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| Image by Mysmartprice |
In the dynamic world of gaming, action games stand as a testament to agility, strategy, and the thrill of combat. These games transform players into heroes of their own stories, where every choice, move, and moment of stealth can turn the tide in epic battles. The appeal of action games for PC lies not just in their immersive gameplay but also in the breadth of experiences they offer, ranging from fast-paced combat to intricate action-adventure narratives. As the gaming industry evolves, the demand for the best action games for PC continues to grow, pushing developers to create experiences that captivate and challenge players like never before.
This guide will delve into the ultimate action games set to define the landscape in 2024, showcasing titles that have set new standards in the genre. From the demon-hunting escapades in "Devil May Cry 4: Special Edition" and "Devil May Cry 5" to the cyber-enhanced parkour of "Ghostrunner," each game represents a facet of the action genre's diverse appeal. Including masterpieces like "Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance" and the expansive narratives of "Red Dead Redemption 2," this compilation also highlights the intense adventures in "Rise of the Tomb Raider," the masterful combat of "Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice," and the gripping tales of the "Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection." These selections epitomize the best PC action games, offering insights into titles that blend combat, stealth, and breathtaking action-adventure elements to create unforgettable gaming experiences.
Devil May Cry 4: Special Edition
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| Image by dualshockers |
"Devil May Cry 4: Special Edition" (DMC4: SE) stands out as a significant enhancement over its original release, bringing a multitude of new features and improvements that cater to both new and returning fans of the series. This edition is notable for its introduction of three additional characters—Vergil, Trish, and Lady—each offering a unique gameplay experience that significantly diversifies the combat mechanics.
Vergil, a character well-loved by the series' fans, brings a fresh dynamic to the gameplay with his "concentration" mechanic. This feature allows Vergil to increase the power of his moves by maintaining focus during combat, rewarding precise and strategic play. Trish and Lady further expand the gameplay options, with Lady focusing heavily on ranged attacks and Trish blending powerful melee strikes with versatile magic abilities.
Graphically, "Devil May Cry 4: Special Edition" has been optimized to run smoothly on modern systems, supporting higher resolutions and maintaining high frame rates even during intense action sequences. This optimization ensures that the game not only plays well but also meets the visual expectations of contemporary gamers.
However, the game does not shy away from its roots, retaining the core elements that made the original "Devil May Cry 4" a success. The switch between playing as Nero in the first half of the game to Dante in the latter half remains, preserving the narrative and gameplay continuity that fans appreciated. This switch not only provides variety in gameplay but also deepens the player's engagement with the story as they explore different perspective.
Despite its enhancements, the game does have some drawbacks. The non-combat sections and certain design elements like the camera system show their age and can detract from the overall experience. Additionally, the in-game menu and some user interface aspects are less user-friendly, which can interrupt the gameplay flow.
In conclusion, "Devil May Cry 4: Special Edition" successfully revitalizes a classic of the action genre by introducing new characters and gameplay mechanics while polishing the visual presentation to meet modern standards. Its blend of old and new elements serves both to honor the legacy of the original game and to welcome a new generation of players.
Devil May Cry 5
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| Image by steam |
"Devil May Cry 5" elevates the series to new heights with its sophisticated combat system and visually stunning graphics. The game introduces a range of graphical settings that cater to various PC capabilities, from mid-tier to high-end systems. Players can adjust settings like screen resolution, frame rates, and texture quality to optimize performance without compromising on visual quality. The inclusion of advanced options such as volumetric lights and subsurface scattering enhances the overall aesthetic, making every battle and environment visually spectacular.
This title also marks a significant improvement in gameplay mechanics, offering a seamless blend of high-octane action and narrative depth. Each character brings a unique playstyle, which significantly affects the strategic approach to combat scenarios. Nero's versatility with his Devil Breaker arms, Dante's classic arsenal and styles, and the introduction of V's summoning abilities create a diverse gameplay experience. These elements are finely tuned to provide both challenge and satisfaction, appealing to both newcomers and series veterans alike.
Moreover, "Devil May Cry 5" addresses previous issues with camera mechanics, enhancing player control and visibility during fast-paced action, which has been a point of contention in past titles. The game's design now allows for a more consistent camera behavior, ensuring that players can focus on the combat without unnecessary distractions.
