ShadowCaster first attempted to blend FPS/RPG elements back in 1993, and the following years saw other hybrids such as Hexen, Witchaven, System Shock and CyberMage. Yet, the game most often remembered as “the first FPS/RPG” is Strife.

There's a reason for that. Even the first minutes of Strife feel very different. You start the game, fight a couple of guards and then, instead of killing demons, you walk into a peaceful town, with various shops, a bar and some interactive NPCs throwing gossip.

You're then contacted via radio by “Blackbird”, who asks you to join The Front, an underground resistance against the evil theocracy of The Order. This isn't just some throwaway backstory – you'll actually go to the rebel's HQ and work with them.

Your first objective is to take over The Order's base in town. For that you'll have to perform a few sabotage missions and trade favours with other NPCs – all of whom have charming voice acting and portraits. Once the base's defenses are down, you'll attack it alongside rebel troops, kill the enemy general and move your HQ there! It's a nice, satisfying pay-off.

After that, the town's gate opens and you're sent to another location, to further battle the forces of The Order. The world is hub-based, with the maps linking together to form an overworld of sorts you can freely explore, thought the main quest is mostly linear.

Some of your missions can also involve stealth, meaning disguising yourself and only killing enemies with a poisoned crossbow. As your quest advances you'll uncover more about The Order, learn about the mythic Sigil and experience some great plot twists.

You'll also gain access to new weapons and upgrades, such as a grenade launcher or increased accuracy stat. Just be sure to carefully manage your money between health kits, armour and ammo.