Fans hoping to see Stassi Schroeder continue hashing her issues out on a House of Stassi reunion will have to keep waiting, according to the reality star herself.

“I don’t want a reunion. No reunion,” Stassi, 38, said on the Friday, July 31, episode of the “It Girl” podcast when asked whether Andy Cohen would host a reunion for the new Hulu show. “We will work it out in season 2.”

Stassi previously sat through her fair share of reunion specials while starring on Bravo’s Vanderpump Rules. She became a fan favorite when the show premiered in 2013 but was fired alongside Kristen Doute at the end of season 8 in 2020 following a racism scandal involving their former costar Faith Stowers.

More recently, Stassi got a chance to return to reality TV with an appearance on Vanderpump Villa. She later hosted the reunion for season 4 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. While answering questions for “It Girl,” Stassi got brutally honest about how her hosting skills compared to her predecessor Nick Viall.

Related: ‘Vanderpump Rules’ Cast: Then and Now

While some things never change, the cast of Vanderpump Rules is used to a shake-up … and a touch-up. Vanderpump Rules was introduced to Bravo viewers during a special episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills in January 2013. Season 1 starred Lisa Vanderpump, Stassi Schroeder, Scheana Shay, Jax Taylor, Katie Maloney, Tom Sandoval […]

“All the girls would agree [that I did a better job]. You couldn’t even hear him. He was so low energy,” Stassi quipped. “My publicists hate me right now. You know [these quotes] are going to get picked up and Nick is going to go on his Substack and write about it — after he puts it into Chat[GPT].”

Stassi is now back in front of the camera as the star of her own Hulu show, House of Stassi, which debuted last month.

“Even when I started Vanderpump Rules, the goal was then to always do something even bigger after that,” Stassi told TV Insider in July. “Granted, Vanderpump Rules was huge. We didn’t even know how big it was. We still, I don’t think, understand how big it was or whatever, but I never thought it would be Vanderpump Rules or nothing. Anyone who goes on Bravo, they’re like, ‘Oh, I want to get a spinoff out of this.’ Everyone will tell you that. And so it was always like, ‘OK, what can I do after this?’”

In the series premiere, Stassi shared her unfiltered thoughts about how Vanderpump Rules protected the men on the show more than the women.

Related: ‘Vanderpump Rules‘ Stars Who Left the Series: Where Are They Now?

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“I loved Vanderpump Rules, but it also is literally what we’re gonna have PTSD about and have to talk to therapists about for the rest of our life,” Stassi told Katie Maloney. “It was always, ‘Make the girls look psychotic, make the girls look like they have issues.’ They covered for the boys, they covered for the men.”

In a confessional, Stassi elaborated on her “mixed feelings” toward the show that started her career.

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“I’m so appreciative of it, and it’s given me so many opportunities. But it normalized so much darkness,” she continued. “It rewarded so much darkness until it didn’t. And then coming back to reality TV, I’m like, ‘Are you being a dumb bitch?’”

Stassi added: “I’m scared of reality TV, but it’s all I know. I love it, but I’m also traumatized by it. But I can’t stay away from it. But I was not gonna let Vanderpump Rules be my legacy. I had to make this happen. I had to.”

House of Stassi is streaming now on Hulu.

One of the reasons why fantasy books enjoy such a dedicated audience is the way they create intriguing worlds that readers can escape to. Whether the approach is meticulous and highly detailed or intentionally simple yet effective, this act of creating imaginative worlds is one of the hallmarks of great fantasy. But while all fantasy books aspire to some degree of inventive world-building, only a handful have truly succeeded at this endeavor.

These are the books that truly engage with the fundamental building blocks of their worlds, expertly drawing readers in and keeping them engaged for years and years. Again, sometimes this takes the form of painstaking detail; other times it’s not about the details but about their effectiveness; either way, the result is a series you can’t help but devour. With that in mind, here’s our handpicked selection of fantasy book series that have truly masterful world-building.

