The hallmark of any good action title is most obviously its combat. Whether that might be swinging a giant sword, casting magical spells, or just straight-up sucker-punching some bad guy’s lights out, there’s always something satisfying about laying out one’s frustrations into some virtual enemy.
But with a genre so expansive and filled with so much variety, which games really have that satisfying combat crunch that scratches every gamer’s itch for action? Let’s see what Metacritic has to say about it. Steel thy weapons and check out these ten action games with absolutely awesome combat.
10 The Surge (73)
Ever wonder what would happen if Dark Souls was set in a post-apocalyptic future? The Surge is the answer to that idea. Players take on the role of Warren, a disabled employee of a technology megacorp, and suit up in various cybernetic mech suits could you battle with the threats of the wasteland. Combat is heavy, challenging, but satisfying once players get the hang of it. With all sorts of mechanical upgrades and weapons, it definitely doesn’t get boring.
9 Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen (80)
If variety is the spice of life, Dragon’s Dogma is very well-seasoned. Along with its famous pawn system, the game offers a unique twist on the three traditional RPG classes.
Players can become a hacking and slashing juggernaut as a warrior, a ranger rogue, or a mage who can dish out several devastating spells to fight their way through slews of magical and mythological enemies. All that being said, it is still a criminally underrated RPG.
8 Darksiders 2 (82)
While the original title might feature some simple and satisfying hack-and-slash combat, it’s the sequel that takes the spot by mixing its classic combat style with a Diablo-inspired loot system. As The Horseman of death, players can explore a dark fantasy world with a variety of combat choices. They’ll find plenty of loot, armor, and weapons to lay waste to the hordes of enemies and monsters throughout the game.
7 DmC: Devil May Cry (83)
The Devil May Cry series has always had satisfying combat, no arguments there, but this reboot from Ninja Theory definitely adds an extra visceral edge to Dante’s combo-heavy fighting style.
Armed with a variety of weapons and moves, playing as the reborn Dante is like throwing various demons in a blender and cranking it to frappe. It might not be everyone’s favorite entry in the franchise, but it’s definitely something satisfying.
6 Mortal Kombat XL (85)
If there had to be one fighting game on this list, it had to be something from the infamous Mortal Kombat series. While its latest entry has been met to much acclaim, it’s this version of MKX that wins the battle. With a semi-realistic style and a darker, more visceral flavor, this gory entry into the tournament fighter series upped the ante with improved x-ray moves and even more brutal fatalities. Prepare to truly test your might.
5 Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor (87)
Tolkien’s Middle-Earth has always been a wealth of video game material, and this game is possibly one of the best. With fluid, dance-like combat with swords and daggers, heads will literally be rolling as players take on the orc hordes of Mordor.
Go in with swords drawn and caution to the wind or use the enemy’s weaknesses and fears to exploit an opportunity for victory. Either way, there’s loads of orc-slaying fun to be had.
4 Dark Souls (89)
Prepare to die… a lot. This infamously difficult series might not be for everyone, especially with that steep learning curve and often unfair boss encounters. That being said, it’s combat system is something many players can get behind. With a focus on striking, parrying, and rolling away from danger, it’s a more realistic combat experience that still has players white-knuckling their controllers today.
3 Diablo III: Ultimate Evil Edition (90)
The third entry in this king of dungeon-crawling series definitely has one of the most satisfying combat systems on our list. With multiple classes, weapons, spells, and play-styles to choose from, the bodies will pile up higher and higher with every combo the player racks up.
Vaporize demons and undead as a caster, slice and slay through them as a fighter, or become death at a distance with a ranger, either way, it’s bound to be a great time.
2 God of War (94)
The Norse-inspired remake/reboot of the famous hack-and-slash series reinvented the wheel with the Ghost of Sparta but didn’t skip on the satisfying slaying. Sure, the tone is more epic and magical than the blood-drenched original, but feeling the weight of that Leviathan Ax and enlisting the help of Atreus to take out other enemies is nothing short of substantial and solid. Be they Viking gods, draugr, or anything in between, they will fall by the hand of Kratos.
1 Batman: Arkham City (96)
While the first game is definitely a contender for the number one spot, it’s this entry that truly made fans feel like Batman. Every fight and boss battle in this game is sublime and spectacular. With every punch thrown, Bat-a-rang struck, and villain defeated, it just further sells that superhero wish-fulfillment.
NEXT: 10 Reasons Why The Batman Arkham Series Are Still The Best Superhero Games
