For fans of the amazing genre, these best hack and slash games should be sufficient for grabbing some really pleasing gaming experiences. The said genre focuses mainly on sword-based or hand-to-hand combat, and renders fast paced battles for you to indulge in. Combos form a large part of the whole experience and that’s what makes the games so satisfying. Hack and slash combat can form part of role-playing games, action-adventure titles as well as other variety of offerings. We’ve sifted through our libraries, and extracted ten of the finest such games which we think should definitely please you. Here’s the list.
1 – Bayonetta
An ace game in every sense of the term, Bayonetta features an utterly deep combat system at its heart, and it’s complemented brilliantly by its enemy designs which make way for some unforgettable boss battles. Its fast paced hack and slash gameplay is given more credence by its slow motion Witch Time mechanic. Bayonetta tells the story of the eponymous witch who uses firearms and magical attacks so as to fend off angelic enemies. It can be bought now for the PS3 and Xbox 360.
2 – Diablo 3
The phenomenon that the Diablo series is, received its latest entry in May last year, and the game has ever since delighted millions of players from all over the world. Combining action-RPG elements with hack and slash combat and dungeon crawling elements, it produces a unique experience which is both enjoyable as well as memorable. This offering asks you to assume the role of one of its five characters, and go through a long series of perilous scenarios in your quest towards defeating the Lord of Terror, Diablo. The game is also known for its stunning multiplayer offerings. It can be bought now for Windows, Mac, the PS3 and the Xbox 360, while a PS4 version is supposed to come out sometime next year as well.
3 – God of War 3
The Blades of Exile are the some of the most innovative and satisfying weapons ever to have graced video games, and God of War 3 provides you with bountiful opportunities to wield them hither and thither. This game’s hellish environments which are complemented by a gritty art style and a superb soundtrack succeed in creating an engrossing atmosphere. Moreover, the game‘s deep and emotional narrative couples brilliant with its hack and slash combat and some puzzle and platforming elements. God of War 3 is available only for the PS3.
4 – DmC: Devil May Cry
Acting as a reboot to the much loved series, DmC: Devil May Cry came out early this year for the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC, and managed to leave fans pleased. Set within an alternative reality of the game’s universe, it tells the story of main character Dante who is being haunted by a sentient town known as Limbo City which is populated by demons. The massive scope of its combat has been realized to full potential, and that’s what makes it a must have for hack and slash fans.
5 – Ninja Gaiden II
The classic Ninja Gaiden series received one of its finest offerings in the form of Ninja Gaiden II which was released for the Xbox 360 in 2008. As much as it’s gory, it’s also equally enjoyable for those who’re alright with the violence. This superb title has been blessed with an awesome combat system fraught with breathtaking scenarios and grand boss battles. It is now also available for the PS3 (as Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2) and the PS Vita (as Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus).
6 – Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
A spin-off to the legendary MGS series, this new PS3 and Xbox 360 offering adopts a futuristic setting, and lets you perform all kinds of different maneuvers, combo attacks and counterattacks with your sword, even as you fight against cyborg enemies. In keeping with the series’ norm, stealth is also an option for reducing combat. A unique ability of the main character Raiden is that he’s able to dismember his enemies in slow motion and at the same time, steal parts stored in their bodies as well. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is also slated to be released for PC in the future.
7 – Darksiders 2
A fruitful combination of action-RPG and hack and slash genres, Darksiders 2 is a heaven for fans of both types of games. It puts you in control of one of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, and lets you experience various light and dark realms that are filled to the brim with rewarding quests. This PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U and PC offering contains exciting combat which never feels repetitive owing to its diverseness.
8 – Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams
Adopting ancient Japan as its setting, Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams tells the story through the perspective of Soki, a warrior who possesses Oni powers. Soki’s goal is to stop in his tracks Hideyoshi Toyotomi who has united Japan in league with his demonic army of Genma. This game is known for is fast-paced and responsive combat which is challenging, as it’s based on skill and timing rather than on button mashing. Grand quests filled with rewarding puzzles also form part of the whole experience of Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams which is available only for the PS2.
9 – Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones
Ubisoft’s closing chapter of the Sands of Time saga, Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones pleased a large number of fans when it came out back in 2005. Equipped with a wonderful story and a dark setting, this title also presents you with some healthy platforming and challenging puzzles to solve. Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones is pure fun laced with some amazing hack and slash combat that makes it hard to let go of your controllers. It was originally released for the PS2, Xbox, GameCube and PC, but was later also launched for the PSP and the Wii. A high definition PS3 version can be purchased right now as well.
10 – Muramasa: The Demon Blade
Wii owners have this amazing hack and slash title which they can jump into. Muramasa: The Demon Blade is an action-RPG at heart, but its adoption of hack and slash combat complements its overall approach in an extremely positive way. The game narrates the story of a fugitive named Kisuke who has lost his memory, and has no idea of why he’s being chased by others. Rich and varied sword-based hack and slash combat is one of Muramasa: The Demon Blade’s main highlights, and so is its amazing and colorful art style.
Conclusion:
With that we end this list of the best hack and slash games, and hope that you’ve found what you came here looking for. Keep browsing this space for more such lists.