1

Discworld (1983–2015)

Image via Terry Pratchett / Doubleday / Transworld Publishers

Created and primarily written by English author Terry Pratchett, Discworld is a fantasy comedy series comprising novels, graphic novels, short stories, and related works, all connected by the titular setting. Discworld (the planet) is a magical flat world balanced on the backs of four elephants, in turn standing on the back of a giant turtle. The novel series includes a whopping 41 books, beginning with 1983’s The Colour of Magic. Pratchett also wrote 11 short stories within the series.

A brilliant satire of classic fantasy, science fiction, folklore, and contemporary culture, Discworld is widely regarded as one of the greatest fantasy comedy series of all time. The books masterfully use their wit to illustrate deeper truths about the real world, and also to bring out the absurdities of human existence through their mocking, self-aware tone. Over the course of their publication, the Discworld books became regular bestsellers and garnered several accolades, including the Prometheus Award and the Carnegie Medal.

2

The Lord of the Rings (1954–1955)

Image via HarperCollins

J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings is arguably the most influential piece of 20th-century fantasy literature. A sequel to Tolkien’s The Hobbit and part of the greater Middle-earth legendarium, The Lord of the Rings unfolds a single epic story divided into three volumes: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. The plot follows young hobbit Frodo Baggins, who embarks on a quest to destroy the One Ring, an artifact tied to the power of the Dark Lord Sauron.

Textually, The Lord of the Rings is a masterpiece of high fantasy literature that paints a beautiful (and exhaustively detailed) tapestry of numerous characters, settings, and motifs. But metatextually, the appendices at the end of the third book are where you see Tolkien’s full mastery of world-building. Painstakingly crafting entire languages, cultures, and histories, these notes are what transform the already-epic story into a full-fledged world that fans have returned to over and over for generations.

3

Mistborn (2006–Present)

Image via Brandon Sanderson / Tor Books

Written by Brandon Sanderson, the Mistborn series is a collection of dark fantasy novels organized into four eras, beginning with the trilogy, Mistborn: Era One. Each era takes on a new genre: fantasy in the first and detective fiction in the second, with the forthcoming third and fourth eras reportedly exploring the early computer age and a space opera setting, respectively. Era One revolves around a secret group of Allomancers — individuals who wield magical powers by consuming certain metals, following their attempts to overthrow a dystopian empire.

Among fantasy authors, Brandon Sanderson is particularly renowned for his intensive world-building, and this is most famously seen in the meticulously designed magic system at the heart of the Mistborn novels. All the books in the series that have been released so far have earned high acclaim from critics and readers, and they’re pretty much the gold standard for modern fantasy. Mistborn has also expanded beyond its literary roots to include audiobooks, video games, and board games, with multiple screen adaptations currently in development at Apple TV.

4

The Earthsea Cycle (1968–2001)

Image via Ursula K. Le Guin / Atheneum Books / Harcourt

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Written by Ursula K. Le Guin, The Earthsea Cycle is a classic high fantasy series that explores a magical world of sea and islands. Consisting of five novels and a short story collection, the series begins with a young and impulsive mage named Ged whose recklessness unleashes an evil shadow into the world. From there, the story expands to include several characters from across its world, growing into a truly epic saga.

The Earthsea Cycle is notable within the fantasy genre for several reasons, from its foundational take on the magical academy setting to its use of deep philosophical themes and Taoist motifs. Breaking from the contemporary tradition of setting fantasy stories in worlds that are essentially medieval Europe, Earthsea presents a racially and culturally diverse setting that lives and breathes on its own, without drawing from real-life parallels. The result is one of the most fascinating and memorable fantasy worlds of all time, and The Earthsea Cycle remains a true landmark of the genre.

