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10 Best Action Movies of the 80s: Games You Can't Miss

10 Best Action Movies of the 80s: Games You Can't Miss

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Indiana Jones and the Emperor's Tomb

The game "Indiana Jones and the Emperor's Tomb" is a true treasure trove for adventure game lovers. It offers players a thrilling journey through a variety of locations, including historic Prague and exotic Sri Lanka. This project harmoniously combines treasure hunting elements, a captivating storyline, and dynamic action scenes, making it a precursor to such renowned games as Uncharted and Indiana Jones and the Emperor's Tomb. Not only does it captivate players with its storyline, but it also immerses them in an adventurous atmosphere, making it a must-have for any fan of the genre.

Screenshot: Indiana Jones and the Emperor's Tomb / The Collective, Inc., Lucasfilm Games

Despite borrowing some mechanics from games such as Tomb Raider, Tomb of the Emperor offers players a unique experience. The main character, Indiana Jones, with his famous whip and hat, demonstrates impressive fighting skills. He can attack enemies not only with his fists, but also using environmental objects such as chairs and walls. These brutal hand-to-hand battles remain exciting even after two decades and can rival games such as Condemned and Zeno Clash. Tomb of the Emperor attracts attention not only with its exciting gameplay but also with an atmosphere of adventure, which makes it an unforgettable experience for fans of action games.

Despite its high difficulty and the lack of modern conveniences like checkpoints, "The Emperor's Tomb" continues to be an outstanding action adventure that attracts not only loyal fans of the franchise. The game offers an original story that is not tied to specific films, which allows new players to easily immerse themselves in the exciting world of Indiana Jones. With interesting gameplay and exciting missions, "The Emperor's Tomb" offers a unique experience that will appeal to both newcomers and veterans of the genre.

"The Emperor's Tomb" has two significant drawbacks. First, the game may seem unnecessarily difficult for modern players, especially in the combat and platforming aspects. Secondly, although the game features Harrison Ford, his character is not voiced by him. However, these shortcomings do not diminish the appeal of the game, which continues to attract new generations of gamers and remain relevant in the world of video games. "The Emperor's Tomb" offers a unique experience, combining elements of adventure and puzzles, making it a valuable choice for fans of the genre.

Scarface: The World Is Yours

The GTA game series, especially its Vice City part, is rightfully considered one of the most iconic in the world of video games. The unique 1980s atmosphere that it creates continues to attract the attention of players. Vice City masterfully captures the spirit of this era, drawing heavily on the famous film "Scarface" starring Al Pacino. The game offers not only immersive gameplay but also immersion into the style, music, and culture of the era, making it unforgettable for millions of fans worldwide.

In 2006, a video game based on the cult film was released that deserves attention. "Scarface: The World Is Yours" offers a unique experience, despite the absence of Al Pacino's voice. However, his participation in the project was approved, giving the game added value. Players can immerse themselves in a world of crime by exploring an open world and interacting with characters, making the game appealing to fans of the film and video game enthusiasts alike.

Screenshot: Scarface: The World Is Yours / Radical Entertainment

The film "Scarface" not only follows the original plot but also offers an alternative scenario: what if Tony Montana survived the finale and decided to return to Miami to rebuild his criminal empire? This idea opens up new horizons for exciting moments, including comedic chases in stolen cars and unique gameplay elements. Players can shoot at opponents in unusual and even funny situations, which adds variety and interactivity to the game. This makes "Scarface" interesting for those who are looking for not only action but also humor in a crime story.

Despite the presence of monotonous side quests that can distract from the main story, "Scarface: The World Is Yours" remains an exciting open-world shooter and one of the best GTA clones of its time. The game offers players many hours of exciting gameplay, allowing them to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the criminal underworld and experience the adrenaline rush of completing various missions. The quality of the graphics and well-thought-out gameplay make Scarface: The World Is Yours an unforgettable experience for fans of the genre.

Alien: Isolation - Unrivaled Space Horror

The Alien series began in the 1980s and continues to attract fans for decades. Although there are numerous games in this franchise on the market, the quality of many leaves much to be desired. However, among this diversity, there are true masterpieces. Alien: Isolation is one such game that offers players a unique and exciting experience, immersing them in an atmosphere of tense survival and the fight against the xenomorph. This game not only returns to the roots of the original film, but also sets new standards in the survival horror genre, giving players the opportunity to experience all the horror and tension inherent in the Alien universe.

