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Best Action games of 2008

The 16 best Action games released in 2008, ranked from 6,306 critic and player ratings.

The best Action game of 2008 is Grand Theft Auto IV, with a critic score of 88/100 — updated November 2026.

How this ranking is built
  • Games are ranked on the aggregated critic score out of 100 imported from IGDB and Metacritic, never on Tier's own grades.
  • A game only enters the ranking with at least 80 external ratings, so a single enthusiastic review never outranks a proven classic.
  • Each game is ranked in one genre only, the one that defines it best, so the same title never tops two different genre charts.
  • Community grades from F to S are shown next to every game, and only stated as a fact above 5 Tier ratings.
  • Release window covered: 2008.
  • 16 games are listed on this page, carrying 6,306 ratings between them.
  • Rankings are recomputed hourly; this one was last rebuilt on 13 November 2026.

Top 16

Played them? Give your tier with the + next to each game. No account needed to try — create one to keep your tiers.

01 Grand Theft Auto IV S Grand Theft Auto IV 2008 · 1,928 ratings · 5 Tier votes · finished by 26% · 10 h to beat Grand Theft Auto IV is an action-adventure video game developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. It is the eleventh title in the Grand Theft Auto series, and the first main entry since 2004's Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. The game is played from a third-person perspective and its world is navigated on-foot or by vehicle. Throughout the single-player mode, players play as Niko Bellic. An online multiplayer mode is included with the game, allowing up to 32 players to engage in both co-operative and competitive gameplay in a recreation of the single-player setting. Two expansion packs were later released for the game, The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony, which both feature new plots that are interconnected with the main Grand Theft Auto IV storyline, and follow new protagonists. 88 /100
02 God of War: Chains of Olympus God of War: Chains of Olympus 2008 · 330 ratings Kratos makes his inaugural appearance on a portable gaming platform in the third instalment of the God of War series. Chains of Olympus serves as a prequel, unfolding its narrative a decade before the events in the original God of War. While retaining the familiar gameplay dynamics of its predecessors, subtle modifications enhance the overall experience. Kratos embarks on a journey through various levels, engaging in relentless combat against foes and formidable bosses, deciphering puzzles based on manipulating boxes, and participating in quick-time events. Throughout his odyssey, he amasses red orbs to fortify his weapons and abilities, secures Gorgon eyeballs to augment his health, and acquires Phoenix feathers to amplify his magical prowess. The game's controls underwent refinement to harmonize with the reduced button configuration of the PSP. Dodging, for instance, now necessitates the utilization of both shoulder buttons and the analogue stick. The iconic Blades of Chaos, synonymous with the God of War series, make a return, accompanied by an array of new weapons and magical spells such as the Sun Shield, Efreet spell, and Light of Dawn. The narrative unfolds as the Gods dispatch Kratos to the city of Attica, charging him with the defence against an encroaching Persian army. However, as Morpheus unleashes chaos, Kratos finds himself compelled to harness his formidable powers to once again rescue the world from impending doom. 88 /100
03 Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia 2008 · 95 ratings In the absence of the Holy Whip, those who live in fear of Dracula seek a replacement, which takes the form of the Order of Ecclesia, an organization that holds the secret to manipulating Glyphs. Shanoa, a young woman possessed with a unique ability to channel Glyphs, is chosen as our protector. This is her destiny and the story of the sacred Order of Ecclesia. Use the brand new Glyph system with over 100 different attack combinations to battle Dracula and his minions throughout 20 explorable areas! Take part in side quests and collect items to power up! Experience a gripping storyline featuring new characters! 85 /100
04 Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots 2008 · 750 ratings · finished by 41% Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is the final canonical Metal Gear game to feature Solid Snake as the main character. The gameplay of the previous games have been kept along with some new features, such as the ability to roll on your back and also to hide in bins scattered around the environment. Most of the story and the relationship between the characters are explained through cut-scenes with a considerable length, so knowledge of the prior games is recommended to fully understand the story. The game also features a complex multiplayer mode entitled Metal Gear Online with some original missions based on the stealth aspects of the single-player games. 84 /100
