Some of the best modern games take a while to get going. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Personality 5 These are two good examples of games that require players to set up their plots before letting them into the gameplay. Other games have minimal story options, which suitable for There are action-hungry players.
Stories in games used to be a secondary feature in Nintendo games, just like in the NES and SNES days. For any type of gamer who wants to play a modern action game with those old-school sensibilities, These titles are purely action-oriented. They either have no direct story or very little of it in the way of gameplay.
Hyper Light Drifter
Cyberpunk fantasy Zelda
Hyper Light Drifter is an indie tribute to Zelda series, a top-down action game set in a dystopian fantasy cyberpunk world. It's a mishmash of genres, but it works thanks to the clean pixel art aesthetic and bright colors.
The funny thing about the story is that there is no English text ever spoken. Instead, players have to interpret what NPCs or vendors are saying, and part of the fun is definitely piecing together the (totally optional) lore by learning to read a different language. However, if that doesn't sound interesting, cutting down monsters in stylish combat all day is definitely an option.
Tunic
If the link was Fox
Tunic Upstairs is another indie tribute Zelda Old games. It also uses 3D models in a toy-like fashion, and the star is Fox. Another similarity is the language mechanic, which players can find in the form of lost pages in ruins around the map.
Through reference clues and expanding the user manual in fourth-wall-breaking moves, players can learn to understand the language and unlock new paths. This jarring language may be more than players want, so if they just want action, standard gameplay should suffice as this meta-narrative can be ignored.
innocent
Kick, punch, it's all in the mind
innocent It's a martial arts game with Soulslike elements, like being thrown into a mysterious world with no background information. Players will encounter masked fighters on their journey who are skilled beyond measure and want to show off their fighting skills.
It's not a simple fade from the good old arcade days, though, as players watch their enemy's moves and counter them in order to move forward in any battle. Defeating enemies can reward players with new combat moves, which can then be worked into their go-to combos. If they're lucky, they might even run into an ally online, which is just as exciting as meeting a stranger. travel.
Warriors: Abyss
Top-down mice
For anyone who likes the chaotic action of Musou games Dynasty WarriorsBut if you don't enjoy cutscenes or mid-mission dialogue, you should check them out Warriors: Abyss. It's a top-down version of the Musou formula mixed with a roguelike, only with much less text. Instead, this game prioritizes action.
Players can earn currency in each race to unlock new heroes, each of whom play differently thanks to their unique weapons and moves. From swords to spears to whips to guns, there's a lot to test. Koei Tecmo has provided many fun updates in 2025 with the addition of cameo characters like Ryu. Ninja Gaiden, making sure Warriors: Abyss Keeping its gameplay fresh long past its launch date.
broforce
USA of action heroes
broforce One is modern opposite Which are parody heroes based on the biggest action characters of all time. There are explosive characters like McBrother, melee characters like The Broad, and ranged specialists like Bromando.
Each level is short and randomizes the hero players use, with new unlocks after rescuing hostages. Each unlock will be fun to laugh at, but these characters are also fun to control. Other than saving America from terrorists, there's no story to get in the way of blowing stuff up; How do you feel brothers?
Rollerdrome
Tony Hawk with Gun
Rollerdrome Set in a dystopian future where bloodsports rule the airwaves like the best movies of the 80s. The titular rollerdrome is a competition in which players must skate and shoot at the same time, or die trying.
Pulling off sick moves like in an extreme sports game looks great, but needs to earn some time to reload. The visual style is colorful and gritty, and the action is relentless. Even after hundreds of deaths, players still want to get up and have another go.
primary planet
The Jetsons meets The Flintstones
primary planet is a survival-themed metroidvania set in prehistoric times, or at least it seems that way. The cover art and title screen give away that the game has some sci-fi aspects, but the less players know before going in, the better.
Playing as cavemen, there is no speech, but the lead family communicates through gestures and actions. Collected materials can be used to craft things like torches and food, while killing dinosaurs and other enemies earns players EXP and grants them skill points. It's one of the most challenging Metroidvanias in recent memory, thanks to the survival elements, but it's hard to put down without noticing.
katanat
Deep Space Samurai
katanat There are few words to say at the beginning and mid-run, and even when text appears, it's more like set dressing than a setup for a compelling plot. All the players need to know is that they are Naught, a space samurai who gets stuck on a space colony that is suddenly overrun with mutants coming out of nothingness.
as it is Aliens meets Samurai JackComplete with chaotic action on each run. Players can gain power-ups such as skills and new weapons with currency to permanently upgrade Naut. Much of this is standard for the roguelike genre, however katanat Still sets itself apart with its setting, ie primary planet.
