Line #59 Main/StylishAction


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3	%% "Stylish action" (alt. ''Spectacle Fighter'') is not a badge of honor that can be applied to any game we think is cool, stylish, crazy, or deep.
4	%% If a game meets all of these criteria, it belongs. If it doesn't, it doesn't.
5	%% Read the description and make sure an example has all of these design choices before adding it.
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8	%% Image Pickin' thread did not produce a new image: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/posts.php?discussion=16768339080.26724500
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10	[[quoteright:350:[[VideoGame/DevilMayCry5 https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/2020_devil_may_cry_5_screenshot_5_1528782856.jpg]]]]
11	[[caption-width-right:350: You, too, can do this, any time you want -- so long as you know what you're doing.]]
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13	->''"This is simply the benefit of training!"''
14	-->-- '''[[GlassCannon Rosa]]''' from ''VideoGame/Bayonetta2'', spoken only when the player achieves a [[RankInflation Pure Platinum]] combat grade
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16	[[WebAnimation/DeathBattle For some action heroes, it's not enough to just save the world; they've gotta look good doin' it.]]
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18	Stylish Action is a SubGenre of [[ActionGame action]] video games that involves unrealistic combat and [[RuleOfCool the fun that comes from learning how to create it]]. Its main point is to use a deep set of mechanics to be stylish, rather than the style coming from the animations themselves. In short, the style is because ''you'', the player, are ''earning'' stylish combat through developing your skills, not just the character through what they're programmed to do.
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20	Unlike most action games, stylish action is just a particular way of engaging players in combat, so it's crossed over with a few established genres including BeatEmUp, HackAndSlash, and ThirdPersonShooter. Since its mechanics give players a relatively large amount of freedom over how their battles go, the genre is basically the WideOpenSandbox of action games.
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22	Three elements are the backbone of this genre:
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24	* '''Combat depth'''. The selling point of stylish action's combat is its variety. Most action games emphasize defeating your enemies, but stylish action emphasizes ''how'' you do it, so combat tools tend to be meant for different playstyles instead of being clearly better or worse than each other. Attacks and weapons can vary in range, speed, damage, knockback, launch angle, stun, area of effect, the amount of hits and how much they move the player, and status changes like SuperMode, taunts, and BulletTime add to this further.
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26	* '''Teaching through difficulty'''. Stylish action enemies are meant to challenge the player unless they adapt; just like the player's combat tools, enemies will vary in how susceptible they are to particular fighting styles. Unlike most HackAndSlash games, there are no harmless one-hit mooks, so memorizing the behavior patterns of every type of enemy is key to surviving fights. Mistakes tend to be punished harshly to help the player recognize what needs to be improved. On TV Tropes, we call this NintendoHard -- a term from the old days of console gaming where many titles were ported over from arcade cabinets designed to snarf up your quarters.
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28	* '''[[GameplayGrading Scoring as motivation to improve]]'''. Multiple difficulty settings, combo scores, battle reports, and chapter rankings give the player a tangible sense of progress, and more recent games may carry online leaderboards that let players compare their high scores against everyone else. The JustFrameBonus is a popular way of applying this to individual moves; gradually mastering the tricky timing of a particular attack or defend lets players test their skill whenever they want.
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30	If this sounds like stylish action games try to replicate the feel of arcade games, [[OlderThanTheyThink you're absolutely right]] -- Creator/HidekiKamiya (who directed the TropeCodifier ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry'' and its SpiritualSuccessor ''VideoGame/{{Bayonetta}}'') stated that his inspiration for the game's combat came from his days of playing at arcades and finding the ability to make a cool move because he knew people were watching.
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32	Some of the genre's alternate names are '''character action''', '''technical action''', '''cuhrayzee games''', '''spectacle fighters''', '''deep action''', '''arcade action''', '''combo action''' and '''extreme action'''. There are some, however, that don't like this label, and prefer to simply call them action games.
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34	Compare and contrast with two other subgenres: ''[[VideoGame/DynastyWarriors musou]]'', which pit the player against entire armies of individually-harmless enemies, and the SoulsLikeRPG, which refers to games (notably those of Creator/FromSoftware's output like ''VideoGame/DemonsSouls'', ''VideoGame/DarkSouls'' and ''VideoGame/{{Bloodborne}}'') that ''greatly'' prefer "teaching through difficulty" over combat depth or scoring systems.
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36	----
37	!!The genre-defining titles
38	These are the games are universally pointed towards as being part of the "stylish action" genre, and are the ones that established the many conventions that the rest of the genre follows. This is not an indictment on the quality of these games or the games not mentioned, just a list of the ones most universally-agreed upon to be "stylish action" games:
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40	* ''VideoGame/AstralChain'' (Nintendo Switch): This Creator/PlatinumGames title combines the gameplay of fellow Platinum works ''Bayonetta'' and ''[=NieR: Automata=]'' with a touch of ''The Wonderful 101'' to create a game where the player takes control of not just their player character, but also a weapon called the Legion at the same time. Mastering the ability to control both the player character and Legion at the same time allows for creative and dazzling combos in what Platinum dubs a ''Synergetic Action'' game.
41	* ''VideoGame/{{Bayonetta}}'' (PC, [=PlayStation=] 3, [=PlayStation=] 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii U, Nintendo Switch) / ''VideoGame/{{Bayonetta 2}}'' (Wii U, Nintendo Switch) / ''VideoGame/{{Bayonetta 3}}'' (Nintendo Switch): The SpiritualSuccessor to ''Devil May Cry'', the most famous modern example, and exhibits every characteristic listed above. All three games are known for their wide selection of open-ended weapons, combos, and techniques. Defensive play revolves around well-timed dodging to trigger brief BulletTime, and the "dodge offset" advanced mechanic that allows Bayonetta to pause an attack string, dodge, and then finish the string. The first ''Bayonetta'' is considerably less forgiving than its sequels, although combat in all three games is famous for its complexity. An explanation of some mechanics can be found [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqzztvoVngY here]] and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOVVmm4KOm4 here]], while examples of high-level play can be found [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiPnBzaxKvo&t=378s here]] and [[https://youtu.be/z9ebzDdYd5g here]].
42	* ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry''[[note]][=DMC1=], [=DMC2=], and [=DMC3=]: [=PlayStation=] 2, [=PlayStation=] 3, [=PlayStation 4=], Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC \| [=DMC4=]: [=PlayStation=] 3, [=PlayStation=] 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC \| [=DMC5=]: [=PlayStation=] 4, [=PlayStation=] 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, PC[[/note]]: The TropeMaker for the subgenre, and the first game of which was directed by eventual ''Bayonetta'' creator Hideki Kamiya. [[VideoGame/DevilMayCry3DantesAwakening The third entry]], which significantly sped up the gameplay and opened up a massive amount of creative combo opportunities compared to the original two, is often seen as the "[[TropeCodifier refinement]]" of the genre, the [[VideoGame/DevilMayCry4 fourth entry's]] version of Dante has such an absurd amount of [[SomeDexterityRequired difficult]] high level tech that he is likely the most complex action game character ''of all time'', and [[VideoGame/DevilMayCry5 the fifth game]] is widely considered a near-perfect masterpiece of stylish action.