5

A Song of Ice and Fire (1996–Present)

Image via George R. R. Martin / Bantam Books

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Created by George R. R. Martin, A Song of Ice and Fire is a high fantasy novel series that depicts a violent world torn apart by civil war, beginning with the first and most recognizable book, A Game of Thrones. The epic saga follows several interconnected plotlines set within the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros and its neighboring continent, Essos, including a brutal war of succession, an exiled princess coming into her power, and the return of magic and supernatural threats from beyond a giant wall of ice. Five books of the series have been released so far, with two more in the works, and it’s also inspired several spin-offs.

While A Song of Ice and Fire is often hailed as a 21st-century counterpart of Tolkien’s work, Martin’s fantasy saga differentiates itself through its political and historical realism. The real masterstroke lies in the fact that, despite the dragons and wights and other magical forces, the story is ultimately a reimagining of the historical War of the Roses, using historical facts and references to illustrate its world. The series became a household name with the release of its phenomenal HBO adaptation, as well as the greater TV franchise that it has since inspired.

6

Broken Earth Trilogy (2015–2017)

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Written by N. K. Jemisin, the Broken Earth Trilogy is a collection of science fantasy novels that begins with 2015’s The Fifth Season. The trilogy is set on a planet with a single supercontinent called the Stillness, which experiences a catastrophic “fifth season of climate change every few centuries.” The books also feature individuals called Orogenes, who have the power to cause geological upheaval by manipulating energies.

The Broken Earth Trilogy is a unique entry on this list in that, while its world feels like one of fantasy, the underlying architecture is pure science fiction. With powerful socio-political themes, fascinating characters, and a highly original use of the unreliable narrator trope, the books are easily among the greatest novels of the 21st century. Every book in the series has won a Hugo Award for Best Novel, making Jemisin the first African-American writer to win in that category, the first to win three years in a row, and the first to win for all books in a trilogy.

7

The Craft Sequence (2012–2017)

Image via Tor Books

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Written by Max Gladstone, The Craft Sequence is a series of urban fantasy novels that’s set in a universe where gods and magic are real, but unlike anything you’ve seen before. The series utilizes a magic system called the Craft, which bases magic on laws and contracts, equating magicians to lawyers. The series begins with 2012’s Three Parts Dead, which follows Craftswomen Tara Abernathy and Elayne Kavarian as they deal with the unexpected death of the fire god Kos, uncovering a complex conspiracy in the process.

Critically acclaimed and popular with readers, The Craft Sequence is easily one of the most exciting fantasy series of recent decades, bringing both excellent worldbuilding and entertaining humor to its proceedings. The magic system at its heart is both original and intriguing, with effects and consequences that are truly wild. Additionally, each of the six books in the sequence is a standalone story that can be read in any order, making it an accessible read for newcomers. Since 2023, Gladstone has also been writing a second series set in the same universe titled The Craft Wars.

8

The Wheel of Time (1990–2013)

Image via Prime Video

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A series of high fantasy novels that draws inspiration from both European and Asian mythologies, The Wheel of Time was written primarily by Robert Jordan, with Brandon Sanderson as co-author of the final three installments. Set in the magical World of the Wheel, the series explores the cyclical history of its world and its people, primarily revolving around the prophesied reincarnation of a being with the power to destroy the world or save it. Though it was originally planned as a trilogy, the series includes 14 books, a prequel novel, and three companion books.

One of the bestselling fantasy book series since The Lord of the Rings, The Wheel of Time is an acclaimed favorite of critics and readers alike that has earned high praise for its detailed world, interesting magic system, and massive cast. Taking inspiration from Buddhist, Taoist, Hindu, and Zoroastrian philosophies, the series crafts a truly unique and engaging world that far exceeds all expectations. The books have, in turn, inspired comic book adaptations, a collectible card game, a video game, a roleplaying game, and a soundtrack album, not to mention an acclaimed Prime Video series adaptation starring Rosamund Pike.

