In action games, whether in the fighter or hack ‘n slash sub-genres, nothing makes a player feel more powerful than being able to suspend their enemies in a state of eternal punishment. That is correct. We are talking about the skilled art of juggling. Some games make it easy, while others make you work to develop the skills to sustainably hold your enemy in the air while inflicting pain and suffering.
Over the years, some action games have anchored their best combo systems using some form of juggling. It’s an exciting and satisfying mechanic that encourages players to engage in a total virtual power fantasy.
8 Mortal Kombat 11
Let’s be honest, almost every Mortal Kombat game since the series’ inception has used the juggling mechanic to some degree. But Mortal Kombat 11 makes the best use of it; it takes more than a button masher to pull off the best and deadliest combos in MK11.
Finding a quick move that sends your opponent flying while stringing together the right combos to maximize your opportunities is what MK11 is all about. The game certainly rewards skilled players for their time and effort. There is a diverse range of fighters. So before you start a fight headfirst by picking off Scorpion in an attempt to spam his spear moveset, maybe sink a few hours into some solid combo practice
7 God of War: Ragnarök
Kratos is no slouch. As a demigod of Greek origin and a once deft wise Spartan warrior, he has the muscle and knowledge to hit hard. Cabinets in the Nordic countries will surely mess with the wrong man.
Between Leviathan Ax and Blades of Chaos alone, there are plenty of quick moves that send enemies skyward and plenty of means to keep them there for an extended stay. The 2018 post also did this well. But we’re here to talk about the best, aren’t we?
6 Devil 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 a single goal. Don’t just fight. Do it in style. The first game of the PS2 era taught us how to suspend demonic enemies in the air while blasting them with Ebony and Ivory – Dante’s iconic twin hand weapons.
Ever since the original, the series has only expanded the number of ways Dante and crew can take out opponents in the air. Devil May Cry 5 takes Dante’s ability to defy gravity to the next level with Balrog greaves and gauntlets. The badass hero can literally pummel his opponent with fiery kicks and punches while floating in the air.
5 Bayonetta
Have you ever noticed that Bayonetta has a lot in common with Devil May Cry stylistically? If so, it’s important to note that the witch with the killer hair and evil attitude shares DNA with Dante. Both the original Devil May Cry and Bayonetta were directed by Hideki Kamiya.
However, Bayonetta also does a lot to stand on its own as a series. After all, there’s no way Dante’s hair could be that deadly. Still, the game certainly aims for a vibrant combat method visually that includes juggling mechanics. Using magic, actions known as wicked weave attacks, and weapons, Bayonetta can destroy her enemies through devastating juggling combos.
4 Streets Of Rage 4
You might not think of many beat ’em ups that juggle quite like Streets of Rage 4. In fact, it’s a rarity in this arcade-style genre. However, Streets of Rage 4 is a co-op game that exudes perfection in terms of the evolution of the beat ’em up subgenre.
The game is not 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 these Blitz moves.
3 God 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 reformation of the series, God of War 3 stands atop Mount Olympus in terms of the old cinematic visual style.
In the Greek era of God of War games, the camera wasn’t attached to Kratos’ back, and players controlled the Ghost of Sparta from every angle. In fact, it allowed 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 which all contributed to the element of juggling enemies. And seeing these devastating attacks from different angles is a real treat.
2 Street 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 set it apart from the grit, grime and realism of the Mortal Kombat series, it shares 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, it’s the combo players learning how to team up is what makes this title so satisfying, much like Street Fighter’s bloodier sibling at NetherRealm Studios.
1 Darksiders 2
It doesn’t seem like there will be anything more formidable than the four horsemen of the apocalypse. But in Darksiders, these four legendary beings are the last to know what happens to the world after it descends into chaos. In Darksiders 2, it’s Death’s turn to take the spotlight.
Death has quite a commanding presence wielding dual scythes that can be wielded in many 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 juggling act. Death is just as nasty as he should be.
