Action
Here we have all the games in the Action Section.
Playstation
Action
Rockman revels in the 3D world with the action RPG elements working a treat alongside the fine combat that let our hero, also known as Megaman, seems to find a blast.
Famicom Cart
Action
Players race round the maze courses to grab the power ups or chequered flag before opponent cars whilst avoiding prangs and keeping an eye on the fuel gauge.
PS2
Action
The spiritual successor to Shenmue started here amongst the flotsam on the streets of Tokyo. The neon looks the same, but there is a gritty side to the streets and our hero is never too far from getting his tattoos out and more than a generous amount of fisticuffs.
PS3
Action
Genki’s lack of moral fibre again comes to the fore in visiting the Cat Fight Club, ten pin bowling, or down the Sega Arcade enjoying Outrun, Fantasy Zone, Hang-On, Space Harrier and Beluga; rather than being out on the streets sorting out yakuza with more tattoos and scars than there are RPGs on the Super Famicom. Superbly executed, as stylish as ever. Shades, shadier folk, getting attacked in the urinals, tattoos, bad boy bosses – who would begrudge Genki a wee dram in the local snack later on in the day? The spiritual successor to Shenmue continues to go from strength to strength.Shades, shadier folk, getting attacked in the urinals, tattoos, bad boy bosses – who would begrudge Genki a wee dram in the local snack later on in the day? The spiritual successor to Shenmue continues to go from strength to strength. #spiritofshenmue
PS2
Action
Mean, moody underworld of the Yakuza that sees you scurrying around neon cities carrying out quests, meeting informants and sometimes even night club hostesses. The complex web builds up slowly and the police, or a certain police lady, soon get involved. Its never certain to say if they will be friend or foe, loyalty is a prized asset in this underworld. Plenty of fisticuffs with the odds stacked against our man, but fortune favours the just.
PS3
Action
Smoking cigarettes like Kojak pops in lollipops and looking like a Snatcher detective, but our hero walks a thin line between law and the yakuza. Mini games of button tapping karaoke, golf, bowling, darts, shoot em up, even oil massages from models are on offer to distract Shenmue style from the main quest. But lapping these up like a salaryman forgetting the daily grind will soon lead to a queue of street flotsam awaiting to make your acquaintance. An epic quest, Shenmue III if you like, for the strong nerved and willed.
PS3
Action
Cracking series with plenty of the spirit of Shenmue in there alongside some runs ins with street scum and build up to big boss battles which have huge artistic input into their choreography. Plenty of side line off shoot scrapes: popping into the shop for a helpful rice ball boost, but best to avoid popping to the karaoke or snack bar too much. It may be a bit gaming by numbers, but in Genkis humble opinion it is worthy of far greater accolades.
PS3
Action
Tattooed veterans of the series will know what to expect from this instalment: explosions, briefcases of Yen, scarred faces and tattooed torsos and plenty of fisticuffs. Add into the mull a beautiful J Pop star, ramen shops and baseball and I think its fair to say it covers all bases and in fine fettle.
PS4
Action
Return to traditional Japanese feudal roots with plenty of sword fighting along with the odd bit of fishing and farming. Dramatic, cinematic tension with plenty of fun sub-quests in this spiritual successor to Shenmue.
PS4
Action
Has a real North American feel to the hugely impressive cityscapes and sandy trailer parks in this all out action quest. Equally impressive is the varied gameplay with bare knuckle fighting (and any other items that can be swung around close to hand), gun fights, bike rides and plenty of other vehicles. A real big budget Hollywood feel with plenty of thrills and spills.
GameBoy Advance
Action
Seemingly taking inspiration from SNK in the period setting, this action fight fest has scrumptious fight areas and extensive attention to animation detail. Plenty of hidden characters and accomplished effects. A very appropriate tribute to the samurai slicing anime series.
PS3
Action
Thanks to clever snow and fogging effects, it really does feel that you are in the midst of an epic battle with quick combos required to avoid getting swamped in a mass of foot soldiers. Lavish costumes and triple A acting are evidence Koei has really gone to town once again on its silky dynasty.
PS3
Action
Ancient China never looked so good as Koei not only takes advantage of the beautiful setting, but also uses the artistic license provided by rich mythology as players fend off tigers and use a giant mushroom to sweep away the armies of ten thousand. The lighting effects and sheer amount of on screen action truly boggle.
PS2
Action
Uber slick blend of the immense Gundam universe (and seemingly all its inhabitants) and lush production values as a thousand speed lines and jagged fringed avatars are spliced with intense battle pyrotechnics burning a hole in the TV screen. A superb culmination of the series and a fine title in its own rights, not just for fans.