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Release Date

2021 – 2025-00-00

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Prime Video

Showrunner

Rafe Judkins

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Directors

Sanaa Hamri, Ciaran Donnelly, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Thomas Napper, Maja Vrvilo, Wayne Che Yip

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Writers

Amanda Kate Shuman, Dave Hill, Rohit Kumar, Justine Juel Gillmer, Celine Song, Rammy Park, The Clarksons Twins, Katherine B. McKenna

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Marvel fans are getting a clearer picture of how Spider-Man: Brand New Day ended up with Destin Daniel Crettonbehind the camera.

During a recent interview promoting the film, Cretton revealed that after stepping away from Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, Marvel Studios later approached him about directing what eventually became Avengers: Doomsday. However, the filmmaker ultimately turned it down because he didn’t feel he was the right creative fit for the story.

“When I told Kevin Feige I didn’t think I was the right fit for that,” Cretton explained, “he mentioned ‘Spidey’ in the room, which was a huge relief to me because I thought he’d be like, ‘OK, see you later.’”

Cretton also explained that his decision wasn’t about walking away from Marvel. Instead, it came down to finding a personal connection with the material.

“I don’t do any movie just to do the movie. Until I find an intimate, personal connection to the material, I don’t feel like I could do a good job,” he said, adding that simply directing a major franchise film wasn’t enough reason to commit.

Doom and Kang [marvel comics]

Originally, Cretton had been announced as the director of Avengers: The Kang Dynasty in 2022 following the success of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. After he exited the project in late 2023, Marvel eventually reworked its Multiverse Saga plans, replacing Kang with Doctor Doom and transforming the film into Avengers: Doomsday under directors Anthony and Joe Russo.

Rather than returning for another Avengers ensemble, Cretton found a project that resonated with him creatively in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The film has already become a massive success, earning record-breaking box office numbers and setting the stage for Spider-Man’s future in the MCU.

Looking back, the decision appears to have worked out well for both Marvel and Cretton. The Russo brothers are steering the next Avengers event, while Cretton has delivered one of the biggest Spider-Man films in the franchise, proving that sometimes the right project is simply a better fit than the biggest one.

Atlanta renters at 17th Street Lofts say they’re paying hefty rent for their luxury apartments. But are dealing with roaches, flooding, break-ins, and other safety concerns. The complex is managed by RPM Living, and reportedly charges upwards of $4,000 a month.

From squatters allegedly living in the building to infestations, flooding, and stealing — what’s really going on at the 17th Street Lofts?

The Shade Room’s Justin Carter is getting some answers on ‘TSR Investigates.’

More On The Alleged Roaches, Flooding & Break-Ins Inside Atlanta “Luxury” Apartment

According to Justin Carter, Carla Brown was paying at least $3,000 a month in rent at the 17th Street Lofts. Whitney Hairston, another former tenant, says she witnessed roaches scaling the walls. But things got out of hand when maintenance staff allegedly stole a Presidential Rolex out of her unit. Per Hairston, a collector’s Louis Vuitton bag also went missing.

Furthermore, when she attempted to get out of her lease, she was allegedly told she’d have to pay at least $15,000. Though Hairston wasn’t happy and apparently waited until her lease was up, fellow resident Maya Carter chose to pay a $5,000 fee and bounce.

Per Carter, her experience was a “nightmare.” Trey Moore, another former tenant, says he even formed a “tenant union.” This, to encourage residents to speak up.

Scroll above to watch as Justin Carter tours the property himself. Additionally, he details how records show that the property’s management company, RPM Living, has been hit with several lawsuits. Lastly, Carter even receives more details from Moore about his experience.

17th Street Lofts Responds

The 17th Street Loft issued a response to Justin Carter, stating, “At RPM Living, our residents are at the heart of everything we do. We hold our teams and communities to the highest standards and are committed to delivering consistent, meaningful resident experiences that build trust and foster long-term relationships.”

