10 Best Linear Action Games for Players Tired of Open World Bloat

I enjoy big games with lots of extra things to do, but I generally prefer games that have a clear ending. I like the feeling of finishing a game and being able to move on to something new.

As a gamer, I’ve been really missing action games that respect your time lately. It feels like every big new release has to have a massive open world, just to keep you playing forever. If you’re getting tired of those huge, sprawling games – and I am! – I think it’s a great idea to revisit some older, more focused titles. Whether it’s a fast-paced character action game, a shooter, or an action-platformer, you get a ton of fun, solid gameplay, and the best part is, you actually finish it feeling good! Unless you’re one of those people who has to collect everything, of course, but that’s a different story.

10. En Garde!

Swashbuckling Style

Let’s be real, who doesn’t love a classic hero movie with awesome sword fights? You know the type – a super skilled, charming rogue dodging and weaving through tons of enemies with just a sword and a clever attitude? It’s just great storytelling. And it turns out that same feeling works perfectly in games, which is exactly what I’m getting from En Garde. It really captures that classic cinematic vibe.

En Garde puts you in the role of Adalia de Volador, a heroic figure fighting against the villainous Count-Duke and his unfair guards. The game has a fun, lighthearted feel similar to The Princess Bride, with memorable and funny characters. But the real highlight is the exciting sword combat. You’ll use Adalia’s rapier to skillfully block attacks and defeat groups of enemies who come at you all at once.

During big arena fights, don’t just rely on your sword! Use everything around you to your advantage – like kicking buckets, dropping chandeliers, or rolling barrels to confuse, stun, or knock down your enemies. The better you are at defeating opponents without taking damage, the more skilled a swordsman you’ll become.

9. Gori: Cuddly Carnage

The Most Early-2000s Game To Release In 2024

Many big-budget games now focus on huge, open worlds, but independent developers are more willing to try new things with different game styles, including classic, linear action games. Recently, I learned about a fast-paced, quirky action game called Gori: Cuddly Carnage, and it reminded me of games I loved from years ago.

In the post-apocalyptic action game, Cuddly Carnage, mutated toys have nearly destroyed humanity. The last hope rests with Gori, a genetically-enhanced cat, and his chatty hoverboard. This isn’t your average hoverboard, though – it can launch massive blades and hammers, ideal for taking down the ridiculously mutated rainbow unicorns. Gori is incredibly agile, and when he speeds up, he becomes a whirlwind of spinning blades, creating a chaotic and fun spectacle.

This game is incredibly fast-paced, throwing you right into platforming sections with a hoverboard and huge arena fights, all punctuated by battles against enormous and disgusting bosses. It’s also really playful and doesn’t take itself seriously – there’s a lot of over-the-top, even shocking, content, like unicorns getting injured. It reminds me of the fun, slightly rebellious stuff I used to find on Newgrounds when I was growing up.

8. Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time

An Action-Platformer Classic

It’s a bit ironic to see a Ubisoft game recommended when people are looking for something other than huge, sprawling open worlds. But it’s worth remembering that Ubisoft didn’t always make games like that. Back in the early 2000s, they were known for fast-paced, story-driven action games, and their biggest hit was Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time.

Okay, so Sands of Time is this awesome action game where you play as the Prince. This vizier dude betrays everyone and unleashes a bunch of sand creatures, so you gotta run and fight your way through the palace. What’s really cool is this dagger you have lets you control time, which is super helpful for both the platforming – it’s all about smooth, fast movement – and the combat, which feels really fluid. Honestly, the Prince’s narration is surprisingly funny and keeps you hooked. It’s one of those games that grabs you right away and just doesn’t let go because the gameplay is always interesting.

While some parts of Sands of Time haven’t held up as well over time, and the Steam version has a few issues, it’s still a really good game. It’s a great way to pass the time while we wait for the remake.

7. Bayonetta

Rule Of Cool Rules

If you’re looking for a straightforward, exciting action game, almost anything made by PlatinumGames is a great pick. That’s what the character-action genre – sometimes called “spectacle fighter” – is all about: fighting through waves of enemies and challenging bosses, with each battle getting bigger and more intense. And when it comes to Platinum’s character-action games, Bayonetta is the one everyone talks about first.

Bayonetta, the main character, is a powerful, ancient witch who fights against Heaven’s armies in the present day. She uses a combination of magical guns and massive demons summoned from her own hair. The game prioritizes over-the-top action and visuals – everything from the many unlockable weapons to the bizarre creatures and the wildly over-the-top story is designed to be spectacular. It’s best enjoyed without taking it seriously, and that’s exactly why I love it.

Bayonetta is filled with non-stop action. The game is divided into levels, but you can revisit any level you’ve completed at any time. You’ll likely want to replay stages, as everyone has favorite action sequences they enjoy experiencing again and again. Like other games from PlatinumGames, Bayonetta has high replay value, but it’s perfectly enjoyable to play through just once if you don’t have much time.

6. Titanfall 2

Short And Sweet Shooter

Similar to the first Titanfall, Titanfall 2 was initially designed as a multiplayer shooter. While it delivered on that front, it’s actually the single-player campaign that most players remember and appreciate, which is a bit surprising considering multiplayer was intended to be the main draw.

In Titanfall 2’s story, you play as Jack Cooper, a regular soldier who unexpectedly becomes a Titan pilot and teams up with a powerful Titan named BT-7274. The game constantly switches between fast-paced action as Jack uses his advanced Pilot suit to run and jump, and controlling BT as he battles across huge environments with massive weapons. The gameplay is consistently exciting, with one thrilling moment leading quickly into the next.

