Summary
- Square Enix evolves with the video game industry, offering both turn-based and real-time combat options.
- Kingdom Hearts 3 and Crisis Core offer flashy combat systems that test skills and engage players.
- Titles like Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Deus Ex: Mankind Divided offer refined combat mechanics with engaging gameplay.
Square Enix has made a name for itself by letting players enjoy several action-packed combat ventures. The company was well-versed in turn-based combat for the longest time before eventually evolving along with the video game industry as a whole.
This means that players who prefer real-time combat won't be disappointed in this area either. Some of the best Square Enix games let players engage in these scintillating combat scenarios that test their skills and reward them for overcoming the toughest challenges around.
8 Kingdom Hearts 3
The Combat System Is Flashy, Even If The RNG Elements Hold It Back
Kingdom Hearts 3
- Released
- January 25, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
It was only a given that Kingdom Hearts 3 would buckle under the weight of fan expectations, given how convoluted the story has become. However, the game still excelled in many departments, with its combat system being as satisfying as ever.
While battles have an element of luck involved when it comes to the powers that Sora and his team can access, that should take nothing away from the spectacular nature of each battle. Players will love landing combos and effortlessly defeating their enemies in a divisive action RPG that is a fun experience if players give it a chance.
7 Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion
The Updates Made To The Combat System Breathe New Life Into This Celebrated PSP Classic
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion
- Released
- December 13, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen due to Blood, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
The remake of Crisis Core did a great job of letting new players enjoy one of the greatest Final Fantasy spinoffs of all time. This PSP classic focuses on Zack's adventures, eventually explaining the series of events that caused Cloud to lose his mind.
This member of SOLDIER is extremely powerful and can use a combination of regular and magical attacks to take out his foes, with the remake changing things slightly to make combat more action-packed than ever before. The DMW lets players access random powerful attacks that are a blast to use against tough opponents, even if players lack total control over this aspect of the game.
6 Shadow Of The Tomb Raider
Features The Most Refined And Engaging Gameplay In The Survivor Trilogy
Shadow of the Tomb Raider
- Released
- September 14, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
Shadow of the Tomb Raider is a game that felt a bit too generic for some people, but fans willing to give this game a shot will love how engaging both combat and stealth are. Taking out enemies from the shadows feels great, but players who decide to take out enemies in style will love the wealth of options at Lara's behest.
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Players can use a myriad of weapons and projectiles to decimate their foes. The bombastic nature of this game's combat ensures that players won't mind being spotted, since it gives them an excuse to blow some heads off in record time.
5 Kingdom Hearts 2
The Tight And Engaging Combat Rewards A Player's Skill
Kingdom Hearts 2
- Released
- March 28, 2006
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Mild Blood, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Hack and Slash
Unlike its successor, combat in Kingdom Hearts 2 felt more tight and player-driven, rewarding skill as people slowly understood how the menu-based action combat worked. It took a while to master, but Kingdom Hearts 2 was nowhere near complex enough to alienate anyone who tried out this game.
The fun combat is supported by a well-paced story that harkens back to a simpler time in Kingdom Hearts' timeline. Exploring beloved Disney worlds and taking out enemies with the game's stylish and flashy combat never got old.
4 Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
The Combination Of Stealth And Combat Is A Blast To Engage With
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
- Released
- August 23, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Regardless of the issues plaguing Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, the immersive sim gameplay is better than ever before. Players get to test out their powers in Prague before embarking on several sensitive missions that can be tackled either in stealth or combat.
Players love acquiring powerful weapons that can be used to take out both humans and mechs, with players being rewarded for being meticulous while exploring the world. Mankind Divided's gameplay is in a class of its own and something Deus Ex owe it to themselves to check out.
3 Stranger Of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin
Features A Great Action-Oriented Take On Final Fantasy's Job System
Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin
- Released
- March 18, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
It's easy to laugh at Stranger of Paradise as an odd, out-of-touch action game, but there's more to this title than what meets the eye. Jack's relentless pursuit of Chaos involves him exploring several worlds from previous Final Fantasy games with tough enemies and rewarding combat.
Throughout his journey, Jack will unlock several jobs that alter his behavior in combat. This turns battles into a tactical affair where players combine the abilities of multiple jobs to take out the numerous enemies and bosses that stand in their way.
2 The World Ends With You
The Combat Makes The Most Of The DS' Dual Screen To Let Players Enjoy A Unique Real-Time Combat System
The World Ends With You
- Released
- July 27, 2007
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
The beauty of The World Ends with You's combat system could only be experienced on the DS, which is a shame. Whenever Neku and his ally got into a fight, players had to control characters on both screens.
This was achieved by using both the touchpad and buttons to unleash moves, turning combat into a chaotic yet satisfying affair. It added to the novelty of this game but couldn't be replicated in future releases, dumbing down the experience in the eyes of some players.
1 Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Refines The Gameplay From The Previous Title With More Options For Players To Mess Around With
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
- Released
- February 29, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Blood, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a labor of love that's full of memorable moments that fans will love looking back on. Leaving Midgar allowed environments in Rebirth to feel more open as players continued on their grand adventure to stop Sephiroth and save the Planet.
Of course, the crowning jewel of this game is an amazing combat system that was established in Remake with more things being thrown the player's way. This included Synergy Attacks, a great way to prioritize teamwork as players got used to the new party members joining the main cast.