Ps2 Top Down Hack N Slash I Will Rise Again Vampire

Trying to find the exact definition for the hack and slash genre is much like trying to pinpoint some of the best games within it. It's an arduous task that requires a lot of contemplation, plenty of thought, and a little bit of luck that what you're thinking matches the majority definition. After plenty of time and deliberation, we've decided that there is only one true way to define the best hack and slash games – they have swords and other pointy objects.

Okay, we know it's not that simple, especially since modern hack and slash titles are generally married with other genres. The following selection of games defines the genre at their core. When you pick them up and start playing them, though they may be very different in many ways, you'll understand what makes a great hack and slash title.

25. Bloodrayne

Developer: Terminal Reality
Publisher: Majesco Entertainment

Say what you will about the hyper-sexualized protagonist of this vampire hack 'n slash, Bloodrayne was a "must-play" for Gamecube, PS2, and Xbox players. It may be a bit of a technical mess today, but Terminal Reality's bloody action-adventure spawned a (terrible) film, several sequels, a comic series, and many disgusting fantasies. That says something about the staying power of Bloodrayne.

As the titular vampire, players are tossed back to the 1930s, during the Nazi rise to power. With a pair of signature blades and her blood lust, Bloodrayne tears through the Germans – quite literally. Bloodrayne is bloody, ridiculous, over-the-top, and everything you could want out of a mindless hack 'n slash title, doubling up as one of the best vampire games in the process.

24. Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II

Developer: LucasArts
Publisher: LucasArts

How do you appease Star Wars fans? By putting the Dark and Light sides of the Force at the tip of their fingers, letting them dual-wield lightsabers, immersing them into a convoluted story of clones and the Galactic Civil War, all before adding a dash of Darth Vader.

The Force Unleashed II fixes some of its predecessors missteps to create a more solid gameplay experience revolving around fast-paced lightsaber combat. As the renegade clone Starkiller, players pick up six months after The Force Unleashed and enjoys a game that's all about the fanservice. Notable names from the film series, including Han Solo and Chewbacca, make an appearance in this alternate take on movie lore.

The real fun is in cutting down Stormtroopers and mastering your Force powers, including Force lightning and Force push.

23. Dante's Inferno

Developer: Visceral Games
Publisher: Electronic Arts

Descend the nine levels of hell as Dante, a tortured and morally corrupt Templar knight subjected to the horrors of hell after being literally stabbed in the back. It's a harrowing journey for Dante, but a visual spectacle for those lucky enough to guide him on his quest for salvation. Equipped with the scythe of Death, the Templar battles through hectic hordes of creatures that are as fun to look at as they are to maim.

Dante comes across notable names of mythology like Lust, Cerberus, the River Styx, Cleopatra, and so much more the deeper into hell he gets. Monster and boss design are at their peak in Dante's Inferno, throwing some of the most damning creations ever to grace the PS3, Xbox 360, and PSP.

Unfortunately, as Visceral Games closed down, we'll never see a sequel to this hellish epic hack and slash title.

22. Darksiders Genesis

Developer: Airship Syndicate
Publisher: THQ Nordic

Darksiders III had a pretty cold release and failed to outshine its predecessors. Rather than try and revitalize the series with another 3rd-person hack 'n slash RPG, Airship Syndicate (Battle Chasers: Nightwar) went for a top-down hack 'n slash with Genesis. It really was the best move to make.

Players can swap between War and Strife on-the-fly in this all-new story, which picks up after the Horsemen attacked Eden's Nephilim. With more monstrosities to kill, the two set out across hellish landscapes and otherworldly environments to set into motion the events of the original Darksiders games.

War and Strife offer differing playstyles, which adds a nice variety that can help players tackle more complicated fights.

21. Heavenly Sword

Developer: Ninja Theory
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Some reviews complained that it was too much like God of War, but don't be mistaken. Heavenly Sword shines in its own ways and merely borrowed some elements from one of the most popular hack 'n slash games. It's much more chaotic and fast-paced, which makes for some incredible combat moments. Sounds like Ninja Theory knew precisely what it was doing when it developed this PS3 exclusive.

