July 5, 2025, 2:03 pm | Read time: 6 minutes
In video games, there’s often a lot of shooting or opponents getting hit. Here are four action games where the action never stops.
In many video games, the goal is 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 truly pack a punch.
Doom Eternal
Although the sequel “Doom: The Dark Ages” has been released to strong reviews and equally good sales figures, we’ve chosen its 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 the software masterpiece of 2020.
“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 where they came from, 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 demise. 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” will knock 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 generated 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 to carry into the next attempt, improving your survival chances–not to mention that you get better yourself. Meanwhile, the levels are rearranged each time, so you never have the exact same experience twice.
Gradually, a thrilling 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. “Returnal” is tough and demands everything from you.
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. When 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 advantages and disadvantages. And if that’s not enough, you can further customize everything with colors and stickers.
The pace of the game is very high, the robot moves smoothly like on skates over an alien planet, and as a player, you must dodge projectiles from all directions while being busy shooting. It quickly becomes a chaotic but never unfair affair–a walk in the park it is not, typical of FromSoftware. And if you pay close attention, you can even follow a surprisingly engaging story about corporate greed and the exploitation of foreign worlds, with voice performances more nuanced than you might initially think.
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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 at once and progress through various levels. Classics include “Streets of Rage” or “Final Fight”–and “Sifu” follows in that vein.
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As a young Kung Fu practitioner 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. Skillful dodging and blocking of enemy attacks are also essential for the particularly tricky opponents. Failing here makes it even harder–harder than “Sifu” already is.
You’re not exactly handheld through the game. The next defeat is just around the corner, 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.