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[Labolas]

Before I start, this isn't a debate about the best action game or the worst one. Just want to have a discussion, talk about, and recommend old, obscure, and new action games that have come or are coming out. From the triple a games to the very small indie titles. This includes character action games to regular old beatemups. To the very old and the up and coming. I feel like there isn't enough of discussion about the smaller games in particular. So let's rock, baby.

Since I usually talk about the more popular games of the genre I also wanted to start with some obscure and indie titles.

I remember liking Night Shade for the PS2, quite a bit. It isn't without flaws but I thought it was better than the Shinobi PS2 game.

Does anyone remember the Otogi games? Yeah, before the Souls, this was a thing. On Xbox, it kinda flew under a lot of people's radar, including mine. Known as a pretty hard action game as well

On the indie side we have... Assault Spy. A game inspired by bigger and more popular franchises like DMC and Bayo. The game is generally well received and is beloved as action game indie darling. Recommend as well.

Others that have been recommend to me:

Let's discuss.

 

[ProgenitorCastle]

I keep returning to DMC1, probably wouldn't be a stretch to call it my favorite action game overall. I love the flow of it's combat and how it established many conventions for later action games. The horror atmosphere which is a combination of the scenery and bgm captivates me every time.

 

[Punished Miku]

Exhibit A

 

[Labolas]

Yeah, DMC1 is definitely the progenitor of character action games. I can see why someone have that as their favorite of the series or even the genre. As ProgenitorCastle said, the horror aspect really set the mood. But more importantly, despite it showing its age, it still holds up well.

 

[HYDE]

The original Onimusha…I played it a decade after Ninja Gaiden and Black.
Can’t believe how much is ripped off from it. It’s an incredible game as are the 2nd and 3rd entry. MGR: R and Nioh 2 are fantastic fun too.

 

[BennyBlanco]

The Otogi games are both amazing.

 

[ProgenitorCastle]

In a wave of deja vu, this thread reminded me of this indie hack n slasher called Mitsurugi Kamui Hikae!

Some other picks for this thread that I remember fondly are The Wonderful 101, DMC4, MGR, Lollipop Chainsaw, El Shaddai, God Hand, Viewtiful Joe, Onimusha series, and others that have been mentioned already

 

[Labolas]

In a wave of deja vu, this thread reminded me of this indie hack n slasher called Mitsurugi Kamui Hikae!

Some other picks for this thread that I remember fondly are The Wonderful 101, DMC4, MGR, Lollipop Chainsaw, El Shaddai, God Hand, Viewtiful Joe, Onimusha series, and others that have been mentioned already

Lol, it's funny because I recently found about that Mitsurugi Kamui as well.

It reminds me of the Onechanebara games. I really liked Origin. It's more slick and streamline version of the other games in the series apparently.

 

[stn]

In terms of must-play action games, there are a few: Ninja Gaiden Black, Ninja Gaiden 2, Devil May Cry 3 Special Edition, Devil May Cry 4 Special Edition, Shinobi, Onimusha 1-3 & Dawn of Dreams, and Metal Gear Rising.

In terms of hidden gems, I'll add Ninja Blade, Binary Domain, Bujingai, Genji, and Vanquish.

As for recent action games? Wanted: Dead is solid.

Can't go wrong with any of the above. I love the hell out of action games.

 

[dorkimoe]

Too human. yeah I said it

 

[Labolas]

Talking about up and coming action games:

Stellar Blade is supposed to come out this year (although I wouldn't be surprised if it got pushed back another year.) and arguably the biggest:

Wo Long Dynasty from Team Ninja is coming out soon in March:

Also looks like FF16 might be stepping into the realm of hack and slash as well considering the fact that the battle director of the game has worked on DMC:

On the indie side, we have:

Morbid Metal, which looks pretty decent.

Enenra, which has a demo for people try out.

 

[KàIRóS]

God Hand IMO still has the most fun combat in any action game, not the best, I would give that to DMC5 but this game is just so creative and funny you can't help but feel how much fun the devs had programming it.

 

[Grizzled Ghost]

I will continue to carry the torch for one of my favorite games of all time

 

[Labolas]

Btw MGR is on sale on steam. Get it now.

