The last console generation was packed with some of the
greatest action games of all time. The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 4's life cycles
were longer than any consoles before them, allowing developers to become more familiar
with the powerful tech and deliver better and better games. Imaginative new IPs
like Uncharted and Assassin's Creed started as demonstrations of raw potential
and matured into blockbuster franchises. Long-running series like Tomb Raider
received their best entries in years.
The action genre is, by definition, a fairly broad category.
Games that don't obviously fit into more defined genres like shooters, sports,
or RPGs tend to fall under the "action" umbrella. For example, Nathan Drake
shoots tons of evil mercenaries in Uncharted, but labeling it a shooter does a
disservice to the fun environmental exploration and puzzle-solving. With that
in mind, by Game Informer's qualification of action games are generally
third-person affairs with significantly more to them than a combat hook. As one
final note, keep in mind that we limited our list to one entry per series. (Click here to explore the rest of our articles exploring last generation)
Without further ado, these are the 10 best action games of
the generation.
10. Tomb Raider
Going into last generation, few would've likely guessed that
Lara Croft would star in a new game worthy of this list. The indomitable explorer managed
to survive a series of rough entries before Crystal Dynamics righted her path
on the PS3 and 360 - Didn't Crystal do the last 3 or 4 games??. Visually
stunning, the Tomb Raider reboot did an incredible job of transporting players
to the mysterious, deadly island of Yamatai. Lara's ordeal in the island's
wilderness and crumbing ruins is filled with intense moments like tumbling down
a waterfall and escaping a collapsing ship. The visceral, bone-breaking nature
of these close calls would be enough to make Nathan Drake feel like he has it
easy.
9. Dead Space
Horror games dried up on consoles last generation, but
Visceral's Dead Space series stood against changing trends. Isaac Clarke's
fateful mission on the USG Ishimura combined
the core third-person gunplay of Resident Evil 4 with the innovative ability to
move while shooting (something Capcom wouldn't implement until RE 6). The
winning combination gave players more control, but also inspired Visceral to
make deadlier enemies. The twisted, mutated Necromorphs shake up the tired
headshot-centric firefight formula by forcing players to aim for the limbs - an
engaging twist that stands the test of time. Dead Space's HUD is also entirely
in-universe, allowing players to immerse themselves in the nerve-fraying sci-fi
nightmare. Dead Space kicked the series off on the right foot and set a high
benchmark for all horror games to follow.
8. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
This PS3 exclusive is the dramatic conclusion to the iconic
Solid Snake's convoluted yet entertaining story (until Kojima decides
otherwise). Kojima Productions shook off the series' history of tricky cameras
and quirky control schemes in exchange for a stealth game that controls like a competent
third-person shooter. Snake's optic camouflage further streamlines the action,
allowing the daring clone to blend with his environments instead of changing
his clothes on the battlefield. These gameplay changes, along with its goofy
multiple story climaxes, makes it one of the high points for the generation.
7. Batman: Arkham Asylum
Rocksteady put an end to Batman's long line of awful video
games last generation in one fell swoop. The Dark Knight's perilous adventure
into the deepest recesses of the lunatic-filled Arkham Asylum introduced us to
a terrific story with a who's who of fun enemy cameos and groundbreaking
combat. Batman's ability to fluidly battle mobs of enemies and the clever
counter-attack cues made every battle a blast rather than a chore. The larger
open-world sequels did a great job of expanding Gotham City, but we love Arkham
Asylum's sense of Metroid-like progression that comes with unlocking new
sections of the more compact madhouse. Arkham Asylum reinvented the Caped
Crusader and put Rocksteady on the map with undeniable style.
6. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
Ubisoft kicked off its wildly successful Assassin's Creed
series last generation and delivered a staggering six core entries on last-gen
hardware. Of these alternate history/sci-fi tales, Ezio's second chapter narrowly
edged out AC II as the standout title. The saucy hooded Italian takes to Rome,
scaling ancient ruins with a more fluid parkour system. The combat system also
underwent enhancements, making it easier to string together flashy kills.
Making a bad-ass character even cooler, Ezio could even sit back and call in
his fellow assassin brothers to spring from haystacks and other hiding spots to
take out targets. Arguments can be made for the strengths and weaknesses of
each Assassin's Creed game, but Brotherhood has the fewest glaring dents in its
armor.
Keep reading to see where stellar action games from Naughty Dog and Rockstar fall on our list...