Scarlet Nexus' combat is thrilling and its story surprisingly deep, and while it's let down by limited enemy and stage variety, the strength of its characters is enough to lift it high above your average anime inspired action RPG.
Guilty Gear Strive sets a new standard for anime-like fighting games with its visuals, stellar netcode, and flexible fighting system that encourages and rewards creativity.
Its roguelike runs are too long and it needs a way to save in the middle of them, but Returnal's third-person shooter action, clever story, and atmosphere are excellent.
Improved visuals and smoothed out combat go a long way in Nier's update, but it's the story that's the star of the show
Great action, smart strategy, and random curses carry Curse of the Dead Gods to top of the action roguelite genre.
Olija is a memorable 2D action platformer with great combat that is over all too soon with little reason to return.
Cyber Shadow's excellent gameplay, level design, variety, and music make it a great modernization of the classic Ninja Gaiden formula.
In Demon's Souls, a touch of smart quality of life changes and gorgeous visuals go a long way in modernizing this tough PS3 classic.
Ghostrunner's lightning-fast gameplay makes for a short-lived but memorable action game with some incredible moments.
Not all of the innovation in Steve's movelist translates to a fun time, but his uniqueness carries him far nonetheless.