The Best Action Video Games
We're always on the lookout for new ways to add excitement and adventure to our lives. Video games have a way of transporting us to new worlds and giving us a taste of a different reality. It just comes to show that you don't have to take a trip across the world to live an action-packed life. The best action video games have high-quality graphics, strong characters, and an open-world format. Our top pick in this category is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. The creators have done a lot of work to focus on the details in the game and make the characters realistic and easy to connect with to enhance the overall experience. And, of course, the fast-shooting multiplayer is a blood-pumping thrill. As a second choice, Marvel's Spider-Man uses an open world in the best possible way, allowing gamers to become the beloved Peter Parker for hours of entertainment. Read on to find the best action video game for you.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
Heed the call
Joining the battle is just the first step in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. Call of Duty games are most popular for their online multiplayer, but this one also offers an amazing campaign that’s challenging and dramatic. Based in a modern world, the game focuses on realism as players work through the various missions in either single or multiplayer mode. With high-quality graphics and a large selection of weapons to choose from, you’ll get the chance to fully immerse yourself in this narrative game.
Pros:
- This game is more realistic than previous installments in the Call of Duty series. Characters are more lifelike in their movements, and the overall game moves slower to emulate true warfare.
- The soundtrack and sound effects add a lot to immerse players in the game. The sound technology is so advanced that you can hear minute sounds such as footsteps and variations when different weapons are fired.
Cons:
- The campaign is fairly short, though you can increase the playthrough by choosing harder difficulties. And if you grow tired of the campaign, there’s always the online multiplayer to play.
Metroid Dread
Bring on the nostalgia
Making a comeback for Nintendo Switch, this game has been redeveloped for a new generation of gamers. Explore the world of Samus Aran as she journeys through space to fight against an army of robots. As a two-dimensional game created for a three-dimensional gaming system, Metroid Dread has the graphics and sound effects of a modern game with a few retro references thrown in for fun. Take in all the action whether you’re at home or traveling around your own galaxy.
Pros:
- The game is designed to be played on either the Nintendo Switch or the Nintendo Switch Lite. The original Nintendo Switch has the ability to be played as a handheld console or on your television, while the Lite version can only be played as a handheld console.
- This is a challenging game that makes players think outside the box and take risks. It’s a pricier game, but the difficulty level and overall time it will take to complete the game make it well worth the price tag.
Cons:
- The game only has one level of difficulty, which can make it frustrating for new gamers or those interested in less demanding storylines.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Sword, shield, and tunic
Take a step out of the real world to unlock the open-world concept experience that is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Explore the land of Hyrule in a new and improved way, uncovering treasured items and deciphering puzzles as you go. From simple survival tasks to more difficult combat sequences, this game really does have it all. It’s also more relaxing than your average adventure game, so it’s a great way to wind down and immerse yourself in a world of magic.
Pros:
- There are many areas in the game for experimentation and imagination. For example, once you have collected food items, you can try mixing different ingredients together to make unique recipes.
- In addition to exploring the open world of Breath of the Wild, there are also side quests for players to work through. These quests offer players the ability to earn more items and increase their overall involvement in the game.
Cons:
- The open-world element of this game can make it very time-consuming and almost impossible to fully complete.
Marvel’s Spider-Man
From comic to console
Inspired by the original comic books and the movies released by Marvel, Spider-Man’s story returns in as an open-world concept. Explore the people and places that bring the Spider-Man universe to life while taking on side missions along the way. Swing between buildings and unlock spidey gear to gain more protection against enemies. Created with high-quality graphics and voice acting, this game does not disappoint.
Pros:
- There are various tokens that can be collected throughout the game to purchase new suits and gadgets. For example, the Landmark Tokens come from taking pictures around the city, while Crime Tokens are accumulated when Spider-Man interrupts acts of crime.
- When compared to the prices of other open-world games, this one is extremely affordable. You’ll be able to spend hours exploring the world and take your time to complete the game.
- Although it’s an open world, there’s still a brilliant narrative that you can follow through to the end.
Cons:
- The open world isn’t the most innovative we’ve seen, though it’s certainly still entertaining.
The Last of Us Remastered
Save the kid
Action and narrative unite in this masterfully enhanced version of The Last of Us. In this new and improved edition of the game, players will still be able to experience the horrors of survival in a post-apocalyptic world, but with updated graphics and features. Play in single-player or multiplayer mode, working to collect a variety of weapons and fight against the enemy.
Pros:
- The voice acting and movements of the characters adapt depending on the specific scene. This makes the game feel more immersive and highlights the story’s great attention to detail.
- This game has five levels of difficulty: Easy, Normal, Hard, Survivor, and Grounded. This not only makes the game more accessible but also gives players a chance to increase their skill level over time so they can try out different levels.
Cons:
- Some may find the stealth aspects frustrating since the game requires patience instead of running and gunning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a first-person perspective and a third-person perspective in video games?
In a first-person perspective game, you are playing through the eyes of the main character. You’ll be able to see everything they see in their world and you will have to physically move the character around to gain a different viewpoint.
In a third-person perspective game, you are still normally playing as the main character but you are able to see them from either behind or over their shoulder. This provides you with more freedom to keep an eye on your surroundings instead of solely looking in one direction at all times.
How long does the average story game take to complete?
On average it takes about 35 hours to complete a story game, not including side missions or mini-games. But it can take a lot longer if you are new to video games or if you like to take your time to complete every aspect of the game.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.