18 Action Video Games You Must Play Before You Die

From bloodthirsty Greek Gods to slow-motion gun battles and more.

Ever have one of those times where you sit down with a friend, loved one, relative etc. only for them to get all inquisitive about your favourite digital pastime and ask "So what games should I check out?" There's not a greater question across the pantheon of gaming's past, and nothing gets gamers and collectors alike talking like a debate on what are the most essential titles absolutely everyone must play. Now, this article took a look at an overall slab of the medium's finest works, but there were some omissions from that piece that everyone should seek out - not to mention with a refined focus on action it gets away from the tired mention of things like Final Fantasy VII and Ocarina Of Time. Instead, this is a list for all the games that commanded your jaw southwards, the ones that made you gasp in pure gleeful delight and all those titles you couldn't wait to talk about online or pick your friends' brains about afterwards. Gaming might have come a long way since the indie developer-boom of 2013, and sure it's capable of telling wondrously introspective tales that'll make you ponder on your own moral obligations when faced with a series of grey choices - but all the same, any "Did you see that bit where he rips off that thing's face off?!"-style remark will always get a way more fun response.

 
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Gaming Editor
Gaming Editor

WhatCulture's Head of Gaming.