20 Incredibly Important Video Games That Shaped The Industry

7. Wolfenstein 3D

Why It Is Important: Wolfenstein 3D defined the FPS and pushed the industry forward with its ground-breaking 3D graphics, sound and gameplay. John Carmack's ray-casting technology may be a bit of an eyesore today, but back in 1992 it was simply amazing. It created a pseudo-3D effect that pulled player into the gory, Nazi-infested world of Wolfenstein 3D. The sound was particularly innovative as well. SS soldiers would bark orders in real German, adding an air of authenticity to the game (that was subsequently lost when you fought Mecha-Hitler at the end). However, Wolfenstein 3D had much more going for it than eye candy (and whatever the equivalent is for the ear). It invented many ideas that shooters still used to this day. Players could freely switch weapons and collect guns and ammo and could keep tabs on their health and ammo count using the on-screen display. It pioneered the typical run and gun action associated with the genre. It's a good thing then that Carmack and his team prioritised responsiveness over visual fidelity, ensuring that the game maintained a high frame-rate at all times. Wolfenstein essentially created the genre of the FPS as we know it today. Its ground-breaking visuals, gameplay mechanics, user interface and tight controls were way ahead of their time. It's still playable today. Once you adjust your eyes to its blurry, pixelated goodness, that is.