Top 5 MMOFPS Games

When people think about MMOs, they tend to think about MMORPGs. It’s not a bad thing, for the most part, that’s what people mean when they’re talking about MMOs and so it balances out. On the other hand, the FPS crowd don’t really realise what they’re missing out on in the MMOFPS genre, a set of games filled with fun, firearms and frantic swearing after every death. Sometimes it’s down to social features, sometimes there are giant maps and armies supporting you, but for the most part MMOFPS games just give you a way of getting together with friends and blasting the hell out of strangers.

Below we’re compiled a list of our five favourite MMOFPS games. There are others out there equally deserving of a place on this list and, I promise you, we haven’t forgotten them, but feel free to add what you like best in the comments.

#1 – MAG

To begin with, we’ll step back from the PC and take a look at MAG on the PS3. While it has its problems (although the same could be said for almost any game of any genre), it’s not without its merits. Boasting an interesting hierarchy system that puts more experienced players in a position to command other soldiers and huge 250+ people battles, MAG is perhaps the archetypal MMOFPS. Now if only it had gotten the support it deserved and the wait times could be cut, MAG would be a great way of spending the afternoon. As it happens though, a few small faults and a pretty steep learning curve makes for an enjoyable but flawed experience.

There were rumours not long ago about a sequel in the works, but considering that Zipper have since closed down, I think it’s fair to say the game is probably going to stay in the singular. Still, it was interesting to see just what the Sony console is capable of in terms of network and massively multiplayer gameplay.

#2 – Dust 514

And from the past of console MMOFPS to the future, Dust 514 isn’t yet released but still makes it onto our list. Why? Because it seems to be doing everything right is why. You might not have played EVE Online, but allowing for the sort of cross-platform play available across the EVE universe makes for an interesting first impression. Allowing for the fact that it looks like a very capable shooter in itself just goes to show that Dust 514 is a definite for anybody with a PS3.

Read our Dust 514 - Exclusive E3 preview->

Oh, and it’s free-to-play, so trying it out isn’t going to be too heavy on the wallet either. If that doesn’t sound like a good deal, I’m not sure what is.  If you’re desperate to try out Dust 514, and I’m sure you are, you can go ahead and buy your way into the beta right now via the PlayStation store.

#3 – Battlefield Play4Free/Battlefield Heroes

Back to the PC and this time we have two games in one list entry. The Battlefield series is well known for tactical gameplay and a focus on working as a team and to be able to take those features online in not one but two free-to-play titles is pretty spectacular. Whether you like the more realistic visuals of Play4Free or if you’d rather join a fake nation and battle it out in a more colourful, cartoon-like world with Heroes, there are plenty of ways to enter the world of Battlefield without the need to shell out money on software (and hardware, if you’re thinking of Battlefield 3).

If you’re looking for a good transition from console to PC gaming, you could do a lot worse than the Battlefield games.

#4 – WolfTeam

WolfTeam is a decent shooter with the added advantage of allowing the player to turn into a man-eating, bloodthirsty wolf. Charge along walls, kill enemies with a couple of swipes, decimate your foes and back up your team using teeth and claws. That all sounds pretty damn cool and if the wolf portion of the game lived up to your expectations, it WOULD be pretty cool. Unfortunately for most people, the whole thing seems a little bit tacked on and you’re better off relying on a shotgun than on your muscle.

Read our WolfTeam review ->

WolfTeam seems a little bit dated in terms of graphics and even in terms of gameplay to a certain extent, but it has the advantage over other games on this list in that it’s simple to get into and there’s no great need to pick classes or weapons or anything like that. Just get into a game and go, perfect for somebody disillusioned with modern shooters.

#5 – Blacklight Retribution

My personal favourite, Blacklight Retribution offers a great modern FPS with quick action and easy-to-learn gameplay and backs it up with social features from which you can make friends and start games. Whether your plan is to run and gun or shoot from the back with a rifle, you can do it in Blacklight whilst enjoying the fantastic Unreal visuals.  This is the closest I think I’ve ever played to a Call of Duty MMO, offering the same arcade feel to proceedings and offering well designed levels and games to enjoy.

Read our Blacklight Retribution review ->

Play Blacklight if you want an AAA FPS experience that you can enjoy with friends, new and old.

TOP MMOFPS Games - Conclusion:

The MMOFPS genre is underappreciated, I feel, partly because in terms of gameplay it never really feels all that different from the regular FPS. Blacklight Retribution is, for all intents and purposes, just another shooter. The same can be said of any of the games in this list, even MAG doesn’t often feel massive, so focussed are you on the here-and-now of battle. But what it DOES offer is quick, well-built access to a massive player base without the need to spend hours levelling. Socialise, shoot and enjoy, what more can anybody want from an hour of their time?

See our free MMOFPS games list here->