Action games have been popular in the gaming industry for several decades. Some classic action games include Contra, Mega Man, and Street Fighter II, while modern action games include Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto V, and Assassin’s Creed. Contra is known for its side-scrolling shooter gameplay, Mega Man for its fast-paced gameplay and unique weapon system, and Street Fighter II for its deep and complex gameplay mechanics. In contrast, Call of Duty features fast-paced multiplayer gameplay, customizable weapons, and cinematic single-player campaigns, while Grand Theft Auto V allows players to engage in various criminal activities in its vast open world, and Assassin’s Creed features intricate storylines and breathtaking visuals in various historical settings. Action games have come a long way, and with the progress of technology, they will likely continue to evolve and offer unforgettable experiences to players.
From Contra to Call of Duty: A Look at Classic and Modern Action Games
Introduction
Action games have been a staple in the gaming industry for decades. From classic titles such as Contra, to modern games such as Call of Duty, action games have evolved significantly over the years. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most influential classic and modern action games, and how they have influenced the genre.
Classic Action Games
Contra
Developed by Konami in 1987, Contra is a classic side-scrolling shooter game that gained huge popularity in the arcade industry. The game involves players controlling a commando who must battle through various levels, defeating enemies and bosses along the way. Contra was known for its challenging difficulty, two-player co-op mode, and iconic spread shot weapon. It has since inspired many other side-scrolling shooters over the years.
Mega Man
Released in 1987 by Capcom, Mega Man was another classic side-scrolling action game that quickly gained popularity. The game involves players controlling a robot character named Mega Man, who must battle through various levels and defeat other robots designed by the game’s main villain, Dr. Wily. Mega Man is known for its fast-paced gameplay, challenging boss battles, and unique weapon system, where players can acquire weapons from defeated bosses to use against other enemies.
Street Fighter II
Released in 1991 by Capcom, Street Fighter II is one of the most iconic fighting games of all time. The game involves players controlling one of several characters, each with their own unique moves and abilities, as they battle through a tournament to become the street fighting champion. Street Fighter II was known for its deep and complex gameplay mechanics, as well as its revolutionary use of special moves and combos.
Modern Action Games
Call of Duty
Developed by Infinity Ward and first released in 2003, Call of Duty is one of the most popular first-person shooter games of all time. The game involves players controlling a soldier in various modern-day or historical battles, engaging in intense combat against enemy forces. Call of Duty is known for its fast-paced multiplayer gameplay, wide range of customizable weapons and equipment, and its cinematic single-player campaigns.
Grand Theft Auto V
Released in 2013 by Rockstar Games, Grand Theft Auto V is an open-world action game that takes place in the fictionalized city of Los Santos. The game involves players controlling several different characters, each with their own unique storylines and missions, as they navigate through the criminal underworld of Los Santos. Grand Theft Auto V is known for its massive open world, immersive storylines, and its ability for players to engage in various criminal activities, such as heists and robberies.
Assassin’s Creed
Developed by Ubisoft, Assassin’s Creed is a series of action-adventure games that take place in various historical settings, including Ancient Greece, Egypt, and Rome. The game involves players controlling a member of the Assassins, an ancient order of covert assassins, as they navigate through various missions, battles with enemies, and engaging in stealth-based gameplay. The Assassin’s Creed series is known for its intricate storylines, breathtaking visuals, and its ability for players to explore historical locations such as the Acropolis of Athens, The Colosseum, and the Great Pyramids.
Conclusion
From the classic side-scrolling shooters of the 80s and 90s, to the modern first-person shooters and open-world games of today, action games have come a long way. While some classic action games continue to inspire new titles, modern action games have introduced new gameplay mechanics, more immersive storylines, and simply breathtaking visuals. With the continuing progress of technology, we can expect action games to keep evolving and delivering unforgettable experiences to players.