Action
Here we have all the games in the Action Section.
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 āThe Seven Samuraiā 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 wouldnāt 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.
PS2
Action
All out sword slicing action with some sublime combos for the joypad dexterous. Sega have a superb heritage in sword play and action and this lesser-known, all-out action title deserves a second look. Just maybe not in the eye or risk a swishing blade in your direction.
PS2
Action
Similar to Tenchu, players take on the role of a ninja and must use stealth to succeed with patience and good timing a requisite.
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.’
šBrilliant!
Brilliant Switch
Action
Cult developer Beep turn their fine hand to a 2D slash ’em up with a real nod to the fine retro heritage that exists in this genre whilst clever use of pseudo 3D to keep the player perspiring and their adrenalin flowing. Gamers of a certain vintage will lap this up and be left positively purring.
Switch
Action
Cult developer Beep turn their fine hand to a 2D slash ’em up with a real nod to the fine retro heritage that exists in this genre whilst clever use of pseudo 3D to keep the player perspiring and their adrenalin flowing. Gamers of a certain vintage will lap this up and be left positively purring.
Super Famicom
Action
Arcade smash converted very suavely to the Super Famicom losing none of the all action gameplay with swarms of enemy assailants nor lacking any of the over the top ‘Running Man’ presentation that sees competent play rewarded with prizes. The two stick control method of the arcade is replicated well with the direction pad for movement and the buttons for firing and it soon becomes second nature once practised a little. A right royal romp in two player mode.
Super Famicom
Action
Arcade smash converted very suavely to the Super Famicom losing none of the all action gameplay with swarms of enemy assailants nor lacking any of the over the top ‘Running Man’ presentation that sees competent play rewarded with prizes. The two stick control method of the arcade is replicated well with the direction pad for movement and the buttons for firing and it soon becomes second nature once practised a little. A right royal romp in two player mode.
Gamecube
Action
Moves like a YouTube speed play video as Sonic zips across the platform levels with forays into 3D platforms too to take breath. The F-Zero tribute race stage is well worth a ride. Can also link to the GBA games to add extra special options.
Wii
Action
Sonic back to his mach speed best in this Arabian themed expedition with tight, confined tunnels, glistening waterways and vast expanses of desert to explore. Gameplay positively zips along as the irrespressible Sonic grabs the rings and hits the turbo boosts for an adrenalin soaked experience. The setting is exploited well as Sonic sprints up sheer cliffs and edges along sheer drops all with deft control from the Wii remote.
Sega Saturn
Action
Sega farmed out the work for Sonic R, but you’d do well to tell as it seems to have been programmed with an inside out knowledge of the Saturn hardware such are the stunning effects in this 3D racing title that positively flies along. Collect the rings as you go but enjoy the ride and fine scenery too.
Spine sun faded.
Switch
Action
All-action soundtrack to keep players eyes wide open in order to thrive and not just survive the velocity fest as Sonic whizzes over twisted 3D roads. Yet Sega nods to the rich 2D heritage of its hero and the side section platform skill sections will raise the pulse of gamers of a certain vintage. Seamless presented as you would expect with fine cut-scenes.
PSP
Action
Battle to save the country against the invading force mech on mech in this anime inspired action title. Looks very sharp on the small screen with thoughtful attention to detail such as weather effects and in the anime cut scenes. Subtitled Dead Aggressor.
Super Famicom
Action
Super Famicom take on the famed laser disk title that wowed arcade gamers back in the early nineties. The action tries to replicate the hurried need to react quickly to the changing terrain and forced scrolling which would test the joypad dexterity of even the GamesMaster himself.
Switch
Action
Running a space station is quite a complicated conundrum at times, so if feeling stressed, maybe head for the entertainment decks with its funfair and cat cafe? The bio deck is prone to the occasional extra terrestrial invader, but its all in a days work.
Mega Drive
Action
A futuristic game of handball with cyborg suits and unforgiving metallic court as players get the steel ball down the far end to try and score by hook or by crook. Reminiscent of the cult movie classic Rollerball.
PS4
Action
Much-loved Famicom game gets a multiplayer remake and it looks quite fabulous on the PS4. Yet fans who recall the original will also savour the Famicom version being included. Coveys the dank, dark cavernous nature of the levels beautifully with the lighting processing power. Safety hats off to Tozai for this labour of love.
Famicom Cart
Action
Players outwit their opponent spy using traps and various fun items in the game that introduced 80’s Britain to the fun of improper gameplay along with Skool Daze. A fine concept, beautifully executed.
Nintendo 64
Action
Based loosely on the Shadows of the Empire book the devlopers have used a fair slice of artistic license and why not when it means you can add in bad boy bounty hunter Boba Fett who didn’t appear in the book? The first few levels are actually based on the Empire Strikes Back including a delightful rendition of taking down an AT-AT using the winch. Taking on TIE fighters is also a real treat for Star Wars fans with excellent variety throughout the game.
Gamecube
Action
Before Rares defection came a journey into the Star Fox world where players get to explore the universe and enjoy a could bit of paw to hand combat with our old buddy Fox McCloud. Develops the story and series well complete with all of Fox’s friends.
Mega Drive
Action
Good bit of chopper action as the Mega Drive shifts a few polygons around with admirable aptitude. Straight forward missions make for unambiguous, action slanted gaming. A real classic of Western gaming also released on the Atari Lynx.
šBrilliant!
Brilliant Mega Drive
Action
The original cart is a rather rare side scrolling beat ’em up from Kemco with solid 2D visuals and gameplay that they don’t make quite like they used to. Each character has their own special move – the hand grenade can certainly have its use at times. Simultaneous two player mode adds to the enjoyment of this very playable romp.
šBrilliant!
Brilliant Super Famicom
Action
The original cart is a rather rare side scrolling beat ’em up from Kemco with solid 2D visuals and gameplay that they don’t make quite like they used to. Each character has their own special move – the hand grenade can certainly have its use at times. Simultaneous two player mode adds to the enjoyment of this very playable romp.