05 Devil May Cry 4 Devil May Cry 4 2008 · 460 ratings · finished by 35% Devil May Cry 4 is the second sequel to the original Devil May Cry game. It immerses the player in a gothic supernatural world, where a new protagonist clashes with a familiar hero. As the new leading man, Nero, players will unleash incredible attacks and non-stop combos using a unique new gameplay mechanic, his powerful "Devil Bringer" arm. With the advanced graphical capabilities of the PC, high definition visuals and intricate detail come to life as players explore new and exotic locales. Dynamic action and undeniable style combine with explosive fighting options and a gripping story to produce the incomparable experience that only a Devil May Cry game can deliver. 81 /100
06 Saints Row 2 Saints Row 2 2008 · 323 ratings · finished by 11% After the events of the first game, you awaken from a coma to find that the Third Street Saints have all but disappeared. Much like Saints Row, you are charged with retaking the city from three rival gangs, only this time as the leader of the saints. While fighting the Sons of Samedi, The Brotherhood, and The Ronin, the Saints also antagonize the Ultor Corporation, which seeks to eradicate gang violence in Stilwater once and for all. 81 /100
07 Bully: Scholarship Edition B Bully: Scholarship Edition 2008 · 228 ratings · 1 Tier vote · finished by 17% Bully: Scholarship Edition is an action-adventure game developed by Rockstar Games, set in the fictional boarding school of Bullworth Academy. Players assume the role of teenager Jimmy Hopkins as he navigates the school's social hierarchy, completing various missions and attending classes that serve as mini-games. The game features an open-world environment allowing free exploration, interactions with other students and faculty, and a dynamic day-night cycle. Enhanced from its original release, the Scholarship Edition includes additional missions, classes, characters, and unlockable items, providing an expanded and enriched gameplay experience. 80 /100
08 Assassin's Creed: Director's Cut Edition Assassin's Creed: Director's Cut Edition 2008 · 100 ratings · finished by 19% Assassin's Creed is a non-linear action-adventure video game, during which the player controls a 12th-century Levantine Assassin named Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad during the Third Crusade, whose life is experienced through the Animus by his 21st century descendant, Desmond Miles. The Director's Cut Edition features four PC-exclusive memories, including the Rooftop Race Challenge, the Archer Stealth Assassination Challenge, Merchant Stand Destruction and Informant Escort Challenge. 79 /100
09 Castle Crashers A Castle Crashers 2008 · 345 ratings · 1 Tier vote · finished by 14% This four player RPG adventure will let you hack, slash, and smash your way to victory. Featuring hand-drawn characters, Castle Crashers delivers unique hi-res illustrated visuals and intense gameplay action. Play with up to three friends and discover mind-boggling magic and mystery in the amazing world created just for you! 79 /100
10 LEGO Batman S LEGO Batman 2008 · 286 ratings · 1 Tier vote · finished by 19% The fun of LEGO, the drama of Batman and the uniqueness of the combination makes for a comical and exciting adventure in LEGO Batman: The Videogame. Play as Batman and his sidekick Robin as you build, drive, swing and fight your way through Gotham City capturing escaped villains including The Joker, Penguin, Scarecrow and more. Then, jump into the story from the other side and play as Batman's foes! Enjoy the power you wield and battle Batman while spreading chaos throughout the city. There is no rest for the good (or evil!). 76 /100
11 Tomb Raider: Underworld Tomb Raider: Underworld 2008 · 261 ratings · finished by 11% 72 /100
12 Overlord: Raising Hell Overlord: Raising Hell 2008 · 207 ratings · finished by 5% 72 /100
13 Spider-Man: Web of Shadows Spider-Man: Web of Shadows 2008 · 132 ratings 70 /100
14 LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures S LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures 2008 · 229 ratings · 1 Tier vote · finished by 26% 69 /100
15 Silent Hill: Homecoming Silent Hill: Homecoming 2008 · 179 ratings 67 /100
16 Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2008 · 453 ratings · finished by 54% 62 /100
Browse all Action games

Other years

Best Action games of 2026Best Action games of 2025Best Action games of 2024Best Action games of 2023Best Action games of 2022Best Action games of 2021Best Action games of 2020Best Action games of 2019Best Action games of 2018Best Action games of 2017Best Action games of 2016Best Action games of 2015

Same year, other platforms

Best PC games of 2008Best PlayStation 3 games of 2008Best Xbox 360 games of 2008Best PlayStation 2 games of 2008Best Mac games of 2008Best iOS games of 2008Best Nintendo DS games of 2008Best Linux games of 2008Best PSP games of 2008Best Wii games of 2008

Nearby rankings

Best Action games of 2007Best Action games of 2009Best Adventure games of 2008Best Arcade games of 2008Best Indie games of 2008

Catalog statistics

Most abandoned gamesMost completed games

Frequently asked questions

What is the best Action game of 2008?

Grand Theft Auto IV currently tops the ranking with a score of 88/100 across 1,928 ratings. It holds a S grade from the Tier community — updated November 2026.

How is this ranking built?

Games are ranked on their aggregated critic score out of 100, with a minimum vote threshold so a single glowing review never outranks a proven classic; the Tier community's own F-to-S grades are shown alongside each game.