July 5, 2025, 2:03 pm | Read time: 7 minutes
In video games, there’s often a lot of action or opponents getting knocked out. Here are four action games where the action never stops.
In video games, the goal is often to actively engage in the action. No matter how visually or playfully they are packaged, at their core, many games and entire genres are, in some way, action games. That’s why at TECHBOOK GameZone, we’re presenting four titles that really pack a punch.
Doom Eternal
Although the sequel “Doom: The Dark Ages” has been released to strong reviews and equally good sales, we’ve chosen the predecessor “Doom Eternal” for this list. This doesn’t mean “Dark Ages” is inherently worse. Undoubtedly, the latest installment is noticeably slower–and few modern first-person shooters are faster than id Software’s 2020 masterpiece.
“Doom Eternal” is the second part of the reboot series, which has recently expanded to three parts, beginning in 2016 and bringing the legendary 90s game classic into the present. The basic gameplay remains the same–sending the minions of hell back from a first-person perspective, armed with a powerful arsenal.
The fast-paced gameplay demands high concentration and quick decisions in split seconds when attacked from all sides. Anyone who stands still to assess the situation might as well get used to digital death. In “Doom Eternal,” success comes to those who relentlessly push forward, as only then can you achieve the so-called Glory Kills, which shower you with valuable resources needed for survival.
It’s a case of eyes closed and push through. Add to that a smooth graphic performance, an exciting world, and a hard metal soundtrack, and you have an ultra-masculine powerhouse that feels like a refreshing injection of testosterone in today’s world. No joke: The game can be so intense, fast, and demanding that the author of these lines found himself shedding clothes even in winter to save on heating costs. “Doom Eternal” literally knocks your socks off, and that’s not just an empty phrase.
Returnal
No, we didn’t place “Returnal” here because it rhymes with “Doom Eternal.” We believe the shooter is one of the best action games of recent years–yet it’s somewhat underrated. As reported by “Levvvel,” the Finnish production from Housemarque has sold about 1.1 million copies. While that doesn’t sound bad, rumor has it that it only resulted in tiny profits. Unjustly so.
Because “Returnal” remains one of the best PS5-exclusive games on the market years after its release. The title already showcased in 2021 what the Sony console can do, impressing with smooth graphics performance, rich sound, and making good use of the DualSense controller’s features. Artistically, the mysterious score and surreal-alien designs, reminiscent of H.R. Giger’s worlds, create a unique atmosphere.
Gameplay-wise, it’s a so-called Roguelite, akin to “Groundhog Day” on steroids. Because when you die (and you will die often), you start over. That’s intentional and is the core gameplay principle. But not every new attempt is in vain. Gradually, you unlock new abilities that you carry into the next attempt, improving your chances of survival–not to mention that you get better yourself. Meanwhile, the levels are rearranged each time, so you never have the exact same experience twice in a row.
Gradually, an exciting and surprisingly emotional story about astronaut Selene and her mother unfolds, while the alien world hides its own history, filled with references to Greek mythology. As a cherry on top, the “Tower of Sisyphus” DLC and the online co-op mode provide ongoing challenges–not that many more were needed. Because “Returnal” is tough and demands everything from you.
4 of the Creepiest Horror Games for Sleepless Nights
These Four Platformers Are Creative and Playful Strongholds
Armored Core VI – Fires of Rubicon
Before the developers at FromSoftware established themselves as a fixture in both the mainstream and among hardcore fans with their “Souls” series and its direct or spiritual successors, they had already launched a franchise known among connoisseurs with “Armored Core.” However, it lay dormant for ten years until “Armored Core VI – Fires of Rubicon” breathed new life into it.
The grand comeback of the heavily armed combat robots is more than impressive. While the graphics might not win any awards, the gameplay is convincing across the board. In a traditional manner, you select the next mission from a menu and dive straight into the metal massacre full of machine gun fire and a barrage of rockets. Once the weapons overheat and need to cool down, a sword strike or a well-placed kick to the rear can help.
Often, you have to clear your path through the level, taking out several larger and smaller minions along the way. Undoubtedly, the highlights are the various boss battles, where you face particularly agile or bulky machines that can take a lot of hits and deal significant damage. You should prepare optimally for these by adequately equipping your mech.
Choosing the right weapons is just the beginning. In “Armored Core VI,” there are so many build options that you can spend hours in the menus if you want. You can also select the right arms, legs, heads, and even processors, each with its own properties and pros and cons. And if that’s not enough, you can further customize everything with colors and stickers.
The pace of the game is very high, with the robot gliding smoothly like on skates over an alien planet, and as a player, you must dodge projectiles from all directions while staying busy shooting. It quickly becomes a chaotic but never unfair affair–a walk in the park it is not, as is typical for FromSoftware. And if you pay close attention, you can even follow a surprisingly engaging story about corporate greed and the exploitation of alien worlds, with voice performances more nuanced than you might initially think.
Sifu
When you think of fighting games, classics like “Street Fighter,” “Tekken,” or “Mortal Kombat” probably come to mind first. But let’s not forget those games with a long tradition where you face multiple opponents while progressing through various levels. Classics include “Streets of Rage” or “Final Fight”–and “Sifu” follows in that vein.
Also interesting: The 5 best open-world games for extensive exploration
As a young kung fu fighter on a quest for revenge, you punch and kick your way through various areas teeming with enemies. Initially, you only have a few basic moves at your disposal, but as you progress, you can unlock more. Essential for tackling particularly tricky opponents is skillfully dodging and blocking enemy attacks. Failing here makes it much harder–even harder than “Sifu” already is.
You’re not exactly handheld through the game. The next defeat is never far off, especially at the beginning as you familiarize yourself with the combat system. And the more often you fall, the riskier the game becomes: Not only do you age and grow a beard.
You also take more damage but hit harder. Then you must decide whether to continue this way or choose an earlier save. But it’s worth it, as few video games make you feel like Jackie Chan in a genuine action film. “Sifu” is recommended for fighting game fans who enjoy solo paths, appreciate cinematic references, and don’t shy away from a solid challenge.