Top 10 Action Games of All Time
Discover Action Greatness
Last updated
Discover Action Greatness
Last updated
Action games have solidified their place as my favorite genre, and for me, 'action' encompasses a broad spectrum beyond just character-driven titles like Devil May Cry or Bayonetta. While character action games certainly feature prominently on this list, I also consider the visceral thrill of gunplay, explosive set pieces, and high-octane violence to be core elements of the action experience.
This Top 10 list is a personal reflection, shaped by years of exploring both mainstream hits and underrated gems, and it's important to remember that a gamer's favorite games are as unique as their fingerprint—a kind of gaming astrology, if you will. You won't find the usual suspects here; Elden Ring, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Grand Theft Auto are undeniably excellent, but I'm aiming to introduce you to hidden treasures, particularly those from Japanese developers, whose aesthetics and gameplay design have consistently resonated with me.
I know this is a Shoot 'Em Up, but hear me out. Crimzon Clover doesn’t just play like a bullet hell—it erupts like one. Within minutes, the screen is drenched in dazzling chaos: neon lasers, screen-filling explosions, and a relentless barrage of enemies that demand every ounce of your attention. But underneath all that sensory overload lies a surprisingly elegant system that rewards precision, aggression, and mastery in equal measure.
Lock-on bursts, break mode, and power-ups layer into a rhythm that feels as much like a trance as it does a test of reflexes. It’s arcade action turned up to eleven—intense, overwhelming, and utterly exhilarating. But what elevates Crimzon Clover isn’t just its spectacle—it’s how that chaos begins to feel like control. The more you lean into it, the more you realize: this isn't just noise. It's poetry written in pixels and plasma.
The Ys series has never been as widely recognized as some of its contemporaries, but for those in the know, it's one of the best action RPG franchises out there. Fast, fluid, and relentlessly fun, Ys delivers combat that never lets up, paired with incredible soundtracks and tight level design. While the series has been around since the ‘80s, three entries stand out as the pinnacle of its action-heavy formula: Ys: The Oath in Felghana, Ys Origin, and Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana.
Oath in Felghana (2005) took the series in a more refined direction, blending breakneck combat with responsive platforming and some of the most satisfying boss fights in the genre. It’s tough, but fair—a game that demands mastery without ever feeling cheap. Ys Origin (2006) stripped away the series’ usual adventuring in favor of a pure dungeon-crawling experience, pushing its fast-paced battles to the forefront. And then there’s Ys VIII (2016), which redefined the series with its seamless exploration, party-based combat, and an emotional story.
Across all three games, the Ys formula remains consistent: fast action, precision movement, and soundtracks that make every battle feel like the most important fight of your life. The series never strays too far from what makes it work, and honestly? It doesn’t need to. These games prove that when it comes to pure action, few franchises do it better than Ys.
Stranglehold isn’t just a game—it’s an action movie brought to life. A spiritual successor to Hard Boiled, John Woo’s 1992 bullet ballet masterpiece, Stranglehold puts players in the shoes of Inspector Tequila, played once again by Chow Yun-fat. It’s a game where style isn’t just encouraged—it’s the whole point.
At a glance, Stranglehold plays like a standard third-person shooter, but the moment you dive off a staircase in slow motion while unloading twin pistols into a room full of enemies, you realize it’s something else entirely. The game thrives on its physics-driven destruction and cinematic gunfights, letting you slide across tables, swing from chandeliers, and blow apart everything in sight—all in glorious, balletic slow motion. Tequila Time, the game’s take on bullet time, gives every encounter an over-the-top, operatic feel, making every gunfight feel like a scene ripped straight from Woo’s greatest films.
It’s a game that understands exactly what it wants to be: stylish, chaotic, and endlessly fun. While it never got the sequel it deserved, Stranglehold remains a one-of-a-kind action experience. There are plenty of great third-person shooters out there, but few capture the sheer spectacle of Stranglehold.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty represents Team Ninja's bold reimagining of the soulslike formula, trading deliberate, slower combat for a high-octane, action-packed experience. This game boasts stunning aesthetics, epic set pieces, and a diverse arsenal of weapons and builds, offering significant replayability through its New Game+ mode. The challenging boss encounters and the sheer depth of content provide a meaty and rewarding experience for dedicated players. While Wo Long received mixed reviews upon release, it's undeniably a solid title that rewards time investment. The campaign delivers a consistently engaging experience, and the first two DLCs further enhance the game's strengths. (We'll politely ignore the third DLC's balancing issues.) Ultimately, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is a testament to Team Ninja's ability to innovate within established genres, delivering a visually captivating and action-packed adventure.
The Yakuza series has always been a strange beast—equal parts brutal action, gripping crime drama, and absolutely ridiculous side content. But if there’s a perfect starting point for the franchise, it’s the trio of Yakuza 0 (2015), Kiwami (2016), and Kiwami 2 (2017). These games set the stage for one of gaming’s greatest sagas, refining the series’ signature combat while delivering some of the best storytelling in the medium.
