Who says action heroes stay inside television screens and the theaters? Thanks to action games, players can become heroes in their own action-packed stories themselves. Various action genres allow players to experience stories in a wide variety of situations. For instance, Tomb Raider takes players on a globe-trotting journey to search for artifacts. Meanwhile, Devil May Cry gives a stylish take on hunting down demons.
Other action titles from years - or even decades - back actually made a huge mark on the hearts of some hardcore fans. Some of these forgotten action games might actually stand their ground when compared to these modern titles, despite the lack of graphics and sophisticated gameplay. Additionally, some of these action games might actually revolutionize the way action games work with today's advanced graphics and processing power. Which forgotten games can meet these criteria?
10 Castlevania
Today's 3D real-time action games could use a change of pace with more intense, side-scrolling action. Fans of Konami's Castlevania series would fondly remember the series' demand for technical mastery and complex 2D level design. Interestingly, this approach fits the franchise's setting: Count Dracula's eponymous castle, where the vampire-hunting Belmont Clan takes the fight to the vampire lord.
Fans of Castlevania's level design and entertaining side-scrolling action may appreciate a modern remake of some of its classic entries, especially 1997's Symphony of the Night. After all, this game formally introduces Dracula's son, Alucard, as he uses vampire powers, magic, and various weapons to fight enemies within a complex castle that focuses on RPG elements and non-linear level design.
9 GoldenEye 007
Despite its age and nature as an FPS, GoldenEye 007 has the potential of becoming an action hit with the right approach. In the original title, GoldenEye 007 adapts the James Bond film of the same name. Despite its familiar FPS makeup, GoldenEye 007 fully introduced the potential of FPS on the console market. As with most FPS, GoldenEye 007 tasks players (as James Bond) to take down a crime syndicate with a variety of weapons.
However, a modern GoldenEye 007 might utilize other popular James Bond tropes. A modern GoldenEye 007 can see Bond use not just firearms but include Bond's staple assortment of gadgets: special attache cases, spike umbrellas, and even bagpipe flamethrowers.
8 Contra
Fans of side-scrolling action games might fondly remember Bill Rizer and Lance Beat of the elite Contra Unit in 1987's Contra. Their adventures in 2633 A.D. led them to face an alien threat deep inside a remote jungle. The futuristic setting means players have access to various weapons that make full use of the game's eight-directional system. However, with 2019's Contra: Rogue Corps receiving middling reviews for its 3D-focused approach, perhaps Contra should return to its 2D roots.
A Contra remake might finally breathe more life into the fictional Galuga archipelago. Upgraded graphics on familiar gameplay may add flashier but more entertaining action setpieces for fans to enjoy.
7 SOCOM
Tactical FPS fans today would appreciate the sheer complexity required to play games like Rainbow Six. However, fans who want to go old school might remember SOCOM, another tactical FPS franchise. Whereas most modern FPS titles rely more on action setpieces, SOCOM missions heavily depend on player teamwork, accuracy, and stealth. In fact, the title made a mark in the FPS industry for being the first PS2 game to use the headset for cooperative commands.
Interestingly, SOCOM's tactical approach might use a modern makeover. A SOCOM remake may position itself as a worthy combatant of Rainbow Six: Siege, another tactical shooter. However, a SOCOM remake may make itself more unique by having a more military-oriented approach to its themes and gameplay.
6 Bounty Hounds
Players of the PSP might have picked up Bounty Hounds and remembered the Phantasy Star series, as both had sci-fi spacefaring premises. However, whereas Phantasy Star has a heavy RPG approach, Bounty Hounds had a heavy-emphasis on hardcore action. This factor fits the game's story, where players take on the role of Max, a Bounty Hound eradicating various aliens across the galaxy.
Players can equip Max with two pairs of weapons, ranging from sci-fi swords, hammers, axes, and even guns. Additionally, Max can mix and match a wide variety of exotic armor pieces to look uniquely badass as he tears through waves of alien enemies. Today's slate of minimalist space-based games could use the thrilling aesthetic of a potential Bounty Hounds remake.
5 Oni
Fans of Bungie would fondly remember their raids in Destiny. However, Bungie actually created an overlooked and underrated action game back in 2001 - Oni. Looking at the box art alone, gamers would immediately associate the protagonist Konoko with Ghost in the Shell. Despite its simple graphics, Oni had potential in terms of its martial arts-oriented gameplay.
Unlike action games at the time, players can fight enemies not only with guns but also with various hand-to-hand techniques. In turn, Oni easily stuns fighting game fans with complex combos in its fully-3D setting. A modern Oni game may finally let a new audience experience a third-person action game with both guns and stunning martial arts.
4 Command & Conquer: Renegade
Fans of RTS titles know how Command & Conquer tried to branch out genres with Renegade, its first foray into the FPS scene. Despite poor reception, Renegade proved that C&C's setting may in fact fit an FPS or even an action title. The plot takes place in the last days of the lore's First Tiberium War, where players become Havoc Parker, a GDI commando tasked to rescue key GDI assets from Nod.
Similar to other FPS titles, Renegade lets players use more advanced versions of modern weapons. They can drive various vehicles to explore the vast levels of the game. In multiplayer, players can even "upgrade" into various unit types and hero characters. However, perhaps interesting would be the game's feature of GDI and Nod bases having unique buildings akin to its RTS roots. A modern game can bring to life C&C's unique RTS world, with action gameplay that takes players closer to the action.
3 Syphon Filter
Thanks to Sony's Syphon Filter, fans have access to a portable super-spy in the PSP. Interestingly, fans might overlook Syphon Filter for its usual super-spy premise. Games essentially revolve around Syphon Filter, a mysterious superweapon. Players take on the role of Gabe Logan, an agent of the enigmatic Agency. In turn, Syphon Filter relies on stealth, puzzles, and shooter action to navigate its levels.
A modern Syphon Filter game can meet a lack of stealth icons today. Aside from its surprisingly-deep plot, Syphon Filter doesn't run out of both strategic stealth and action options. In turn, players need to stay on top of their toes in a Bourne-esque spy thriller story.
2 BloodRayne
Fans who want a grittier action game may have tried BloodRayne. In the game, players take on the role of Rayne as she uses her vampiric powers and combat skills to solve various supernatural incidents. Action fans would appreciate the game's fast-paced gameplay and extremely open gameplay areas. Unfortunately, the game's rather simple story didn't captivate fans long enough for them to stay.
However, a modern BloodRayne title may appreciate a graphical and processing boost. After all, a modern BloodRayne remake might have the same spice as Devil May Cry with a darker and grittier premise.
1 The Matrix: Path Of Neo
Fans of the Wachowskis would remember 1999's The Matrix, where robots have seemingly enslaved people in The Matrix, a virtual simulation. Thankfully, the hacker Neo has discovered his nature as the One and has become mankind's savior in the film saga. Interestingly, the franchise's flashy displays of martial arts and gunplay have had fans clamoring for The Matrix video games. Thankfully, Path of Neo successfully pulls this off.
In the game, players, as Neo, slowly learn the skills they'll need to fight Agent Smith in the climactic battle in Matrix: Revolutions. In turn, Neo learns iconic skills such as the bullet stop, bullet dodge, and even flight. A modern Path of Neo remake can be just in time for the upcoming Matrix 4 and celebrate the new film with improved graphics and processing power.