Month: February 2018

There are video games that make us feel good (dating simulations, anyone?), and then there are games that make us question our worth, make us acknowledge our sadistic side, and improve how we play. These are action games.

So Bioshock and Dark Souls aside, here is a countdown of the best action games ever:

10 best action games for your bucket list

10. Def Jam: Fight for NY

You wouldn’t think that a title based on hip-hop would make it to the best that the action game genre has to offer, but Def Jam: Fight for NY proves us wrong. This game features some of the best rap artists during the time of its release, like Snoop Dogg, T.I., and Busta Rhymes, and makes them duke it out with each other – not with words, but with fists.

The second game in the franchise, Def Jam: Fight for NY features a unique fighting engine that includes interactive environments with rowdy spectators, weapons, and surrounding objects that can be used to cause damage to your opponent. The five new fighting styles can also be used in a combination to create dozens of hybrid fighting styles, but the best part is that no two fighters have the same moves, even though they might seem to be a little similar.

9. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag

Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag was a trailblazer for the Assassin’s Creed series, and for a good reason. It carried forward what Assassin’s Creed II and Brotherhood did well. The main story is set in the 18th century and follows Edward Kenway, a Welsh pirate who also happens to be the grandfather of the protagonist from Assassin’s Creed III. One of the most striking aspects of this game is that unlike previous installments, it focuses on ship-based exploration while staying true to its original combat style.

While emphasizing on both freedom and fun, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag adopts a much lighter tone, entertaining you as you explore the Caribbean islands and fight your way through the open seas. The gameplay is expansive as it is fun with multiple action-packed missions move the story forward.

8. Batman: Arkham City

Batman: Arkham City was released during a time when superhero games were nothing more than tie-ins into movies. RockSteady decided to go with a different and more original approach in which they made you feel like you were Batman. From the fluid combat to the bat-gliding over Gotham, this game provided further improvements on an already stellar action-based gameplay system.

Replacing Arkham Asylum with the entirety of Arkham City, filled with more rogues and several supervillains who have formed their own gangs, you’ll have your hands full as Batman in this installment. Attackers in armored outfits armed with stun rods, broken bottles, etc., all have to be dealt with in their own specific ways, and you will have to assess your threat before engaging them. Additionally, the gameplay is very challenging, and the side missions will keep you as occupied as the core storyline, giving you a plethora of obstacles to overcome as you try to save Arkham City.

7. Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor

The Lord of the Rings franchise has released some pretty impressive forms of entertainment so far, and Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor is one of them. In this open-world, action-adventure video game, you play as Talion, a Ranger, who bonds with the wraith of the Elf Lord Celebrimbor, as you set out to avenge the deaths of those you held dear.

Shadow of Mordor earns props for tricky gameplay since the enemies are unpredictable thanks to a “Nemesis System.” This system enables the AI of NPCs to remember the initial interaction with your character, along with any deaths, and react accordingly in future confrontations.

6. Grand Theft Auto V

The seventh, main installment in the Grand Theft Auto series has an interesting plot: A terrifying psychopath, a young street hustler, and a retired bank robber find themselves entangled with the most twisted elements of the criminal underworld and must carry out a series of heists to survive. They can’t trust anybody – even each other.

Grand Theft Auto Online was also introduced in GTA V, enabling gamers to play the game and carry out heists with other players online. GTA V and GTA Online offer a massive game world filled with countless activities, quests, interactions, and secrets.

5. Half-Life 2

The story takes place a few years after the events of Half-Life. You play as a scientist, Gordon Freeman, who wakes up to find that the world has been overrun by the Combine, a dominant alien force that has subjugated humanity in Gordon’s absence. In your struggle to survive this hostile environment, you are joined by your former Black Mesa colleagues, the Vortigaunts, and the oppressed citizens of City 17.

Initially released in 2004, Half-Life 2 has won several Game of the Year awards and has frequently been cited for the use of physical manipulation in the gameplay. For example, you can use a gravity gun to manipulate objects by using them as improvised weapons or to solve environmental puzzles.

4. Halo 2

The Halo series put Xbox on the map, and Halo 2 is one of its best installments. The first-person shooter was considered the champion of multiplayer mode at the time of its release and is still setting the bar for the category today. Stunning landscapes, a fantastic soundtrack, and a gripping storyline are what make Halo 2 one of the best games of its genre.
In Halo 2, you play as both the Master Chief and a troubled Covenant elite, ‘the Arbiter,’ in a linear series of episodes. Aside from the amazing multiplayer mode and improved graphics, the game’s story is a bit different from its predecessor, as it dives deeper into the Covenant.