Before the release of Alien: Isolation in 2014, most video games based on the Alien universe emphasized action and fighting xenomorphs. Alien: Isolation, however, returned the focus to the original film's horror elements, offering players a truly tense and terrifying experience. The game stands out for its atmosphere, which recreates the feelings of dread and hopelessness characteristic of the first films in the series. This allowed the game to attract both existing fans and new players looking for a quality horror game.

Screenshot: Alien: Isolation / Sega

Alien: Isolation is a unique combination of three key elements. First, the game is accessible to players new to the Alien universe, allowing newcomers to easily immerse themselves in the experience. Second, dedicated fans are treated to numerous references and details that deepen the experience and add interest. Finally, the game itself is an outstanding example of space horror, capable of impressing even the most seasoned players thanks to its tense atmosphere and masterfully implemented gameplay. Alien: Isolation is not only captivating but also creates unforgettable moments, making it a must-play for all fans of the genre.

The xenomorph in Alien: Isolation is a true hunter, relentlessly pursuing the protagonist, Ellen Ripley's daughter. This creates an atmosphere of hopelessness and primal fear, even with the means to protect herself. The Xenomorph can be considered the ultimate version of antagonists such as the Tyrant and Nemesis from other famous games. It is important to note not only the masterful execution of the Alien itself, but also the outstanding work on the sound design and environmental design, which enhance the immersion of the game. However, it is worth mentioning that Alien: Isolation has several tedious encounters with other characters, which can detract from the main tense atmosphere.

Rambo: The Video Game - Review and Impressions

In 2014, the Polish studio Teyon released "Rambo: The Video Game", based on the first three films about John Rambo. Initially, the project was perceived as a joke, since the developers had previously created mainly casual games and had no experience in developing large projects. Nevertheless, the game attracted the attention of fans of the franchise and sparked interest in attempts to adapt film stories into video games. "Rambo: The Video Game" combines shooter and adventure elements, offering players the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of famous action films. Despite criticism, the game became an interesting example of how classic films can be interpreted in game form.

The game's graphics became one of the most discussed aspects, as they look dated and evoke the quality of VHS tapes. The voice acting also raised many questions: instead of using Sylvester Stallone's voice, the developers used old recordings, which added an atmosphere of nostalgia to the game, but did not contribute to the overall impression of the project.

Screenshot: Rambo: The Video Game / Reef Entertainment

The choice of genre caused a heated debate among fans. "Rambo: The Video Game" is an on-rails shooting game, which was unusual for home consoles at the time of its release, where gamepads were predominantly used. Despite the ability to control with the PS Move controller on the PlayStation 3, many players did not have this device. Moreover, the game lasted only three hours, which disappointed many fans.

Launching "Rambo: The Video Game" on PC using a mouse allows for an engaging gameplay experience. Shooting becomes more precise and enjoyable, and iconic scenes from the films are recreated with attention to detail. This creates an interesting alternative for evening leisure. A re-release of the game on Nintendo Switch with motion control support could change the opinion of fans and attract new attention to the project. An interactive experience and nostalgic elements would make the game even more appealing to fans of the franchise.

Mad Max: Apocalypse World

In 2015, George Miller's cult film Mad Max: Fury Road was released, and a game based on the film's universe was released alongside it. While the connection between the game and the film is rather tenuous, gamers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a vast post-apocalyptic world. This space can be seen as an important part of the franchise's overall mythology, offering players a unique experience and the opportunity to explore devastated landscapes, encountering a variety of characters and dangers. The game has its own features that make it attractive to fans of both the film and video games, allowing for a deeper understanding of the atmosphere and concept of the Mad Max universe.

Screenshot: Mad Max / Warner Bros. Games

Mad Max was developed by Avalanche Studios, known for its engaging projects, including the Just Cause series. This team masterfully creates open worlds filled with dynamic mechanics, and Mad Max is no exception. Although the game's main landscape is a vast desert, the visual aesthetic of the world is impressive, and the gameplay offers a variety of activities that allow players to immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere of the post-apocalypse. Exploring the world of Mad Max opens up opportunities to complete various missions, participate in races and battles, which makes the gameplay exciting and multifaceted.

One of the most appealing elements of Mad Max is the ability to create your own cars. By racing across the vast expanses of the post-apocalyptic world, players can take a break from the feeling of emptiness of the environment. Car customization options are endless: you can install spike strips, add flamethrowers, and other deadly upgrades, making every chase unique and unforgettable. Spontaneous encounters with enemies become truly epic, rightfully rivaling the most thrilling moments of the Max Rockatansky films. Creating and customizing cars not only adds depth to the gameplay but also allows players to express their individuality in the ruthless world of Mad Max.

Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered - Review and Features

Ghostbusters: The Video Game, first released in 2009, quickly gained popularity and became a cult favorite among franchise fans. The game offers an original story filled with references to classic films beloved by fans. A remaster was released in 2019, significantly improving the graphics and overall atmosphere, allowing players to re-enter the world of ghost hunters. This remaster not only attracted new players but also allowed franchise veterans to once again enjoy adventures with their favorite characters, which made the game relevant and in demand even years after its original release.

Screenshot: Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered / Saber Interactive

One of the game's core elements is the combat system, which accurately simulates the process of catching ghosts using plasma beams. Players have the ability to use different types of beams, including regular ones, slowing ones, and ones that extract ghosts from people. This variety of beam types significantly enriches the gameplay, making it more engaging and dynamic. Effectively using various strategies and tactics when catching ghosts allows players to adapt to different situations, contributing to a unique gaming experience.

The game may be difficult for those who are not fans of the original films. The lack of context and the lack of attachment to the source material can make many jokes and situations inappropriate or confusing. However, for true fans, this is not a drawback, but an opportunity to immerse themselves in nostalgic memories and relive familiar moments.

The 2019 remaster not only significantly improved the visual quality but also retained the original voice actors, giving the game a unique atmosphere. The music, familiar to all fans, remains unchanged, contributing to an even deeper immersion in the gameplay. This approach not only attracts new players but also satisfies existing fans while preserving the spirit of the original. As a result, the remaster is the perfect combination of modern graphics and classic gameplay mechanics.

Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered is not just a video game, but a captivating journey into a world filled with humor and adventure. The game is an excellent choice for both long-time fans of the franchise and new players looking for a unique gaming experience. It should be noted that without the connection to the original films, the game may lose some of its charm, but for true fans this will not be a problem. The Remastered version features updated graphics and mechanics, making it even more appealing to players.

Terminator: Resistance

The Terminator video game series has a unique history, which, surprisingly, has proven more successful than the film franchise itself. After the second film, attempts to expand the universe often disappointed both loyal fans and new viewers. However, Terminator video games continue to be released and are generally high-quality projects that consistently receive ratings around 6.5 out of 10. These games explore different aspects of the Terminator universe, offering players the opportunity to immerse themselves in an exciting world full of action and tense moments.

The main problem is that many Terminator games are based on films that came out after the second part. This limits their ability to be included in our ranking. For example, Terminator: Salvation is a high-quality Gears of War clone, but it can't be considered an original project. Criteria for evaluating Terminator games should take into account not only graphics and mechanics, but also compliance with the original spirit of the first films, which makes many modern adaptations less attractive to true fans of the series.

Screenshot: Terminator: Resistance / Reef Entertainment

In 2019, the developers known for their work on the Rambo game released a true masterpiece – Terminator: Resistance. This game is an exciting shooter in the style of Far Cry and immerses players in the events of the original James Cameron duology. Terminator: Resistance not only offers exciting gameplay but also a deep story, allowing fans of the Terminator universe to relive key moments of the classic. Players will be able to explore a post-apocalyptic world, interact with characters and make important decisions that affect the development of the story.

The game immerses players in a grim world where humanity is waging a desperate struggle against machines, in particular against the ruthless T-800. Unlike the Hollywood pathos and the famous Arnold Schwarzenegger, the meticulously recreated setting of the classic Terminator allows you to truly feel the atmosphere of the original. The game's plot offers a unique perspective, filling in the gaps in the story of the old films. This makes it interesting even for those who are not devoted fans of the franchise. The game is not only entertaining, but also immerses you in deep reflections on humanity's struggle with technology, highlighting the relevance of the topic in the modern world.

Aliens: Fireteam Elite - Co-op Shooter with Elements of Horror

Aliens: Fireteam Elite offers players a thrilling immersion in a world where xenomorphs once again threaten humanity. The game's events unfold immediately after the third film, when the warship Endeavour is heading towards an orbital station full of dangerous creatures. The Weyland-Yutani Corporation inevitably becomes involved in this conflict. Why are they on the station? This question becomes a key plot element that players must unravel. Explore exciting locations, fight xenomorphs, and uncover the secrets that lie in space in Aliens: Fireteam Elite.

