In action games, whether they be in thefighteror hack ‘n slash subgenres, nothing makes a player feel more powerful than being able to suspend their enemies in a state of perpetual punishment. That’s right. We’re talking about the qualified art of juggling. Some games make it easy, while others make you work to develop the skills of sustainably keeping your enemy in the air while you inflict pain and torment.
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Over the years, some action games have rooted their best combo systems in utilizing a form of juggling. It’s a thrilling and satisfying mechanic that emboldens players in their engagement of a total virtual power fantasy.
8Mortal Kombat 11
Let’s be honest, almost all Mortal Kombat games since the series’ inception have utilized the juggling mechanic to some degree. ButMortal Kombat 11employs it best; it takes more than a button-masher to pull off the greatest and deadliest combos in MK11.
Finding a swift move that sends your opponent airborne while stringing together the right combos to maximize the window of opportunity is what MK11 is all about. The game absolutely rewards skilled players for their time and effort. There’s adiverse array of fighters. So, before charging headfirst into a fight by selecting Scorpion in an effort to spam his spear move set, maybe sink a few hours into some solid combo practice
7God Of War: Ragnarök
Kratosis no slouch. As a demigod of Greek origin and a once deftly astute Spartan warrior, he has the muscle and know-how to hit hard. The critters of the Nordic lands will assuredly mess with the wrong man.
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Between the Leviathan Axe and the Blades of Chaos alone, there are plenty of quick moves that send enemies skywards and numerous means to keep them there for an extended stay. The 2018 entry did this well, also. But we’re here to talk about the best, aren’t we?
6Devil May Cry 5
As one of the series that really kick-started the hack ‘n slash subgenre as we know it, Devil May Cry began with one simple goal. Don’t just fight.Do it in style. The first game during the PS2 era taught us how to suspend demonic enemies in the air while blasting them with Ebony and Ivory — Dante’s iconic twin handguns.
Ever since the original, the series has only expanded on the number of ways Dante and crew can eviscerate opponents in the air.Devil May Cry 5takes Dante’s ability to defy gravity to the next level with the Balrog greaves and gauntlets. The badass hero can literally pummel his opponent with fiery kicks and punches while hovering in the air.
5Bayonetta
Did you ever notice thatBayonettahas a lot in common with Devil May Cry stylistically? If so, then it’s important to note that the witch with the killer hair and wicked attitude shares DNA with Dante. Both the original Devil May Cry and Bayonetta were directed by Hideki Kamiya.
However, Bayonetta also does plenty to stand on its own as a series. After all, there’s no way Dante’s hair could be so deadly. Still, the game absolutely aims for a vibrant method of combat visually that includes juggling mechanics. Making use of magic, actions known as wicked weave attacks, and guns, Bayonetta can destroy her enemies through devastating juggling combos.
4Streets Of Rage 4
You might not be able to think of many beat ‘em ups that pull off juggling quite likeStreets of Rage 4. In fact, it’s a rarity in this arcade-style genre. However,Streets of Rage 4 is one co-op rompthat exudes perfection as far as the evolution of the beat ‘em up subgenre is concerned.
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The game isn’t just a simple button masher. It forces players to also defend against strong enemies. One of the best defensive tactics is actually an offensive one. Keep your enemies in the air using kicks, punches, and Blitz moves, so they don’t have a chance to hit the ground, block your attacks, and counter. Just keep an eye on the health you potentially sacrifice using those Blitz moves.
3God Of War 3
God of War 3 is, perhaps, the best and most explosive entry in Kratos’ Greek career. While God of War: Ragnarök represents the best of the over-the-shoulder revamp of the series, God of War 3 stands at the peak of Mount Olympus as far as the old cinematic visual style is concerned.
In the Greek era ofGod of Wargames, the camera wasn’t fixed to Kratos’ back and players controlled the Ghost of Sparta from all angles. In effect, it enabled the game to play differently, much like the Devil May Cry series that inspired it. Kratos gained access to a number of divine weapons in this title that all contributed to the element of juggling enemies. And seeing these devastating attacks from various angles is a real treat.
2Street Fighter 5
This one really needs no introduction. This Capcom series is an iconic staple of the fighter genre. While the bolder and more colorful visual style choices separate it from the grit, grime, and realism of the Mortal Kombat series, it does share many of the same gameplay techniques.
Chun-Li can suspend enemies in the air with a series of devastating kick attacks. Ryu can do the same with his fists. Ultimately, the combos players learn how to string together are what makes this title so satisfying, much likeStreet Fighter’sbloodier sibling over at NetherRealm Studios.
1Darksiders 2
It doesn’t seem like there’d be anything more formidable than the four horsemen of the apocalypse. But inDarksiders, these four legendary beings are the last to know what’s going on with the world after it’s plummeted into chaos. In Darksiders 2, it’s Death’s turn to take the spotlight.
Death has a fairly commanding presence as he wields dual-scythes that can be used in numerous ways. But, of course, some of the best attacks are spinning attacks that keep enemies suspended in the air. Death can unleash a bloody whirlwind that keeps enemies in a steady juggle. Death is just as nasty as he should be.