43	** ''VideoGame/DMCDevilMayCry'' ([=PlayStation=] 3, [=PlayStation=] 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC): A franchise reboot of the ''Devil May Cry'' series from Ninja Theory.
44	** ''VideoGame/DevilMayCryPeakOfCombat'' ([=iOS=], Android): An ActionRPG spin-off with a {{Gacha\|Games}} monetization model. Ironically, its simplified gameplay and reliance on character switching, character variations, RPG elements, and ability cooldowns make it play just like other stylish action mobile gachas such as ''VideoGame/HonkaiImpact3rd'' and ''VideoGame/PunishingGrayRaven'', two older games that were following the footsteps of ''Devil May Cry'' before it.
45	* ''VideoGame/GodHand'' ([=PS2=]): An over-the-top hand-to-hand brawler that lets players assign techniques to three attacking buttons in lieu of weapons. This was the last game made by Creator/CloverStudio before shutting down, though many of the design team migrated over to Creator/PlatinumGames afterward.
46	* ''VideoGame/MetalGearRisingRevengeance'' (Xbox 360, [=PS3=], PC): A challenging Creator/PlatinumGames title. The game's combat is based in bladed weapons and realistic cutting physics, along with ''Metal Gear'' stealth. Defensive play is mostly reliant on parrying attacks and potentially counterattacking with frame-perfect timing, while players can also "stab-and-grab" repair units from foes to recharge their health and energy. An example of advanced tech being used on the final boss can be found [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgsp4oasfAY here]].[[note]]The player in this video is canceling the animations of two tech options, a slide attack and a sidestep-slash, by briefly entering "Blade Mode", the game's at-will BulletTime mechanic. The sidestep normally grants brief invincibility, but when canceled correctly with Blade Mode, the player can effectively stand in the way of an attack without taking any damage. This use for Blade Mode is never taught to the player in-game.[[/note]]
47	* ''VideoGame/NinjaGaiden'' (Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, [=PS3=], PS Vita, [=PS4=], Nintendo DS, Wii U, Nintendo Switch, PC): The 3D games (and the ''God of War''-like ''Yaiba'' ([=PlayStation=] 3, Xbox 360, PC) to a lesser extent), which rely on lightning-quick reflexes, mixing grounded approaches with risky air combos, and skilled manipulation of unforgiving, aggressive enemies. The ''Black'' [[UpdatedRerelease rerelease]] of ''VideoGame/NinjaGaiden2004'' is widely considered the series' strongest entry.
48	* ''VideoGame/{{Vanquish}}'' (Xbox 360, [=PS3=], [=PS4=], Xbox One, PC): A fast-paced third-person shooter from Creator/PlatinumGames. Guns, grenades, powerful melee attacks, and cover are standard fare for the genre, but ''Vanquish'' adds stylish action with two mechanics: the first is a high-speed powerslide that gives players unrivaled mobility, and the second is "AR Mode", an at-will BulletTime that players can only trigger with some form of movement or low health, forcing the player to be active/risking themselves in combat, and combine with the game's basic mechanics to create combos. A video of high-level play in the game's first level can be found [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tysaJyJ1hA here]].
49	* ''VideoGame/ViewtifulJoe'' ([=PS2=], Gamecube): A sidescrolling, 2.5D beat-em-up game developed by ''VideoGame/{{Okami}}'' developer Clover Studio and published by Capcom as one of the "Capcom Five"[[note]]A set of five games published by Capcom for the Nintendo Gamecube which include this game, ''P.N.03'', ''Dead Phoenix'', ''VideoGame/ResidentEvil4'', and ''VideoGame/Killer7''[[/note]]. The game utilizes a time manipulation gimmick which allows the player to either speed up or slow down time for dodging enemy attacks and solving puzzles, with the player's performance being graded after every encounter. This naturally leads to some [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6-yoYRyAFQ impressive combat scenarios]] in the hands of a skilled player.
50	* ''VideoGame/{{The Wonderful 101}}'' (Wii U, Nintendo Switch, [=PS4=], PC): A ''VideoGame/{{Pikmin}}'' and ''VideoGame/{{Okami}}'' hybrid with an over-the-top sense of superhero scale, published by Nintendo, made by Creator/PlatinumGames and directed by Hideki Kamiya. Players fight by combining their team members to form "Unite Morphs," gigantic weapons and objects that can interact with the arena and its enemies in various ways. As with Kamiya's other games, new players can expect lots of difficulty, but the fast-paced combat is ultimately fair once it's mastered.
51	----
52	!!Other examples of the genre
53	These are titles that feature some elements of the stylish action genre, but for one reason or another, aren't considered to be the archetypal titles in vein of the aforementioned games and are less agreed-upon as being part of the genre in comparison to the genre-defining titles. Again, these games being listed here is not an indictment on their quality - they're just more contested when it comes to classification as a "stylish action" game.
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55	* ''VideoGame/AfroSamurai'' ([=PS3=], Xbox 360): A 2009 hack-and-slash based on the anime of the same name. It boasts a fairly in-depth combat system featuring a plethora of combos utilizing not only standard light/heavy attacks, but kicks as well as parries and a "focus" system allowing for precise dismemberment of enemies, serving as a sort of far less refined version of MGR's Blade Mode. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PxZEarxm6s These]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJ-5FekjQNo videos]] give a good idea of what's possible with the mechanics. There is also a minigame called Body Part Poker, which encourages players to utilize the aforementioned focus to cut certain parts of enemies off to earn bonuses.
56	* ''[[https://www.kongregate.com/games/oneextragames/agony-the-portal Agony: The Portal]]'': A flash-based HackAndSlash side-scrolling WebGame that pits you, an EvilOverlord MagicKnight with a flail and dark magic against hordes of different enemies, with a basic combo scoring system that rewards not only stringing long chains of attacks to crush the forces of good before you, but doing so in ''style'', actively giving out higher rewards for combos involving as many special attacks as possible.
57	* ''[[https://store.steampowered.com/app/767930/Assault_Spy/ Assault]] [[https://www.gog.com/game/assault_spy Spy]]'' (PC): A spy themed "stylish, fast paced, pure-action game with a dash of comedy" with incredible ''Devil May Cry'' influences.
