Top 8 One-Man Army Games You Need to Play

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Summary

  • DOOM (2016) epitomizes the one-man army concept in an intense FPS experience against hordes of demons.
  • Ghost of Tsushima features Jin as a lone samurai out to defend his homeland against Mongols.
  • Sniper Elite: Resistance showcases Harry aiding the French Resistance in a brutal stealth game against Nazis.

As a movie enthusiast, I can trace the origin of the “lone hero” trope to the 80s, an era marked by action stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone, whose blockbusters were simply too numerous to count. This spirit was also captured in video games, starting from the NES and beyond. The premise is that a solitary character battles hordes, if not armies, of enemies in unfamiliar landscapes all by themselves.

Could it be that they receive assistance at a headquarters during breaks from missions or through communication, but generally, they operate solo? For instance, a game like Halo isn’t purely a single character story, as there are numerous missions where Master Chief fights alongside other marines. Therefore, which games can be considered the top choices for one-man army games? Let’s delve in and discover the answers.

8. DOOM (2016)

One Man Versus The Armies Of Hell

The 2016 reimagining of game B was a much-anticipated update, and it surpassed expectations in the end. It served as a delightful homage to the classic first-person shooter style while incorporating contemporary elements from 2016. The focus shifted more towards shooting rather than hiding, and players were rewarded for aggressive playstyles, with ample opportunities for flashy takedowns. Despite the importance of ammunition, the gameplay encourages a run-and-gun approach before neutralizing opponents in an impressive manner.

In the fiery depths of Hell, The DOOM Guy was reborn, thriving in his role as a relentless fighter against horrific demons. Whether wielding a rifle, shotgun, or rocket launcher, he’s self-reliant and ready for battle. The exhilaration players will experience when diving into this shooter game is more than just satisfying.

7. Ghost Of Tsushima

Defeat The Mongols, Save Your Home

Ghost of Tsushima loosely follows historical events, focusing on the Mongol invasion of Japan. In this particular game, the Mongols attack the island of Tsushima. Following an initial battle that turns disastrous, the protagonist, Jin Sakai, embarks on a journey to reclaim his homeland and expel the invaders.

In his journey, Jin is often assisted by companions such as friends and family, but he is essentially a versatile warrior who excels in combat, able to switch between the roles of a swift, stealthy ninja for covert enemy takedowns and a formidable samurai on missions. The game offers an expansive world teeming with diverse activities, ranging from liberating towns to appreciating serene shrines.

6. Just Cause 2

Grappling With Disaster

In “Just Cause 2”, it was this installment that truly established the series’ reputation, largely due to its groundbreaking grappling hook feature. The story unfolds as Rico is airlifted into the strife-torn island nation of Panau, which has been taken over by corruption. Players are tasked with liberating territories by taking out guards and destroying outposts in this open-world action-adventure.

The enjoyment of this game comes from the versatile grappling hook mentioned earlier, serving not only as a means for exploration but also as a tool for combat. Tie up two adversaries or fasten an explosive device to one and watch the results. Exploration and experimentation, alongside Rico’s collection of weapons, are his most trusted companions in this game.

5. Max Payne

A Father’s Love Knows No Bounds

The dark trilogy, starting with Max Payne, chronicled the journey of its namesake as he navigated a twisted path seeking vengeance. His wife and child were brutally murdered by mobsters, leaving him to find solace in an endless supply of pills to dull the agony.

Max embarks on this mission of vengeance alone, often conversing with himself and recounting events as if in an old-style 1930s film noir. The gameplay offers numerous bullets and dramatic slow-motion scenes reminiscent of “The Matrix”, while the streets serve as Max’s battleground, transforming into a living Hell for those who dare to oppose him.

4. Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain

Big Boss’ Big Break

Each Metal Gear installment can essentially be told as a narrative about a lone warrior, whether it’s Solid Snake or Big Boss who is the protagonist. Among them all, Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain seems to best fit this description, given that it’s the final main title in the series and takes place across expansive open landscapes. This allowed for a greater variety of enemies and terrains for Big Boss to confront.

The game stands out because although Big Boss operates solo on missions, he builds an army by recruiting others at Mother Base. It would be fascinating if Konami and Kojima had continued working together to explore where this improvised military force might lead next.

3. Middle-Earth: Shadow Of Mordor

Saved From Death

Shadow of Mordor” is a spinoff from “The Lord of the Rings” series. The story revolves around a character named Talion, who tragically dies but is resurrected by the spirit of Celebrimbor. Now, Talion exists as both a ghostly entity and a living man. Together, they embark on a quest for revenge in an expansive world teeming with Orcs and other grotesque creatures.

In essence, this game could be described as a two-player team, but since they share the same character, it fits the bill. This was the groundbreaking title that introduced the Nemesis System to gamers worldwide, which customizes regular enemies based on the player’s mission choices, making the pursuit of revenge all the more meaningful for both parties.

2. Sniper Elite: Resistance

France’s Freedom Depends Upon You

The game that serves as the foundation for this compilation is Sniper Elite: Resistance. It represents the most recent addition to the Sniper Elite franchise, a series known for its outstanding portrayals of lone warriors. In contrast to the primary character, Karl, this spin-off introduces Harry, one of Karl’s allies, who is aiding the French Resistance in their mission to reclaim their nation from the Nazi occupation.

The standout feature of this stealth game is the detailed execution animations that players can unlock following bullet or melee kills. These animations are as gory as the latest Mortal Kombat games, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy World War 2 games with a focus on defeating Nazis and have a high tolerance for graphic violence. In other words, if you’re searching for top-notch World War 2 games that offer gruesome execution animations, the Sniper Elite: Resistance series should be at the top of your list.

1. Wolfenstein: The New Order

An Alternate History Worth Fighting For

The New Order, a reboot of the series, takes place after the Nazis win World War 2. But humanity isn’t content with this outcome, so B.J. and others continue to resist the Nazi oppression over the following decades.

Although the game doesn’t feature X-ray kills like those in Sniper Elite, B.J. Blazkowicz still leaves quite a bloody trail with his execution moves. This brutal, flesh-and-blood character is eager to correct past mistakes and the rebooted series definitely takes some intriguing, violent turns.

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2025-02-08 06:06