“We take all resident concerns seriously and respond promptly to maintenance and service requests. Residents of 17th Street Lofts, including Mr. Moore, have been in consistent communication with our team regarding their concerns. The video and related evidence referenced date back more than a year, to 2025, and reflect issues that were addressed at the time they were reported. Beyond resolving those specific concerns, our team implemented several preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. We have no record of the theft or unauthorized entry mentioned in your piece and only enter resident homes when a work order is submitted or for emergencies. Pest control remains an ongoing priority for our community. During summer months, elevated temperatures and organic waste, including food debris in trash areas, can contribute to increased pest activity. For that reason, we continue to provide regular pest management services, closely monitor conditions throughout the property, and take proactive steps to minimize these issues for our residents,” they added.

RELATED: Black Travelers Say They Lost Thousands Booking This Luxury Trip | TSR Investigates

A$AP Rocky called out logo designer Allan Peters after Peters shared the rapper’s private message on Instagram. Furthermore, the recording artist announced he won’t be working with the designer.

RELATED: Okay! Ice Spice Pops Out At A$AP Rocky’s Final Tour Stop & Fans Can’t Stop Hitting Replay (VIDEO)

A$AP Rocky Calls Out Logo Designer Allan Peters

The artist — whose real name is Rakim Athelston Mayers — responded in the comment section after Peters shared his private message on Instagram. Mayers recently sent the logo designer a DM on the platform to inquire about his logo revision prices.

“Good morning Allan, how much do u charge for brand logo revisions? Assuming you would be willing to do so, I would be honored,” Mayers wrote. “Love ur work, God bless.”

An excited Peters shared the private DM publicly with the caption, “I have no words.” And A$AP Rocky responded in the comments. He also noted he wouldn’t be working with Peters.

“THIS IS JUST DISTASTEFUL,” replied the rapper. “WELL I GUESS WE WONT BE WORKING, BEST OF LUCK BUDDY.”

Fans Reacted And The Jokes Commenced

Fans reacted after A$AP Rocky’s response was shared on TSR’s Instagram page, and many reactions showed empathy for Peters. However, Roomies could not resist a few jokes as well.

User @meet.lesa Social wrote, “media got y’all out here missing blessings.”

User @dhatboi_nes replied, “From having no words to having no deal …life comes at you fast.”

@herealeazyeconomicz co-signed the sentiment. “Stay quiet until the deal is sealed.”

However, the situation may not be a total loss for Peters. User @vybzpromoja made a good point. “He is right. But bro was just excited. 😢 good thing is…the attention this going viral will give the artist so he will get much more work now.”

Rihanna Returns To Barbados Serving Body-Ody

Meanwhile, his partner Rihanna was seen serving body-ody in Barbados celebrating the Crop Over Festival on Monday, August 3. The ‘Diamonds’ singer  was seen at the Grand Kadooment Day Parade, and she was dressed to impress! Carnival-style masquerade costumes are traditional wear for the Crop Over Festival, and Rihanna did not disappoint. RiRI was wearing a hot pink and turquoise peacock-feathered costume with sparkling beads. Video shared by Live Bitez featured the artist on a parade float with other women dressed in traditional costumes, and they appeared to have a good time.

RELATED: The Big 3! Rihanna & A$AP Rocky Celebrate Riot’s Birthday With A Spider-Man Party (VIDEO)

Denise Richards addressed the assumption that she is still in love with her ex Charlie Sheen.

During the Monday, August 3, episode of Bunnie Xo‘s “Dumb Blonde” podcast, Richards, 55, was asked about her involvement in Sheen’s September 2025 docuseries, aka Charlie Sheen.

“That’s the thing some people, I think, misunderstood,” Richards noted. “I did a documentary. I didn’t see the second part — I saw the first part. I love him as [my kids’] dad. And it’s not even a brother-sister relationship.”

Richards clarified that she didn’t see Sheen as a best friend either, adding, “We’re friends. I mean, do you know what I mean? I can’t talk to him the way I can talk to some other friends of mine. And I love him. I always have love for him being their dad. But as far as romantic love, no. Not at all.”

