Best Open-World Games With Martial Artists As Protagonists, Ranked

Summary

Open-world games need engaging combat mechanics, interesting content, & side activities to stand out.
Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise lets players master Hokuto Shinken for satisfying combat.
Yakuza 0 offers multiple combat styles for Kiryu & Majima, letting players decimate enemies in style.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I must say that the combat systems in these open-world games are nothing short of breathtaking! From the brutal brawls of Kiryu and Majima in Yakuza 0 to the sleek stealth and combos of Batman in Arkham City, these games have given me countless hours of entertainment.

In today’s gaming landscape, just having a sandbox isn’t enough for open-world games. They require a wealth of captivating content, thrilling battle systems, and diverse side missions to truly immerse the players.

It’s quite unusual to find martial artists as playable characters in many open-world video games, despite the fact that many gamers are drawn to the concept of mastering hand-to-hand combat and defeating enemies with brutal precision. However, when the combat systems are well-designed, these games can offer a fantastic open-world experience that remains enjoyable right up until the end.

Honorable Mention: Jade Empire

In Jade Empire, though it doesn’t have an authentic open-world sandbox, players can still experience something similar in its expansive hubs, offering a semi-open world exploration. This game is one of BioWare’s standout titles due to its distinctiveness. Unfortunately, the studio didn’t further develop this intellectual property, as many gamers were captivated by this Wuxia RPG that allowed for the use of various unique martial arts in combat.

Advancing through the plot, forming connections with characters, and engaging with numerous optional tasks are some methods that the game “Jade Empire” keeps players engaged. Mastering various potent martial arts moves to defeat any foes that happen across a skilled student’s path sets it apart as an exceptional RPG worth investing time in for fans of this genre.

7. Fist Of The North Star: Lost Paradise

Players Master The Fictional Martial Art Of Hokuto Shinken To Decimate Their Foes

As a passionate gamer, I’d say “Fist of the North Star” is one of those timeless manga masterpieces that left an indelible mark on the shonen genre. In this epic tale, the protagonist exhibited a trend common during that era – demonstrating god-like strength in combat, leaving everyone spellbound with their invincibility.

In their unique interpretation of the series, RGG Studio presents “Lost Paradise” where players assume control over Kenshiro, learning the fictional martial art of Hokuto Shinken to exact lethal blows on adversaries. Despite some issues it faced, enthusiasts drawn to the combat style characteristic of the Yakuza franchise were eager to explore a new offering from this studio that caters to their craving for intense, close-quarter battles.

6. Judgment

Players Control A Detective Who Can Switch Between Different Martial Art Styles

As a die-hard fan of the Yakuza franchise, I was thrilled when the main storyline shifted to turn-based gameplay. But fear not, my fellow gamers! The spin-offs, like the Judgment games, are still keeping the real-time combat that made this series legendary. In these games, you get to experiment with various combat stances while taking control of a new heroic character.

Viewers might find Yagami less compelling as the main character, but there’s no question that he’s a joy to manage in battle. The act of juggling enemies and unleashing potent Heat Actions to obliterate foes is a gameplay rhythm fans are accustomed to, making Judgment distinguishable as one of the top spin-off Yakuza games.

5. Absolver

A Challenging Multiplayer Open-World RPG That’s A Joy To Play Through

Individuals seeking intense, multiplayer battle experiences are sure to be captivated by the offerings of Absolver. This game’s skill threshold may be lofty, but for those eager to test their mettle as a martial artist, it presents an exciting challenge worth mastering.

The game allows players to traverse an expansive environment and engage in combat encounters according to their comfort level, thus preventing the challenges from becoming overpowering. While it might initially appear challenging, players will delight in perfecting close-quarter combat skills within a captivating open-world setting. Initially, they will grasp fundamental techniques before advancing to more complex martial arts maneuvers.

4. Shenmue

A Revolutionary Open-World Game Where Players Control A Teenage Martial Artist

Shenmue represented a groundbreaking open-world game experience, offering players the freedom to explore vast, interactive environments while a clock steadily counted down. Although it might be somewhat challenging to play today, there’s no denying that this game held an irresistible allure for those seeking immersion in a lifelike virtual world.

In this adventure, the central character, Ryo Hazuki, is driven by the need for vengeance following his father’s demise and seeks to improve his martial arts abilities along the way. While fighting isn’t the main attraction of the game, players will find themselves immersed in engaging battles that are reminiscent of those created using the engine from Virtua Fighter, allowing them to vanquish foes with their mastery of hand-to-hand combat.

3. Sleeping Dogs

Inspired By Hong Kong Action Flicks With Plenty Of Close Quarters Combat

Fans of the thrilling atmosphere found in Hong Kong action movies will find themselves captivated by Sleeping Dogs. This often-overlooked open-world title offers an abundance of fast-paced action, allowing players to participate in exhilarating car chases, perform daring stunts such as leaping from one vehicle to another, and gradually unravel a plot that becomes more intriguing with each completed mission.

Detective Wei Shen, an undercover officer, shows a complex blend of characteristics that endears him to many as his personal life and job duties become entangled. The fighting sequences in the game “Sleeping Dogs” are exceptional, allowing players to brutally subdue enemies using a combat system heavily influenced by the Arkham series, yet retaining enough unique elements to distinguish it from Batman’s exploits.

2. Yakuza 0

Both Kiryu And Majima Utilize Elements Of Orthodox Martial Arts In Their Wild Fighting Styles

In the game titled “Yakuza 0“, players have the opportunity to follow the transformative journey of Kiryu and Majima as they evolve into the legendary figures within the Yakuza series. The game offers a unique feature where players can alternate between various combat styles for each character, allowing them to employ an unusual strategy to overcome their foes.

Kiryu predominantly uses boxing techniques in his Rush fighting style, whereas Majima’s Thug approach incorporates moves from diverse martial arts, coupled with sneaky maneuvers to catch opponents off guard. Each combat posture is thrilling to employ during battles and allows players to effortlessly demolish swarms of foes with panache.

1. Batman: Arkham City

Bruce Wayne Is A Seasoned Martial Artist And Uses These Skills To Beat Down Numerous Thugs

Many Batman enthusiasts recognize Bruce Wayne’s proficiency in multiple martial arts and his use of these skills to fight off criminals terrorizing Gotham during the night hours. This aspect is clearly depicted in the combat system found within the Arkham game series, with the second game developed by Rocksteady (Batman: Arkham City) often praised as one of the greatest open-world video games ever made.

Apart from significantly surpassing its earlier version, this version also boasts a remarkable story that ranks among the top featuring the Dark Knight. The combat system, which involves swooping down on enemies from the shadows and using Batman’s exceptional close-combat abilities, keeps things interesting right until the final moments.

2024-12-13 06:06