Screenshot: Aliens: Fireteam Elite / Focus Entertainment

While the story isn't the game's primary focus, Aliens: Fireteam Elite is a thrilling third-person co-op shooter for up to three players. It plays like a toned-down version of Left 4 Dead, but with the iconic Aliens, though unfortunately, players can't control them. This is a significant achievement for the genre, however, as a high-quality Alien shooter hasn't been released in a long time, with the exception of the unsuccessful Aliens: Colonial Marines. In Aliens: Fireteam Elite, players can enjoy excellent shooting mechanics, enemy variety, character development options, and near-AAA graphics. This game offers a unique teamwork experience and exciting combat, making it appealing to fans of both co-op shooters and the Alien universe.

The developers have demonstrated respect for the fans of the franchise by creating a game that, despite being set closer to the third film, retains the aesthetics and atmosphere of the first two parts. The game does not simply repeat known elements, but offers many familiar locations and recreates iconic moments in an innovative interpretation. In addition, the game has a rich lore that can be explored by listening to dialogue in the hub and reading descriptions of various items. This allows players to dive deeper into the world of the franchise and feel a connection with the original films.

Aliens: Dark Descent - Ascent into the Alien World

Aliens: Dark Descent is an original tactical action strategy that immersively immerses players in the dark and tense atmosphere of the Alien universe. Developed by the team behind the Battlefleet Gothic: Armada series, the game successfully blends familiar elements with innovative approaches to gameplay. Players take control of a squad of Marines as they battle alien threats. A variety of strategies, the need for quick decision-making, and resource management make for engaging and tense gameplay. Aliens: Dark Descent offers a unique experience for franchise fans and strategy enthusiasts, delivering deep interaction and an atmospheric immersion into the Alien world. Set immediately after the events of the third film, Dark Descent appeals to dedicated fans of the franchise. It contains numerous references and details that will be appreciated by true fans, without duplicating the storylines of the original films. This creates a unique experience that allows both new players and veterans to enjoy the captivating world of Dark Descent without losing touch with the series canon.

Screenshot: Aliens: Dark Descent / Focus Entertainment

Players control a team of four characters as they complete a variety of missions and face hordes of xenomorphs in real-time, complemented by tactical slow-motion. However, fighting the Aliens isn't always the primary goal; sometimes it's wiser to avoid open confrontation and focus on achieving your objectives. Strategic planning and finding alternative paths to success will be key to victory in this tense and exciting game.

The strategy in Dark Descent appeals to fans of the genre thanks to its high complexity, which allows for deep analysis of tactical decisions. The game's horror elements create an atmosphere of dread and anxiety as the xenomorphs become an unpredictable threat, keeping the player on edge until the very end. This game offers a unique experience that combines elements of strategy and psychological horror.

RoboCop: Rogue City - The Return of the Legend

Teyon, a company known for projects based on iconic franchises such as Terminator and Rambo, once again turns its attention to forgotten heroes of the 1980s. This time, RoboCop returns to screens - a character who has remained popular among fans for decades. There have been many releases in the history of RoboCop video games, but many players especially remember RoboCop 3 for the Dandy console, known for its vibrant musical theme. The return of RoboCop in new projects has the potential to breathe new life into this classic franchise and attract both old and new fans.

The plot of the game RoboCop: Rogue City takes place between the events of the second and third films in the series. The project features familiar characters and an original score, evoking the atmosphere of the original films. Peter Weller, who played RoboCop in the first two films, reprises his role as the character, emphasizing the film's respect for the original and attracting returning fans. The game promises to preserve the spirit of the classics, offering players a unique experience in a familiar world.

Screenshot: RoboCop: Rogue City / Nacon

Key feature RoboCop is all about thrilling, high-quality gunplay. The developers have created a dynamic shooter in which RoboCop acts as a powerful turret on legs. He doesn't hide behind cover, but confidently advances, giving players the opportunity to enjoy spectacular moments, including explosions and slow-motion action, reminiscent of the gameplay style of Stranglehold. This approach makes the gameplay engaging and tense, which will undoubtedly attract action fans. Rogue City is not just an action game, but also a captivating project offering players numerous side quests, a character development system, and open-world elements. The game features detective aspects that add depth to the gameplay. The developers masterfully recreated the atmosphere of the original films, immersing players in a grim Detroit controlled by the OCP corporation. Here, crime is rampant, and the world is engulfed in cyberpunk realities and environmental disasters. Despite some graphical bugs and shortcomings, the engaging gameplay and love for the franchise make Rogue City a game worth checking out.

Game Designer: 7 Steps from Zero to PRO

Want to become a game designer? Learn 7 key steps to a successful career in the gaming industry! Read the article.

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