One of the most consistently cool, yet also most niche genres of games is the character action game, also known in some circles as the “spectacle fighter.” The point of these games is not just to beat up a whole bunch of dudes, but to do it in the coolest, flashiest way you can possibly manage. Character action games are high-flying, action-packed, and just generally fun all around. If that sounds fun to you, then here are 5 of the best character action games on Steam.
5 Best Character Action Games on Steam
We recommend the following five character action games, all available on Steam:
- Devil May Cry (Series)
- Bayonetta
- Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
- Furi
- The Wonderful 101: Remastered
Devil May Cry (Series)
Oft considered the progenitor of all character action games, Devil May Cry is the classic series that follows Dante and company as they kick demon butt and take demon names. Fun fact, the original Devil May Cry was actually a prototype for Resident Evil 4! Every game in this series (with the possible exception of Devil May Cry 2) is a grand old time, even the weird reboot that no one asked for, DmC: Devil May Cry. The first three games are available as a collection on Steam, while 4, 5, and DmC are available individually.
Bayonetta
When you think “witches,” what kind of imagery springs to mind? Black cats and brooms? How about leg-mounted pistols and giant monsters made of hair? Bayonetta is a witch like no other, hunting down the legions of heave- sorry, “Paradiso” as they seek to throw the balance of reality out of whack. While the other Bayonetta games are unfortunately exclusive to Nintendo consoles, you can get the original game on Steam.
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
For a long time, Raiden was something of an odd man out in the Metal Gear series, with many deriding him as “that guy we have to play as sometimes that isn’t Snake.” That changed in Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance where Raiden became an iconic, sword-slinging cyber samurai. With the game’s unique blade control system, you can carve up your enemies into little chunks of meat and metal with unheard-of precision. The Steam version comes bundled with the DLC at no extra charge!
Related: Best Free Games on Steam
Furi
Character action games aren’t exactly known for Shakespearean stories, but Furi knows how to apply that less-is-more approach to create something new. Take on a series of carefully-crafted boss fights, flipping between up-close swordplay and long-distance gunslinging. Furi features the work of acclaimed character designer Takashi Okazaki, best known for his work on the anime Afro Samurai.
The Wonderful 101: Remastered
I’m a huge sucker for teams of transforming heroes, especially when they can arrange themselves into weapons hundreds of times their own size. In The Wonderful 101: Remastered, arrange your team of heroes into special patterns to summon enormous weapons like fists, swords, and guns in an off-the-wall story that’s constantly escalating in scale. Think of this game as if Pikmin were an episode of Power Rangers.
If you’re looking for game experiences that are equal parts engaging, entertaining, and ridiculously flashy, give one of these games a try! Let me tell you, the first time you successfully parry an enemy and launch them into an aerial combo, it’s monumental.
