Action is nothing new to video games, between licensed games based on action movies and television shows and the hack and slash games and first-person shooters that have now become annual or near-annual releases. But what about when these types of games aren't enough for even the most passionate action enthusiasts?

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This is where over-the-top action games come in, which get released every so often but not nearly as often as their more grounded counterparts. These games set themselves apart by having tight gameplay and sequences that are so exaggerated that players need to experience them to believe they're real.

8 Asura's Wrath

asura's wrath

Asura's Wrath mixes several genres and bundles them into an episodic anime-like adventure. In Asura's Wrath, players take on the role of Asura, who is on a quest for revenge after being framed for murdering the Emperor, finding his wife fatally wounded, and discovering that his daughter has been kidnapped. The gameplay in Asura's Wrath is split between third-person beat-em-up action combat, rail shooter sections, and interactive cutscenes with quick-time events, so there's plenty of variety to keep players on their toes. If all that still wasn't enough, there's also DLC where Asura can fight Ryu and Asuma from Street Fighter. Fans of anime fight scenes will be pleasantly surprised by Asura's Wrath, as it works as a great homage to why fans enjoy them so much and provides a departure from the anime tie-in fighting games that fans have become accustomed to seeing.

7 Fist Of The North Star: Lost Paradise

fist of the north star lost paradise

One of the characteristics the Yakuza series is known for is its over-the-top action, but in 2019, RGG Studios released a game based on the Fist of the North Star manga and anime series known as Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise, which may arguably be even more ridiculous. Fist of the North Star has the main character Kenshiro venturing through a post-apocalyptic wasteland while battling powerful foes and gaining a few allies along the way.

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Kenshiro fights using the Hokuto Shinken martial arts style, which focuses on pressure points. Unlike real-life martial arts, however, correct use of the related techniques can cause the opponent's head or body or both to explode, sometimes after being used as a weapon themselves. Between this and using the same destructive martial art skills for more menial tasks, such as mixing drinks, there's more than enough absurdity in this game to satisfy even the most passionate fans of anime-style fighting.

6 No More Heroes

no more heroes

Suda51's series may have had three entries and a spin-off, but the first entry is by far the best. No More Heroes stars wrestling fan and otaku Travis Touchdown, who accepts an assassin job after obtaining a beam katana from an online auction. Travis starts as the 11th ranked assassin according to the United Assassins Association and makes it his goal to become number one.

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While No More Heroes primarily features action-heavy gameplay, those overwhelmed by it can take a break and do menial tasks around town instead as a way for Travis to obtain money to purchase items and upgrades. Not all the activities provided earn Travis money, but he still always gets something out of it. For those growing tired of seeing superhero media, No More Heroes helps offer a stark contrast.

5 Dead Rising

dead rising

What other game lets players run around a mall and kill zombies with any weapon they can find to their heart's content? Sure, it may have had three other entries since, but the first game is still the most well-received in the series, according to Metacritic critic and user reviews.

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Dead Rising lets players get creative with the items they can use as weapons, and just about anything you can find at a mall can be used to kill zombies. Baseball bats, handbags, condiment bottles, even tennis ball shooting mega man cannons. However, this isn't the only gameplay, as players will also find themselves saving other people and getting into shootouts with deranged killers. It may be dated by today's standards, but there are plenty of reasons fans still prefer it over the sequels.

4 DOOM (2016)

doom 2016

At this point, it's difficult to say anything about Doom that hasn't already been said. It has an absurd amount of gore, giant weapons, an awesome soundtrack, and tight first-person shooter gameplay. Like its predecessors, it's all about running and gunning, and unlike its sequel, there isn't unnecessary platforming to slow players down. Even after the main game is finished, there's still plenty for players to do in the Snapmap mode, which lets players create and share their own levels. Whether players are finding other first-person shooters boring or would prefer a game with near-flawless gameplay, demon-slaying action, and gore aplenty, then Doom is an excellent pick.

3 Devil May Cry V

Side by side images of Dante, Nero, and V with their backs turned to the viewer and Nero fighting enemies

Just because Devil May Cry V is the fifth game in the series doesn't mean it can't be played first. Devil May Cry features three different playable characters: Nero, Dante, and V, who all utilize different weapons and abilities to slay the demon servants of the demon king, Urizen. Like the other Devil May Cry games, players get a style rating ranging from D to triple S based on move variety, combo length, evasiveness, and more. Additionally, two former Power Rangers, Dan Southworth and Johnny Yong Bosch, play Vergil and Nero, respectively, so Devil May Cry V is also a game that fans of the tokusatsu genre are likely to enjoy.

2 Metal Gear Rising Revengeance

metal gear rising

To this day still, the only stylish action spin-off game for the Metal Gear franchise is Metal Gear Rising Revengeance, which stars Raiden and takes place after Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of The Patriots. Don't worry too much, though, because knowledge of the Metal Gear series is definitely not required to play it. Between cyborg ninjas, giant mechs, cheesy writing, a unique slice and dice mechanic that lets players cut giant mechs up into small pieces, Metal Gear Rising has everything a person could want from an over-the-top action game. If that wasn't enough, the main villain is the hammiest politician to exist and one of the most memorable bosses in the franchise because of it.

1 Metal Wolf Chaos XD

metal wolf chaos cover art & gameplay

Metal Wolf Chaos was initially released for Xbox only in Japan despite featuring English language voice acting. Fifteen years after its original release, Devolver Digital published a remastered version worldwide for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC with help from original developer From Software (of Dark Souls and Armored Core fame). The game features the fictional President Michael Wilson using a mech to fight against the rebelling forces of Vice President Richard Hawk, who has taken over the country with a military coup. Featuring destructible environments, explosions aplenty, and satirical American patriotism, Metal Wolf Chaos is sure to give any over-the-top action game fan the rush of adrenaline they crave.

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