We never saw anything more from Heavenly Sword, save a forgotten animated series and movie, but the game was a solid entry in the PS3's pantheon. Nariko was a fine protagonist that was an absolute beast with her array of weapons. Sure, Kratos may have come first, but there is something Nariko has that the Ghost of Sparda never will – flowing locks of luxurious red hair.

20. Hades

Developer: Supergiant Games
Publisher: Supergiant Games

Hades is a hell of a good time that sends players on an epic battle against the forces of, well, hell. With the Gods of Olympus backing the Prince of the Underworld, players yield devastating powers that fuel the fast-paced action of this hack 'n slash from Supergiant Games.

Hades is equal parts stunningly beautiful and delightfully entertaining. Its blend of classic mythology and an entirely new story works wonders to push players forward. There's an eclectic cast of characters waiting to help or hinder the Prince, many of whom you're sure to recognize.

Anyone familiar with Supergiant's style from games like Bastion and Transistor knows exactly what they're getting into. And they'll definitely be thrilled to jump right into this hellish rogue-like hack 'n slash dungeon crawler.

19. Darksiders: Warmastered Edition

Developer: Vigil Games/KAIKO
Publisher: THQ Nordic

Who wouldn't want to jump into the role of War at the edge of the end of the world? As the infamous Horseman of the Apocalypse, players slice and dice their way through hordes of angels and demons after War is betrayed and tricked into bringing about Armageddon early. Once charged with keeping order between the forces of Heaven and Hell, War takes up arms against the demons and angels that stand in his path.

Even the remastered edition of Darksiders can feel a little dated at times, but that doesn't take away from the sheer awesomeness of devastating your enemies with an arsenal of blades and magic. The story could have easily been a throwaway to keep the focus on the action, but a star-studded cast that includes Troy Baker, Mark Hamill, and Liam O'Brien help create an engaging narrative.

The familiar setting of Earth very quickly dissolves into a diverse hellscape that's not hellish to explore. It's also quite fun to watch puny humans trying to escape their inevitable fate as the forces of Heaven and Hell show mercy to no one.

18. Torchlight II

Developer: Runic Games
Publisher: Runic Games

Before the words even form in your mind, no, this isn't a Diablo clone. Sure, it shares the isometric graphic design and top-down gameplay that Blizzard also happens to use, but Torchlight II is an entirely different animal. As the Engineer, the Outlander, the Berserker, or the Embermage classes, players venture into the landscapes beyond the mining town of Torchlight to stop the Archmage that became corrupted after the original.

With a pet at your side, you'll cut through armies of corrupted monsters and men and explore the vast world surrounding Torchlight. Torchlight II is a fast-paced hack 'n slash title that provides players with the means of personalizing how they play the game. The game is more open to class customization, which is enhanced through the mass amount of loot dropped by enemies and found through scrutiny of the environment.

Torchlight II is beautiful, features unforgettable bosses, and even comes with a co-op multiplayer that can support six players.

READ NEXT: The Best Couch Co-Op Games You Should Play

17. Titan Quest

Developer: Iron Lore Entertainment
Publisher: THQ

Anyone with a soft spot for mythology (so, everyone) will love the depths Titan Quest goes to in order to bring some of the most well-known monsters of Greece and Egypt to life. Featuring top-down, hack 'n slash gameplay and role-playing mechanics, you may think you've played this game before, but Titan Quest does a fantastic job of standing on its own.

Travel through Ancient Greece and Egypt, crossing the Silk Road in Asia, to aid the Olympian Gods in a battle for survival. Unlike a certain rage-filled Spartan warrior, your goal is to keep Olympus from falling to the Titans. Standing in your way is an army of familiar and new monsters, like the multi-headed hydra, mummies, centaurs, Cyclops, skeletons, and trolls.

Wielding clubs, swords, axes, and an assortment of skills and abilities, players battle through vibrant and detailed landscapes in a visually stunning adventure that does well to capture the environments of the distant and ancient lands.

16. Golden Axe

Developer: Sega
Publisher: Sega

It's difficult to talk about the best hack and slash games and not bring up such a classic. By today's standards, Golden Axe may be a little rough around the edges, but the side-scrolling, co-op multiplayer embodies the spirit of early hack and slash titles.

