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Action games are a defining genre in the video game industry. They place gameplay above all else in a way few other genres do in modern times, and many of the best releases throughout the 2020s have come from the deceptively simple category.
There are beat-em-ups, hack-and-slash titles, run-and-gun games, and more that let the gameplay shine. In the past decade, fans have had a wealth of action games to enjoy, and these are the greatest among them.
Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is FromSoftware’s Most Underrated Game
While everyone talks about FromSoftware and their Souls games, gamers shouldn’t forget about the Armored Core franchise. The sixth entry, Fires of Rubicon, is a forgotten action gem that everyone should play. The mecha combat is fast and exhilarating, and players can customize their mecha to fit their playstyle.
Some missions involve taking out entire squadrons, and others have fierce boss battles. If any gamer is hesitant because of FromSoftware's reputation for difficulty, then don’t be. Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is a mecha brawler that's a great time for all.
Neon White Will Keep Players Coming Back
When Neon White was released back in 2023, players couldn’t get enough of it. Neon White centers around assassins from Hell who are chosen to participate in a contest.
The combination of speed running and FPS elements got gamers hooked, and encouraged multiple playthroughs. Players will want to shave down seconds at each level to beat their personal record.
Saros is Better Than Returnal
Housemarque masterfully took what they learned from Returnal and improved upon it with Saros. It still has the same gameplay, combining aspects roguelikes with those of bullet-hell shooters, but this time they make the opportunities to improve one's character more apparent.
The tagline for Saros is “come back stronger,” and it lives up to that thanks to its brilliant upgrades and mobility mechanics. Each run gets the heart pounding as the adrenaline is always high during each encounter. It shows that even a masterpiece like Returnal can get improved upon, with Saros being Housemarque’s best game yet.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge is an Incredible Throwback
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge takes the nostalgia of the 90s beat-em-ups and makes it modern. It successfully harnesses what players loved from the arcades and brings it up to date while keeping things classic. Players can play as the four Turtles and their allies as they battle through the streets against the Foot.
There’s enjoyment in the single-player campaign, but the real thrill is the multiplayer Each character feels distinct and controls amazingly well, and it’s great to play around with different combinations. Shredder’s Revenge looks like it was ripped out of the arcades, with stunning pixel art that helps elevate the experience.
Hi-Fi Rush Fights to the Beat of Its Own Drum
Tango Gameworks shadow dropped one of the best action games in recent memory. The gameplay combined action with rhythm game elements, requiring players to perform combos to the beat. Hi-Fi Rush also features incredible cel-shaded animation that enhances the action.
Each encounter that players go through feels and looks like a music video. The music isn’t just a component, but an integral piece of the action.
Cuphead Combines 30s Animation With Brutal Run-and-Gun Gameplay
On the surface, Cuphead looks like an easy game. All players need to do is dodge and shoot at bosses. In truth, it's a brutally difficult experience that will push any and all gamers to their limits.
Cuphead is a beautifully designed game, with its hand-drawn animation reminiscent of classic cartoons. The run-and-gun, side-scrolling gameplay is as addicting as it is hard, with plenty of weapons to play with and creative bosses to fight.
Sifu Plays Like The Raid
Sifu centers around a child of a martial arts school master who seeks revenge against a disgraced student and his gang. The main basis of the action involves using martial arts skills straight from The Raid. The incredible action sequences from The Raid franchise, like the Machete Gang hallway fight, are the base DNA of Sifu.
Each run feels satisfying as enemies keep coming at the player, and if the player dies, their character becomes older. It puts a lot of pressure to get every move right and perfect one's craft. The game is over when players get too old and die.
Devil May Cry 5 is a Modern Action Classic
Gamers can always count on the Devil May Cry franchise to deliver incredible action. Devil May Cry 5 isn’t just about defeating enemies, but how one defeats them. Its focus on player expression makes each fight unique and exciting.
DMC 5has a ranking system that encourages players to fight differently and switch things up. It combines flashy visuals with incredible gameplay and comes out the other side the best Devil May Cry game.
Hades II Improves On a Masterpiece
Supergiant Games had a tough task following up on Hades, but the sequel surpasses the highest expectations fans could have had. Hades II keeps the same flow from the last game and introduces Arcane Cards, Incantations, and more to the mix. These new additions make each run a heart-pounding experience.
The action is all about momentum, which starts off strong and never lets the player go until they die. It’s all about how players will adapt to an ever-changing environment and the obstacles that are thrown at them. Hades II was the best action game of last year and will be remembered fondly.
2016’s Doom Brought Back a Classic
The original Doom is one of the greatest action games of all time, and the 2016 reboot of Doomis the best action game of the last 10 years. It managed to harness what made the original game iconic by making it more about thrusting into the action. Players are encouraged to fight their way through rather than be conservative and timid.
This game could have easily been like other shooters, but id Software stuck with what they know best. They created an experience that still hasn’t been topped, even by its own sequels.