58	* ''VideoGame/AzureStrikerGunvoltSeries'' ([=3DS=], Switch, PC, [=PS4=], [=PS5=], Xbox One) is known for utilizing a unique scoring system called "Kudos". Kudos is earned by defeating enemies in a successful chain, and as well as defeating bosses using a skill. By utilizing different means to defeat enemies (such as aerial finishers, chaining tags, etc.) more Kudos can be earned. Taking damage will immediately rob you of your Kudos count, and reaching a checkpoint (bar ''3'') will bank your stored Kudos, thus, encouraging players to actually keep their score count, which includes during fights with a stage boss. Attaining higher ranks require players to precisely memorize the stage layout and anticipate enemy attacks to avoid getting hit, and as well as quickly clearing a stage in a lowest time limit. Later games put more emphasis on a fast-paced, high octane action by offering a variety of options to defeating enemies and earning kudos.
59	* ''VideoGame/AstroBoyOmegaFactor'' (GBA) turns into this at higher levels of play, since Astro has access to three FightingGame-style [[LimitBreak supers]], every hit in a combo is a score multiplier, and it's possible to reset your basic attack combo by [[FlashStep jetting]] up to three times, but since the combo counter/score multiplier only goes up to 10, it's a pretty limited take on the genre (but then again, it ''was'' made for the UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance).
60	* [[https://store.steampowered.com/app/741140/Baldr_Sky/ Baldr Sky]] (PC): VisualNovel it may be, the other half of it is an action-fighting hybrid that features a customizable moveset akin to ''VideoGame/GodHand'' that allows players to execute tech like canceling one string of attacks into an aerial launcher that follows up with another set of attacks. [[https://youtu.be/X7ANY9JqmvE A demonstration of some of the more advanced techniques in this game can be seen here.]]
61	* ''VideoGame/BeyondSunset'' (PC), one of the most gorgeous first-person HackAndSlash action games ever.
62	* ''VideoGame/BladedFury'' (PC, [=PS4=], Xbox One) a game whose graphics looks like ancient Chinese art coming to life.
63	* ''VideoGame/BloodOver'' (PC): A [=2D=] doujin game where players are encouraged to "overkill" enemies by effectively using the protagonist's guns and kick attacks as well as their partner to deal out heavy damage to their opposition.
64	* ''VideoGame/BrightMemory'', or more precisely, ''[[UpdatedRerelease Bright Memory: Infinite]]'' (PC, [=PS5=], Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch) offers the player a variety of guns, swordplay, a PowerFist with several interesting powers, and high speed movement options, allowing for creative and visually spectacular means of destroying various enemies encountered along the way.
65	* ''VideoGame/{{Bulletstorm}}'' (Switch, PC, [=PlayStation=] 3, [=PlayStation=] 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One): A first-person shooter by People Can Fly. Described with the tagline of "kill with skill," it's based around racking up massive combos of "skillshots" that involve slaughtering your opponent in more stylish ways than just basic headshots (and repeating the same one often lowers your score). Becomes essential on the hard difficulty, since the higher your score is with the skillshot system, the more often you can buy ammo & upgrades for your weaponry.
66	* ''VideoGame/{{Bujingai}}'' ([=PS2=]): A game that followed in the wake of ''Devil May Cry'', except it uses {{Wuxia}} as a major influence.
67	* ''Videogame/CastlevaniaLordsOfShadow'' and ''Videogame/CastlevaniaLordsOfShadow2'' (Xbox 360, [=PlayStation=] 3, PC), a SpinOff of the ''Franchise/{{Castlevania}}'' franchise in which you get to play as the series' BigBad {{Dracula}} himself, both in his time as a human and as a vampire, the game encourages a varied and aggressive fighting style through its meter system and various SuperMode to keep the fighting fresh.
68	** ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaLordsOfShadowMirrorOfFate'' (Nintendo 3DS, [=PlayStation=] 3, Xbox 360, PC): A game similar in nature to the two console entries above, it is notable for being one of a few character action games on the 3DS, playing like a 2D ''God of War''.
69	* ''VideoGame/ChaosLegion'' ([=PS2=], PC): A video game based on the obscure and Japan-only light novel series of the same name, which is also considered to be the spiritual predecessor to ''Astral Chain'' as its protagonist has the ability to summon various Legions at their beck and call to fight hordes of enemies. The game features various abilities their character can learn through their Legions and encourages skillful play to get the most amount of experience points possible through each stage.
70	* ''VideoGame/{{Croixleur}}'' (PC): An arcade-styled doujin game heavily inspired by the Bloody Palace from the later ''Devil May Cry'' entries where players must quickly dispatch waves of enemies using various weapons of their choice under a time limit. Its re-releases add a scoring system and grading system that evaluates player performance.
71	* ''VideoGame/DantesInferno'' (Xbox 360, [=PlayStation=] 3, PSP): Developed by Visceral Games, the same team behind the ''Dead Space'' franchise, it is a hack-and-slash game heavily inspired by ''God of War'' and loosely based on the first part of Dante Alighieri's ''The Divine Comedy''. This incarnation of Dante fights his way through the Nine Circles of Hell armed with Death's scythe and magic spells in an attempt to rescue Beatrice from the clutches of Lucifer. Combining the scythe's hack-and-slash mechanics with the Cross' projectile spells, the game encourages the player to fight stylishly through waves of enemies while solving the occasional puzzle.
72	* ''VideoGame/{{Darksiders}}''[[note]]([=PS3=], [=PS4=], Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii U, Switch)[[/note]] and ''VideoGame/DarksidersII''[[note]]([=PS3=], [=PS4=], Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii U, Switch)[[/note]] both combine ''Zelda''-esque puzzle solving and open world traversal with a combo-based fighting system reminiscent of early ''God of War'' and ''Devil May Cry''. While not as combat-heavy as other examples, the games encourage chaining offensive moves and defensive tactics to survive and dispatch enemies with swiftness and intricacy during encounters, being far more melee-heavy and arcade-esque than the average action adventure-focused game.
73	** ''VideoGame/DarksidersIII'' ([=PS4=], Windows, Xbox One, Switch), while incorporating far more methodical Souls-like elements in its combat instead, still incorporates a strong focus on barrages of attacks despite having a more limited array of combos. It also has the option for the player to adjust the playstyle to resemble that of the first two games. ''VideoGame/DarksidersGenesis'' ([=PS4=], Windows, Xbox One, Switch, Stadia), meanwhile, combines mechanics from the original two games with a ''Diablo''-like top down perspective.
74	* ''VideoGame/TheDishwasher'' (PC, Xbox 360): This 2D action game from Creator/SkaStudios has a lot in common with Devil May Cry and relishes in its fast pace with button prompts that initiate fast finishing moves that can link to more combos. With long range options in the guns and weapon switching to make combos more interesting, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMp3bjkt3XY the game has found its place in the action gaming community]].
