The action game genre is rapidly evolving. Innovations are appearing, game mechanics, storylines and design are improving. See for yourself with our ranking of the best action games.
Half-Life 2
Released in November 2004, Half-Life 2 is the sequel to 1998’s Half-Life. This first-person shooter combines shooting, puzzles, and a compelling story to offer a unique single-player experience.
The game is known for its realistic physics, animation, sound, AI, and graphics. It was one of the first games to use a physics engine as the foundation for gameplay. The gravity gun, which manipulates physical objects, was a groundbreaking feature at the time and remains iconic today—just like the smooth experience of Crusino.
Half-Life 2 has a number of unexpected plot twists, and it avoids cutscenes. All actions and dialogue happen in real time, creating a fully immersive experience. The game features diverse environments, from a dystopian city to alien-infested landscapes, all richly detailed and atmospheric. The AI-controlled characters react realistically to the player’s actions, making the game feel even more engaging.
The story takes place several years after the first game. Dr. Gordon Freeman, a theoretical physicist, is pulled out of a coma by a mysterious figure known as G-Man. He wakes up in City 17, a dystopian city ruled by an alien empire called the Combine. The human population is oppressed, and Freeman soon becomes the symbol of the resistance. His primary goal is to overthrow the Combine’s control over Earth.
Key Characters:
- Alyx Vance: A resistance member who helps Gordon throughout the game.
- Barney Calhoun: A Black Mesa security officer.
- Dr. Eli Vance: Alyx’s father and Gordon’s former colleague.
- Dr. Isaac Kleiner: Another scientist and former colleague of Gordon.
- G-Man: A mysterious figure who manipulates events from behind the scenes.
Half-Life 2 is a milestone in game design, helping shape the direction of the gaming industry. With innovations like physics-based gameplay and a focus on character interaction, it remains highly regarded. Its atmospheric settings, enemy AI, and the unique gravity gun experience continue to make it memorable for players. Even years after its release, Half-Life 2 is still recommended by gamers and remains a classic in the world of gaming.
DOOM Eternal
Released in the spring of 2020, DOOM Eternal puts you in the role of the Doom Slayer, an overpowered warrior tasked with battling the forces of Hell. The story picks up after the events of DOOM 2016, when Hell begins its invasion of Earth, threatening humanity’s survival.
With the help of a rogue AI named VEGA, the Doom Slayer must fight Hell’s legions, find a way to halt the invasion, and confront the ancient, powerful beings behind it. The game takes you through intense battles not only on Earth but also across other dimensions, including Hell itself and Mikros, the homeworld of the Argent D’Nurs.
DOOM Eternal is celebrated for its dynamic combat, keeping players on their toes throughout the game. Success requires skill and precision, as each enemy has its own tactics, tricks, and weaknesses. The Doom Slayer’s arsenal is vast, equipped with an impressive range of weapons and superpowers to tackle the challenges ahead.
While the DOOM universe’s story is compelling, some players feel the plot is underdeveloped for a few reasons:
It’s easy to lose track of the secondary lore scattered throughout the game.
The gameplay often requires you to defeat enemies to replenish ammo, health, and armor. Some players enjoy this added layer, while others feel it detracts from the focus on shooting.
That said, DOOM Eternal is primarily aimed at fans of first-person shooters and action games, especially those who appreciate fast-paced, intense combat. The game is particularly appealing to players looking for a challenge that demands skill to overcome tough obstacles.
Mafia: Definitive Edition
An adventure game released in 2020, Mafia: Definitive Edition is a remake of the 2002 classic Mafia, featuring an expanded storyline, improved gameplay, and completely updated graphics and sound. Visually, it captures the atmosphere of the 1930s with great attention to detail. The game tells a gritty story of organised crime with a twisting plot and strong character development.
Set in the fictional city of Lost Heaven, the open world is rich and immersive. The United States during Prohibition is depicted with accuracy: you’ll encounter vintage cars, period clothing, era-specific music, and authentic radio broadcasts that bring the setting to life.
