Released on September 19th for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series consoles, fans of action-heavy adventures will be treated to Soulstice, the latest game developed by Reply Game Studios. Playing as sisters Briar and Lute, the warriors must protect the land of Keidas from a deadly force of monsters known as Wraiths.
The hack-and-slash game is following in the footsteps of many action and adventure games that have become hit franchises and cult classics in their own rights. Delivering some gorgeously dark worlds and fun combat, there are plenty of games to try after Briar and Lute’s journey ends.
Devil May Cry HD Collection (2012)
Since the first game was released on the PlayStation 2 back in 2001, Devil May Cry became a hit franchise for Capcom as it was followed up with sequels, an anime series, and novelizations. Introducing the player to Dante, the demon hunter goes toe to toe with many supernatural threats to protect humanity from their attacks.
The original trilogy on the PS2 received an HD remastered collection for newcomers and fans to enjoy the earlier entires again and again. After 21 years, the game’s mechanics and combat system with giant weapons and demonic power-ups influenced many action games today, especially with Soulstice.
Theseus (2017)
Greek settings have inspired many movies and television shows as much as being a source for hit video games. Reply Game Studio’s first title would be one of them in the form of Theseus, a retelling of the Greek myth in an adventure game that sees the playable character survive against the dreaded Minotaur.
But unlike other games in the genre, it used VR to tell its story before the player’s eyes to try and create immersion. It may not have stood out from the crowd in 2017 with hits like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Horizon Zero Dawn, but the game would see the studio continue to try and make something different.
God of War 3 Remastered (2015)
Many will be excited about the anticipated release of God of War: Ragnarok, but some still have a fond memory for the original God of War trilogy that wrapped up with the PlayStation 3’s God of War 3. In the dramatic finale, Kratos finally took his revenge against the gods of Greek mythology in one of the most violent games of its generation.
Its remaster made an already visually impressive game a more polished experience as blood and guts come flying in spectacular fashion while combat remains fun and swift. Many may have moved on with the game’s new direction, but those who enjoyed Soulstice might want to explore Kratos’ classic game.
Joe Dever’s Lone Wolf (2013)
Based upon the pages of the Lone Wolf series and considered by some as one of the best games based on books, Joe Dever’s Lone Wolf saw a hooded hero attempt to protect a village from a horde of monsters. But during his battles, he soon discovers a much bigger plot behind the enemy force’s actions.
The second game to be developed by Reply Game Studios, it received positive reviews and got an HD remaster as well. It attempted to mix elements of RPGs and adventure games to make something different in the video game market that fans of the developer’s other titles might want to uncover for themselves.
NieR Replicant (2021 Remake)
Published by Square Enix back in 2010, Nier was eventually remade for modern audiences after the runaway success of Nier: Automata. Celebrated Japanese game director Yoko Taro returned to make the original game the best he possibly could as three heroes team up to go on an unforgettable journey that fans of his work will fall for.
Its approach to storytelling and combat certainly makes it a standout from other action games that fans of Nier: Automata will enjoy. But it will also be enjoyed by newcomers who fall for the in-depth lore that other action titles try to tell throughout their adventures that Yoko Taro brilliantly delivers.
Bloodborne (2015)
FromSoftware have hit their stride since introducing gamers to Demon Souls that created the soulslike genre. Among one of their standout titles was Bloodborne, a Victorian-set game where a Hunter must slay the demonic beasts that have taken over the cobbled streets of Yharnam that became one of the studio’s best games.
Their games may prove to be difficult for some, but those looking for a challenging experience after the credits roll for Soulstice will be in for a treat with this gothic masterpiece. And out of all of FromSoftware’s game, it shares similarities in terms of detail and care that some will appreciate.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (2020)
Until dedicated gamers of Ubisoft’s hit stealth action game series sees what Assassin’s Creed Mirage will bring, Valhalla might just keep people playing as it continues to receive updates and additional content on top of an already large landscape to explore. Playing as a Viking named Eivor, they find themselves caught in a battle between the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templars while settling a clan in England in one of the best-ranked entries in the entire series.
Featuring a variety of weapons to wield, different approaches to combat, and multiple foes to fight with their own strategies, it offers a lot of options in the battle system alone. With so much more to see and do on top of it, nearly everyone might find something to enjoy in this expansive and ambitious entry.
Okami (2006)
Just by looking at the character designs and screenshots alone, Okami is one of the most visually stunning games in the marketplace that has found new life through each port. It tells the dramatic story of how Amaterasu, the reincarnation of a sun goddess, saved the land from the demonic Orochi.
Seen by many as one of the best games inspired by The Legend of Zelda series, its unique combat with the Celestial Brush and performing combos made it a stand-out adventure unlike any other. Feeling familiar for experienced gamers with enough fresh ideas, it is easily one of the best games that everyone should pick up and play.
Bayonetta 2 (2014)
Five years after the release of Bayonetta in 2009, Platinum Games released a sequel that managed to improve upon its predecessor while offering the same tongue-in-cheek humor and gameplay that fans loved. After her friend’s soul gets dragged to the underworld, the Umbra Witch must fight off demons and angels while also being pursued by a masked man known only as the Prophet.
Those fortunate to own a Nintendo Switch have no reason to not pick this one up, especially with the anticipation of the third game coming out next month. A likable cast; stellar combat and move sets; and a surprisingly engaging story in the hack-and-slash genre, it is no surprise why it is often regarded as one of the best.
Devil May Cry 5 (2019)
Powered by the RE Engine that Capcom originally made for Resident Evil 7, this arguably remains the best looking game in the Devil May Cry series to date. Dante and Nero must team up with a mysterious man named V to try and stop a powerful demon named Urizen and uncover the mysteries surrounding this new antagonist.
With three unique characters with their own move sets and weapons as well as upgrades to unlock to take on more challenging demons, those who enjoyed Soulstice will undeniably love Devil May Cry 5, especially with its next-gen special edition. Delivering fun combat and beautifully detailed worlds in a compelling story, this is one game that shouldn’t be ignored.