Equipped with a battle axe as Gilius Thunderhead the dwarf, a broadsword as Ax Battler the barbarian, or a longsword as Tyris Flare the Amazon, players battle through waves of enemies to square off against Death Adder.

Those are some incredible names and they may be one of the best things about Golden Axe; but that's not to say it doesn't have solid gameplay. When a second player plugs in, the experience gets even better. There's nothing like swiping through incoming enemies with a friend.

15. Path of Exile

Developer: Grinding Gear Games
Publisher: Grinding Gear Games

The top-down perspective is a popular one for the hack 'n slash genre, and games like Path of Exile serve to prove why. Grinding Gear Games did an incredible job in creating a game that doesn't simply mimic others of its kind. Before even getting to the gameplay, it's worth noting that Path of Exile is one of the more beautiful top-down hack 'n slash games out there. The lighting alone is impressive, which lends to beautiful character models and detailed shadows.

The deeper you get into Path of Exile, the more you may question how it could remain a free-to-play experience. There is no lack of content, bugs are so few and far between, and the world is detailed and fun to explore.

Players take on the role of one of six classes – a Duelist, Marauder, Ranger, Shadow, Templar, or Witch – and master a selection of weapons and skills to survive the expansive, online world. Though it is an online adventure, you're not forced into grouping with other players and are free to roam the dangerous world as a lone wolf.

READ NEXT: The Best Free PC Games You Should Play

14. Dynasty Warriors 8

Developer: Omega Force
Publisher: Koei Tecmo

Since its beginning, the Dynasty Warriors series has been a picture-perfect example of a hack and slash game. The core gameplay is exactly as the genre would lead you to believe. As a warrior, you slice and dice through waves upon waves of enemies.

In later entries, especially the best of the series, Dynasty Warriors 8, the screen becomes a mess of fodder just waiting to be cut down. The result is a beautiful display of attack animations and flashy action.

Dynasty Warriors 8 is true to the rest of the series but elevates the experience just enough to rise above the rest. Players choose from 83 playable characters, most of which are unlocked as you progress through the game, and battle through hundreds of on-screen enemies that somehow don't kill the game's framerate.

13. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Developer: PlatinumGames
Publisher: Konami Digital Entertainment

For so long, the Metal Gear series has been synonymous with stealth and Solid Snake. When Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance was revealed, showcasing action-packed gameplay and Ninja Raiden as the focal character, long-time series fans were less-than pleased. The thing is, the game is really good.

The story is as wacky as any of Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear plots and the sword-based melee combat is a stark contrast to the stealth exploits of Snake. It's difficult – maybe sometimes frustratingly so – but once you get a handle on cutting through the environment (literally), it becomes a satisfying experience.

It's even easy to overlook how hated Raiden was in Sons of Liberty as his character is entirely different and somewhat more complex.

12. Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor

Developer: Monolith Productions
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment

There have been many games set in the Lord of the Rings universe, but Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor may be the most satisfying to play thanks to its hack and slash RPG gameplay. As new character, Talion, a captain of the army of Gondor, players wield a sword, dagger, and bow and arrow, all the necessities required for cutting down an army of orcs.

Shadow of Mordor's Nemesis System lets you target individual Uruk that are vying to become one of Suron's captains. There is nothing more satisfying than setting your sights on a specific Uruk and slicing his head off in combat. In fact, many heads will roll as you perfect the dance-like combat of dodging and striking.

Shadow of Mordor is an incredible stress reliever with dozens upon dozens of orcs to dismember and maim.

11. No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle

Developer: Grasshopper Manufacture
Publisher: Marvelous Entertainment/Ubisoft/Rising Star Games

Thanks to Killer7 and the original No More Heroes, we already knew the development team of Grasshopper Manufacture was known for its zany gameplay and unique means of telling a story. No More Heroes 2 happens to be one of its best efforts, exceeding the expectations set by its predecessor.