You play as Tommy Angelo, a hardworking taxi driver from Lost Heaven. The story unfolds as a series of flashbacks told by Tommy to a detective in a quiet diner. After a chance encounter with members of the Salieri crime family, Tommy finds himself on a dangerous path. What starts as a desperate move for survival slowly pulls him deeper into a world of crime, power, and betrayal.
As Tommy rises through the ranks of the Salieri family, he takes part in increasingly risky and violent operations. His loyalty is tested, and the consequences of his choices begin to affect both his personal life and the people he cares about.
Main characters:
- Don Salieri – The head of the Salieri crime family and a father figure to Tommy. He rules with an iron fist but has a personal code of honour. More measured than his rival Morello.
- Paulie – Tommy’s closest friend in the mafia. Hot-headed and impulsive, but fiercely loyal.
- Sam – A quiet, cautious member of the Salieri family. He is a reliable ally throughout Tommy’s journey.
- Sarah – Don Salieri’s daughter and Tommy’s love interest. She represents a glimmer of innocence in his increasingly dark world.
Mafia: Definitive Edition is perfect for players who enjoy well-crafted narratives, detailed open worlds, and the raw intensity of 1930s gang warfare.
Max Payne
This is the story of a New York police officer accused of crimes he didn’t commit. His name is Max Payne. After his wife and daughter are brutally murdered by drug addicts, Max sets out on a path of revenge. He dives deep into the city’s criminal underworld and uncovers a large-scale conspiracy.
Max Payne tells a dark, neo-noir tale full of crime, corruption, and personal tragedy. The story is emotionally intense, as Max struggles with the trauma of losing his family. The game blends gritty detective storytelling with psychological depth, making the player’s journey feel heavy and personal.
Inspired by The Matrix films, Max Payne introduced bullet-time mechanics, allowing players to slow down time, dodge bullets, and aim more precisely. Max’s inner monologue, filled with metaphors and philosophical reflections, adds to the game’s unique tone. His cynical voiceover reveals his inner turmoil and helps players connect with his pain.
Overall, Max Payne is a gripping experience with innovative gameplay and a powerful narrative about loss and vengeance. It’s worth playing for both its storytelling and its groundbreaking mechanics.
Batman: Arkham City
Gamers will appreciate the large urban environment of Arkham City, a walled-off section of Gotham turned into a massive open-air prison. Batman has plenty of space to explore, glide through the skies, and tackle enemies from multiple angles. The game combines stealth with brutal hand-to-hand combat. Batman can use shadows to his advantage and has access to a wide array of gadgets. The free-flow combat system lets players chain combos and switch smoothly between enemies.
The story begins with Bruce Wayne being imprisoned in Arkham City, a new super-prison built around Gotham’s decaying slums. He’s captured by Dr. Hugo Strange, who knows his secret identity and is planning something called “Protocol 10.”
Playing as Batman, players must uncover Strange’s plan while facing a lineup of villains including the Joker, Two-Face, Penguin, and Mr. Freeze. A major plot twist is that Joker is dying from an illness caused by the Titan formula (introduced in Arkham Asylum)—and Batman becomes infected too, adding urgency to the mission.
Main characters:
- Batman/Bruce Wayne: A seasoned detective and fighter determined to save Gotham.
- Hugo Strange: The mastermind behind Arkham City who knows Batman’s true identity.
- The Joker: Batman’s chaotic nemesis, who plays a central role despite his illness.
- Catwoman/Selina Kyle: Features in her own playable segments with a separate story arc.
Supporting villains like Harley Quinn, Penguin, Mr. Freeze, and Ra’s al Ghul each have their own missions and storylines.
Arkham City draws players in with its mix of stealth, fluid combat, and exploration. Its layered story, full of twists and deep connections to the Batman comics, makes it one of the standout superhero games of all time.