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Best Retro Action

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Rankings use category fit, feature coverage, pricing signals, public reception, and recency. Affiliate relationships do not affect scores.

0.0 - 10.0
Best 1 Doom (1993)

Doom (1993) is a foundational title in the first-person shooter genre. Its fast-paced action, demonic enemies, and groundbreaking multiplayer revolutionized gaming. While its graphics are dated by today's standards, the gameplay remains incredibly satisfying and the level design is iconic. Its infl...

2 Castlevania: Rondo of Blood

Castlevania: Rondo of Blood is a 1993 platform game developed by Konami for the PC Engine Super CD-ROM². The game follows Richter Belmont’s quest to rescue his captured lover, Annette, from Dracula. It was initially released in Japan on October 29, 1993, and served as a direct sequel to Symphony of...

3 Metal Slug 3

Metal Slug 3 is a side-scrolling action video game developed by SNK. Released in 2000 for the Neo-Geo MVS arcade system, it’s known for its intense run-and-gun gameplay and challenging level design. The game continues the series' tradition of over-the-top action featuring diverse characters and weap...

4 Robotron: 2084

Robotron: 2084 is a challenging arcade shoot-em-up released in 1982. Players navigate a dystopian future where they battle relentless waves of robotic adversaries attempting to destroy the last human survivors. The game’s innovative design demanded quick reflexes and strategic aiming, appealing to p...

5 Star Wars
Star Wars

Star Wars is a science fiction saga centered on a galactic conflict between the Rebel Alliance and the tyrannical Galactic Empire. Its enduring appeal stems from its expansive universe, iconic characters, and exploration of themes like heroism and rebellion. The series has profoundly shaped space op...

6 Goldfinger
Goldfinger

Goldfinger is a 1964 spy thriller featuring Sean Connery as James Bond, based on Ian Fleming’s novel. Produced by Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman, it marked the third installment in the James Bond series and was directed by Guy Hamilton. The film includes Honor Blackman, Gert Fröbe, and Shirle...

7 Ultraseven
Ultraseven

Ultraseven is a Japanese tokusatsu television series notable for pioneering the superhero genre within the Ultra Series. Created by Eiji Tsuburaya and broadcast from 1967 to 1968, it features a single hero battling giant monsters using advanced technology. The show’s influence remains significant in...

8 Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger

Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger is the 35th installment in the Super Sentai metaseries, celebrating the franchise’s 35th anniversary. The series follows a pirate-themed team that debuted in 2011, succeeding Tensou Sentai Goseiger and preceding Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters within the *Super Hero Time* block. It...

9 Chōjin Sentai Jetman

Chojin Sentai Jetman was a Japanese tokusatsu television series produced by Toei Company, debuting in 1991 and running for 51 episodes on TV Asahi. It succeeded Chikyu Sentai Fiveman and preceded Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger within the Super Sentai metaseries, incorporating elements from *Science Ninja T...

10 Samurai Champloo

Fuu Kasumi is a young and clumsy waitress who spends her days peacefully working in a small teahouse. That is, until she accidentally spills a drink all over one of her customers! With a group of samurai now incessantly harassing her, Fuu desperately calls upon another samurai in the shop, Mugen, wh...

11 From Russia with Love

From Russia with Love, released in 1963, is a James Bond adventure directed by Terence Young and produced by Eon Productions. The film features Sean Connery as James Bond, an MI6 agent, amidst espionage activities involving Soviet operatives. It serves as the second installment within the James Bond...

12 Streets of Rage 2

Streets of Rage 2 is a 1992 beat 'em up for the Sega Genesis. It continues the story featuring Axel Stone and Blaze Fielding alongside three new playable characters: Max Thunder, Eddie "Skate" Hunter, and the return of Adam Hunter’s younger brother. The game expands upon the original Streets of Rage...

13 Samurai Shodown II

Samurai Shodown II is a 1994 fighting game developed by SNK. It distinguishes itself with its focus on traditional Japanese samurai and their weaponry rather than fantastical elements common in other titles of the era. The game’s roster includes iconic warriors like Haoumaru, appealing to players in...

14 Space Invaders

Space Invaders is a classic arcade shoot ‘em up where players defend against waves of descending aliens using a laser cannon. Players control the horizontal movement of the cannon and fire to eliminate the invaders, earning points with each successful shot. The game features continuous play until al...

