The Fps genre has evolved quite a bit since its inception. Advances in technology allowed for better graphics, smarter enemy AI, and the introduction of narratives and new mechanics. Games such as Bioshock, Half-Life, and Halo are regarded as the best Fps titles out there, thanks in no small part to these improvements. Lately, though, many gamers have been yearning for a simpler time, when Fps games were more about big guns and fast action and less about story and worldbuilding.

The term “boomer shooter” is used to describe a specific kind of Fps that intentionally mimics the design principles of older shooters. These include challenging enemies that force players to stay on the move, pixelated graphics, the ability to carry more than two weapons at a time, and health bars that don’t regenerate.

The origin of the term is widely debated among video game historians. The running theory...