Though it swaps out swords with the beam katana, it's a clear-cut hack and slash game, which was a relatively new genre for the Nintendo Wii. The second adventure of Travis Touchdown (yes, that's a name) still had the potential to fall flat on its face, but it winds up being a ton of fun that improves upon the combat and mechanics of No More Heroes.

It doesn't hurt that Travis dual-wields beam blades, which automatically makes anything better.

10. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Publisher: Ubisoft

The original Prince of Persia was a far cry from the visually stunning 3D adventure Ubisoft Montreal wound up giving gamers in 2003. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time was a mingling of platforming and hack and slash, a pairing that works really well. The prince is an acrobatic character, allowing players to vault off of walls to add some style to the combat.

There is much to like about Sands of Time, from plenty of adventurous exploration to fighting mechanics that have stood the test of time. There's a bit of strategy involved and button mashing attacks will surely get you killed, but the prince puts his sword to good use quite often.

The game's biggest selling point has to be the time-manipulation, which lets you rewind time to solve puzzles and rectify missteps in fights.

9. Onimusha: Warlords

Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom

After astonishing players with the Resident Evil series, Capcom moved on to a faster pace with Onimusha: Warlords, a game that features elements of the popular survival horror trilogy.

Rather than slowly exploring the narrow halls of mansions and police stations, Onimusha's sword-wielding protagonist, Samanosuke Akechi, is a bit more hurried in his battle against demons in Feudal Japan.

Equipped with a variety of upgradable swords and ranged weapons, Akechi cuts through a host of monsters in another Capcom success. Combat is solid and there's nothing quite like wielding a katana like a trained samurai. Warlords went on to spawn a series of sequels, but nothing quite captured the essence of the original.

8. Dead Cells

Developer: Motion Twin
Publisher: Motion Twin

There are many elements to Motion Twin's Dead Cells, but chief among them is the ability to hack and slash your way through an army of baddies. A welcomed blend of a modern Roguelite and a classic Metroidvania, Dead Cells sends players through an interconnected world spanning 13 levels.

You'll need to perfect your hacking and your slashing as Dead Cells takes no prisoners. Play carefully, utilizing any of the world's 90-plus weapons, and you may just come face to face with the devilishly difficult bosses. Progression is earned in Dead Cells, and you can bet that easily-frustrated players are going to beg for mercy.

However, those who put in ample effort and succeed are going to be treated to an exemplary hack and slash game that spans genres.

7. Bayonetta 2

Developer: PlatinumGames
Publisher: Nintendo

It's no surprise that Bayonetta 2 comes from the same developer responsible for turning Metal Gear into a fast-paced hack and slash game.

PlatinumGames once again delivers on an exquisite experience featuring some of the strangest combat you may ever get your hands on. Bayonetta, the shapeshifting witch, runs headfirst into battle against hordes of demons using her sidearms, a sturdy pair of heels, and her hair. Yes, her hair. Equipped with magic and her flowing locks, Bayonetta summons an array of brutal weapons and towering figures that lay waste to whoever or whatever blocks her path.

Some may try to peg this as a Devil May Cry clone, but Bayonetta 2 is its own creature, even stepping ahead of its predecessor in many ways. Visually, it's utterly fascinating to watch and the combat is nothing short of varied, stylish, and engaging.

6. NieR: Automata

Developer: PlatinumGames
Publisher: Square Enix

It seems like PlatinumGames may know the secret formula for making successful and thoroughly enjoyable hack and slash games. Automata is not the first NieR game, but it's by far the best and is accessible to anyone that didn't even know the series existed.

Playing as YoRHa No. 2 Model B (2B) and 9S, players wield short and long swords, spears, and bracers in fast-paced and often chaotic combat. The seamless transition from side-scrolling to a 3D open world gives players plenty of chances to admire the gorgeous and detailed world. That is when they're not too busy performing a series of crushing attacks on robotic enemies.

Automata's open world gameplay gives players a lot to do for an in-depth experience that rarely lets up.

From our NieR: Automata review:

"I encourage you to try Nier: Automata. It's unique and quirky, dark and exciting. It's a challenge but not one so hard to put you off trying one last time."