The narrative of "Devil May Cry 5" is engaging, weaving a complex story that explores themes of power, betrayal, and redemption. The game cleverly intersperses its narrative elements with its gameplay, maintaining a brisk pace that keeps players invested from start to finish. The story's structure, which cleverly utilizes multiple viewpoints, enriches the overall experience, providing depth and context to the game's events.
In conclusion, "Devil May Cry 5" stands as a pinnacle of action gaming with its exceptional blend of style, combat complexity, and narrative intrigue. The game not only pushes the boundaries of its genre but also sets a new standard for what action games can offer in terms of both mechanics and storytelling.
Ghostrunner
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| Image by VG247 |
"Ghostrunner" offers an exhilarating blend of cyberpunk aesthetics and razor-sharp action gameplay that demands precision and quick reflexes. The game is set in a dystopian future where players navigate a vertical city using parkour skills and engage in intense sword combat.
System Requirements
To experience "Ghostrunner" as intended, players need a system that meets certain specifications. The minimum system requirements include an Intel Core i5-2500K CPU, 8 GB of RAM, and an AMD Radeon RX 550 graphics card. For optimal performance, it is recommended to have an Intel Core i7-6700K CPU and an AMD Radeon RX 5700 graphics card. The game requires 22 GB of free disk space and runs on Windows 7, 8.1, or 10 (64-bit).
Gameplay Mechanics
"Ghostrunner" is renowned for its one-hit-one-kill mechanics, which make every encounter a thrilling risk. The game combines this with advanced mobility options, allowing players to dodge bullets and scale buildings with agility. Players can employ a variety of techniques such as sliding, grappling, and wall-running to navigate through levels. The addition of abilities like the Blink skill enhances the strategic depth of combat, enabling players to teleport short distances to evade or attack enemies.
Visual and Performance Features
The game pushes the boundaries of visual performance with settings that support high-resolution textures and effects, ensuring a visually immersive experience. Players can adjust these settings to balance performance with graphical fidelity, depending on their system's capabilities.
Narrative and Setting
Set in a post-apocalyptic tower city, "Ghostrunner" offers a story of rebellion and survival. Players assume the role of a cybernetically enhanced warrior, navigating the treacherous environments to overthrow a tyrannical ruler. The narrative is woven into the gameplay with environmental storytelling and interactions with various characters, providing depth to the high-octane action.
By meeting or exceeding the recommended system requirements, players can fully immerse themselves in the fast-paced, visually stunning world of "Ghostrunner," where quick decisions and even quicker reflexes are key to survival.
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
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| Image by steam |
"Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance" is renowned for its exceptional optimization on various PC systems. Many players report that the game runs smoothly even on average machines, including laptops, which is a testament to its well-executed port to PC platforms. Users with high-end setups, such as an i7 4770 at 4.5GHz and a GTX 780, experience remarkably smooth gameplay, indicating that the game's recommended specifications might be overstated.
The game's performance remains consistent across a wide range of hardware, from budget cards to mid-tier systems, maintaining a solid 60 FPS at high settings, which speaks volumes about the game's optimization. Even on systems that do not meet the top-tier specifications, players can enjoy a seamless gaming experience with minimal adjustments to the graphical settings.
However, some players have noted that while the game's optimization is impressive, the texture quality does not meet the high standards expected on more powerful PCs. This discrepancy suggests that while the game performs well, its visual fidelity might not fully satisfy players with advanced hardware.
In terms of graphical settings, adjusting the ZAN options, which are known to be resource-intensive, can significantly improve performance. These settings impact the game's ability to render detailed cut effects and should be set according to the player's system capabilities to maintain the optimal frame rate, especially during critical gameplay moments like the final boss battle.
"Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance" also offers a distinctive gameplay experience with its fast-paced combat system. The game allows players to engage in dynamic battles using the 'Zandatsu' mechanic, which adds a strategic layer to combat by enabling precise cuts through enemies' bodies. This feature not only enhances the action but also integrates smoothly with the game's narrative, providing a unique gameplay loop that encourages skillful play.