Bunnie, 46, pointed out how aka Charlie Sheen appeared to hint at unresolved feelings between the pair.

“Glad we cleared that up because I did watch the documentary, and from the way they shot the documentary … I don’t want to say they made it seem like you still had feelings for him, but there’s so much there with you guys,” Bunnie said.

Richards replied, “There’s a lot of emotion because there’s things that he didn’t even know. A lot that he did not know and how I had to navigate so much s***.”

Aka Charlie Sheen highlighted the actor’s rise to stardom and subsequent fall amid addiction struggles. Richards and Sheen’s ex Brooke Mueller were interviewed about their respective relationships with him.

Now, Richards clarified that she and Sheen, 60, have a “great relationship” — and he is in a good place with their daughters. (The former couple, who were married from 2002 to 2006, share Sami, 22, and Lola, 21.)

“It has its moments because sometimes it’s better than others,” the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum admitted. “I hope one day they feel comfortable enough and safe enough where they could just be open and say certain things.”

Related: Denise Richards, Brooke Mueller’s Marriage Revelations in Charlie Sheen Doc

Charlie Sheen’s Netflix documentary included brutally honest revelations from his famous ex-wives Denise Richards and Brooke Mueller. Aka Charlie Sheen, which premiered on Wednesday, September 10, featured separate interviews with Richards, 54, and Mueller, 48, where they addressed the highs and lows of being with Sheen, 60. Richards and Sheen’s youngest daughter, Lola, 20, and […]

Richards also revealed that Sheen lives nearby. “I can give him s*** and joke around with him. He respects me, and I respect him, too,” she added. “I want only the best for him and want him to do well. He knows if he needs anything, I’m here. I think it’s important for us, always, to maintain a relationship. We have daughters.”

The actress continued: “I think, along the way, that was hard for him. I would say, ‘No matter what’s going on with you and I, let’s put our s**** aside. They don’t need to be dragged into anything.’ And oftentimes that wouldn’t happen, and it is what it is. But at the end of the day, he knows that I only have their best interest [in mind], and his, too.”

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During Monday’s podcast episode, Richards acknowledged the challenges she faced while trying to support Sheen amid his struggles with substance abuse, saying, “When I met him, people thought that, ‘Oh, she reformed a bad boy.’ That’s not the case.”

Richards recalled Sheen’s behavior taking a turn.

“The person I met had been sober for four and a half years, went to AA, was very focused and just a very calm, nurturing person. And that’s who I fell in love with,” she shared. “Whenever we went sideways with our marriage … I really believe that he loved me.”

Andrew Garfield isn’t closing the door on returning as Peter Parker, but if The Amazing Spider-Man 3 ever becomes a reality, he wants it to be anything but ordinary.

Speaking on The Playlist’s The Discourse podcast while promoting his latest film, Garfield revealed that he would happily put the Spider-Man suit back on, but only if the project offered something completely fresh.

“I would need it to be completely unconventional. I would need it to be very strange. I would want it to be very unique, offbeat, and surprising.”

Garfield went on to explain that he’d love to see a version of Spider-Man that breaks away from the traditional superhero formula, even joking that he’d be interested in something as unexpected as a “road trip movie.” Rather than simply revisiting familiar territory, the actor believes a third installment should take creative risks and explore ideas audiences have never seen in a Spider-Man film before.

The comments are sure to reignite the long-running #MakeTASM3 campaign, which has remained one of the most persistent fan movements since Garfield returned alongside Tom Holland and Tobey Maguire in Spider-Man: No Way Home. Many fans have continued to push Sony Pictures to finally complete Garfield’s unfinished trilogy.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 [credit: Sony Pictures]

Although there are currently no official plans for The Amazing Spider-Man 3, Garfield has consistently expressed affection for the character while making it clear he doesn’t want to return simply for nostalgia. Instead, he’d prefer a story that feels artistically ambitious and unlike any Spider-Man adventure that has come before.

