Top 20 Best Retro Action Games

Super Metroid is widely considered the pinnacle of 2D action-adventure gaming and one of the greatest games ever made. It defined the "Metroidvania" genre alongside Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, featuring tight controls, atmospheric exploration, and innovative gameplay mechanics. The graphics were state-of-the-art at release and still hold up remarkably well today. The wall jump mechanic allows players to sequence break and discover hidden secrets, rewarding player skill and curiosity. Its ambient, mechanical soundtrack creates an unmatched sense of isolation and dread on the alien planet Zebes.

Even decades after release, Symphony of the Night remains one of the best action-RPGs ever created. It revolutionized the Castlevania franchise by introducing RPG elements, a massive explorable castle, and non-linear gameplay. The game features exceptional replayability with multiple endings, an inverted castle, and tremendous depth. Its cinematic presentation, immersive soundtrack, and polished combat make it essential for any retro action game collection.

Contra set the standard for all two-player simultaneous action games that followed. Electronic Gaming Monthly awarded it Best Action Game of 1988, and it was inducted into GameSpot's list of the greatest games of all time in 2004. Nintendo Power ranked it the 7th best NES game ever. The game's run-and-gun mechanics remain addictive, its difficulty is challenging but fair, and the co-op experience is unmatched. The legendary Konami Code (Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start) became famous partly due to this game.

Considered one of the best arcade games of all time, Metal Slug 3 elevates the run-and-gun genre to new heights. It features the best pixel art animation in gaming history, branching paths, epic boss battles, and environments ranging from underwater caverns to alien spaceships. Over 800 gamers voted it the #1 run-and-gun game of all time on Ranker. The franchise "arguably perfected the run-and-gun formula begun by Contra."

Called "the pinnacle of the Contra series and easily the best action game on the Super NES" by multiple sources. Contra III is an all-out action assault with waves of enemies, titanic bosses, and amazing power-ups. The game features Mode 7 rotating stages, motorcycle sequences, and the series' trademark tough-but-fair difficulty turned up to eleven. It was the first time a shooter truly felt like playing through a Hollywood action movie.

Considered one of the best video games ever made on the PS1, Metal Gear Solid was a revolutionary leap in action gaming. It combined cinematic storytelling with stealth-action gameplay in unprecedented ways, creating an experience that felt like playing through an action movie. Solid Snake's mission to stop a nuclear threat at Shadow Moses has held up incredibly well, influencing countless games that followed.

The NES Ninja Gaiden added more movement options to the 2D action formula perfected by Castlevania and Contra, and its use of cinematic cutscenes was revolutionary and highly influential. Considered one of the hardest games ever made, it demands precision platforming and combat mastery. The NES is "stacked with amazing action games, but there was something special about the Ninja Gaiden trilogy." Rolling Stone and GameSpot both list it among the best NES games of all time.

Often hailed as the best PSP game ever made, Chains of Olympus delivered console-quality action on a handheld device. With a 91 Metacritic score, it features stunning visuals, fluid God of War combat, and cinematic storytelling that pushed the PSP to its technical limits. It set a new standard for action games on handhelds and remains a defining title in the PSP library.

The Game Boy Advance era gave rise to a trilogy of superb Castlevania games, and Aria of Sorrow stands tall above them all. It combines Castlevania gameplay essentials with a superb soundtrack, a stacked arsenal of weapons, and the ingenious Tactical Soul system that lets players absorb enemy abilities. It represents Castlevania at its portable best.

Mega Man 2 remains the most popular title in the entire Mega Man franchise, selling over 1.5 million copies. Often regarded as the pinnacle of 8-bit action platforming, it perfected the boss-weapon formula, featured memorable Robot Masters, and delivered one of the best soundtracks on the NES. It is considered one of the most influential action platformers of all time.

Street Fighter II revolutionized and defined the fighting game genre. Its mix of characters and martial art styles offered strategic variety, and its cultural impact is unparalleled, setting the stage for an era of competitive gaming and esports. Over 12,000 gamers voted it into the top 3 arcade games of all time on Ranker. Every fighting game since owes a debt to SFII.

Described as "the greatest weapons-based fighter," Soul Calibur on Dreamcast delivered incredible graphics, fantastic fighters, and combos "so amazing they'll make your head spin." It showcased what the Dreamcast could do and remains one of the highest-rated games of all time with a 98 Metacritic score. It elevated the 3D fighting genre to new heights.

Metroid Fusion features interstellar bounty hunter Samus Aran in one of her most thrilling adventures, being hunted by the terrifying SA-X. The game combines tight 2D action gameplay with a gripping narrative and genuine horror elements. It pushed the GBA hardware while delivering quintessential Metroid exploration and combat.

Sonic Adventure was Sonic Team showing what the Dreamcast could do, representing the blue blur's first true 3D adventure. Each of the game's six characters experiences the stages differently, offering variety from Sonic's platforming to shooting, treasure hunting, and more. It was a groundbreaking 3D action platformer that defined a generation.

Gunstar Heroes is one of the most amazing run-and-gun games of all time. Even the stripped-down Game Gear version is better than the vast majority of games on the system. Treasure's masterpiece features incredibly fast-paced action, gob-smacking visuals, and inventive weapon combinations. You will not find a more intense portable action game.

Order of Ecclesia is considered the best of the DS Castlevania games, taking the franchise in a more action-focused direction. It features the challenging Glyph system, excellent level design, and refined combat. Among the DS's impressive action library, it stands out as a must-play for fans of 2D action games.

Oracle of Seasons took the Zelda formula and "dialed the action up to 11." While its sister game Oracle of Ages focused on puzzles, Seasons emphasized combat and fast-paced gameplay. The game features beautiful pixel art, tight controls, and ingenious season-changing mechanics. Using the password system to link with Oracle of Ages created an even deeper experience.

Shinobi II improves on the original in every way that matters: better levels, improved controls, and amazing visuals. The excellent soundtrack by Yuzo Koshiro and Motohiro Kawashima rounds off one of the finest action titles on the Game Gear. Unlike previous Shinobi titles, it gives players the opportunity to control multiple ninjas with different abilities.

Metroid II brought the influential Metroid formula to portable gaming, following Samus as she systematically hunts Metroids on their home planet SR388. For many players who never had an NES, this was their introduction to the series. The game pulled in the perspective for a closer look at Samus while maintaining the exploration and atmosphere the series is known for.

Featuring an unprecedented 56 characters including fan favorites from both Marvel and Capcom universes, MvC2 offers arcade-perfect 3-on-3 tag-team battles. The chaotic, fast-paced fighting action and deep team-building mechanics made it a tournament staple for years. The Dreamcast version was arcade-perfect and remains one of the most beloved fighting games ever made.