Critically, the game has been well-received for its innovative combat mechanics and engaging story, although some have pointed out its relatively short length and certain areas lacking depth. Despite these criticisms, it stands out as a successful spin-off of the Metal Gear series, offering a compelling action-packed experience that remains relevant for both new players and long-time fans of the franchise.
Red Dead Redemption 2
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| Image by British GQ |
"Red Dead Redemption 2," developed by Rockstar Games, continues to captivate players with its detailed open world and deep narrative, even years after its initial release. The game's protagonist, Arthur Morgan, is often celebrated as one of the most human and relatable characters in video game history. His journey through the game's narrative not only showcases a complex character arc but also reflects the broader themes of redemption and the decline of the Wild West.
The game's visual presentation remains unparalleled, with meticulous attention to detail evident in the animations and environmental interactions. From the realistic sinking of footprints in snowy terrains to the lifelike facial expressions during conversations, these elements enhance the immersive experience, making every interaction feel genuine.
Gameplay in "Red Dead Redemption 2" is praised for its simplicity on the surface yet complexity in execution. The varied mechanics, such as hunting, fishing, and dueling, contribute to a richly textured open-world experience that is both engaging and enjoyable. The combat system, although not overly complex, is smooth and offers a diverse range of weapons, adding depth to the encounters.
The narrative depth is a significant aspect, with the game's story being one of its most compelling features. The writing and character development across the main story are executed with such brilliance that it enhances the overall gaming experience, making it a must-play for anyone who appreciates well-crafted stories.
In terms of technical performance, "Red Dead Redemption 2" on PC exemplifies a well-optimized port. The game offers extensive graphical settings that scale effectively across different systems, ensuring that both visuals and performance can be finely tuned to suit various hardware configurations. Settings such as water physics, tree tessellation, and reflection quality can be adjusted to optimize performance without compromising the visual fidelity, making it a standout example of a good PC port.
Overall, "Red Dead Redemption 2" remains a benchmark in the gaming industry for its storytelling, character development, and technical execution, making it a valuable addition to any gamer's collection, particularly with its frequent appearances in sales, making it accessible at a great value.
Rise of the Tomb Raider
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| Image by Radio Time |
"Rise of the Tomb Raider" enhances the franchise with a host of improvements and new features that deepen the gameplay experience. Players can now enjoy more freedom with larger hub areas and the introduction of new tools such as the grappling hook and climbing arrows, which facilitate exploration and add a dynamic layer to traversal. The game also retains and expands upon the collectible and challenge systems from its predecessor, offering players varied tasks and rewarding exploration with artifacts that enrich the game's lore.
The game's combat system has seen significant enhancements, introducing the ability to craft ammunition and items on the fly. This addition not only adds a strategic element to combat but also ensures that players are engaged in resource management, balancing the need to craft with the necessity to conserve materials for weapon and equipment upgrades. The introduction of new enemy types, including armored foes and wildlife like tigers and bears, provides a diverse challenge that tests both combat skills and strategic planning.
One of the standout features of "Rise of the Tomb Raider" is its expanded narrative content. The game includes several additional modes and story expansions, such as the 'Baba Yaga: The Temple of the Witch' DLC, which offers a self-contained story with unique puzzles and a new area to explore. This DLC, along with the main game's robust storytelling, provides a narrative depth that is both engaging and satisfying.
The game also introduces 'Expeditions' mode, which allows players to tackle various missions to achieve high scores. This mode includes 'Endurance Mode,' a survival challenge that places players in the harsh Siberian wilderness with limited resources, demanding careful management of warmth and sustenance to survive. This mode's procedural generation ensures that no two runs are the same, offering high replayability and strategic diversity.
"Rise of the Tomb Raider" successfully builds upon its predecessor's foundations, offering an action-packed experience with a perfect blend of exploration, combat, and storytelling that both newcomers and longtime fans of the series will appreciate.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
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| Image by Steam |
"Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice" transports players to a fantastical version of the Sengoku period in Japan, a time notorious for its continuous warfare and political upheaval. This setting provides a backdrop rich in historical context but is uniquely reimagined with mythical elements like the ancient Dragon Bloodline that drives the game's plot. The protagonist, known as the Wolf, embarks on a vengeful quest against a samurai clan that has captured his lord, weaving a narrative that combines historical fiction with vibrant supernatural elements.
