When gamers think of first-person shooters, it's usually Sony and Microsoft consoles, and especially the PC, that come to mind. Heck - it's usually just about anything other than Nintendo systems. It makes sense, given their lack of FPS titles over the years and decades, which doesn't exactly mesh with their "family-friendly" image.
Still, even extending beyond their few FPS hits like Goldeneye, the Big N has actually seen some gems on this front - and even a handful of great exclusives. These are games that managed to fly under the radar amidst heavy hitters like Doom and Halo, or whose exclusivity has been overlooked even by many Nintendo fans.
So with that said, let's lock and load as we highlight some of the rare exclusive FPS gems Nintendo fans can enjoy.
10 Dementium: The Ward (DS/3DS)
Of all the platforms that would host an M-rated horror shooter, you wouldn't think the DS, home of Nintendogs, would be the platform. Yet, Dementium: The Ward stands as a rare stigma-buster for the handheld. Renegade Kid's FPS certainly fills a void with its bloody moments and creepy survival-horror gameplay.
Silent Hill fans are bound to get a kick out of this, as the project was initially pitched to Konami as an entry for that popular franchise. But alas, they were turned down, resulting in a unique experience that's sleek, spooky, and cinematic, especially given the DS's limitations. This is definitely an underrated psychological thriller that's worth a look for older Nintendo fans.
9 The Conduit (Wii)
When High Voltage Software announced a slick, mature FPS exclusive to the Wii, Nintendo fans were certainly intrigued. This was especially the case given The Conduit's use of the unique Quantum3 engine which was able to enhance the graphics on the fairly limited Wii with rendering trickery like bump mapping.
Unfortunately, the end product didn't quite match the massive hype for many fans and critics. Overall though, this FPS from '09 proved to be a fun sci-fi romp which made good use of the Wiimote's motion controls. It also hosts a fairly robust online mode - a pretty uncommon trait for Wii - featuring 12 player battles, various modes, and voice chat capability.
8 ZombiU (Wii U)
Though the Wii U never quite took off, Ubisoft helped generate hype at the beginning of its short run with this inventive shooter/survival-horror rife with hostile undead. ZombiU offers arguably one of the most creative uses of the Gamepad with its complementary features.
Its built-in feature of juggling tasks between the TV and touchscreen controller aided the player while ironically adding to the tension. Zombies could emerge from a dark corner at any moment while fumbling with the device. This, coupled with permadeath and vulnerability, made for a truly frightening and immersive experience that's scarcely been emulated.
7 Duke Nukem 64 (N64)
To name this FPS as an honest-to-God exclusive would be disingenuous, as it's partly a reworking of 1996's Duke Nukem 3D for PC. Still, it's also true that the N64 remains the sole platform where you can play this particular offshoot of the classic shooter.
Not only is the N64 port handled by a separate studio in Eurocom, but local multiplayer is added, which goes a long way in providing fun and replayability. You've also got added integration of levels rather than segmented episodes, Rumble Pak support, new weapons, and spruced-up visuals. It certainly makes for a cool alternative for Goldeneye fans looking to branch out and play something a bit edgier.
6 Turok: Rage Wars (N64)
This dino-slaying shooter has since extended far beyond the humble origins of N64, which was birthed by the now-defunct Acclaim. Fans can now play this beast of an FPS series through different ports and reboots on modern consoles. Yet, a relic of its fossilized past can be enjoyed exclusively on N64, which adheres to its strengths by stressing 4-player split-screen and immersive gameplay.
Multiplayer options range from deathmatches to Capture the Flag and Monkey Tag, which transforms a random player into a monkey that players can hunt down. The game even offers a multiplayer co-op feature, allowing a friend to join in on this Jurassic adventure.
5 The World Is Not Enough (Eurocom) (N64)
Let's face it - it's tough to match Goldeneye blow-for-blow, and this Eurocom-made shooter for N64 certainly isn't a replacement for that classic. Regardless, many put this underappreciated Bond game in the upper tier, with its enjoyable multiplayer and rich level design.
In fairness, a similar game by the same name - also based on the Pierce Brosnan film - can be played on the PlayStation. Yet, it's largely a different experience and also on record for being a bit inferior.
In addition to the usual arsenal of satisfying guns, Bond can use night vision and wields a deadly wristwatch. This handy gadget can stun baddies as well as fire tranquilizer darts and grappling hooks. Being made late in the N64's life, The World Is Not Enough is pretty impressive visually too; at least for a 20-year-old title.
4 Red Steel 2 (Wii)
Similar to ZombiU, Ubisoft burst out of the gates following the release of a new Nintendo console with Red Steel, which gathered hype, but mostly failed to live up to it. Much to the delight of Wii gamers, though, the studio went back to the drawing board and reworked this 2010 sequel into a vastly different experience visually and mechanically.
Though the sequel kept remnants of the FPS roots of Red Steel, much had been tweaked - and for the better. The game takes on the vibe of a stylistic Samurai fighter as much as a shooter, as the hero swaps between blades and boomsticks during this fun action romp.
3 Geist (GameCube)
GameCube has no shortage of underrated and overlooked software, and many count this paranormal shooter among them. Following in the tradition of Nintendo games, n-Space centers Geist around an inventive mechanic to give this FPS life. While may look stock at first glance, the game mixes things up by allowing your "soul" to shift into different bodies, which adds an interesting dynamic to the gameplay.
Along with the ability to possess henchmen, you'll also be playing with Matrix-style bullet-time, and can even take control of animals. Geist also comes with a solid multiplayer option that uses some of these features in an amusing way. With that said, the rich, distinct campaign is really where it's at here.
2 Moon (DS)
As it happens, Renegade Kid is responsible for not one, but 2 of the select few standout shooters for DS. While Dementium leans on horror elements though, 2009's Moon runs with a classic sci-fi motif in the vein of Metroid Prime.
Much like that series, the game plays like a 3D adventure with FPS traits, yet there's plenty of action to engage in as you take on aliens. Though there's no multiplayer, the memorable 5-hour campaign makes up for it, with surprisingly cinematic bouts, thrilling action, and interesting puzzles that have you controlling a drone.
1 Turok 3: Shadow Of Oblivion (N64)
As far as lavish, epic shooters on the N64 go, it's hard to top this FPS romp from late-2000.
Though fans will notice a departure from the original game and its wilderness settings, Turok 3 has its own unique appeal and plenty of action-laced insanity. This game goes even further in terms of depth, allowing you to choose between 2 characters - the strong, high-jumping Danielle, and the stealthy, nimble Joseph.
Multiplayer is similarly robust and enjoyable, featuring 8 game types, 42 unique maps, and the ability to toss in bots to amp up the intensity.