a mouse takes aim at enemies

Mouse: P.I. For Hire takes the participant into the criminal world, where a cute but dangerous mouse detective unravels dark cases. The gameplay is a mixture of stealth, open firefights and puzzles, creating a unique pace and atmosphere. Players get full control over a mouse character who uses agility and cunning to bypass guards, find evidence and eliminate opponents. Slowing down time, which helps to aim more accurately or stealthily pass by dangerous areas. The developers also added a “truth serum” system, with the help of which the mouse forces the villains to share information.

Graphics and visual style

The graphics are striking in their cartoonish detail. The visual style resembles a mixture of film noir and Disney – it feels like you are watching a living comic book. The character animation is top-notch, which adds depth to each scene. The game also surprises with its lighting – beams of light coming through the windows of an old warehouse make the atmosphere more immersive and realistic. The shadow system emphasizes the stealth elements, and each texture looks carefully designed.

Borderlands 4 – a continuation of the epic story in a crazy universe

Borderlands 4, one of the expected shooters of 2025, promises to send users to the desert lands of Pandora, where events unfold after the fall of the Hyperion corporation. The story continues the story of the surviving Vault Hunters, who now find themselves in the center of a new intrigue – the search for an ancient artifact that can control consciousness. The plot is full of signature humor: sarcastic dialogues, unexpected jokes and eccentric characters. The wayward robot Claptrap returns again to delight everyone with his endless chatter and jokes on the verge of absurdity.

Gameplay and features

The classic gameplay of the series has remained unchanged: players are immersed in a world of chaos, full of an insane amount of weapons and various enemies. But Borderlands 4 has some innovations – participants can combine weapons, create unique hybrids that combine different properties. For example, a rifle that shoots acid charges and turns into a flamethrower at close range. A new cooperative mode for four participants has also been added, where they carry out joint missions and make tactical decisions.

Atomfall — a nuclear post-apocalypse in the style of cyberpunk

Atomfall takes users to a post-apocalyptic world where technology is mixed with radioactive wastelands. Players explore a huge open world, which is divided into several regions – from megacities to destroyed factories. Expected innovations in the shooter gameplay include the ability to hack opponents and the environment to gain an advantage. The city ruins are inhabited by bandits, cyborgs and mutants, and every corner of the world hides its own history.

Multiplayer mode

Atomfall offers a rich online mode, where the active heroes can fight with other users or team up to complete missions. In co-op, participants can distribute roles – one takes on tactics, another hacks systems, and the third goes into a frontal attack. A special feature of the multiplayer is the ability to create temporary alliances with other groups to confront particularly powerful enemies.

Weapons and gadgets

The weapons arsenal is impressive: flamethrowers, electric guns and even radioactive grenades. Gadgets complement the characters’ capabilities – you can use reconnaissance drones, install turrets or use exoskeletons that increase strength. Weapons can be modified, add elements of cyber technology to increase their effectiveness in combat.

Gears of War: E-Day — the starting point of the story

Gears of War: E-Day offers an immersion into the events preceding the beginning of the entire saga. The review of the new game tells how the Locusts rose to the surface and began a massive offensive in the shooter. The campaign is an emotional journey through the chaos of the first days of the war, where players see how humanity is faced with a new threat. Characters lose loved ones, fight for survival and do everything possible to stop the invasion.

Gameplay and tactics

Gears of War: E-Day gameplay is focused on tactical elements – participants are constantly looking for cover, using grenades to clear paths and coordinating with allies. The developers added a new mechanic – the use of drones to reconnoiter the territory and find the best routes of movement. There was also a system of “combat orders” that allows you to give instructions to partners.

Levels and locations

The game’s locations surprise with their diversity: from ruined cities to underground Locust caves. Each level contains many shelters, interactive elements and hidden routes that can be used for a tactical advantage. Creative location design helps maintain the dynamics of battles and involves participants in each battle.

Doom: The Dark Ages – a battle for the Middle Ages

First-person shooters in a medieval setting are extremely rare, but Doom: The Dark Ages, expected in 2025, decided to take a risk. Now the familiar world of Doom moves the action to an alternative past, where demons captured medieval Europe. The heroes make their way through dark forests, ancient castles and dungeons stuffed with traps. The influence of time is felt in everything – from weapons to the architecture of the locations.

Weapons – from a sword to a crossbow

The weapons in Doom: The Dark Ages are truly surprising. Instead of the usual plasma rifles, players get crossbows, swords, and even alchemical grenades. Each weapon has its own characteristics – crossbows can pierce armor, and swords allow you to perform powerful attacks with a swing. Modifications that add fire or ice effects are also available, which helps diversify combat tactics.

Max Payne is back: a remake of the first and second parts

Max Payne is back in action, and the remake of the first two parts retains the signature style of “bullet time”. Users feel complete immersion when they slow down time to dodge bullets and respond with accurate shots. The gameplay has become smoother thanks to modern technology, and the controls have been improved for maximum comfort.

Plot and atmosphere

The developers have retained the gloomy atmosphere of the original – the story is still full of pain, revenge, and melancholy. Max is forced to look for answers again, and the path to the truth turns out to be full of dangers. The atmosphere conveys the hopelessness of a big city, where every corner hides its secrets. Improved cutscenes help to reveal deeper storylines and emotions of characters.

Visual and audio improvements

The graphics of the remake are striking in their realism: lighting, textures and effects are made in such a way that the game feels like a modern action movie. The soundtrack has also changed – now every shot, step and Max’s line sounds more voluminous, adding depth to perception.

What awaits us in 2025

2025 promises to be an outstanding year for fans of the genre. Studios have prepared powerful projects, each of which brings something unique and fresh. The expected shooters can not only entertain, but also set new standards of quality and innovation.