Titanfall 2’s campaign is relatively short compared to other games, but that actually works in its favor. It’s perfectly paced, like a well-made 90-minute film – it lets you connect with the characters and experience some truly great moments before ending on a high note. It’s a refreshing approach, and something more games should consider.

5. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Learn The Rules Of Nature

One of PlatinumGames’ most famous titles surprisingly isn’t an original creation. It’s actually a spin-off from the Metal Gear series, combining Hideo Kojima’s narrative style with Hideki Kamiya’s gameplay expertise. The result, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, is a unique blend – much like its namesake, it’s full of action and dramatic moments.

Instead of focusing on Snake, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance follows cyborg ninja Raiden, four years after the events of Metal Gear Solid 4. He now works for a private military company, fighting against those who start wars. Though it has some stealth gameplay like other Metal Gear games, Revengeance is mainly an action game filled with fast-paced sword fights against robotic enemies and small versions of the iconic Metal Gear machines.

Revengeance can be tricky to learn at first, especially with the combat and blocking, but it’s incredibly satisfying once you get the hang of it. You’ll love knocking enemies down and quickly defeating them. Plus, Raiden’s Blade Mode is over-the-top – you can slice up defeated enemies into as many pieces as you want!

4. Hi-Fi Rush

Bash To The Beat

Looking for proof that focused, linear games can still succeed against open-world titles? The surprise release of Hi-Fi Rush happened around the same time as Forspoken, a sprawling open-world game, and quickly became much more popular and sold far better. It seems that strong characters and a catchy style can make all the difference.

Hi-Fi Rush is an exciting game that mixes fast-paced action with rhythm-based gameplay. You play as Chai, a laid-back character who gains cybernetic abilities that make the world react to his music. Like other action games, it features platforming and combat, but everything – the environments, enemy attacks, and even your own attacks – happens in time with the music. Landing attacks on the beat makes them more powerful, adding a unique twist to the gameplay.

As a gamer, I’m totally blown away by Hi-Fi Rush! It doesn’t just play differently – the whole approach to this style of game feels fresh and new. Plus, the game is bursting with color and the characters are just fantastic – I instantly fell in love with them all. The story bits are short and sweet, but they really pull you in. And honestly, the music? It’s incredible, even if you’re using streamer mode! It’s a soundtrack I’ll be listening to for a long time.

3. BioShock

Darlin’ It’s Better, Down Where It’s Wetter

When it comes to fast-paced action games, a first-person shooter is always a solid choice. While many recent shooters offer open worlds with mixed results, one of the greatest of all time – in my opinion – kept the focus tight and engaging: BioShock.

BioShock is a well-known game where you take on the role of a survivor who crashes into the ocean and discovers Rapture, a city beneath the waves. The city’s inhabitants have been drastically changed by genetic experiments. You can fight back using traditional weapons like guns and shotguns, but you also gain special abilities – called Plasmids – that let you use genetic powers, such as shooting lightning or controlling objects with your mind.

I love how BioShock blends its story and mysteries right into what you’re doing in the game. It really pushes you forward, which is great. You can go back and explore old areas for collectibles and secrets, but the levels aren’t so huge that it takes forever – usually ten minutes tops to backtrack and check everything out.

2. Resident Evil 4 (2023)

Remake Or Original? Both Are Good

Resident Evil 4, originally released in 2005, set the standard for action games and heavily influenced many third-person shooters that followed. The 2023 remake is just as excellent. If you enjoy fast-paced, story-driven action, both versions are great choices, but we recommend the remake for its modern improvements.

Both versions of Resident Evil 4 follow Leon S. Kennedy, a government agent haunted by the events in Raccoon City, as he’s sent to Spain to save the President’s daughter. She’s been kidnapped by a dangerous cult. The remake blends the modern, close-up camera style of recent Resident Evil games with the fast knife combat of the original. The shooting is quick and precise, which is essential for survival against the mutated villagers who are constantly trying to attack.

While Resident Evil 4 includes some optional areas, side missions, and hidden secrets, they’re mostly for players who like to explore everything. You can easily stick to the main story and fight your way through, and that’s actually the fastest way to experience the game.

1. Devil May Cry 5

Wacky Woohoo Pizza Time

Could we fit in one more fast-paced action game? Absolutely, and it has to be Devil May Cry – the game that really defined the genre! The Devil May Cry series is always a great choice for a focused, action-packed experience you can finish relatively quickly. If you’re looking for the best balance between impressive visuals and easy-to-learn gameplay, Devil May Cry 5 is the clear winner.

As a huge Devil May Cry fan, I was so excited to play 5, and it did not disappoint! You get to play as three different characters – Dante, who we all know and love, Nero, who’s still learning the ropes as a Devil Hunter, and this really interesting new guy, V. The game switches between their stories, which is awesome because it lets you master each of their totally different fighting styles and weapons. And the combat? It’s the classic DMC combo system we all adore, but it really pushes you to learn the best moves. If you nail it, you can pull off these insane, super-long combos and get incredible scores – it’s so satisfying!

Devil May Cry 5 offers a good amount of extra content, including secret missions and the challenging Bloody Palace mode. But even if you only want a fantastic series of action-packed battles, this game delivers – and then some! Be warned, though: you might find yourself wanting to play the previous Devil May Cry games after experiencing this one.

2025-12-18 22:42