Action
Here we have all the games in the Action Section.
PS2
Action
Sega reincarnates the seminal Minotaur man beast platformer which woo-ed the proud owners of the giant sprite action title in the early nineties. And its evolved into a beat to be very proud of with action based 3D gameplay worthy of the nostalgia. Players take the role of a man exposed to genomes that cause mutations. Behind all the bizarre transformations lies a mystery government experiment bringing a Biohazard-like conspiracy theory to the games undercurrent. The mutation element is well utilised with players able to capture new abilities to tear into the poor human adversaries and other beasts. And the over 18 rating is well warranted as liberated limbs and high pressured arteries make for an on screen blood bath. There is plenty to keep the completist busy too with twenty five beats to unlock in Gallery mode.
Nintendo 64
Action
The essence of pure four player competitive action taking full advantage of the 64’s generous ports. Match up balloons of the same colour to clear your screen. So simple, yet so fiendishly compulsive. Essential after hours entertainment.
Famicom Cart
Action
Quick thinking is a requisite as the floor shifts into different tiles meaning new, jelly baby like enemies warping in or players sliding helplessly across the level. Thankfully sonic booms style attacks can ward of the interest of the on screen adversaries, at least for a temporary respite, in the quest to clear the screen. Known as Mendel Palace in the West.
PS2
Action
Sony shows its understanding of the 3D action genre with simple lines in its space theme and good character sizing and camera angles to be able to judge jumps, rather than rely on leaps of faith. The Iron Man mecha level is great fun as players don the Tetsujin 28 suit to wrestle the Ninja Robot.
Famicom Cart
Action
John Rambo gets to take his shirt off making him easy to distinguish from the uniformed officers and grunts in hot pursuit. The familiar sound of shopper blades is all it takes to make John go off the edge in this platform adventure with strong military overtones.
Mega Drive
Action
The title refers to the services of a super hero who can be hired to grapple against Godzilla and Mothra look a likes wherever they may be causing havoc in this gaming equivalent of a B movie. Also has some RPG elements in the setting up of battles between our super hero and the varing kaiju. Except to be truthful our man hasn’t quite obtained super hero nirvana: he is just doing these odd jobs to pay for his lycra suit such as opening a bank account. Followed up on the Dreamcast and Xbox.
PS3
Action
Western developed first person shooter set in an alternate universe in fifties Britain where WWII never took place. Instead the brainwashing Chimera have seen to the destruction of most the world and their powers over humanity can only be resisted by the few – thats the players cue. In setting the game as such Insomniac cleverly utilises the popular World War II theme but scripts for a few extras that wouldn’t look out of place in War of the Worlds. If War of the Worlds was remade once again utilising the astounding graphical prowess of the PS3. Also features multiplayer mode where you must breach your opponents reactor leading to a few sweaty palms as you leave your core reactor unguarded. But its the co-operative two player mode that really gets the gamers going.
PS3
Action
Gorgeous graphics as the immense dragons swoop down from the skies to attack the hapless foot soldiers. Add to that exquisite audio that shows the degree of Sonys expertise in making the PS3 sound like a mythical sirens call and at last the legend of Panzer Dragoon has some worthy homage.
Playstation
Action
Megaman takes the leap into 3D platforming and Capcom have applied plenty of polish to avoid the lure of a third dimension lacking in gameplay. Plenty of sub quests and so polished it positively sparkles like an avatars smile.
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.