5. Ninja Gaiden Black

Developer: Team Ninja
Publisher: Tecmo

Ninja Gaiden has come a long way since its debut on the NES. One thing that hasn't really changed is the difficulty level. Much like how the 90s original was frustratingly hard, Ninja Gaiden Black punishes players that think they can breeze through without giving strategy any thought.

Though the game may be laborious, especially when it comes to boss battles, that doesn't ultimately take away from how good Ninja Gaiden Black is. It's not hard just for the sake of being so, however. Team Ninja clearly wants players to take their time and plan out each fight to get the most out of the solid mechanics.

Those that take great care in mastering Ryu Hayabusa's abilities and swordplay are treated to a solid hack and slash title that has plenty to offer.

4. Devil May Cry

Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom

Devil May Cry never took itself too seriously, but the original entry had the perfect tone for the series, coupling Dante's no-nonsense attitude with a gothic ambience. Coupled with gameplay that's still a blast to immerse yourself in today and a fun story, it's hard not to love the original over its three successors. No, we don't talk about that one.

Devil May Cry may look like the kind of game you can aimlessly mash the "attack" button through, but even the lower-level baddies require some attention to attack animations and patterns. Things only get more complex later on, providing players with some intricate hack and slash action.

Initially, it was a tough call between Devil May Cry and the latest entry, but seeing as how Dante doesn't do a Michael Jackson impersonation in the original, the choice became clear.

3. Diablo

Developer: Blizzard North
Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment

Having to choose between Diablo, Diablo II, and Diablo III is almost as painful as shoving a Soulstone into your forehead. While sequels can often trump their predecessors in the gaming industry, when it comes to Blizzard's hack and slash dungeon crawler, we have to pay respects to where it all started.

Diablo II may have had a greater variety of weapons and enemies and Diablo III may have been a fantastic multiplayer experience, but the original point-and-click adventure is overall more enjoyable.

There is no trumping the first time you face off against The Butcher, come up against the Skeleton King, and go toe-to-toe with the Lord of Terror himself. Diablo also benefited from a much tighter story and moodier atmospheres than its sequels.

2. Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance

Developer: Snowblind Studios
Publisher: Black Isle Studios

How do you create a top-down hack and slash game and not find it lumped in as nothing more than a "Diablo clone?" Snowblind Studios may have received some negativity for developing a game that looks like Diablo, but that's just shallow criticism that ignores so much about Dark Alliance.

At its heart, Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance is so much more than a Diablo clone. For starters, it has deeper gameplay and a flashier style that's more accessible to casual players. Sure, you traverse a 3D world in a top-down view, battle an assortment of enemies, and pick up loot along the way, but that's where the similarities pretty much stop.

Dark Alliance is powered by the aptly titled Dark Alliance Engine, which results in smooth character animations, detailed levels, and impressive lighting effects.

1. God of War III

Developer: SCE Santa Monica Studio
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

By the time God of War III released, Kratos' rage had already guided him through two critically acclaimed games. It was entirely possible for the third title in the series to show some wear, but SCE Santa Monica Studio knew exactly what to tweak to keep players engaged in the adventures of the frenzied Spartan.

Everything received a little polish when it came to God of War III, so it felt similar to its predecessor but definitely with some improvements. Even the story remains fresh despite still focusing primarily on the antagonistic relationship between Kratos and Zeus by introducing the Titans, who also happen to serve as some of the series' best set pieces.

If you enjoyed ripping apart your foe in God of War and God of War II, then you'll love what God of War III has to offer. A revamped magic system and tighter controls enhance the experience of battling through a robust rogue's gallery of monsters and notable Grecian figures.

God of War III wraps up the story nicely but gives us the ending needed for SCE to move ahead with the equally-as-stellar God of War for PS4. In fact, had it had retained the series fast-paced combat, the latest entry may have taken this spot.

READ NEXT: The Best Platformer Games of All Time

Some of the coverage you find on Cultured Vultures contains affiliate links, which provide us with small commissions based on purchases made from visiting our site. We cover gaming news, movie reviews, wrestling and much more.

haradasomeand.blogspot.com

Source: https://culturedvultures.com/best-hack-and-slash-games/