Although 2024 did not witness the launch of anticipated titles from renowned franchises like Devil May Cry or Bayonetta, action game enthusiasts still had much to celebrate. The last year brought forth an impressive array of games from established developers and fresh faces alike, many of which showcased surprising levels of skill and craftsmanship in their debut offerings. This enthusiasm for high-quality action games resulted in a series of memorable experiences that redefined our expectations for the genre.
Below, we present a roundup of the top five action games released in 2024 for PC and consoles. Additionally, we highlight several other notable titles that, while not quite reaching the pinnacle of the aforementioned entries, still offer commendable contributions to action gaming.
1. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown (Score: 9)
After a prolonged hiatus, the Prince of Persia franchise makes a triumphant return with Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. Developed by Ubisoft Montpelier, this title successfully revives the series, embracing its roots with a compelling Metroidvania format. Players are treated to an engaging narrative alongside finely-tuned gameplay mechanics, asserting its position as one of the finest action games in recent years and immediately earning a spot as one of the most celebrated Metroidvania titles ever.
This revival masterfully combines familiarity and innovation, allowing players to step into Sargon’s adventure, which will likely linger in their memories for years to come, despite minor shortcomings.
2. Stellar Blade (Score: 9)
With considerable anticipation surrounding Stellar Blade, the game debuted from Shift Up— a studio previously known for mobile titles. They managed to astonish players by presenting a visually stunning action RPG that draws inspiration from Yoko Taro’s acclaimed NieR series while incorporating RPG elements and Soulslike mechanics. While some may find the character design excessively sexualized, the game nonetheless captivates through its remarkable aesthetics and robust gameplay.
No butts about it, Stellar Blade is a marvelous feast for the eyes and a technically impressive action RPG.
3. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II (Score: 8)
Following the success of the original, Ninja Theory’s Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II builds upon its predecessor’s strengths. The sequel maintains the oppressive atmosphere while enhancing combat mechanics, utilizing Unreal Engine 5 to deliver stunning visuals. This title is not strictly for everyone but offers an incredibly immersive experience, particularly for those who appreciated the original.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II keeps virtually the same scope and structure of the independent triple-A game made in 2017.
4. Black Myth: Wukong (Score: 8.5)
The surprise announcement of Black Myth: Wukong in late 2020 generated immense excitement, particularly with its early trailers gaining millions of views. As the first major project from developer Game Science, it faced high expectations, which it met by delivering a solid action RPG exploring a unique interpretation of the classic Journey to the West narrative. Despite not radically innovating on the genre, it successfully melds elements reminiscent of FromSoftware’s acclaimed Souls games.
While the game features minor visual stutters and gameplay issues, it remains a worthwhile experience for action RPG aficionados, and a testament to the quality achievable by emerging studios.
5. Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster (Score: 8)
CAPCOM has resurrected the beloved Dead Rising series with the Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster. This modern reimagining allows players to dive back into the chaos of Willamette Parkview Mall, battling hordes of zombies with an array of inventive makeshift weapons. While certain aspects feel somewhat dated, this remaster enhances the original with essential gameplay and quality-of-life improvements, making it enjoyable for both veterans and newcomers alike.
Despite some aesthetic drawbacks—such as a less vibrant color palette compared to the original—the essence of Frank West’s adventure endures, ensuring hours of engaging gameplay.
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Honorable Mentions
While the top five games certainly shine, several additional titles warrant recognition. Below are more action games from 2024 that deserve a spot on every enthusiast’s radar:
- Batman: Arkham Shadow
- Star Wars Outlaws
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