Best Character-Action Games With Skill-Based Combat

Character-action games can vary depending on how much they demand of the player. These games tend to focus on long combat move lists and constant action, but not all of them make that combat challenging. In some games, combat can be a by-the-numbers affair, with options for the player but no real reason to use them. Yet, other games in the genre offer skill-based combat with depth and variety.

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There are benefits and drawbacks to both styles. Limiting the challenge can create a more fluid pacing for story experiences that draw players in with a narrative. More traditional character-action games tend to forego this narrative depth to provide a more robust and varied combat experience, and both approaches are valid. The games in this topic all take an action-first approach to character-action games with deep, skill-based combat systems.

8

God Of War (2018)

Dad Of War

Systems

Released

April 20, 2018

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

The 2018 reboot of God of War redesigned the series’ signature combat in a significant way. As well as mixing Kratos’ familiar blades of chaos with the now iconic axe, the game switched to a fluid over-the-shoulder melee combat system with a focus on blocks and parries. Not that the older God of War games didn’t require some skill, but the modern reboot managed to make the new combat system feel more reactive and tactical.

This was emphasized through some of the games’ more memorable encounters. Optional bosses like the Valkyries offer a way for players to test the limits of their skills with the new systems. While there are some mixed opinions on whether the follow-up God of War: Ragnarok managed to build on these systems effectively, the 2018 reboot nailed the redesigned skill-based combat elements.

7

Devil May Cry 5

A Stylish Return

Systems

Released

March 8, 2019

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood, Partial Nudity, Strong Language, Violence

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Devil May Cry 5 marked a return to form for the series for most fans, after the highly divisive DMC. The multi-protagonist action-combat systems continue to evolve throughout the game and even beyond its ending. Some would even argue that combat doesn’t show its true depth until players have beaten the game at least once.

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With that said, there’s already a lot of variety among the three main characters’ varied playstyles, allowing players to get to know each of Nero, V, and Dante’s moves in their respective sections of the game. Players who click with the combat system have much more to experience after the main campaign is done though, with New Game+ and arena modes allowing players to fully unlock move lists and experiment with different characters more freely.

6

Sifu

The Path Of Vengeance

Released

February 8, 2022

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood, Drug Reference, Strong Language, Violence

Developer(s)

Sloclap

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

Sifu might have the most skill-based combat system in any character action game. Execution and timing are as important as memorizing button combos in the game. Despite having fewer flashy combos than your typical character-action game, Sifu‘s lengthy move list is made up of semi-realistic martial arts moves that give players utility in combat as opposed to higher damage special attacks.

Each move that players can unlock as they progress has its own use and purpose, meaning the rogue-like choices of what to invest in on a given run have a real impact on the player’s progress. By incorporating weapon styles, and giving players several defensive and offensive options to use at any given time, Sifu manages to create a deep skill-based combat system with an exceedingly high skill ceiling.

5

Bayonetta 3

Witch Time

Systems

Released

October 28, 2022

ESRB

m

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Some players might prefer the earlier games, but Bayonetta 3 managed to build on an already well-established skill-based, combo-driven, combat system in some interesting ways. As with previous games, the core concepts of timed dodges to activate witch-time, and combining melee and ranged combat on the fly return. However, Bayonetta 3 replaces the climax-summoning mechanics of the previous games with a more active system.

The Demon Slave and Demon Masquerade systems offer different ways to interact with Bayonetta’s demonic minions. The former allows players to control the Infernal Demons directly, with several different combat applications. The Masquerade system lets Bayonetta fuse with the demons to gain new combat and traversal abilities. This arguably brings these systems more into line with the rest of the skill-based combat, as opposed to the previous games’ flashy combat finishers.

4

Ninja Gaiden Black

Izuna Drop

Systems

Released

September 20, 2005

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence

2004’s Ninja Gaiden was Team Ninja’s take on the Tecmo series of the same name. The game was subsequently re-released with additional content as Ninja Gaiden Black on the Xbox, and again as Ninja Gaiden Sigma on the PS3. No matter which version of the game early 2000s players happened to play, though, Ninja Gaiden remains one of the best interpretations of the series’ challenging character-action combat.

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As an original action game concept, Team Ninja was unable to lean on the series’ previous games for mechanical inspiration. Instead, they set out to create an action game system that relied on player reflexes and responsiveness, as opposed to memorization, to convey challenge. The combat in Ninja Gaiden is difficult to master but satisfying to execute well, and the Izuna Drop remains one of the most iconic character action game moves of all time, so it’s safe to say they succeeded.

3

Darksiders

Fallen Horseman

Hack and Slash

Action

Adventure

Released

January 5, 2010

ESRB

M For Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Suggestive Themes

Developer(s)

Vigil Games

Before the sequels branched out into open-area settings, ARPG loot, and souls-like mechanics, the original Darksiders was much more of a straightforward character action game. Taking the role of War, a fallen horseman of the apocalypse, players are sent on a questionable quest of redemption that crosses both heaven and hell.

Combat has a similar design to other character-action games, like the earlier God of War or Devil May Cry entries. War has a sword and scythe for melee combos, as well as some ranged options to mix in. In an interesting twist on the typical structure of these games, Darksiders introduced light metroidvania elements to its exploration. The player acquires new traversal abilities for War as they progress, which open up new areas and can be used to backtrack for hidden upgrades. Darksiders is a varied series, but the original is still the best entry for character-action fans.

2

No More Heroes 3

Parody Paradise

Released

August 27, 2021

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

No More Heroes 3 builds on the combat established by the series’ previous games, incorporating elements from each while fleshing out the combo abilities of the beam katana. If there were any doubts about the character-action credentials of the previous games, No More Heroes 3 eliminates them, giving players a wide array of techniques to express themselves in combat.

The game also reverts to the format of the first No More Heroes, giving players a semi-open world to explore as they complete side jobs to earn enough cash to challenge the games’ bosses. By blending familiar hallmarks of the series with a more modern design, No More Heroes 3 provides a solid character-action game with a unique brand of humor.

Dynamic Melon Slicing

Systems

Released

February 19, 2013

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

At the time, a lot was made of the “dynamic slicing” technology that underpinned Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance‘s melee combat. But that unique mechanic overshadowed the tightly designed character-action combat that made up 90% of the game. The dynamic slicing made for flashy finishes, but Raiden’s combo-driven katana combat style is what makes the game fun to play.

The two modes of combat work well together, with the player stringing together combos, pulling off parries, and activating blade mode to slow time and perform precision cuts. The game deviates a long way from Metal Gear Solid‘s serious political thriller angle, instead doubling down on the fantastical elements of Metal Gear, hence the cyborg ninja main character. As a character-action game, though, it offers a unique and entertaining ride.

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