75	* ''VideoGame/Doom2016'' (PC, Switch, [=PlayStation=] 4, Xbox One) and ''VideoGame/DoomEternal'' (PC, [=PlayStation=] 4, Xbox One, Switch): Two classic shooter game reboots made by ''Creator/IdSoftware''. Bringing style to shooters in a method similar to ''VideoGame/{{Vanquish}}'', the reboots introduce two mechanics designed to improve the combat: Glory Kills, which serve as {{Finishing Move}}s, and weapon mods, which change how alternate weapon fire works for each of the guns, giving the games an extra layer of strategy.
76	* ''VideoGame/EvilWest'' (Xbox One, Xbox Series X\|S, [=PlayStation=] 4, [=PlayStation=] 5, PC): An AlwaysOverTheShoulder ThirdPersonShooter with a mix of BeatEmUp elements. The game does not use any [[TakeCover cover mechanics]]. Emphasizing on dodging, twitch shooting, and melee in-between. There is more of an arcade nature, as all of your weapons are on recharge or cooldown, and there is no reloading.
77	* ''VideoGame/FairyBloomFreesia'' (PC): A 2D indie title that features extensive ground-to-air combo capabilities similar to ''Bayonetta''.
78	* ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXV'' (Xbox One, [=PlayStation=] 4, PC): The ultimate culmination of Creator/SquareEnix attempting to replicate the action scenes of ''Anime/FinalFantasyVIIAdventChildren'' in an actual game, higher-level gameplay is as high flying and action-packed as your typical Shounen anime, emphasizing skillful play more than raw stats by grading your performance based on your Offense (how aggressive you are), your Time (how short the battle is), and your Finesse (how often you attack the enemy's blind spots, and how often you parry), and rewarding you with more skill points for the game's skill tree if you A+ one of them with specific accessories equipped, the ability to swap between multiple weapons, as well as grenade-like spells, on the relative fly, the need to tactically command your party to efficiently, and even giving the option of intentionally making yourself WeakButSkilled by locking the level up system behind your characters resting. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYnuJ4dQe-M As this gameplay video shows]], there's a reason why ''VideoGame/LostSoulAside'', a longtime member of this list, had this as one of its inspirations.
79	** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVIIRemake'' ([=PlayStation=] 4) continues to build upon Square's vision of a highly-stylish combat system by using the framework established by ''Final Fantasy XV'' and the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series to create a balanced mixture between the dynamic combat of newer Square Enix titles and the more methodical, strategic nature of older [=JRPG=]s. Gameplay is notably heavier and slower than ''XV'', but players gain access to distinct combat styles offered by different characters (which can be changed on the fly) and chain combos, magic, and parries to deliver devastating damage.
80	*** Its sequel ''[[VideoGame/FinalFantasyVIIRebirth Rebirth]]'' ([=PlayStation=] 5) expands character movesets and adds Synergy attacks, further diversifying the combat.
81	** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXVI'' ([=PlayStation=] 5), the long-awaited successor to ''XV'', is the most obvious example in the franchise yet. [[https://www.gematsu.com/2021/02/final-fantasy-xvi-is-quite-action-oriented-but-includes-story-focused-mode Not only does it take]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8SGUOa7e5g the action further]], it has Ryota Suzuki, was one of the combat designers for ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry5'', as combat designer. [[https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/platinumgames-and-the-kingdom-hearts-4-studio-each-developed-parts-of-final-fantasy-16/ PlatinumGames also took part in the game's development]].
82	** ''VideoGame/StrangerOfParadiseFinalFantasyOrigin'' (Xbox One, Xbox Series, [=PlayStation=] 4, [=PlayStation=] 5, PC): A SpinOff developed by Team Ninja which brings a combat system more akin to the studio's ''VideoGame/{{Nioh}}'' and combines it with the aesthetics and magic systems of the franchise.
83	* ''VideoGame/FISTForgedInShadowTorch'' ([=PS4=], [=PS5=], PC, Switch, Xbox Series), while a {{Metroidvania}} through and through, features a surprisingly deep combat system with three weapons which can be swapped on the fly; each with a variety of combos, super moves and special actions which can be chained together for some [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRuriwHPZJI spectacular results]].
84	* ''VideoGame/GhostOfTsushima'' ([=PlayStation=] 4, [=PlayStation=] 5) is the closest an ''Franchise/AssassinsCreed''-style game comes to this, with a stance system similar to ''VideoGame/{{Nioh}}'', as well as a wide array of unlockable projectiles that encourage versatility and creativity in combat. These, combined with a plethora of stealth moves, a unique skill tree to each stance with varying effectiveness against certain enemy types, and methodical-yet-fast battles that require a mixture of offensive and defensive tactics to win effectively, give the player a huge array of ways to manage fights, whether you choose a stealthy or close-quarters approach. Sucker Punch themselves even described it as a "skill-based brawler" during its development, going beyond a standard hack-and-slash.
85	* ''VideoGame/GodOfWar''[[note]]God of War 1 and 2: [=PlayStation=] 2, [=PlayStation=] 3, [=PlayStation=] 4, God of War: Ghost of Sparta and Chains of Olympus: [=PlayStation Portable=], God of War III: [=PlayStation=] 3, [=PlayStation=] 4[[/note]]: A hack-and-slash series featuring chained swords, grapples, and magic as its combat components. ''God of War'' features easy-to-learn combat, various setups for combos and loops, and a simple scoring system that rewards extended combos at certain lengths. While not as overtly technical as other classics in the genre like ''Devil May Cry'', the low execution barrier, and simplicity make it a good choice for newer players. However, to those that are willing to dig deeper, there is significantly more to the combat than many assume there is. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjTG5LpaG3o This video]] from ''VideoGame/GodOfWarIII'' shows off some possibilities of the combat system.
86	** The 2018 ''[[VideoGame/GodOfWarPS4 God of War]]'' ([=PlayStation=] 4, [=PlayStation=] 5, PC) soft reboot's placement in the genre is more up in the air, as it moves away from the faster-paced, over the top action of the previous games in favor of a more grounded, almost [[Main/SoulsLikeRPG ''Souls''-like methodical]] combat that also emphasizes the usage of Kratos' son Atreus as AssistCharacter. That said, the game still heavily encourages chaining combos to great effect, mixing with an axe that can be thrown away and addition of RPGElements that expand on Kratos' options and abilities for battles, as well as carefully translating the old combat system of the original games to a new perspective.
87	** ''VideoGame/GodOfWarRagnarok'' ([=PlayStation=] 4, [=PlayStation=] 5) is the previous game, but more. More vertically in combat arenas and level designs. More ways to mix and match combos, magic, runic attacks, and assists. The game becomes more faster paced in the combat deparment compared to its predecessor.
88	* ''VideoGame/GhostRider2007'' ([=PlayStation=] 2): A video game based on the 2007 Marvel film of the same name. It combines elements of ''Devil May Cry'' and ''God of War''.
