Top 10 Best Action Games You Can Play Right Now
Action games offer an exhilarating combination of skill, anticipation and violence that is perfect for adrenaline junkies. From punching gorillas in the head with your fists to taking down an army of guards armed with guns – these 10 titles provide enough thrills for even the most passionate gamers!
2018’s God of War pioneered new heights of excellence for gaming since DMC changed the game back in 2001, featuring stunning visuals, exceptional combat skills and an epic narrative. A true gaming classic.
1. Bayonetta 2
Five years after Hideki Kamiya’s original Bayonetta left audiences spellbound, Platinum Games unleashes another dose of spectacular spectacle with Bayonetta 2. While still following a linear path from skirmish to skirmish, Bayonetta 2 brings additional surprises such as surfing typhoon-ravaged buildings or sprouting hair-powered wings and fighting angelic dragons to keep players hooked – offering something for fans of Bayonetta’s addictive free-flow combat gameplay!
There are new twists in the formula, such as Umbran Climax which unleashes powerful attacks for a limited window once a magic meter has been filled up, adding depth and ferocity without detracting from overall experience. And even within such a game reliant on precise attacks and rapid fire, its over-the-top boss battles remain memorable moments.
2. Bloodborne
Though Souls games provide inspiration, Bloodborne stands on its own as its own beast. Combat is faster and more aggressive; players are expected to remain on the offensive at all times. No shields exist in Bloodborne; instead players must parry enemy moves instead. Overall, Bloodborne stands apart as an exciting departure from what had become expected since Demon’s Souls.
Weapons combine seamlessly with combat pacing to produce an experience that’s not only challenging but also visually stunning. Yharnam is a gothic hellscape featuring medieval disregard for body parts such as saws slicing flesh from bone, flayed skin being used as decoration, and blood pouring forth from every wound – leaving behind an aura of sadness compounded by an emotive violin score; nonetheless it’s worth exploring, you won’t be here long.
3. Devil May Cry 5
Japan publisher Capcom has made great strides to resurrect some of its flagship franchises after years of decline, such as Resident Evil 7 and Monster Hunter World; along with this special edition Devil May Cry game.
In the latest instalment of this series, players assume the roles of Nero, Dante and V as they try to defend Red Grave City from demon attacks across 20 missions. Along their quest, the three battle some seriously bad dudes.
Though its story and dialogue may be absurd and over the top, the combat is fast-paced, refined and satisfyingly varied. Each character can unleash total carnage – sword slashing, pistol shooting or using robot arms are just some of the many weapons at your disposal – with next-gen features and new playable character Vergil adding even more spice.
4. Doom (2017)
Doom was an iconic sci-fi first-person shooter that changed the course of history. Decades later, id Software revived it with a gritty and gory experience that set new records.
Doom uses their id Tech 6 engine, offering fast-paced action-oriented campaign that relies on adrenaline-fueled gunplay and minimal puzzle elements. Rooms filled with half a dozen or more demons may require constant running and strafing in order to remain sane.
Doom may forego some modern conventions in its minimalist approach, yet every minute of gameplay feels exciting and fulfilling. Doom offers one concession to newer shooter design in the form of its weapon and armour upgrade system that encourages players to explore levels with confidence that their efforts will eventually pay off in battle against demons – though its penchant for ramping up challenge may make long fights feel more frustrating than satisfying.
5. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of Patriots
Hideo Kojima’s Metal Gear Solid series may have shaken things up – yet many fans saw its conclusion as its finest hour. Guns of Patriots is an action packed game packed with thrills, spectacle, laughs and pathos that is bound to please.
It’s also the most accessible in the series, thanks to OctoCamo suit and remote drone that make stealth more manageable, while new weapons and cameras make shooting feel fresher than ever before.
It is a bold, daring and often frustrating game, yet remains true to its vision with precision and dedication. Some may find its cutscenes too long or its over-sexualization of women frustrating; but for most this thrilling climax to one of gaming’s greatest series should not be missed out on! A must play for fans of genre.
