Doom Is (Finally) Out This May. Play These 5 Games First.

The reboot of the classic first-person shooter (FPS) Doom finally has a release date. May 13 is when you'll finally be able to get your hands on iD Software's latest game, just 12 years after the release of Doom 3. We haven't seen a new game from iD since 2011's Rage. Doom promises to bring back some old-school run and gun hijinks, and if you've been weaned on a steady diet of Battlefield and Call of Duty games, you'll be sorely out of place. Now would be a good a time as any to check out some titles with similar gameplay (and gunplay) to Doom. Play these five old-school games to get ready for Doom.

1. Wolfenstein: The New Order
   Developed by Machinegames, Wolfenstein is a big, booming shooter that's rich in detail. From sprawling levels to a surprisingly deep narrative, and a host of weapons that keep the action fresh, this game has it all, and we're really hopeful that Doom will be as good. Also worth checking out is its prequel, Wolfenstein: The Old Blood. Available on Windows, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.

   

2. Rage
   It might not have had the best of critical or commercial receptions, but that doesn't stop Rage from making this list. There's a gorgeous quasi-open-world, haunting vistas to wage battle in, and an underlying sense of dread reminiscent of old-school FPSes. All of this made Rage a whole lot more enjoyable than most reviews would have you believe. The weapons are a treat, featuring what we feel is the best shotgun in video games by a mile. It's on Windows PC, PS3, and Xbox 360.

   

(Also see: Doom Release Date, Collector's Edition Announced)

3. Hard Reset
   This sci-fi shooter derives inspiration from the likes of Neuromancer and Blade Runner. Despite only featuring two guns, the combat rarely feels flat thanks to a host of throwable weapons, environmental traps, and a slew of enemy types to defeat. Though it released half a decade ago, it's still easy on the eyes. So much so that it's being released on the PS4 and Xbox One this year. Right now though it's for Windows PC only.

   

4. Serious Sam 2
   Sure we've had Serious Sam: The First Encounter, Serious Sam: The Second Encounter and their HD variants. There's been Serious Sam 3: BFE (a prequel to the first game) as well. But 2005's Serious Sam 2 is the high point of a series that has been consistent. Featuring seemingly endless waves of enemies to destroy, lush levels ripe with detail and cartoony brilliance, and a fantastic arsenal including an ancient cannon that fires cannonballs, this is the Serious Sam game you should check out. Grab it on Windows PC.

   

(Also see: Doom Reboot Will Have Keycards, Weapon Mods, and More: Report)

5. Shadow Warrior
   This reboot of the 1997 classic comes complete with a shiny new engine, a modern setting, and cheesy voice acting that plays up its campy plot. The presentation is as ultra-violent as ever with liberal doses of blood, gore and gibs thanks to the ability to dual-wield weapons and a katana that you'll find yourself using even if all your guns still have ammo. Unlike the original which resorted to jokes that could be perceived as racist, the reboot depends on situational quips and a sense of humour that is irreverent and hilarious through and through. Check it out on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.

What do you plan on playing before Doom? Let us know via the comments.