With Spider-Man: Brand New Day dominating the box office, conversations surrounding the Spider-Verse and the future of multiple live-action Spider-Men have only intensified. Whether Sony ultimately revisits Garfield’s version of Peter Parker remains to be seen, but if it happens, fans can expect him to push for something bold, weird, and completely unexpected.

Video games have always been a way to experience what is tangibly impossible, whether that be exploring the cosmos and fighting aliens or adventuring across a fantastical world. Games such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Red Dead Redemption 2 achieve this, but one of the most popular genres of the medium is First-Person Shooters, which takes the danger out of a firefight and onto the screen.

The FPS genre is one of the most popular in the medium, which is why this list will rank the ten greatest FPS games of all time based on gameplay, combat, controls, design, narrative, visuals, polish, originality, influence, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and overall quality. With some of the most popular games of all time, these are the best of the best when it comes to first-person shooters.

10

‘Counter-Strike: Global Offensive’ (2012)

Image via Valve

First-person shooters aren’t just full-priced AAA games that release a new title every year; they can range from single-player adventures to multiplayer sensations. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive doesn’t have a designated narrative, but it simply focuses on the tactical multiplayer gameplay through a handful of round-based games where they rescue/guard hostages or defuse/protect a bomb.

For fans simply wanting quick FPS experiences with their friends online, then CS: GO is the game for them, because its refined combat, well-designed maps, and round-based format are tailored for a densely packed shooting sensation. However, this isn’t just a fun time, because the grueling competitive scene makes it a highly challenging game where only the truly skilled players can thrive.

9

‘Metroid Prime’ (2002)

Image via Nintendo

Nintendo isn’t known for its shooter games, and while they have been dabbling, their best comes from the most underappreciated franchise, Metroid. Delving into the 3D realm, Metroid Prime follows Samus Aran’s journey to an ancient planet after seeing a distress signal. A group of pirates has taken over to develop a parasite, and Samus is the only one who can stop it.

Metroid Prime is one of the most meticulously designed FPS games that keeps the gameplay flowing, building a masterful pace that never gets too dull. It is best known for its metroidvania design, worldbuilding, and adventure experience, but it is still a unique FPS game that brings in many other aspects. The technical jump to 3D proved worthwhile, as it became one of the best-selling video games in its franchise.

8

‘Titanfall 2’ (2016)

Image via Respawn Entertainment

A lot of video game franchises continue well past their peak, becoming irrelevant and stale. However, some other titles deserved more entries, and fans are still waiting for a sequel after Titanfall 2. After suffering an ambush, the player must connect with their new mech in the middle of a war. But the only way to save the world is to use this mech to destroy a new super weapon.

Titanfall 3 may never happen, and while that is sad, fans can find solace in the fact that it won’t get any better than Titanfall 2. Renowned as having one of the greatest single-player campaigns, each new mission has a definitive hook that spices up the gameplay. With a tight pace that is paired with phenomenal gunplay and parkour, it creates a flawless explosion of action, drama, and excitement.

7

‘BioShock’ (2007)

There is no formula for success in the FPS genre, with some of the most popular games being creative revolutions in the industry, such as BioShock. After barely surviving a plane crash, the protagonist, Jack, finds safety in a lighthouse. Descending into it, he discovers a failed utopia known as the Rapture, where political mayhem and genetic experimentation have rendered it an art-deco hell-hole of creatures and villains.

BioShock isn’t known for its shooting gameplay, even though it is fun, but rather the narrative prestige that critiques Randian objectivism, which champions self-interest. The world, themes, narrative, and dialogue all challenge this way of thinking, not to mention the atmosphere, vibe, and environmental storytelling create some of the best worldbuilding in video games. Still, BioShock is an FPS game, and one of the most fascinating ones at that.