Additionally, the single-player mode is complemented by a redesigned multiplayer mode that allows up to 16 players through the Xbox Live.

3. God of War 3

This installment in the God of War series follows Kratos’s final journey of revenge and concludes a trilogy that consists of some of the best action games ever. What worked for the previous installments has also done the trick for God of War 3, regarding gameplay and design, but on a scale that is far larger. Boss battles are more intense than ever, with more brutal scenes and gore all around, as you go on a rampage to kill every god in Olympus.

Playable sequences can take place on creatures the size of skyscrapers. The earlier editions allowed us to battle a few gods and mythological creatures, but this time around, we bring Olympus down in its entirety.

The game is also often touted as having the most epic story in gaming history. The portrayal of Greek mythology is also at its very best; God of War 3 captures every detail in surreal fashion, keeping you glued to the screen for consistent action.

2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is considered the most awarded game in history. In this action RPG, you play as the Witcher, Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter in search of his missing adopted daughter. She is on the run from the Wild Hunt – a force that is determined to capture and use her powers.
This game has the classic RPG hook – you fight monsters and gain experience to be strong enough to defeat tougher monsters. However, it has other substantial features going for it, as well. Well-scripted quests and intelligent gameplay; like a fear gauge for your faithful steed that limits its effectiveness in battle, a detailed open world, and some of the best monster designs in gaming history, make this game a strong contender for one of the greatest games of all time.

1. Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Even though it was released almost seven years ago, Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim remains relevant to this day. In this open–world, action RPG, you can play as a lizard-like creature, a few variations of humans, an orc, three different types of elves, or an anthropomorphic cat in a quest to defeat Alduin, the World Eater – a dragon prophesied to destroy the world.

However, this storyline is just one of seven main storylines – not counting the fifteen Daedric quests or the hundreds of side quests that you can complete. You can have a bounty on your head or complete bounties for towns, slay dragons, giants, or civilians, travel to different dimensions, or simply explore the world of Skyrim as you see fit.

The storylines, given the Elder Scrolls series, has endless lore and its own history of the universe, intrigue all your senses and have you hooked to the game for hours on end. Additionally, the massive open world map and attention to detail are what make Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim the best game ever.

 

 

Sources for Images:

• Playstation
• Amazon
• Game Insider
• iGTA5
• Playstation Life
• Dual Shockers
• GpStatic

If the Oscars were based on ticket sales alone, Michael Bay would be carting gongs away by the bucketload. I guess that’s one reason to thank the Oscars’ allegedly elitist selection process.

On the other hand, winning an Oscar by no means guarantees the film’s any good. In fact, there are plenty of Oscar-winners languishing in IMDB’s lower ranks. Still, it’s worth taking a look at these for curiosity’s sake – even if just to poke a bit of fun.     

1. You Light Up My Life

Oscar: Best Music, Original Song – Joseph Brooks

IMDB rating: 4.6

Released in 1977, this romantic drama follows the story of Laurie Robinson as she tries to escape her humdrum life as a second-rate comedic actor to become a singer. She meets and sleeps with a movie director, Chris, despite already betrothed to Ken (cue insipid romantic plotline). The rest of the movie follows a predictable thread, with its only redeeming feature being the titular song – the cover of which by Debby Boone went straight to number one.

2. Thank God It’s Friday

Oscar: Best Music, Original Song – Paul Jabara

IMDB rating: 5.2

Thank God It’s Friday (TGIF) tells several connected stories over the course of a Friday evening at a fictional discotheque in LA. The cast is respectable, including Jeff Goldblum, Donna Summer, and Debra Winger, and electro legend Giorgio Moroder is behind the music. But sadly, that isn’t quite enough to elevate the movie above its glitter-balls, bell-bottoms, and platform shoes. As an exercise in rose-tinted 70s nostalgia, it does the job – especially if you like cheese.

3. The Nutty Professor

Oscar: Best Makeup – Rick Baker, David LeRoy Anderson

IMDB rating: 5.6

Eddie Murphy plays the titular role (and a host of others) as the large but lovely Professor Klump – for which the movie received its Best Makeup Oscar. The film’s slapstick humor and sickly sweet romance might put some off, but overall the gags are pretty good (if you like ‘em crude) and Mr. Murphy’s transformation into the Klump family is impressive.

