Summary
The best action gamesrely on everything from gameplay to atmosphere to make a lasting impression on fans. These titles nail the idea of taking on enemies in style and making them regret trying to take out the player. However, there’s only so much the gameplay itself can do to carry the experience before players demand more. It’s equally important for these games to nail elements such as art style, enemy AI, level design, and story elements, to name a few.
Some games immerse players in action games by integrating subtle horror elements that do a great job of elevating the experience without taking over. This can be a challenge, especially if some players don’t like the idea of enjoying a power fantasy only to be scared out of their wits in an unexpected and unwanted bait-and-switch. However, gamers that understand the role of ambiance in elevating their experiences will love playing through action games that lean towards horror elements.
BioShockisone of the greatest first-person shootersof all time. This immersion action-adventure introduces players to the underwater city of Rapture in a memorable opening sequence that sets the stage for a generational game. The player need only experience their first encounter with a Splicer to realize that Ken Levine was pulling no punches when it came to scaring players at unexpected moments.
These horrifying enemies become more advanced as the game progresses. It’s a testament toBioShock’s quality that it keeps players engaged even with a relatively low level of enemy variety compared to most other action shooters. The claustrophobic halls of Rapture make players feel isolated, guided by voices with agendas of their own that aren’t revealed until players make progress.
Arkane Studios is known for developing a litany of great immersive sims, andPreyis no exception. This incredible sci-fi adventure does a great job of making players feel unnerved every step of the way, and their first encounter with a Mimic will show thatPreydoesn’t hesitate when it comes to creeping players out. These enemies essentially serve as mini-jumpscares and serve as a taste of the horrors to come, but players will eventually acquire enough weaponry and powers to take out these Typhons without breaking a sweat.
However, the strongest moves in Morgan Yu’s arsenal won’t make the encounter against the Nightmare any easier. This powerful Typhon is no joke and will hunt down the protagonist at random, forcing players to either hide or take on this foe with everything they have. No matter how many times they evade or defeat this foe, the Nightmare will keep on coming back, adding to the tension of one of the most underrated immersive sims of all time.
Bloodborneneeds no introduction, and it’s easy to see why fans are clamoring for a re-release or remake of this incredible action RPG.After taking a step back fromDark Soulsfollowing its massive success, Miyazaki shifted his focus to gothic and Lovecraftian horror. The result was a tantalizing journey where players battled against Eldritch beings and slowly uncovered the mystery behind an unending nightmare that the Chosen Hunter couldn’t wake up from.
The combat inBloodborneis way more fast-paced and aggressive thanDark Souls, forcing players to take on enemies head-on without prolonging encounters. It’s an excellent action game that can scare the wits out of players with its deft enemy placement and the horror of the unknown. As players delve deeper into the nightmare, the title’s Lovecraftian roots become more apparent and turnBloodborneinto a horror-fuelled experience that can throw players off their game.
Despite being populated with nightmarish zombies, there’s no denying thatThe Last of Usis an action title first and foremost. Items and ammunition are relatively abundant on normal difficulty, while the stellar gunplay and stealth mechanics ensure that players won’t be too scared to take on enemies head-on as long as they’re prepared. However, there are times whenThe Last of Usflexes its horror muscles and scares players deftly.
The infamous Clickers will leave players gasping for breath after every close shave. And of course, everyone remembers the moment when they turned on a generator and initiated a horrifying encounter where Joel was ambushed by a bunch of infected, including the dreaded Bloater. These moments are plentiful in a game where players must tackle every encounter with care if they don’t want to be bitten, shot, or clubbed to death.
It’s always impressive when action games execute horror themes with finesse, andHalf-Life 2is a great example. The Combine may be relatively straightforward to take down, but players will always be horrified by the prospect of fighting against the headcrabs, zombies, and other such enemies that they remember from the first game. For the most part, these encounters are unnerving at best, but the scare factor ramps up in no timewhen players reach Ravenholm.
The game is the perfect demonstration of how to integrate a horror-focused level in an action game. The town is littered with traps and enemies that will genuinely surprise players. On top of this, this level introduces a new enemy called the poison headcrab that is a nightmare to deal with. It’s easy to see why Ravenholm is considered the peak ofHalf-Life 2and a definitive gaming experience. It shows why Valve is hailed by the masses as one of the greatest video game developers of all time.