Yakuza 0 perfects this formula by giving both protagonists multiple fighting styles, letting players switch between speed, power, and sheer brutality on the fly. Kiwami and Kiwami 2 refine that combat even further, with Kiwami 2 in particular benefiting from the series’ shift to the Dragon Engine, making every punch and throw feel even more impactful.
But what truly sets these games apart is their world. Kamurocho is one of gaming’s most detailed and lived-in settings—a neon-soaked playground where serious crime drama coexists with absurd mini-games like karaoke, slot car racing, and managing a cabaret club. These three games cemented Yakuza as one of the greatest action franchises ever made. Whether you’re here for the combat, the story, or the sheer weirdness, you won’t find anything else like it.
Few franchises have redefined action gaming as profoundly as Metal Gear Solid. Hideo Kojima’s legendary series is best known for its intricate storytelling and stealth mechanics, but make no mistake—when the action kicks in, Metal Gear delivers some of the most intense, cinematic, and creative combat sequences in gaming history. Across multiple generations, five games stand out as some of the best action titles ever made: Metal Gear Solid (1998), Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (2001), Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (2004), Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (2008), and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (2013).
Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge comes with a massive asterisk, a game that's been dissected and debated endlessly by fans. I wholeheartedly agree with the criticisms levied against its overall release. So, why does it appear on this list? The answer lies in a very specific approach: downloading a 100% save file and focusing solely on Ninja Trials and Chapter Challenge. This unconventional method unlocks a distilled action game experience, showcasing some of the smoothest combat, flow, and animations ever witnessed in a video game. The result is a visually stunning and incredibly satisfying arcade-like experience. The game's intricate animation-canceling mechanics allow for lightning-fast combat, a feature I absolutely adore. However, the need for such a workaround prevents it from ranking higher. If played as intended, Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge offers a truly exceptional combat system, a hidden gem buried beneath layers of questionable design choices.
Nightshade is a time capsule of stylish PS2-era action, a game that embodies the Y2K aesthetic with a dark, cyberpunk edge. It's a title that often elicits a 'love it or hate it' response, and I fall firmly into the former category. The sheer audacity of its design, the fast-paced combat, and the unique visual flair are astonishing for a game released in 2003. While it offers a slightly more forgiving challenge compared to its predecessor, Shinobi, Nightshade is by no means a pushover. It's a testament to the creative risks taken during that era of gaming, delivering an action experience that remains both unique and thrilling.
Shinobi holds a legendary status among action game enthusiasts, widely regarded as one of the most challenging titles ever created. Its unforgiving difficulty has filtered countless players, even on its standard difficulty setting, let alone the notoriously brutal 'Super' mode. However, for those who persevere, Shinobi offers a deeply rewarding and satisfying experience. Once you master its intricate systems, the game transforms into a thrilling test of skill and precision. The replayability here is immense; I myself have completed numerous runs, discovering new strategies and optimizing my playthroughs. In fact, once mastered, the game can be conquered in under two hours, highlighting its tightly designed and action-packed levels. Despite accusations of 'unfair' design, I firmly believe that Shinobi is a masterclass in fair and challenging gameplay, culminating in an epic final boss encounter that demands mastery. It's a game that rewards dedication and offers a sense of accomplishment, unlike few others.
Ninja Gaiden 2 (2008) is widely hailed as the pinnacle of action gaming, and it lives up to every bit of that reputation. This game is a relentless, high-octane thrill ride, pushing players to their absolute limits. Its 'Master Ninja' difficulty stands as one of the most punishing game modes ever conceived, a testament to the game's uncompromising design—only 1.20% of players have conquered it. Under the visionary direction of Tomonobu Itagaki, Ninja Gaiden 2 transcends mere entertainment, becoming an avant-garde experience that throws caution to the wind. Despite a rushed development cycle, the game's brilliance shines through, offering a combat system as deep and dynamic as you dare to explore. It's a 'veteran's playground,' a game that rewards mastery with unparalleled satisfaction. Unlike its predecessor, Ninja Gaiden Black, NG2 strips away puzzles and exploration, focusing solely on pure, unadulterated action. The result is an adrenaline-pumping experience that will leave your heart racing long after you put down the controller. Often described as the 'videogame equivalent of cocaine,' it's a high-octane rush that stimulates the senses like few other games. Ninja Gaiden 2 is a deep rabbit hole, a game that demands dedication and rewards players with an unforgettable action experience.
Alright, that's my Top 10 action game rundown, as it stands today. Seriously, thanks for sticking with me if you made it all the way down here! This list is just how I'm feeling right now, and who knows, it could change tomorrow. I still need to get around to Stellar Blade, Final Fantasy Origin, Kingdom Hearts, and many others. We've also got Ninja Gaiden 4 (Q3/Q4 2025) to look forward to, which could totally shake things up.
