Summary
There’s plenty of action present in myriad genres across gaming. However, all too often, players are subject to a focus on realism, experiences grounded in reality. While these more realistic, down-to-earth games have their place, there’s something to be said for those that channel a more heightened reality.
These games champion exaggerated styles and explosive visuals, but their presentation remains consistent enough to never feel out of place. Expressive animations are also common with these games, resulting in gameplay that’s often satisfying.
Pizza Toweris an action-packed platformer that plays at a breakneck pace. In the game, players barrel through tightly constructed levels at high speeds, attempting to string together endless combos as they make a break for the end goal.
The exaggerated animations and over-the-top presentation makePizza Tower’s action an extravagant affair packed with color and variety. In addition, the over-the-top action and animations allowPizza Towerto be an immensely satisfying experience, elevated by truly expressive controls.
Maximum Actiontakes clear influence from games such asFEARandMax Payneas much as it does the action cinema of the 80s and 90s. In keeping with its influences,Maximum Actionchampions over-the-top action over anything else,forgoing any attempt at narrative.
Synergizing with its exaggerated action is a focus on style over challenge.Maximum Actionprovides an action sandbox that allows players to express their style in tight, expressive combat encounters. This results in a gameplay loop less concerned with progression and more with pure style.
Similarly to games such asPost Void,Anger Footprovides a slew of fast-paced FPS gauntlets, packed with claustrophobic environments and deadly enemies.Anger Footalso excels, however, with its hand-crafted levels and unique zones.
The fast pace and lethal nature of most enemies ensures high-octane action,elevated by explosive gunplayand exaggerated animations. Furthermore, players will spend plenty of time separating doors from their hinges with fierce kicks that can take out enemies in a similar fashion. All this results in tremendous over-the-top action that’s great for fans of bite-sized game sessions.
Fans offast-paced shootersand character action games alike are more than likely to enjoyULTRAKILL’s blend of FPS action and score-centric design.ULTRAKILLis driven by expressive movement controls, tight combat arenas, and frantic gunplay, providing an adrenaline rush fueled by an ever-present score system that motivates efficient play.
ULTRAKILL’s action is decidedly over-the-top, especially in its violence, offering buckets of pixelated gore alongside its meaty explosions and punchy gunplay. It’s non-stop, expressive, and replayable, though not for everyone.
TheDevil May Cryfranchiseis a decidedly over-the-top series of games, packed with exaggerated action and larger-than-life characters.Devil May Cry 5is no exception, offering a multitude of combat encounters that have players juggling enemies in the air with expressive combos.
Though the game can lack challenge at times, the overall experience is driven by a score system that motivates improvement. Even the presentation of this score system is over-the-top, blending perfectly with the game’s ridiculous weaponry and combat.
2016’sDOOMis a frantic first-person shooter that excels withits expressive combatarenas and diverse weaponry. More important, however, are the “glory kills” that control the flow of combat. All are incredibly over-the-top, perfectly stringing together each exchange between player and demon.
DOOM’s gunplay, presentation, and even its environments are exaggerated; almost no restraint was exercised here, instead offering players an unabashed action game that takes full advantage of its bombastic tone.
Always known forits B-movie charmbut beloved for its survival horror gameplay,Resident Evildidn’t always provide players with over-the-top action.Resident Evil 5, however, most certainly does, offering up a variety of exaggerated melee moves and an unhinged tone that goes beyond the silliness of its predecessor.
Most notable are the myriad melee attacks, each performed with action-movie physicality by both of the game’s protagonists. This over-the-top action can be experienced in single-player, but it’s arguably best when enjoyed with a friend in online co-op.
With its heartfelt narrative, vibrant visuals, and stylish combat,Hi-Fi Rushprovides players with an exuberant adventure supported by an ensemble cast of lovable characters. Though its story is somewhat grounded, the rhythm-based action ofHi-Fi Rushprovides consistently over-the-top encounters explodingwith brilliant color.
While it has its frustrations, the character action ofHi-Fi Rushblends perfectly with its invigorating soundtrack. Furthermore,Hi-Fi Rushprovides both style and substance with its meaningful narrative and memorable cast, offering a rare adventure worth having.