89	* ''VideoGame/{{Gungrave}}'' ([=PS2=]): A ThirdPersonShooter that could be considered the "spiritual ancestor" of sorts to ''Vanquish'', [[https://youtu.be/UBtS2gVw9IQ?t=260 if this video is anything to go by]]. Currently consists of ''VideoGame/Gungrave2002'' and its sequels ''VideoGame/GungraveOverdose'' ([=PlayStation=] 2) and ''VideoGame/GungraveGORE'' ([=PlayStation=] 4\|5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, PC).
90	* ''[[https://store.steampowered.com/app/1094590/Helvetii/ Helvetii]]'' (PC) takes the stylish combat and interestingly mixes it in with a generous helping of a {{Roguelike}}: while the enemies in any given level are generally the same, encounter composition and the level layout are randomized, forcing the player to adapt and get creative in order to ace every encounter. Featuring three characters with varied movesets, including launchers, air raves, downward slams, and ranged attacks; as well as various ways to buff various aspects of your character (notably the "Divine Pact" you can forge which allows you to summon a god from the Gallic pantheon to either buff you or unleash a LimitBreak-style attack), no two fights in ''Helvetii'' ever look the same but they are always visually stunning and extremly satisfying.
91	* ''VideoGame/HiFiRush'' (PC, Xbox Series X\|S, [=PlayStation=] 5): A rhythm-based action game from Creator/TangoGameworks. Hiding behind its ''VideoGame/SunsetOverdrive''-esque aesthetics and gameplay lies a tightly-woven combat system that rewards players for attacking and defending in time to the beat of the soundtrack.
92	* ''VideoGame/HonkaiImpact3rd'' ([=iOS=], Android, PC) was admitted [[WordOfGod by the creators]] as being their attempt at making a game similar to ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry'' and ''VideoGame/{{Bayonetta}}'' but for [[MobilePhoneGame mobile]] with [[GachaGames gacha elements]].
93	* ''[[https://store.steampowered.com/app/1522080/Jitsu_Squad/ Jitsu Squad]]'' (PC, [=PS4=], Xbox One, Switch): A beat-em-up with fighting game mechanics, this game's combat system - heavily inspired by VideoGame/MarvelVsCapcom - has players tag out characters for other characters to unleash wild combos.
94	* ''Kamen Rider: Memory of Heroez'' ([=PS4=], Switch): An action game starring the main characters of [[Series/KamenRiderDouble Kamen Rider W]], Series/KamenRiderOOO and Series/KamenRiderZeroOne. Despite having a Souls-like stamina system (which can be easily nullified upon equipping an "Accelarator" earned from clearing the game for the first time) in the form of "Rider Power" gauge which depletes from doing actions that aren't moving or normal attacks, the game still allows and encourages you to make extensive use of the Form Change mechanic and chain combos (or simply just the latter if you're playing as Kamen Rider Joker, [=FangJoker=] and Proto-Birth, who does not have an alternate form like every other characters in the roster) for the best score during an enemy encounter and boss fight. With the aforementioned "Accelarator" that nullifies the stamina system equipped, the player is capable of performing series of [[https://youtu.be/bHYexgJ6BZ8 amazing]] [[https://youtu.be/yvqpJaQ22cI combos]] with more freedom.
95	* ''VideoGame/KillerIsDead'' (Xbox 360, [=PlayStation=] 3, PC): Created by Creator/GrasshopperManufacture as a SpiritualSuccessor to both ''VideoGame/Killer7'' and the ''VideoGame/NoMoreHeroes'' series, the game features a complex combat system that, while simpler than that of ''Devil May Cry'' and ''Bayonetta'', allows for some visually spectacular fights.
96	* ''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsIII'' ([=PlayStation=] 4, Xbox One, PC, Switch) is this, especially compared to previous titles, the combat is fast-paced with a great variety of foes to fight, but an even greater amount of ways to take them down, including normal combos, magic, summons, rides, Keyblade transformations, {{Super Mode}}s, and more, all of which is at the control of the player and can be unleashed, many times simultaneously for even greater combos. The [[VideoGame/KingdomHeartsIIIReMind ReMind DLC]] (As well as the free update that proceeds it) adds in brand new combo modifiers for Base Sora that take this even further, and the update also increased the overall combat speed of Sora himself.
97	** ''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsII'' ([=PlayStation=] 2, [=PlayStation=] 3, [=PlayStation=] 4, Xbox One, PC, Switch), especially the final mix version, is also this to a lesser extent, with a distinct amount of combo modifiers, fast-paced gameplay, various drive form transformations for new combos and abilities, that can be activated even mid-combo, and more.
98	* ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfKorra'' ([=PS3=], [=PS4=], Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC): Another Creator/PlatinumGames work, which features deep combat based around physical combat and "bending" four elements with different uses. While the scoring system is shallow compared to other Platinum games, its versatile combat and surprisingly harsh difficulty still make it one of the genre's most complex games.
99	* ''[[VideoGame/LegoStarWars Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga]]'' ([=PS4=]/[=PS5=], Xbox One/Xbox Series X\|S, Switch, PC), of all things, has a surprisingly technical and combo heavy combat system which many players have compared to ''Devil May Cry'' and others of its ilk and [[https://twitter.com/Revolthell/status/1511748812183945228 have]] [[https://twitter.com/Aidan_Core/status/1511485663874478086 exploited it]] [[https://twitter.com/RedOrbFragment/status/1511507554425208833 to]] [[https://twitter.com/Revolthell/status/1511792881153069062 great effect.]]
100	* ''VideoGame/LollipopChainsaw'' (Xbox 360, [=PS3=]), Creator/GrasshopperManufacture's answer to ''Bayonetta''. With a mix of hand-to-hand fighting and chainsaw attacks, players can trigger Sparkle Hunts, which are slow-mo-style rewards earned by killing multiple enemies at once. A remake is in the works for Platform/PlayStation5.
101	* ''VideoGame/LostSoulAside'' ([=PS4=], [=PS5=]): Formerly a one-man-team-made action game by Bing Yang (Now hired by Sony) that has aspects of the Teleportation system of ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXV'' with ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry'' and ''VideoGame/{{Bujingai}}'' influences.
102	* [[https://maddison-baek.itch.io/magenta-horizon Magenta Horizon]] (PC) cites VideoGame/HollowKnight and VideoGame/DevilMayCry as its inspirations, and provides both tricky platforming with plethora of different movement options and frantic yet technical combat with a vast assortment of techniques (including the aforementioned movement options) which can be chained into combos to fill out a [[GameplayGrading style meter]].
103	* ''[[https://store.steampowered.com/app/1165870/Mahou_Arms/ Mahou Arms]]'' (PC): A ''Devil May Cry''/''[=NieR=]:Automata'' character action fusion with the former's Style Ranks and the latter's protagonist and setting.
104	* ''VideoGame/MarlowBriggsAndTheMaskOfDeath'' (PC, Xbox 360): A blend of ''God of War'' and ''Dante's Inferno'' (and even ''[=DmC=] Devil May Cry''), the game employs the combat systems of both games in addition to ''[=DmC=]'''s weapon change system, allowing players to perform the same kinds of combos possible in all three action games.