Wii
Action
Uber slick blend of the immense Gundam universe (and seemingly all its inhabitants) and lush production values as a thousand speed lines and jagged fringed avatars are spliced with intense battle pyrotechnics burning a hole in the TV screen. A superb culmination of the series and a fine title in its own rights, not just for fans.
Super Famicom
Action
Varied gaming action from scrolling platform shooting sections to whizzing around on a motorbike with only a small spotlight to guide the way. Great mix of Gundam and Kamen Rider characters.
Mega Drive
Action
SD stands for Super Deformed – taking established characters and making cute little mini versions. A little like Telenet has done here with this anime series. Saccharine sweet graphics including some fine recreations of Japan Railway stations – perhaps taking the platform theme a little far? Tragically known as Syd of Valis in the Occident leading to lead character Yuko being given a man’s name.
PS2
Action
Cruise the highways on a CHIPS style police bike protecting VIP’s in their cars from terrorists. The players guns are auto fire and its possible to take a hail of bullets on behalf of the presidents as its only their health that depletes. More fun than a can of spray cheese.
Famicom Cart
Action
Players ride on bikes like the speeders from Return of the Jedi and try to knock opponents into the on screen traps, such as laser beams. The speeder also has a gun to shoot itself as the screen forces the battle onwards.
Famicom Cart
Action
Players ride on bikes like the speeders from Return of the Jedi and try to knock opponents into the on screen traps, such as laser beams. The speeder also has a gun to shoot itself as the screen forces the battle onwards.
PS2
Action
A dream marriage of Capcom’s action credentials and the warring period of Japan. Full of brash colours and a fabulous array of weaponry.
PS2
Action
Set in the warring period in Japan’s history, this title involves plenty of action in the battlefield with a bit of tactical nous needed every now and then to help your quest. Take on rival clans in fully pitched battles to become the ultimate Daimyo, but be warned desire can never be quenched; so choose your battles carefully so as not to stretch your resources too thinly on the ground. Known as Samurai Warriors in the West.
PSP
Action
Has the high production values feel of Evangelion as players utilise their mech to take on some pretty crazed robots threatening the good citizens of a Neo Tokyo. The action sequences allow players to let rip, yet there are still plenty of tactical special moves which can be utilised in order to take down the mechanical monstrosities with minimum mess.
PS2
Action
From the SNK break-away, crack unit that also produced Inuyasha on the PSX comes a 3D extravaganza on the PS2 where despite having sword based battles a degree of artistic license has been granted to bring pyrotechnic explosions to the stand offs. Based on the seminal Kurosawa film ‘The Seven Samurai’ with opening and ending theme songs from the untouchable Ryuichi Sakamoto; gameplay is strictly slice and dice with some light RPG elements as the loveable rogues get a futuristic interpretation.
GameBoy Advance
Action
Not sure if you can have a platform game in the deep blue sea, but Shark Tale follows the plot of the film with snazzy, digitised cut-scenes as our colourful fish friend negotiates sharks and jelly fish.
PS4
Action
The legend returns to the PS4 to bring joy to the many devotees who never lost hope of a revival of their flame for Ryo and his quest to avenge his fathers death. Albeit not a sequel, but fingers crossed for a successful release and the momentum that would create. Said to be the originator of open world exploration, the towns and cities look beautiful and the characters in them are either charming or despicable. And we need the less savoury street vermin for Ryo to dispatch. It wouldn’t be the same laying into the fine folk. And the fight system, based on the Virtua Fighter engine, is still purring like a treat, now also coming with the choice of fighting style.
PS2
Action
Few games capture the heat and sheer scale of the battlefield like the Koei series of Dynasty Wars and its off shoots. Strategists will relish the planning and formulate there pincer movements to ensnare the opposition, but leaping from your horse and laying waste to the enemy hordes (easily identified in their plain uniforms and lack of elaborate facial hair) brings great satisfaction.
PS2
Action
Captures the heat of being involved in a huge battle with the player fulfilling vital missions utilising a spear in the true martial tradition. Atmospheric lighting as laterns burn brightly to illuminate the enemy hideout. Perfecting the ability to sweep away the army of ten thousand is a must.
Playstation
Action
Dogfight plane game with souped up mach speed frame rate making a cool hand a requisite.
PS2
Action
Sky diving on a snowboard to pull off tricks through sheer joypad dexterity. Sub game is a Pilot Wings style ‘Beat Balloon.’