The hack-and-slash genre has evolved over the years, but no one can deny the quality of the games that have received the highest Metacritic ratings.
Since the inception of games, all of their genres have evolved and even acquired subgenres. From RPGs to action / adventure and first person shooters, there is a genre for every fan. One such popular variation is the Hack and Slash style of games. What started with the original God Of War game and games like Drakengard has evolved further. Over the years, it has evolved into a mixture of new game mechanics and other genres.
This generation of Hack and Slash games have tried to give players what they love about the genre and add many new components to make it unique. Unfortunately, the release rate of Hack and Slash games has dropped significantly with the advent of new generations. This may be due to a growing addiction to realism in video games. Regardless, some of the best Hack and Slash games ever made are still up to date. Here are the top picks according to Metacritic.
Updated by Juliet Childers on Dec 10, 2020: Sometimes players just want to turn off their brains and trample crowds of trash. While hack and slash games can always be right-clicked like a Diablo III wizard, they usually use swords. However, over the years, the genre has adapted to include other elements such as RPG and Roguelike. One of the newest games in this genre is the indie toy Hades from Supergiant Games. But how does her Metascore compare to God Of War and Devil May Cry?
14. Darksiders: Warmastered Edition - 81
Darksiders: Warmastered Edition was released at the end of 2016 and is a remaster of the first Darksiders of 2010. What makes it one of the best hack and slash games on the current generation of consoles is its tradition. Darksiders is what you might call the classic Hack and Slash.
It has everything that has defined the genre for a long time: straightforward combat, puzzle solving, boss fights and many, many combo mechanics. Darksiders is the experience that comes closest to the origins of the genre.
13. Middle-Earth: Shadow Of Mordor - 84
Released in 2014, it was one of the first generation of fantasy action games with Hack and Slash elements. What makes Middle Earth: Shadow Of Mordor unique is the fact that it draws inspiration from many other video games. She draws inspiration from games like Assassin's Creed, Batman Arkham, and Prince of Persia.
This game also has features such as combo-based combat and a strong emphasis on counterattacks and executions. Middle Earth: Shadow Of Mordor is known for its nemesis system and is only worth playing for fun.
12. DmC: Devil May Cry Definitive Edition - 83 - 86
Many people disapproved of the idea of Dante's new look in DmC: Devil May Cry. Despite this, the game turned out to be an enjoyable Hack and Slash of its time. In 2015, a remastered version of this game was released called DmC: Devil May Cry Definitive Edition.
It's the same game with added features and content like improved textures, frame rates, resolutions, and extras. The Definitive Edition is one of the best games in the genre on PS4 and Xbox One.
11. Astral Chain - 87
Astral Chain was released on Nintendo Switch in 2019 from developer PlatinumGames. The setting of the game is a dystopian future of the Earth, where the police must protect citizens from interdimensional monsters invading the planet. But two characters have the unique ability to "chain" their creatures in order to use them in battle.
The game features a cyberpunk theme and class A Hack and Slash combat. Fans agree that Astral Chain offers a great soundtrack, captivating visuals, fun mechanics and a solid storyline. The game is rated 87 and the studio recently announced a sequel.
10. Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice - 88
Hellblade was Ninja Theory's first major release since Dmc: Devil May Cry, making it the studio's most significant game. The unusual nature of this hack and slash has become a topic of discussion among many players. Hellblade provides an immersive experience by minimizing UI elements and focusing on the sounds and instincts of the players.
The game has won over 25 awards worldwide and a sequel called Senua's Saga: Hellblade II is currently in development. This game is a unique lifelong experience and must be played.
9. Torchlight II - 88
Inspired by Diablo, the Torchlight series immerses the character in an epic storyline. It includes Old Gods, Alchemists, and all sorts of sweet, sweet loot with 88 Metaskore.
While the game lacks the traditional Hack and Slash mechanics, the gameplay feels easy and fun. The game has dozens of combinations for classes, abilities, and armor / weapon sets.
8. NieR: Automata - 88
Nier: Automata is a Hack and Slash-style action RPG. She is one of the games that are really very innovative for their time. The game has a total score of 88/100 on Metacritic and is one of those games where the user rating is higher than the critics. The game is very artistic in its visual style and all the boss fights are the cherry on top.
What makes this game worthwhile is the uniqueness of the environment and the gameplay elements that are incompatible with the genre. Another advantage of the game is that it was created by PlatinumGames, whose games occupy several positions on this list.
7. Devil May Cry 5 - 88
Devil May Cry 5 is the sixth game in the series and is a true sequel to Devil May Cry 4. The game is very underrated compared to what it offers. This is the best Hack & Slash game on this list, and it's not just the gameplay. This game is a love letter to fans of the series.
Moreover, she introduced innovations to the genre without going into another direction. Devil May Cry 5 is a real life example of what people can expect from the next generation of Hack & Slash games. Perhaps she will also resolve the controversy between Virgil and Dante for some people.
6. Bastion - 89
This is the first game that Supergiant Games has made a name for itself. Although the game was originally released in 2011, it experienced a resurgence in 2015, with more and more players immersed in its storyline. Players control the Kid, who traverses zones filled with enemies in an isometric view.
Vibrant backgrounds and a stunning soundtrack do most of the heavy lifting. With a Metacritic score of 89, Bastion is the definitive choice for anyone interested in Hack and Slash games.
5. Bayonetta - 90
Bayonetta is the best Hack and Slash on Wii U, without a doubt. But does it have the same value on other platforms? Undoubtedly yes. The game is a traditional Hack and Slash game created by the developer PlatinumGames. It has a great sequel, which is also a must-play.
The reason Bayonetta works so well is because its overly addictive nature is exactly what a Hack and Slash game should be. On current generation consoles, Bayonetta is lightning fast and smoother than before.
4. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - 90
Created by FromSoftware, Sekiro is a mix of action RPGs combined with Hack and Slash mechanics. The game has won numerous awards and also became the game of the year. It is on the Metacritic list of must-play games. FromSoftware created Ninja Blade, which is an underrated Hack and Slash of the past generation.
In Sekiro, they combined amazing RPG elements from the Souls series into Hack and Slash. Sekiro is a masterpiece and one of the best console games to date. This game deserves to be played by every fan of the genre.
3. Bayonetta 2 - 92
Bayonetta 2 is a must-play game according to Metacritic. With a total Nintendo Switch rating of 92/100, it is one of the most highly rated Hack and Slash games. The game is classic in its approach and adds a ton of new concepts to the gameplay. She's fast, full of combos and extremely balanced.
As a sequel, it brings many fresh additions to the original Bayonetta's formula. The game's combat is very fluid and the game's overly fun is good for it. The only drawback is that it is only available on Nintendo Switch and Wii U. Perhaps the Bayonetta 3 being developed will be of interest to other platforms after it hits the market.
2. Hades - 92
Supergiant Games made this list with yet another game called Hades. It combines all the best parts of the studio's previous games and places them in the atmosphere of Greek mythology.The player controls Zagreus, who encounters various representatives of Greek mythology and history.
He is the son of Hades and wants to get out of the underworld. Like Bastion, the game has an isometric view and challenging Roguelike-style combat. Despite an impressive 92 on Metacritic, another Hack and Slash game takes the top spot on this list.
1. God Of War - 94
God Of War has received all the accolades in the book. This is the PlayStation Game of the Year. It is polished and crafted to perfection. She's simple, fun and straightforward. Most of all, the soundtrack and the plot shine in it, which is complemented by fantastic combat mechanics and gameplay.
This is one of the must-have games on PlayStation 4. If players don't want to buy a PS4, they can at least cosplay Kratos in Fortnite.