105	* ''VideoGame/MarvelsAvengers'' (Xbox One, Series X\|S, [=PlayStation=] 4, [=PlayStation=] 5, PC, Google Stadia): This Creator/CrystalDynamics title in Marvel's standalone video game series has the player take control of a multitude of Earth's Mightest Heroes, utilizing a combo system allowing for air juggles, attack cancels, and all sorts of combat tech. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9niF5gTIt-Y&hd=1 here]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zq78Dt5RG9U&t=215s&hd=1 are]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84zTCcEzCK4&hd=1 some]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMf95WUrrq4&hd=1 possib]][[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdYSgem8WUM&hd=1 ilities.]]
106	* ''VideoGame/MitsurugiKamuiHikae'' (Switch, PC, [=PS4=], Xbox One): Takes inspiration from the Bloody Palace mode seen in later ''Devil May Cry'' entries and Tamsoft's ''VideoGame/{{Onechanbara}}'' series as players faces off multiple waves of enemies in an arena with an end boss after waves have been completed.
107	* ''[[https://store.steampowered.com/app/537000/Nelo/ Nelo]]'' (PC): A game described by developer Magic and Mirrors as a "lightning fast, out of this world, genre-blending, bullet-hell, character-action epic"; it is currently on Steam in Early Access. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjmdojbYCBQ Recent Gameplay from the Official Youtube Channel]]
108	* ''VideoGame/NierAutomata'' ([=PS4=], Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch): Somewhat simpler than some of ''Platinum'''s other works, and slightly more reliant on stats and equips, but it still requires precision for high-level play, and it's significantly more skill-based than your typical ActionRPG.
109	** The 2021 remake of ''[[VideoGame/NieR [=NieR=]: Replicant]]'' ([=PS4=], Xbox One, Windows) adapts the combat system to resemble that of ''Automata'', allowing for more fluid combat that encourages more precise strikes and defense, particularly in later battles.
110	* ''VideoGame/TheNightmareBeforeChristmasOogiesRevenge'' ([=PS2=], Xbox): No, really. A ''WesternAnimation/TheNightmareBeforeChristmas'' LicensedGame, developed by Creator/{{Capcom}}, including several of the talent behind the ''Devil May Cry'' series, originally released between ''DMC 2'' and ''3''. While a bit more simplistic than most due to its status as a licensed game, several mechanics introduced in later ''DMC'' games and ''Bayonetta'' actually originated here, making it a strange step in the genre's history.
111	* ''VideoGame/{{Nioh}}'' and ''VideoGame/Nioh2'' (both [=PS4=], [=PS5=], PC): From the same team as the above Ninja Gaiden games, it combines Ninja Gaiden esque mechanics with a [[VideoGame/DarkSouls Souls]]-esque stamina bar and progression system.
112	* ''VideoGame/NoMoreHeroes'' (Wii, Nintendo Switch, PC), to an extent. While not as fast-paced as ''Devil May Cry'' or ''God of War'', the game nonetheless encourages the player to make use of both the [[LaserSword beam katana]] and [[WrestlerInAllOfUs wrestling]] moves in order to fight like a badass.
113	** ''VideoGame/NoMoreHeroesIII'' (Switch, [=PlayStation=] 4, [=PlayStation=] 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X\|S, PC), especially compared to the first three installments. Whereas the first two games were hack-and-slash with minor stylish action elements with the wrestling moves and extended beam katana combos and ''[[VideoGame/TravisStrikesAgainNoMoreHeroes Travis Strikes Again]]'' was a top-down action game with platformer and GenreRoulette elements, this game takes the action to new heights, with far-reaching beam katana combos, all-new wrestling finishers, and the Death Glove from ''TSA'' allowing Travis to perform new skills to extend his combos with. By far Creator/Suda51's flashiest game yet, which is really saying a lot.
114	* ''{{VideoGame/Okami}}'' ([=PS2=], [=PS3=] [=PS4=], Xbox One, Wii, Nintendo Switch, PC) for that matter, while hardly a ball-buster in the difficulty department and with a comparatively simplistic grading system, rewards skillful fighting with extra currency based on [[GameplayGrading final grade]] and offers a decent assortment of combos, purchasable techniques, and brush powers to play with.
115	* ''VideoGame/{{Onechanbara}}'' ([=PlayStation=] 2, Wii, [=PlayStation=] 3, Xbox 360, [=PlayStation=] 4, [=PlayStation=] Portable, PC): Starting with ''Onechanbara Z ~ Kagura ~'' (Xbox 360), the series took a more Bayonetta[=/=]DMC playstyle with a ranking system. Becoming less of a ''Dynasty Warriors'' clone. ''Z2 Chaos'' ([[=PlayStation=] 4, PC) takes this further: allowing air juggling and switching between 4 players on the fly, even during mid-combo or in-between attacks.
116	* The ''VideoGame/{{Onimusha}}'' series ([=PS2=], [=PS4=], Xbox One, Switch, PC) deserves a mention, as while it is very Resident Evil-esque mechanically, it indirectly gave birth to ''Devil May Cry'' through a bug in its initial version which allowed enemies to be juggled, which ended up inspiring Hideki Kamiya to create DMC's mechanics. The series proper also has elements of the genre, as while your combos are limited and must be figured out, you are rewarded for your defense through the Issen mechanic, an instakill parry that was one of the first of its kind in modern action games. This, along with the ranking system, could make the first game another UrExample along with the below-mentioned ''Rising Zan''. The fourth game, ''Dawn of Dreams'', is the closest to a straight example with more playable characters possessing their own movelists, a combo counter, and more free movement.
117	* ''VideoGame/Persona5Strikers'' (Switch, [=PS4=], PC) is the closest a ''Warriors''-like game comes to this genre, with a diverse movelist that encourages improvisation, requiring players to master melee, ranged combat, and elemental magic at a fast pace to exploit enemy weaknesses. Combine this with each party member's abilities differing, along with the strategic use of customizable Persona skills translating to real-time combat, and there are tons of creative ways to manage battles.
118	* ''VideoGame/PunishingGrayRaven'' (Android, iOS, PC), in the moment to moment action, is highly skill-based, requiring players to have a thorough knowledge of the many characters' abilities and when to implement them, while timing dodges to prevent overuse and further maximize damage. Players have even [[https://youtu.be/IGjuJuaNkZI managed to make]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgYaZXQccAM ''Devil May Cry''-level]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9ltw5qVgKc combos]] ingame.
119	* ''[[https://store.steampowered.com/app/240660/Rain_Blood_Chronicles_Mirage/ Rain Blood Chronicles: Mirage]]'' (PC): A 2D game whose feudal aesthetic and style mechanics.
