What makes video games exciting? Depending on a gamer’s interests, that answer might vary greatly. A fan of open-world RPGs might be excited by a long and complex list of side quests that eventually culminate in a huge mission. Fans of sports might simply want to find a game that involves their favorite athletes or leagues.
Answers run the gambit. But, generally speaking, a truly exciting video game offers a blend of challenges, rewards, and some type of storyline underpinning the action. For many, excitement also equates to simplicity of play and speed. The faster the action, the better. The more straightforward, the more accessible.
But which games actually deliver this type of excitement? Let’s explore some of the world’s most thrilling titles.
Slots
Slots are the world’s most popular casino game for a reason. They’re easy to play and, depending on the unique slot, offer dozens of ways to win. And while slots don’t involve hard boiled strategy, players can keep a lookout for RTP percentages that define payout how often a game pays out per 100 spins. From there, all players need to do is hit the spin button, and then wait to see which combinations hit. Some games include thousands of ways to win, turning out thrills with each spin.
Grid
Racing games are some of the most popular titles on the market for gamers on the hunt for excitement. Along with classics like Forza Horizon and Mario Kart, the Grid series offers a stellar racing experience. Grid 2, in particular, is popular amongst gamers because it immediately allows them to drive exclusive and exciting vehicles—rather than unlocking these slowly as with other games. If you’re ready to dive straight into the action and break the sound barrier, start with Grid 2.
Beat Saber… or Guitar Hero
Beat Saber is considered one of the most exciting games on the market today—but we haven’t forgotten about the hype surrounding console hits like Guitar Hero. Depending on what type of hardware you have, one title might be more within reach. In Beat Saber, players wield controllers to stay on beat, while Guitar Hero players need access to the guitar controller. However, each delivers a similar type of exciting gaming experience, which focuses on reacting in time with the music.
Super Meat Boy
Let’s be clear: Super Meat Boy might not be exciting as much as it is rage-inducing. This critically acclaimed platformer requires split-second reaction times as players guide Meat Boy through dangerous and fast-moving levels—and they’ll only get progressively harder. The goal is to simply dodge obstacles and move fast enough to save Meat Boy’s girlfriend, Bandage Girl, from the clutches of the evil Dr. Fetus. If you’re into weird premises and fast-moving platformers, then you’ll be swept away by this indie hit.
Ghostrunner
Speaking of speed runs, we’re going to round off this list with two more games that require super-fast thinking. In Ghostrunner, players step into the shoes of a cyber-assassin who has only one strike to take out his targets. Here, the emphasis isn’t just on speed, but also on accuracy. Players must carefully position themselves at the perfect angle to land that perfect strike, but it’s a deceptively hard job when the game moves at ultra-high speeds. Still, it’s a highly satisfying take on speed runs that’s already seen a second release.
Cuphead
Similar to Super Meat Boy, Cuphead takes players on a lightning-quick platformer adventure. Once again, players must dodge obstacles and hit objectives as they navigate super-fast levels. Here, there’s an added challenge in that players must also take on progressively nastier boss battles. One of the most unique aspects of this game is its 1930s-style animation and audio design, which give it a retro feel that sits juxtaposed to its ultra-fast speeds.