Representing a comprehensive and innovative category of video games, these 5 action games are the best available. Infographic by Aiden Dolan.
Video games have become a modern staple of hobbyists around the world.
With over 20 different genres or sub-genres of games, the sky is the limit when it comes down to finding the best games to play.
One of the most popular genres of all time in the video game world is action, a genre of games that has been going strong since the mid 1980’s.
Action games are full of challenges that test the reaction time, perception, and strategy of a gamer’s skills all at once.
They are also full of amazing and complex storylines that create an atmospheric gaming experience like no other.
Here is a list of some of the most popular action games ever released since video games were born into existence.
5. Elden Ring
A stunning action game that provides intense challenges for its players, Elden Ring is a fantasy role-playing adventure that combines the traditional combat style of game with a vast open world design.
Released in 2022 by game developer FromSoftware, Elden Ring takes the reigns as the most modern rendition of the historically popular Dark Souls series, following up as an extremely popular successor to that franchise.
The game drops the character into a mysterious land full of dangerous enemies, extensive lore, and gravitating boss fights that challenge even the most veteran of video game players.
Offering a wide variety of combat roles and classes, Elden Ring provides each player with an arsenal of magic, medieval armour and swords to battle their way through the lands of evermore challenging opponents.
Justin Gyorfi, a former post-secondary student and video game enthusiast, says that he would place Elden Ring at this spot because of the intricate layout and reward the game offers.
“Elden Ring is not just a game you step into without a plan and a strong will. It’s a game that punishes you for not adapting and getting better, but the rewards make it all worth it. A top of all time, but there are games that are above it in terms of challenges.”
Elden Ring continues to provide players with an incredible fantasy universe that always provides tons of content, including a large DLC and a follow up battle royale style of play game that encourages online competitive play.
Certainly, a fantastic choice for the avid gamer.
4. Devil May Cry 5
Up next is Devil May Cry 5, the fifth installment in the Devil May Cry universe of games that provides wonderful action gameplay and storytelling.
Widely regarded as the best of the series, the fifth game was released in 2019 by developer Capcom, the same company also responsible for the famous action-horror game series called Resident Evil.
The game centres around a storyline that develops with the previous games, Devil May Cry 5 takes place in a metropolitan cityscape overrun by demons and other monsters.
The player assumes the position of a character known as a demon hunter, on a mission to slay a demon king.
The game provides in-depth aesthetics, a truer storyline structure that focuses on the background of the game rather than character stats, and a sequence of events that result in the story told based off the previous installments in the universe of Devil May Cry.
Justin Gyorfi also provided his input on the game.
“DMC 5 was the bookend to a franchise that experienced many growing pains from previous fan-hated sequels, developer team terminations, and many reworkings. This game changed all of the previous issues by providing a satisfying conclusion that worked really well in the end. Definitely another favourite of mine”.
Devil May Cry 5 still proves itself as one of the most enjoyable story driven games of all time, redeeming itself as a notable game that broke the barriers of previous title games.
3. Grand Theft Auto 5
Another 5th series entry into a vastly popular video game series, GTA 5 provides players with a more realistic video game experience focused around free-will and crime.
Released in 2014 by developer Rockstar Games, GTA 5 experienced a massive cry of praise upon release.
Widely regarded as one of the most popular games of all time with over 220 million copies sold, GTA 5 takes place in a present-day setting on Los Angeles style of island in the United States.
Revolving around many different characters and a central storyline, the open world game encourages side missions and exploration outside of the central story.
Current student and video game enjoyer Nick Bloomfield provided his input towards the game and its characteristics.
“Although I do prefer the story aspect of most games, GTA 5 is a fun one to play when nothing else seems appealing. It has unlimited playstyles and side missions that really create an atmosphere that makes it super easy to play. It’s not a very hard game, but it does provide some great action and free will that most games don’t have”.
Despite its nearly decade old status, GTA 5 is still an intensely popular title played by numerous fans while the long anticipated GTA 6 is worked on by Rockstar.
2. God of War 2018
God of War is a game that needs little introduction.
The very title screams action and carnage, and the game certainly lives up to that hype.
Featuring a conventional role-playing game style that focuses more on the storyline again, God of War 2018 is the 4th main game in the franchise.
Developed and released in 2018 by game studio Santa Monica Studio, God of War 2018 is regarded by fans of the franchise as the best entry overall.
The storyline centres around ancient Greek gods and goddesses, with the main character being represented as the god of war, Kratos.
The game’s intense combat and intriguing storyline and visuals make for a beginner friendly but violent game that defies most of the rules of regular combat and action games.
Nick Bloomfield also provided a great perspective on his ranking of the game.
“God of War has always been an interesting franchise to me. The older games were iconic, so seeing the modern follow-up was refreshing to see and play. This game is intense, beautiful and honestly exciting beyond words to play. I would absolutely agree with its place on this list”.
God of War 2018 was succeeded by another widely regarded sequel in 2022; God of War: Ragnarok.
The franchise continues to develop and grow from its incredibly passionate fans.
- Red Dead Redemption 2
Undoubtedly one of the most influential games released in the last 10 years, RDR2 has become a phenomenon.
Following up as the sequel to another game with the same title, RDR2 was released in 2018 also by Rockstar Games.
Taking place in the western American frontier in the 1880’s, RDR2 focuses intense action and exploration like Rockstar’s other popular GTA series of games.
With a very emotional and deep storyline, the game provides players with a feeling like no other through the main story.
An incredible ride of action, gun-slinging and explosions describe every aspect of the game to its core.
Justin provided some background and thoughts to the game.
“Red Dead Redemption 2 is by far one of the best games I’ve ever played. I loved the story, theme and aesthetics. Not many other games focus on that time period, so its awesome to experience that firsthand”.
Nick also had some valuable input towards the game and its content.
“This is truly a special game. I love the mechanics and the feeling I get when playing it. Rockstar absolutely cooked up a special game with this one, and I agree with Justin on its theme and story. Definitely deserving of the number one spot”.
RDR2 continues to impress and create an emotional gaming experience like no other, with over 78 million game copies sold.
Truly a standout amongst all other action games.