120	* ''VideoGame/RisingZanTheSamuraiGunman'' ([=PS1=]): The UrExample.
121	* ''VideoGame/SakunaOfRiceAndRuin'' ([=PS4=], Switch, PC), along with being a SimulationGame of Rice Farming, stars a war god's daughter, appropriately. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXLRyKEHBVg It's also surprisingly technical for a 2D action game.]]
122	* ''VideoGame/ShadowWarrior2013'' and ''VideoGame/ShadowWarrior3'' ([=PlayStation=] 4, PC, Xbox One) have had a ''DMC'' inspired score-system that rewarded combos, experimentation and using your sword after each arena encounter. The latter takes a few notes from ''DOOM Eternal'' and integrates "Glory Kills", improvised weapons, and further stage interaction.
123	* ''VideoGame/ScarletNexus'' ([=PS4=], [=PS5=], Xbox One, Xbox Series, PC): Chaining high-speed melee attacks with psychokinetic powers and skills [[https://youtu.be/y-ZMwkYJ2QE can open]] [[https://youtu.be/KSYA5oCjQ7o up]] [[https://youtu.be/XyhGDNCGK4A a variety]] [[https://youtu.be/4KqiyoQMtT8 of opportunities]] [[https://youtu.be/EGnsyzny5ic with different characters]]
124	* ''VideoGame/SekiroShadowsDieTwice'' ([=PS4=], Xbox One, PC): The closest example to this from Creator/FromSoftware[[note]]if you ignore Ninja Blade[[/note]], it is notably much quicker in terms of action than their other Souls-likes, putting emphasis on aggression, using perfect parries to deflect moves, and using certain types of alternate weapons and tools to find weak points in enemies.
125	* ''VideoGame/{{Sifu}}'' ([=PS4=], [=PS5=], PC, Switch): a beat 'em-up with ''God Hand'' and ''Yakuza'' influences. With the combat from both and the setting of the latter, players skillfully fight through rooms of enemy fighters with many kung-fu-style attacks. The game is noted for its age mechanic, which makes the game more difficult the more the player dies in combat, emphasizing skill over blind mashing. [[https://youtu.be/Vy-enf5xxgQ Here's a trailer.]]
126	* ''VideoGame/{{Soulstice}}'' (PC, [=PS5=], Xbox One) features gameplay heavily influenced by the likes of VideoGame/DevilMayCry and VideoGame/NierAutomata complete with GameplayGrading.
127	* ''[[https://store.steampowered.com/app/468670/Speed_Brawl/ Speed Brawl]]'' (PC): A speed-based 2D brawler that allows for slick and speedy combos, tag-team combat, and parkour mechanics to finish combat encounters with speed and style.
128	* ''[[VideoGame/SpiderManPS4 Marvel's Spider-Man]]'' (PC, [=PS4=], [=PS5=]): A third-person open-world action-adventure game based on Spider-Man, featuring air combos, web attacks, and environmental combat that gives the player a huge variety of tools to take down enemies, making fights extremely improvisational, as well as far deeper than any prior Spider-Man game. Featuring a large skill tree, including suit powers that allow for customizable special moves.
129	** ''VideoGame/SpiderManMilesMorales'' ([=PS4=], [=PS5=]): A SpinOff starring [[Characters/MarvelComicsMilesMorales Miles Morales]], with an altered combat system that features largely the same combat system but with notable alterations befitting its protagonist, including [[ShockAndAwe bioelectrical abilities]] that Miles can chain into combos and finishers. Those powers also exist to compensate for and balance Miles' lower raw strength and durability compared to the first game's Peter.
130	*** Not to be bested by the above two however is ''VideoGame/SpiderManWebOfShadows'' ([=PlayStation=] 3, [=PlayStation 2=], [=PlayStation=] Portable, Xbox 360, Wii, PC, DS). The game contains incredibly fast-paced combat that a [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXMH0BDv20s few]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FucR7Tck3Nc players]] have gleefully demonstrated the stylish action potential of on ground, in the air and even on walls.
131	* The 2010 ''VideoGame/{{Splatterhouse}}'' remake ([=PS3=], 360) features a fairly technical combat system considering its rocky development, making use of hand-to-hand combos, disposable melee weapons, close-range fire arms, the ability to disarm foes to use their body parts, and a super mode involving the use of Rick's mutant form, including "mask attacks" that allow for single moves utilizing it. It also has a defense system involving absorbing blood from enemies to regain health and grow back your limbs when they get chopped off, lacking a traditional health system and requiring strong timing to pull off.
132	* ''VideoGame/{{Stranglehold}}'' ([=PS3=], Xbox 360, PC): A third-person shooter produced by John Woo. Comboing in ''Stranglehold'' is based around interacting with the environment in scenery-chewing ways; props can be used for mobility, shot and dropped onto enemies, or destroyed to change the terrain of the fight. A simple scoring system rewards players for creative use of the environment and efficient shooting. The game's generous BulletTime and basic, relaxed combat make it an easy choice for players getting used to gun combos.
133	* ''VideoGame/StreetsOfRage 4'' (Switch, [=PS4=], Xbox One, PC): A first time in the series due to the revamped combat. There's an emphasis on juggling and air combos. There's a [[IdiosyncraticComboLevels combo meter]] you have to maintain without getting hit to reach high scores. Each stage has a [[RankInflation end of level rank]], with a bonus, if you manage to do a [[NoDamageRun perfect run]] at the end of a stage.
134	** There's also ''[[https://store.steampowered.com/app/350910/Streets_of_Fury_EX/ Streets Of Fury]]'' (PC), made by one of the developers behind ''Streets of Rage 4'', a BeatEmUp with the complexity of a FightingGame that, despite what the visual style might initially lead you to believe, is a real gamer's game that demands you git gud.
135	* ''VideoGame/SunsetOverdrive'': An [[Platform/XboxOne Xbox One]]-exclusive ThirdPersonShooter similar to ''Vanquish'' that has seen a port on PC. Gameplay places emphasis on constantly moving around, generating points through the Parkour system and firing at enemies with over-the-top weapons while grinding on rails.
136	* ''VideoGame/TalesSeries'': Commonly compared to Fighting Games, while the combat requires endgame skills to truly master, the series prides itself on it's [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpUCRv4BHh8 deep, combo-centric gameplay by RPG standards]] that rewards skillful play with [=GRADE=] (which act as currency to trade for modifiers in NewGamePlus playthroughs).
137	** ''VideoGame/TalesOfXillia2'' ([=PS3=]) is the closest the series got to a full-blown one when playing as Ludger, since he has multiple weapons he switches between, as well as a SuperMode that looks like a Devil Trigger. Heck, it's to the point where [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iB-GNixRNeY his similarities to Dante were lampshaded by a combo video]].