The game is celebrated for its intricate combat system, which necessitates mastery over skills such as the grappling hook and deflection. Sekiro's gameplay is significantly differentiated by its emphasis on vertical movement, allowing players to leap and zip-line across rooftops, which introduces a novel dimension of freedom and strategy. The combat is intensely skill-based, focusing on a new countering system that rewards precision and timing, setting it apart from previous titles by the same developers.
One of the core mechanics in "Sekiro" is the posture system, a critical element during combat that players must manage alongside traditional health bars. Successful deflection of attacks increases an enemy's posture damage, leading to devastating deathblows. The game also introduces the innovative use of Sekiro's prosthetic arm, which is equipped with tools like shuriken launchers and an umbrella shield, adding depth and variety to combat encounters.
Furthermore, the game incorporates elements of stealth and strategic planning. Players must carefully assess their environment, utilizing stealth to eliminate threats or strategically engaging in combat to manipulate enemy posture effectively. The ability to resurrect oneself after dying adds a strategic layer to gameplay, influencing how players engage with the game's challenging encounters.
"Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice" stands as a testament to FromSoftware's ability to blend challenging gameplay with a compelling narrative, set in a richly crafted world that pushes the boundaries of action-adventure gaming.
Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection
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| Image by game rant |
"Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection" brings together "Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End" and "Uncharted: The Lost Legacy" into a single enhanced package for PC users. This collection marks a significant upgrade with updated models, additional graphics options, and support for ultrawide monitors, ensuring that both new players and returning fans experience these acclaimed titles at their best.
Enhanced Visuals and Performance
The collection takes advantage of modern PC hardware capabilities, offering settings like DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and FSR 2.0 (FidelityFX Super Resolution), which improve frame rates without sacrificing visual quality. These features are particularly beneficial for users with RTX GPUs, as DLSS leverages AI upscaling to enhance performance. The inclusion of ultrawide support and adjustable texture and model quality settings allows players to customize their visual experience according to their system’s capabilities.
System Requirements and Settings Optimization
For optimal performance, the game recommends settings such as turning down certain resource-intensive options like model quality and textures if experiencing performance issues, especially on systems with less than 8GB of video memory. Adjustments to shadows, reflections, and ambient occlusion settings are also suggested to fine-tune performance and visual fidelity.
Narrative and Gameplay
"Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End" continues the adventures of Nathan Drake as he is pulled back into the world of treasure hunting by his brother. This installment enriches the narrative depth and character development, making it a standout in the series. "The Lost Legacy" offers a new perspective by focusing on Chloe Frazer and Nadine Ross, providing players with a fresh gameplay experience while maintaining the series' signature action and storytelling style.
Compatibility and User Experience
The collection is also noted for its compatibility with a broad range of hardware, ensuring that most players can enjoy a smooth gaming experience regardless of their system specs. The initial setup includes a one-time shader compilation which might take up to 20 minutes, but it significantly enhances performance stability throughout the gameplay.
By bringing these improvements and optimizations, "Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection" not only makes the beloved series available to a wider audience but also sets a high standard for how classic games can be adapted to modern gaming platforms.
Conclusion
Throughout this exploration of the best action games for PC in 2024, we've traversed a vast landscape of genres, from the demon-hunting arenas of "Devil May Cry" to the cyberpunk verticality of "Ghostrunner." Each title showcases its unique blend of gameplay, narrative depth, and technological innovation, solidifying their standings as pinnacle experiences in the action genre. These games not only push forward the boundaries of what action games can be but also set new standards for engaging storytelling and immersive gameplay. By combining high-octane combat with captivating narratives and state-of-the-art graphics, they offer players a multifaceted experience that is challenging, rewarding, and, above all, entertaining.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the significance of these games in the market and their impact on the players cannot be overstated. They redefine the essence of action gaming, offering both veterans and newcomers alike unparalleled adventures that are as thought-provoking as they are thrilling. Their collective emphasis on innovation, coupled with their ability to draw players into their meticulously crafted worlds, exemplifies the incredible potential of the genre. As we look to the future, these titles stand as beacons of creativity and excellence, inspiring both players and developers to dream bigger and push harder in the ever-expanding universe of PC gaming.