6. GTA V
GTA V is a modern reimagining of classic open world crime franchise, featuring mature satire and nuance that may not hold up well over time. However, its engaging gangster drama still makes for great gameplay experience, offering tight controls with an abundance of weapons as well as an engaging storyline.
Into the Breach is an intriguing game with some very serious undertones, yet still fun to play. A combination of strategy, stealth and action, with an in-game encyclopedia to look up answers when needed; it deserves your consideration and should definitely receive one!
Marvel’s Spider-Man offers an alternative approach, providing a fun and exciting licensed game experience with its brilliant characters and gripping plot. Gameplay may be tough at times; gear and stealth play a critical part, yet still provides an unforgettable thrill ride experience.
7. Ape Out
Ape Out is an exciting top-down simian splatterfest packed with style in a small package. Similar to Hotline Miami but with bananas and Buddy Rich records instead of cars as fuel sources, Ape Out features an intuitive gameplay loop prioritizing reaction over strategy while its excellent soundtrack showcases every kill with an explosive crash of cymbals upon each kill.
The graphics style is minimalist but effective, using shapes without detail and block colours to give each run an unsettling sense of animation. Your inhuman strength enables you to easily grab enemies and smash them against walls; or distract security guards by seizing onto them and having them take your bullet for you. With limited health and procedural generation capabilities each run is fast-paced but never unfair!
8. Castlevania: Lords of Shadow
Videogames don’t shy away from borrowing ideas from other titles — that’s how the industry grows! However, to do it well and create something enjoyable with an original spin requires understanding why those ideas work and how best to implement them into a great gaming experience with its own distinct identity.
Lords of Shadow was MercurySteam’s inaugural attempt at rebooting Castlevania and it surprised many players by being an unexpected success. Its Uncharted-inspired platforming and hearty combat against towering foes was enough to draw in fans quickly.
Lords of Shadow isn’t as immersive or deep as Bayonetta 2, nor does it boast as many weapons and relics to use, but still provides rock-solid combat, an impressive selection of weapons and relics, and an expansive narrative story that should keep most action game fans busy for many hours of gameplay. Furthermore, its Ultimate Edition comes equipped with high-resolution graphics which further increase visual beauty!
9. Devil May Cry 4
After Ninja Theory’s disappointing reboot and subsequent soul searching from Capcom, fans were skeptical whether or not the series could return to form. To their relief, this 2008 entry managed to impress with both engaging gameplay and strong storytelling elements.
Players take on the role of Nero, a confident youth who leads the Order of the Demon Sword and battles demon hordes with his formidable arsenal and Devil-Bringer arm. Played from a third-person cinematic perspective, this game offers an expansive moveset and exciting action sequences.
Vergil, Dante’s brother from DMC3, returns in this Special Edition as playable character and retains the same stoicism he earned him fame with fans in DMC3 while expanding his versatility with concentration meter assaults and his powerful Yamato Katana weaponry that make for thrilling battles against crowds of enemies. Fans will find this an enjoyable addition.
10. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Snake Eater, one of the seminal PS2 stealth-action games, returns in all its splendor on Vita with all the same brilliant elements that made it popular. A prequel to Metal Gear 1, Snake Eater pits Naked Snake (formerly Big Boss) against his old mentor on an action mission that quickly becomes one of betrayal and emotion.
The game features many innovative stealth-based gameplay additions, such as camouflage and close quarters combat, in addition to Suzetta Minet’s breathtaking performance as Eva – Naked Snake’s love interest.
Hideo Kojima’s masterpiece of stealth gaming, Metal Gear Solid 4 (MGS4), is an unforgettable adventure and should not be missed by fans of stealth games. Boasting stunning graphics, an unforgettable soundtrack and an EPIC storyline; MGS4 stands as one of the greatest videogames ever made; offering tons of replay value thanks to missions, face paints and the Snake vs Monkey mode – it truly deserves to be on any gamer’s must-play list.