4. White Wilderness

Oscar: Best Documentary, Features – Ben Sharpsteen

IMDB rating: 5.6

Directed by Disney legend James Algar, this 1958 wildlife documentary won an Oscar for its portrayal of the rugged Canadian wilderness. But despite being beautifully shot, it has come under fire for alleged animal cruelty. One scene showing lemming’s committing suicide was faked, while another scene involving a polar bear was staged in the studio. Not cool, Disney. Not cool.

5. A Little Night Music

Oscar: Best Music, Best Adaptation Score – Jonathan Tunick

IMDB rating: 5.7

Film adaptations of musicals are tough to do right, so you’d think a bit of practice would help. Unfortunately, director Harold Prince’s experience (Cabaret, Fiddler on the Roof, and others) wasn’t enough to save A Little Night Music. Not even big names like Elizabeth Taylor and Diana Rigg could drag the film out of mediocrity. But the songs are sweet (if you like that kind of thing).

Most filmmakers would admit to wanting an Oscar, but as these movies show, the golden gong isn’t always a stamp of quality. Then again, IMDB ratings aren’t all that reliable either, so maybe watch them and see for yourself.

These flicks hit harder than a spin-kick from Conor McGregor.

Get ready for guns, brawls, and bombs as heroes and villains battle it out in bone-crunching violence. From the plains of the wild west to inner-city ganglands, expect tales of war, revenge, and redemption.

Here’s our choice of the best action flicks from Hulu this month.

1. Harsh Times

Army vet Jim Davis (played by a muscled and intense Christian Bale) tries to rebuild his life after returning from a tour of duty with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). After reuniting with his old friend Mike Alonzo leads to thieving drugs from a local gang, the pair are thrust down a spiral of violence as Jim’s PTSD threatens everyone he loves.

Written and directed by David Ayer, the man behind Academy Award winner Training Day, the film combines drama and action as Jim’s ill-fated attempts at recovery are waylaid at every turn. This is an emotional rollercoaster by one of best crime directors of our times.

2. The Hurt Locker

A suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat thriller that follows a group of bomb disposal experts in Baghdad. Maverick explosives expert Sergeant William James, played with authenticity by Jeremy Renner, leads a team of hardened soldiers as they detect and defuse IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) in some of the most nail-biting scenes on film.

Unflinching in its portrayal of war, its casualties, and psychological effects on soldiers, The Hurt Locker grips you from the first few minutes and doesn’t let go. A compelling insight into the high-pressure choices faced by those in command.

3. Sin City

Filmed in black and white, with occasional splashes of color, Sin City is a hallucinatory anthology of betrayal in a city full of sinners. There are six stories in total; all adapted from Frank Miller’s adult comic series of the same name.

While the characters have few redeeming qualities, you can’t help but root for the anti-heroes – from the hulking Marv to the brave Nancy – as they wage personal wars against those who’ve wronged them.

Directed by Robert Rodriguez, a friend of Tarantino’s, the film’s stylistic violence and gritty noir script bring Miller’s comics to life in a frightening yet captivating way. Don’t miss it.

4. The Warriors

When an influential New York City gang leader is murdered, The Warriors get the blame. Stuck behind enemy lines, they must run and fight their way back to Coney Island or be “wasted” by other gangs out for revenge.

Director Walter Hill has been involved in many significant action movies: 48 hours, Aliens, Last Man Standing, and others. So it’s no surprise The Warriors has become a cult classic, combining bloody brawls with a retro synth soundtrack. The Warriors is so good that upon its original release in 1979, the real gangs went to see it. Now it’s on Hulu, why don’t you?

5. The Good the Bad and the Ugly

Widely considered the best of the Dollars trilogy, this 1966 spaghetti western depicts Clint Eastwood as “Blondie” – one of three bounty hunters on the search for Confederate gold. Considered too brutal and violent upon its release, the movie has since garnered almost universal praise for its direction, acting, and cinematography.

With its morally-corrupt characters, expansive landscapes, and stylised gunfights, The Good the Bad and the Ugly is the western of all westerns. A masterpiece of cinema, and one you can enjoy on Hulu.

That concludes our pick of the best action movies on Hulu. We hope you enjoy them, and whatever you do, don’t try those stunts at home, okay