From side-scrolling brawlers to explosivethird-person shootersand high-octane hack-and-slash games, Sega has been behind some of the most electrifying action titles across decades.
6 Best Action Games for Beginners
These beginner-friendly action games welcome newcomers with intuitive combat and engaging stories while showcasing blockbuster thrills.
Whether it’s the frantic pace of arcade classics or the technical depth of modern combat systems, Sega’s library is full of games where pressing buttons never stops feeling good. These are their most standout action games, from more recent entries to some older gems that still hold up brilliantly today.
8Alien Storm
Sega’s Take on Aliens vs Streets of Rage Was a Glorious Mess
Alien Storm
Released during the height of arcade beat-em-ups, Alien Storm stands out as one of Sega’s weirdest and most creative action games from the early ’90s. Blending side-scrolling brawling with run-and-gun segments, the game follows a team of alien-busting heroes who fight their way through slimy, grotesque invaders that look like leftovers from a B-movie horror flick.
The gameplay constantly changes pace, throwing players into both horizontal fighting sequences andfirst-person shootinggalleries. While it may not be deep by today’s standards, Alien Storm still delivers a chaotic and colorful ride witha distinct sci-fiflair that sets it apart from its beat-em-up contemporaries.
7Binary Domain
Binary Domain
Toshihiro Nagoshi’s Binary Domain never really got the love it deserved when it launched in 2012, but over time, it has earned a cult following for its smart enemy AI,fast-paced combatand surprisingly emotional narrative. Set in a cyberpunk future where humanoid robots blur the line between machine and man, the game features a squad-based shooting system where voice commands and loyalty actually affect how your team responds in battle.
The action never lets up, with tight third-person shooting mechanics and enemies that break apart in cinematic chunks when shot. But the real surprise is how much heart the game has – especially when it asks what it really means to be human in a world built on metal.
6Dynamite Cop
When You Can Hit People with Fish, You Don’t Need Guns
Dynamite Cop
Few games embrace chaos quite like Dynamite Cop, Sega’s absurd sequel to Die Hard Arcade. Players find themselves brawling their way through cruise ships and beachside compounds while picking up everything from frying pans to giant fish as makeshift weapons. It plays like a fever dream of late-’90s arcade action: short, ridiculous and packed with environmental interaction.
The combat is immediate and satisfying, with grapples and combos that feel weighty despite the game’s cartoonish pace. It’s not trying to be deep, and that’s exactly what makes it fun. A perfect slice of action game insanity that knew exactly what it was doing.
5Gunstar Heroes
Jump, Shoot, Slide and Explode in Every Direction
Gunstar Heroes
Developed by Treasure and published by Sega, Gunstar Heroes still ranks as one of the best 2D run-and-gun shooters ever made. Released on the Sega Genesis in 1993, the game features a robust weapon fusion system that lets players combine fire types into completely new projectiles, from homing lasers to flamethrowers.
8 Best Action Games on Steam
These action games on Steam keep the pace high, the combat sharp and the adrenaline pumping from the first swing to the final boss.
Each level introduces a new twist, whether it’s a mine cart ride, a free-falling boss battle or a board-game-inspired stage with randomized effects. The controls are buttery smooth, and the constant barrage of explosions and enemies keeps the adrenaline pumping.
Gears of War Meets Rocket Skates and Never Hits the Brakes
PlatinumGames went wild with Vanquish, a third-person shooter that throws out cover-based patience in favor of style, speed and sliding across the floor at 80 mph. Directed by Shinji Mikami, the game is a blur of bullet-time slow-mo, rocket-powered knee slides and cinematic action that never pauses to catch its breath.
The combat loop revolves around movement and timing, with players rewarded for aggressive plays and perfect dodges. Ammo is scarce, but enemies explode in metallic showers that make every encounter feel rewarding. Vanquish is what happens when a developer decides that regular shooters just aren’t fast enough.
3Shinobi (2002)
The Only Ninja with a Scarf that’s Longer Than the Game’s Plot
Released on the PlayStation 2 during a time when arcade-style challenge was falling out of fashion, Shinobi brings back the unforgiving difficulty of old-school Sega titles. The main hook is the “tate” combo system, where chaining kills quickly rewards players with devastating sword strikes and a faster pace. Stand still for too long and the game punishes you with decaying health, thanks to the cursed sword Musashi wields.
The combat is sharp and relentless, with flashy jumps, wall runs and air dashes that reward reflex and precision. Few action games demand this level of mastery, and even fewer make it look this stylish while doing so.
Punching Goons for Pocket Change Has Never Felt So Good
Before it became a turn-based RPG series, Yakuza 0 was the pinnacle of action brawling in Sega’s long-running franchise. Set in the neon-drenched streets of 1980s Tokyo, the game follows two protagonists, Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima, across a story packed with crime, betrayal and karaoke.
What sets it apart is the over-the-top melee combat, with multiple fighting styles that range from precise and brutal to completely unhinged. Players can slam enemies through car doors, suplex them onto pavement and even finish them off with heat moves powered by sheer rage. It’s as much an absurd beat-em-up as it is a serious drama, and somehow it balances both perfectly.
1Bayonetta
Hair-Witch Acrobatics and Bullet Ballets in One Tight Package
Bayonetta isn’t just an action game – it’s PlatinumGames at its peak. Everything from the fluid combo system to the perfectly tuned dodge mechanic is built to reward high-skill players, while still letting newcomers button-mash their way to victory with a grin.
What makes the game stand out is its relentless creativity. Boss fights are massive, environments twist around mid-battle, and the titular witch uses her magical hair as both armor and weapon. Time slows down when dodging at the last second, giving every encounter a rhythm of explosive violence and graceful control. Few games let players feel this powerful while still demanding precision. It’s pure action game perfection.
10 Best ARPGs To Play Right Now
Fans of ARPGs have a lot of options, but these 10 are the best ones in the genre.