 

[stn]

Are either Mortal Metal or Enenra on console? I'd buy both if yes.

 

[Labolas]

Are either Mortal Metal or Enenra on console? I'd buy both if yes.

Nah, unfortunately.

 

[dave_d]

I guess I should ask, was Devil's Third any good? Curious since the Wii U shop is closing soon so not much time for me to pick it up if it was.

 

[Punished Miku]

I guess I should ask, was Devil's Third any good? Curious since the Wii U shop is closing soon so not much time for me to pick it up if it was.

I enjoyed it. Definitely has a few performance issues, and some of the bosses I felt needed another pass on balancing. But I'm very glad I own it since it will disappear. I remember reading Itagaki interviews about how he enjoyed photographing WW2 vehicles and things, and you see some of that fun spirit in the final levels.

No one can recommend it to you since I can't tell if you're part of the 90% of gamers that will hate it and feel like I made you waste your money on indefensible trash. Only you can say if you're part of the 10%.

I'd watch some gameplay.

 

[TintoConCasera]

Lovely thread.

What about Furi? Loved this one for it's gameplay, challenge, visual style and the music.

While talking about visual design, it'd be a crime to skip on El Shaddai.

 

[teokrazia]

Otogi 2 was incredible.
I always dream about an Otogi 3 with the Souls expertise From Software has gained since then.

 

[dave_d]

I enjoyed it. Definitely has a few performance issues, and some of the bosses I felt needed another pass on balancing. But I'm very glad I own it since it will disappear. I remember reading Itagaki interviews about how he enjoyed photographing WW2 vehicles and things, and you see some of that fun spirit in the final levels.

No one can recommend it to you since I can't tell if you're part of the 90% of gamers that will hate it and feel like I made you waste your money on indefensible trash. Only you can say if you're part of the 10%.

I'd watch some gameplay.

Worth some looking into. Thanks.

 

[AV]

Add Hi-Fi Rush to the list of essential actions games. Sneak GOTY contender and it's no surprise that Shinji Mikami was involved.

 

[Labolas]

Lovely thread.

What about Furi? Loved this one for it's gameplay, challenge, visual style and the music.

While talking about visual design, it'd be a crime to skip on El Shaddai.

Sure, I would throw in Furi into the conversation. The game is dope. I really liked the music. This isn't just a thread about 3rd person character action or hack slash games, this includes stuff titles Furi as well.

Speaking of which, some side scrollers that have piqued my interest:

Icey - a game that came out in 2016. Haven't played it yet but it's on the list.

Slave Zero X - a game that was clearly inspired by fighting games like Street Fighter Third Strike and Guilty Gear. This has a lot of mechanics for a side scroller. It has a Strider PS1 feel to it.

Awaken Astral Blade - which is supposed to come out this year. It looks fun nonetheless.

 

[Labolas]

Has anyone tried out No More Heroes 3 yet? What was the overall consensus on it? Was thinking about getting it.

Also Wo Long has a new demo to try out.

 

[SpiceRacz]

I wish this was backwards compatible. One of those games I haven't played since release, but I remember having a lot of fun with it. These B-level mid tier games kind of defined that era for me.

 

[Mr Branding]

Have Ultra Age and Soulstice in my wishlist for the longest time but can’t bite just yet. More impressions needed.

Also, great topic, character action in my bread and butter; subbed

 

[anothertech]

Vanquish

Heavenly Sword

GOAT action

 

[Hypereides]

One of these days I really, really have to record some footage of NeverDead.

Btw, got my eyes on Dolmen. I'll check it out at some point.

 

[Labolas]

Played a bit of this:

A game that has some hentai shit in it but is actually good. The music is enjoyable as well. Very much inspired by Nier Automata. They need to rework some of the enemies and make the boss be less spongey.

I've played an old build of the game but the new update has a new character Susan.

 

[Labolas]

Necroing the thread to gush about Assault Spy. What a fucking game. Easily the game to beat when it comes indie character action games. I think that other indie devs need to follow in this game's model. Focus on making your game feel good to play and leave the other superfluous stuff out. The regular enemy mobs are no push over and teaches how to play the game. The bosses are actually fun to play against and are fun to learn.