15 Ultrakill
Ultrakill

Ultrakill is a modern indie masterpiece that captures the high-speed essence of Doom and Quake. It features a 'blood-is-fuel' mechanic, incredibly fast movement, and complex weapon interactions. While it uses a retro aesthetic, its mechanics are cutting-edge, offering a level of speed and skill expr...

16 WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames!

WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames! is a 2003 Game Boy Advance game developed by Nintendo. The title features rapid succession of short minigames, inspired by Mario Artist: Polygon Studio’s “Sound Bomber” mode. Production was led by Takehiro Izushi and Hirofumi Matsuoka, with sound assets repurposed f...

17 DOOM + BFG Edition

This is the definitive way to experience the original 1993 Doom on modern hardware. It includes the original game, the BFG weapon, and several expansions like Final Fantasy and Doom II content. While it retains the classic sprite-based aesthetics, it features updated resolutions, widescreen support,...

18 Mega Man X2

Mega Man X2 is a 1994 Super Nintendo game developed by Capcom. The title follows Maverick Hunter X as he confronts new threats, including the X-Hunters, who utilize body parts of fallen comrade Zero to target him. Set in a future where humans and Reploids coexist, the game’s narrative centers on X's...

19 Gurren Lagann The Movie: Childhood's End

Animation studio Gainax presented a website for the release of a movie adaptation of the Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann TV series in the fall of 2008. Both the original director and series script editor will return to work on the new project. Gainax will also be hosting four events to celebrate this occ...

20 Avataro Sentai Donbrothers

Avataro Sentai Donbrothers is a 2022 Japanese tokusatsu television drama, part of Toei’s Super Sentai series. It follows a group of heroes loosely based on the Momotarō legend who battle monsters inspired by past Super Sentai designs. The series debuted after its predecessor and preceded Ohsama Sent...

21 Kamen Rider Kuuga

Kamen Rider Kuuga is a Japanese tokusatsu television series, marking the tenth entry in the Kamen Rider franchise. The show debuted during the Heisei period and served as the initial installment of the revived Kamen Rider series following Kamen Rider Black RX. It represented a transition into the 21...

22 Wolfenstein 3D

Wolfenstein 3D is a seminal first-person shooter released in 1992 by id Software. The game places players in the role of B.J. Blazkowicz, an American spy tasked with infiltrating Nazi strongholds during World War II. Its innovative use of raycasting technology created a fast-paced action experience...

23 Contra
Contra

Contra is a classic arcade shoot-em-up developed by Konami. Released in 1987, it’s notable for its intense action gameplay and challenging level design. The game features two playable characters battling waves of enemies across diverse environments. Contra remains popular among gamers who enjoy fast...

24 Gradius
Gradius

Gradius is a 1985 Konami arcade game that established a classic shoot-em-up genre. Players control the Vic Viper to navigate horizontal scrolling levels and defeat enemy spacecraft using power-ups gained from collected capsules. Notable for its innovative weapon system and influence on subsequent ga...

25 Subway Surfers

A classic of the endless runner genre, Subway Surfers features a high-speed chase through subway tracks. Players dodge trains and obstacles while collecting coins. Its polished controls and constant variety in environments keep it engaging for millions. While simple, its mastery of 'flow' state make...

26 20th Century Boys

Humanity, having faced extinction at the end of the 20th century, would not have entered the new millennium if it weren't for them. In 1969, during their youth, they created a symbol. In 1997, as the coming disaster slowly starts to unfold, that symbol returns. This is the story of a group of boys w...

27 Gosei Sentai Dairanger

Gosei Sentai Dairanger is a Japanese tokusatsu television show from Toei Company that aired between 1993 and 1994. It’s notable for its distinctive martial arts action sequences and the unique “Daira” (circle) power system utilized by the rangers. The series primarily targets children interested in...

28 Soulcalibur VI

The Arcade Edition of Soulcalibur VI is a condensed version of the full game. It features a smaller roster and fewer modes, designed to mimic an arcade experience. While it provides a quick way to jump into the core combat mechanics of the latest entry, it lacks the depth, story content, and online...

29 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is a beat 'em up game developed by Tribute Games and published by Dotemu. The game draws inspiration from the 1987 animated series and classic Konami-developed arcade and console titles of the 1980s and 1990s. Players control Turtles or allies against...

30 Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure

Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros’ Treasure is an adventure puzzle game for the Wii, released in 2007. The game centers on Zack and his monkey companion Wiki as they assist a talking skull, Barbaros, in locating his missing body parts. Barbaros then intends to guide them towards “Treasure Island” and...

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