Best Action Game From Every Console Generation

Although modern action games have evolved in appearance and gameplay, they still deliver the same core thrills and enjoyment as classic titles.

Classic arcade games like Asteroids, Space Invaders, and Missile Command still deliver the same thrilling, fast-paced action you find in modern hits like Doom: The Dark Ages, Hades 2, and Ninja Gaiden 4.

Modern games are definitely more complicated, but there’s a special appeal to revisiting classic games and remembering why we loved gaming in the first place.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the greatest action game from each console generation.

Early video games were pretty basic and often felt the same. Because of this, we’re starting our list with games from the second generation of consoles, skipping the very first ones.

8. Centipede

The Second Generation

I previously mentioned three classic Atari games – Asteroids, Space Invaders, and Missile Command. While they might not feel like modern action games, they were groundbreaking and hugely popular when they first came out.

Despite how great other games are, I always find myself drawn back to Centipede. It’s a game I consistently play at the arcade, and I have fond memories of competing for high scores with my mom when I was a kid.

This game takes the exciting challenge of Space Invaders, the thoughtful planning of Missile Command, and the fast-paced action of Asteroids, then cranks everything up a notch for an even more thrilling experience.

7. Ninja Gaiden

The Third Generation

The more things change, the more they stay the same, eh?

A welcome surprise in 2025 was the release of Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, a return to the classic side-scrolling style of Ninja Gaiden. While the game got a little too difficult towards the end, it still offered the exciting and demanding gameplay fans loved.

After playing the new game, Ragebound, I revisited the original Ninja Gaiden on Nintendo Switch Online, and I was pleased to find it’s still fantastic. Honestly, I didn’t expect anything less – classic side-scrolling games are popular right now. But even if they weren’t, the original Ninja Gaiden’s gameplay is truly timeless and remains the best of its kind, even compared to modern games.

6. Streets of Rage 2

The Fourth Generation

As a kid, my family had a Sega Genesis, not a Super Nintendo. This meant I didn’t get to play many of the popular SNES games. However, we had a better version of Disney’s Aladdin, and I was perfectly happy with that, especially since I loved Sonic the Hedgehog and we had Streets of Rage 2 – a fantastic game that made up for anything I might have missed.

Man, there have always been awesome beat ’em ups, and it’s so cool to see them making a comeback! I got to play a couple of really fun ones this year – Ra Ra Boom and Marvel Cosmic Invasion were both great. But honestly, even with all the competition over the years, nothing beats Streets of Rage 2 for me. Everything about it is just perfect – the music, how it plays, even the levels themselves. It’s a classic for a reason!

Even today, Streets of Rage 2 remains a fantastic game thanks to its memorable characters, beautiful graphics, and easy-to-learn, yet captivating, gameplay.

5. Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night

The Fifth Generation

While Symphony of the Night is famous, it wasn’t the first game of its kind to receive praise. In fact, the genre is named after the original Metroid, and Super Metroid is widely considered an excellent game.

While many games were good, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night truly elevated the action genre and played a huge role in popularizing Metroidvania games. It didn’t just refine the open, non-linear exploration that defines the genre, it also added compelling role-playing features that made it special.

While 3D games were gaining traction, Symphony of the Night took a different approach, refining a classic style. Its 2D graphics were among the best on the PlayStation, its music is instantly recognizable, and it remains a benchmark for gameplay even today.

4. Ninja Gaiden Black

The Sixth Generation

Ninja Gaiden Black is the only series to appear on our list more than once, and it’s a better version of the original Ninja Gaiden game from 2004.

This game marks a significant shift for the series, moving from traditional 2D side-scrolling to a fully 3D world. This transition is as groundbreaking, if not more so, than what Super Mario 64 achieved. While the original Ninja Gaiden remains enjoyable, it’s remarkable to see the franchise embrace 3D graphics and modern technology.

Ninja Gaiden Black is the best version of the game. It keeps the original’s good balance of fast-paced action and exploration, and includes all the extra content that was released after the initial launch. Few action games are as good as this one.

3. Dark Souls

The Seventh Generation

Dark Souls wasn’t FromSoftware’s first game – they’d been developing titles since the 1990s. And while it wasn’t the very first ‘Soulslike’ game – that was actually Demon’s Souls, released on PlayStation 3 – Dark Souls is the game that really made FromSoftware famous.

Dark Souls is famously difficult – much harder than games like Ninja Gaiden. It’s brutal and can be really intimidating. But the challenge isn’t just about being difficult for its own sake. The difficulty is actually central to how the game works. Sometimes, a boss is meant to be unbeatable – at least for now – and you’ll need to come back later when you’re stronger.

Dark Souls isn’t polished, and it’s intentionally challenging, but that’s part of what makes it so appealing. It’s a stunningly atmospheric action RPG that really tests your skills. Overcoming a difficult boss feels incredibly rewarding – it’s one of the best feelings in gaming.

2. God of War

The Eighth Generation

I wouldn’t say that the God of War franchise needed a reboot.

Though it aimed to recapture the magic of the first game, God of War 3 from the 2010s remains a truly excellent action title and a satisfying conclusion to the original story. Eight years later, Kratos returns as a changed man – a father living in Midgard – and determined to fulfill the last request of his deceased wife.

What truly sets 2018’s God of War apart is its emotional core. The combat is still fantastic, as you’d expect, but it’s the game’s powerful emotional story that gives it the depth needed to thrive in today’s gaming landscape.

1. Elden Ring

The Ninth Generation

While 2025 has seen some excellent action games like Hades 2 and Ninja Gaiden 4, Elden Ring remains incredibly captivating and keeps players engaged long after other titles have been set aside.

Elden Ring offers incredible freedom in how you play and explore its huge world. With tons of different character builds, items, places to discover, and bosses to defeat, it’s a game you can play again and again. But honestly, you probably didn’t need a reason to return – it’s FromSoftware’s best work yet. The game cleverly uses difficulty to guide you, preventing you from entering areas you aren’t ready for. Or, because it’s an open world, you can find inventive ways to overcome challenges and even bend the rules to your advantage.

So, Nightrein’s let me team up with friends in Elden Ring, and now there’s this huge Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, which is awesome. But honestly? The original game is still there, and it’s just as addictive as ever. Once it gets its hooks into you, it really doesn’t let go!

2025-12-17 22:46