6

‘Perfect Dark’ (2000)

Image via Rare

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After initially announcing a remake of Perfect Dark, it was revealed that the project was canceled, meaning the original remains one of the best first-person shooters. When an investigative operative is sent to steal some company secrets, they uncover a grand conspiracy that involves aliens and a plan to assassinate the President of the United States.

Some of the best FPS games are surprisingly on the N64, and that includes Perfect Dark, which was a fantastic and underrated shooting experience. The main story was a fun time, but the multiplayer mode was even better, using its revolutionary secondary firing modes and advanced AI to create one of the most stimulating first-person shooters ever.

5

‘GoldenEye 007’ (1997)

Image via Rare

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James Bond is the greatest fictional spy, and all of his movies can prove this. However, one of his best entries might not have been on the silver screen, but rather on a home console. GoldenEye 007 is a 1990s video game based on the film where players must stop a rogue syndicate from using their new super weapon to destroy the financial records in London.

This game is an essential multiplayer experience that defined the 1990s with its remarkable level design, fun co-op system, and split-screen death match. It pioneered many mechanics and design elements for first-person shooters that helped it become the best couch coop game of the 20th century. GoldenEye 007 also had objective-based stealth gameplay that made the single-player mission just as fun.

4

‘Half-Life 2’ (2004)

Image via Valve

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After Steam announced its new console, there has been renewed hype that Half-Life 3 will come out, and while that is a possibility, it will have a hard time topping Half-Life 2, which is one of the best games ever. Years after the events of the first game, Gordon Freeman wakes up to find aliens in control of the planet. Joining the human resistance, he aids in the revolution to take their planet back.

Half-Life 2 pioneered the genre by blending the gameplay and narrative into one, having the combat overlap with the story so neither interrupts the flow of the other. The Gravity Gun was one of the most entertaining mechanics in gaming, making everything a puzzle and earning Half-Life 2 the title of masterpiece. It is a cinematically immersive and groundbreaking title that is more than just an FPS.

3

‘Doom’ (1993)

Image via id Software

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This list features some of the best first-person shooters, but it wouldn’t be complete without the most important and influential one: Doom. After a teleportation experiment on Mars goes wrong, a space marine known as Doomguy is the only hope for the planet after swarms of demons from Hell begin invading the planet.

Doom is the most influential FPS of all time, and that is because its pseudo-3D visuals made the graphics look even more realistic. Not only that, but the fast-paced combat and style made everything more intense, giving gameplay an extra invigorating punch. All future first-person shooters were thanks to Doom, and that alone makes it one of the best video games of the 20th century.

2

‘Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare’ (2007)

Image via Activision

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One of the best FPS franchises is Call of Duty, and while a lot of the games are similar, one that stands out is Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. Players control either a British SAS squad or the US Marines after they are sent out to accomplish a dangerous mission where they need to stop a Middle Eastern dictator from starting a global nuclear war.

The Call of Duty franchise has some of the best FPS games and some of the worst, but Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is hands down their magnum opus. It defined a generation of grounded and authentic shooters through its realistic and well-designed maps. The snappy gunplay is downright addictive, and the tightly paced campaign is immaculately designed, proving Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is a staple FPS of the generation.

1

‘Halo 3’ (2007)

Image via Microsoft Game Studios

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2007 must have been the best year for FPS games because it featured BioShock, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, and the number one game on this list, Halo 3, which is arguably the best of the Halo franchise. Rounding out the original trilogy, it follows Master Chief in the fight against the Covenant, which seems to never end. However, he hopes that this will be the final battle that will decide their endless feud.

Each of the first three Halo games could be sitting at this spot since they are all some of the best and most influential FPS titles, but Halo 3 barely takes the honor. But fans should view it more as a representation of the entire franchise, with Halo 3 simply being the figurehead. It perfects the mechanics and gameplay established in previous titles and polishes the experience to create a definitive shooting experience. The 2000s were ripe with FPS games, and Halo 3 was the king, marking a generational time for video games. It proved to be the best Xbox game of all time, as well as the greatest shooter to ever be released.