The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Die Hard, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon are some of the most epic action movies of all time that showcase the variety of spectacle that movies can have. While it’s hard to make a video game as exciting as a movie, since the pacing is bound to be off, as games need to be longer than a few hours to make a lot of players feel like they got their money’s worth.
Best Games That Are All Action No Talk
If all you want is gameplay that doesn’t use up time dwelling on a story, these action-focused games check all the boxes.
That said, there have been some games with action so good, between gameplay and cutscenes, that they could rival some of the best action movies out there. The fast fluid motion of these games showcases what is possible in the medium, and more directors should pay attention to how these games manage to pump adrenaline into their experiences.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Get A Load Of This Bug
Hollow Knight: Silksong managed to accomplish a lot as a 2D Metroidvania, improving upon the original. Hornet, the protagonist, moved faster and thus attacked quickly too.
Battles were more intense as players had more to work with between dodges, needle slashes, special strikes, and various tools to trip up enemies. It’s a hard game to be sure, but with enough practice, players can help Hornet hone her skills into a fine warrior against her various bug adversaries in Hollow Knight: Silksong.
Hades 2
Saving The Underworld
Hades 2 is another indie sequel that improves upon the original, giving the new lead, Melinoe, a more extensive attack roster. Players could unlock weapons as they progress, each with upgrades and Boons that can alter their attack properties on runs.
From a heavy axe that can create ripples of water pressure to exploding skulls that can create rings of fire, players can make every run unique. As a roguelike, it can get repetitive, but the action is so divine and intense that players can’t help but try just one more time, which can easily turn into several.
Ghost Of Yotei
A Bloody Revenge
Ghost of Yotei’s biggest contribution to this series is the new weapons, going beyond just daggers and katanas. As Atsu, players can learn to control polearms and chain sickles, along with gaining the ability to throw weapons back at enemies after disarming them.
She’s not as skilled at stealth as Jin was in Ghost of Tsushima, but Atsu makes up for that with her keen talent in using everything but the kitchen sink to kill her enemies. The result is a bewitching and bloody samurai game that is as cool to watch as it is to play.
Batman: Arkham City
Counter Strike
Batman: Arkham City is the second game in the Arkham series, wherein Batman must now contain a section of Gotham that has gone rogue. The combat is similar to the first game, but with improved countermeasures and gadgets to use as well.
10 Action Games Where Movement Is The Real Superpower
You’ll feel like a speed demon in these movement-forward games that are jam-packed with thrilling action.
Batman is one of the coolest superheroes on the planet, who often makes combat look trivial, and that’s what this game gets right most. Standing still and waiting for enemies to attack, then counterattacking them, is just as satisfying as attacking them directly. Players can feel the breaking of bones with every punch and kick.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Two Heroes, One Destiny
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is the final part in the trilogy that Insomniac Games started, with both Peter Parker and Miles Morales being playable. Unlike the hulking brute that Batman is in Batman: Arkham City, both Spider-Man heroes in this game are more agile acrobats who can swing around enemies and counterattack, use webbing to slow them down, or gadgets to spice things up.
Peter is definitely more gadget-oriented, whereas Miles has a few more powers, like electric stings, but this does change when Peter gets the Venom symbiote fairly early on. Overall, the speed and ease of combat is what makes this game special, along with the heart of the story, as players can truly feel like they are either Spider-Man.
Yakuza 0
The 80s Are Calling
Yakuza 0 is a retro throwback to Japan in the 80s, when the Yen was flying everywhere, and crime was in turn abundant. This is when the franchise’s main hero, Kazuma, was first getting his feet wet. While he may have been a rookie in context to the story, combat sure didn’t make him seem like a chump.
As is tradition in most Yakuza entries, players can pummel enemies with their fists, unleash killer combos and specials, or use items lying around to finish the job. The action in all of these games is over the top, from using bikes and benches as weapons, so players may as well start at the beginning.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Grapple With Your Fears
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is thought to be one of FromSoftware’s hardest games, along with one of their finest, as it does not rely on RPG elements. Instead, players will have to rely on items and natural talent to get through this visceral ninja game. Between katana attacks, players can also craft their prosthetic arm into weapons, including a flamethrower.
The grappling hook, while it’s more for exploration, is handy during intense bouts too. An action game that constantly puts players on edge isn’t for everyone, but to those who seek a thrill, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is for them.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black
Stealth Need Not Apply
Before Soulslikes were a thing, the Ninja Gaiden reboot series was there to provide ninja fans with a proper challenge. The first two games, including this remaster, are some of the best action games around, with the sequel slightly better in terms of what to recommend.
Best Action Games With Ridiculous Gameplay
These outrageous and over-the-top action games deliver unforgettable, ridiculous gameplay experiences, pushing the boundaries of the genre.
Players get more weapons to play with, from a scythe to twin sickles, and each feels great to control, provided players are fast with their hands. Like a true ninja, players will have to hone their skills, as this ninja does not require stealth to be deadly because he faces his enemies head-on.
Bayonetta 2
Nintendo Does What Sega Doesn’t
Bayonetta was a good proof of concept, but after Nintendo made a deal to help fund the sequel, Bayonetta 2 easily became the better game. The confidence in PlatinumGames’s direction can be felt as they experimented with new ways for the titular Bayonetta to be cheeky in cutscenes and during combat.
Between blasting enemies with hails of bullets to putting them in guillotines while spanking them silly, there was never a dull moment in combat. Also, the Witch Time, which was like their version of Bullet Time, made it more fun and rewarding to dodge attacks at just the right time than other action games.
Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening
Pizza Time
Devil May Cry, in 2001, is responsible for helping reshape the idea of what action games could be for a new era. While the sequel tripped up a bit, Capcom made good with Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening, the peak of the franchise. Instead of going forward, Capcom went back to Dante’s younger days, wherein he was more confident and sassy as a paranormal investigator.
The new stances and weapons flavored up combat, but at its core, it was still all about juggling foes, creating combos, and getting the best score possible for bragging rights. Not every fan managed to be as cool as Dante while playing, but they could at least pretend they were a debonaire pizza-loving demon hunter for just a few hours. While sequels and other action games offer flashier moves or better graphics, Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening offers players the promise of all killer, no filler.
Upcoming Action RPGs With Combo Systems
Pick up your swords, spears, whips, and everything in-between for these upcoming combo-breaking RPGs.