138	** To an extent, ''VideoGame/TalesOfArise'' ([=PS4=], [=PS5=], Xbox One, Xbox Series, PC) even moreso, with the combo system being much more freeform than previous games, including proper Aerial Raves and Air Dodges, having boss Mystic Artes being a reflex test rather than an unavoidable cutscene, and generally being the most skill-based one to date.
139	* ''[[https://store.steampowered.com/app/1406850/The_Legend_of_Tianding/ The Legend of Tianding]]'' (PC, Nintendo Switch): A game starring for all intents and purposes Taiwanese Robin Hood. Basic combos can be chained into special moves obtained from manuals, and weapons can be stolen from enemies to continue combos.
140	* ''VideoGame/TeenageMutantNinjaTurtlesMutantsInManhattan'' (PC, Xbox One, [=PS4=], Xbox 360, [=PS3=]): Another one of Creator/PlatinumGames' licensed games published by Creator/Activision. This title is notable for its 4-player single-screen multiplayer, allowing each of the Turtles to combo enemies as a team.
141	* ''VideoGame/{{TEVI}}'': A {{Metroidvania}} BulletHell which places heavy emphasis on chaining together attacks and combo strings with the eponymous Tevi's wide arsenal of physical and magical attacks, while leveraging her mobility to dodge and weave through enemy attacks, complete with a combo-based style meter and certain abilities that only gain their full benefits at high enough combo ranks.
142	* ''VideoGame/TurboOverkill'', set in a futuristic NeonCity where you're a {{cyborg}} who parkours your way through legions and legions of enemies.
143	* ''VideoGame/TransformersDevastation'' ([=PS4=], [=PS3=], Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC): A licensed ''Creator/PlatinumGames'' work. For a game about robots fighting other robots with swords, guns, a function identical to [[VideoGame/{{Bayonetta}} Witch Time]], hand-to-hand combat, laser fire, and vehicle mode to chain combos together into more combos, [[https://youtu.be/oz8gdggfBkY the game can get surprisingly technical.]]
144	* ''VideoGame/UltraAge'' ([=PlayStation=] 4, Nintendo Switch, PC): A high-speed sword-based action game combining elements from ''VideoGame/GodEater'' and ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXV'' with ''VideoGame/NierAutomata'' to slay monsters with style. [[https://youtu.be/vBg8lHMQARg Here's a trailer.]]
145	* ''VideoGame/{{ULTRAKILL}}'' (PC): An independently-developed first-person shooter hearkening back to the lightning-fast shooters of the late '90s, placing extreme emphasis on unbridled aggression and extremely fast movement and mixing it up with more traditional character action mechanics like a ''Devil May Cry''-esque style meter, arena-based level design, and parrying.
146	* ''VideoGame/UrbanReign'' ([=PlayStation=] 2): A brawler-style beat-em-up from the developers of ''[=SoulCalibur=]''. The stylish action in this game comes from varying attacks on different body positions and timing dodges to counter every possible scenario. Grapples and special moves also feature to vary combat pace. Overall it's meant to replicate the feel of an action movie.
147	* ''VideoGame/VernalEdge'' (PC, [=PS4=], [=PS5=], Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch): A {{Metroidvania}} with a heavy focus on combat. Enemies have a BreakMeter that takes longer to regenerate the more hits they take while recovering, encouraging the player to stun them and then hit them with complex strings of melee attacks and magic spells. The player's main method of healing is by draining life from enemies using a variety of special moves which are just as useful for offense as they are for healing, but which can be interrupted if used poorly.
148	* ''VideoGame/WantedDead'' ([=PS4=], [=PS5=], Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC) is an action game made by Soleil Ltd, with some staff members from the original ''Ninja Gaiden'' team. It features both melee and ranged combat with the ability to switch between combos and shooting on the fly, emphasizing improvisation.
149	* ''VideoGame/WoLongFallenDynasty'' ([=PS4=], [=PS5=], Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC) is a SpiritualSuccessor to the ''Nioh'' series also made by Team Ninja, featuring a similar mix of Soulslike strategy and fast-paced combo centric fighting, though this time doing away with stamina and including a jump button for more freedom in combat.
150	* ''VideoGame/TheWorldEndsWithYou'' (Nintendo DS, Mobile, Switch), believe it or not. Cited as one of the most innovative Action [=RPGs=] ever made, combat utilizes the top and bottom screens to control two different characters at once, delivering mix-and-match opportunities with the pin system while chaining together partner attacks on the top screen to erase enemies with style.
151	** ''VideoGame/NEOTheWorldEndsWithYou'' ([=PS4=], Switch, PC), even more so than its predecessor, with the ability to control up to six characters at a time at once. New to this game is the Groove mechanic, which only fills up when different psychs (attacks used with pins) are used in conjunction with each other, similar to ''Devil May Cry'''s Stylish Rank system.
152	* ''VideoGame/XMenOriginsWolverine'' ([=PS3=], Xbox 360, Windows): A 3D action game featuring the superhero Wolverine based on the film of the same name. Taking inspiration from ''Ninja Gaiden'' and Greek-era ''God of War'', it features [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPl19iTQ8iU fast-paced combat with a plethora of unlockable moves utilizing Wolverine's claws, agility, and defensive skills to kill a variety of foes with style.]]
153	* ''VideoGame/{{Yakuza}}'': ''Yakuza'' 0-6[[note]]0: [[=PS3=], [=PS4=], Xbox One, PC \| 1, 2: [=PS2=], [=PS3=], [=PS4=], Xbox One, PC \| 3, 4, 5: [=PS3=], [=PS4=], Xbox One, PC \| 6: [=PS4=], Xbox One, PC[[/note]] as well as ''VideoGame/FistOfTheNorthStarLostParadise'' ([=PS4=]) are hand-to-hand variations of the usual formula, but they don't stop the player from performing dazzling combos and finishers anyway, [[https://youtu.be/n-eOTZskx1M as shown here]].[[note]]The latest game in the series, ''VideoGame/YakuzaLikeADragon'', is a turn-based RPG instead.[[/note]]
154	** ''[[VideoGame/LostJudgment (Lost)]] VideoGame/{{Judgment}}'' ([=PS4=], Xbox One[[note]]Lost Judgment only[[/note]], PC, Xbox Series) continues where the brawler action of ''VideoGame/Yakuza6'' left off and builds upon it in its own ways.
155	** The partially Japan-exclusive samurai spin-off duo (''[[VideoGame/RyuGaGotokuKenzan Kenzan]]'' ([=PS3=]) and ''[[VideoGame/RyuGaGotokuIshin Ishin]]'' ([=PS3=], [=PS4=] (original); [=PS4=], [=PS5=], Xbox One, Windows, Xbox Series X (remake)) features the addition of weapon-based combos into the same formula.
156	* ''VideoGame/ZenlessZoneZero'' (Android/PC/[=PS5=]): An action game focused on stylish combat with tag mechanics.

Context Main / StylishAction